Obama Has Done More Than Any President Before Him...

       I can't understand why Congress is not providing a check & balance to Obama's rule (he is ruling--not serving) as the Constitution mandates.  Why are they allowing this?

Obama's Accomplishments

First President to apply for college aid as a foreign student, then deny he was a foreigner.

First President to have a social security number from a state he has never lived in.

First President to preside over a cut to the credit-rating of the United States .

First President to violate the War Powers Act.

First President to be held in contempt of court for illegally obstructing oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico .

First President to require all Americans to purchase a product from a third party.

First President to spend a trillion dollars on "shovel-ready" jobs when there was no such thing as "shovel-ready" jobs.

First President to abrogate bankruptcy law to turn over control of companies to his union supporters.

First President to by-pass Congress and implement the Dream Act through executive fiat.

First President to order a secret amnesty program that stopped the deportation of illegal immigrants across the U.S. , including those with criminal convictions.

First President to demand a company hand-over $20 billion to one of his political appointees.

First President to tell a CEO of a major corporation (Chrysler) to resign.

First President to terminate Americas ability to put a man in space.

First President to cancel the National Day of Prayer and to say that America is no longer a Christian nation.

First President to have a law signed by an auto-pen without being present.

First President to arbitrarily declare an existing law unconstitutional and refuse to enforce it.

First President to threaten insurance companies if they publicly spoke out on the reasons for their rate increases.

First President to tell a major manufacturing company in which state it is allowed to locate a factory.

First President to file lawsuits against the states he swore an oath to protect (AZ, WI, OH, IN).

First President to withdraw an existing coal permit that had been properly issued years ago.

First President to actively try to bankrupt an American industry (coal).

First President to fire an inspector general of AmeriCorps for catching one of his friends in a corruption case.

First President to appoint 45 czars to replace elected officials in his office.

First President to surround himself with radical left wing anarchists.

First President to golf 73 separate times in his first two and a half years in office, 102 to date.

First President to hide his medical, educational and travel records.

First President to win a Nobel Peace Prize for doing NOTHING to earn it.

First President to go on multiple "global apology tours" and concurrent "insult our friends" tours.

First President to go on 17 lavish vacations, including date nights and Wednesday evening White House parties for his friends paid for by the taxpayers.

First President to have 22 personal servants (taxpayer funded) for his wife.

First President to keep a dog trainer on retainer for $102,000 a year at taxpayer expense.

First President to fly in a personal trainer from Chicago at least once a week at taxpayer expense.

First President to repeat the Holy Quran & tell us the early morning call of the Azan (Islamic call to worship) is the most beautiful sound on earth.

First President to tell the military men and women that they should pay for their own private insurance because they "volunteered to go to war and knew the consequences."

Then he was the First President to tell the members of the military that THEY were UNPATRIOTIC for balking at the last suggestion.

First President to side with a foreign nation over one of the American 50 states (Mexico vs Arizona).

How has this hope and change worked out for you?

A Letter Concerning America from Dale Gentry

      If you have not already signed up to pray with Dale Gentry for a spiritual awakening in America I encourage you to do so.  We, and the rest of the world, are in crisis.  There is only one way out.  It is stated in II Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My Face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will heal their land."  It is a promise we are trusting in.
    Here is a recent letter from Dale concerning America.

August 19, 2013 Dear Breakout Prayer Network, I'm very thankful to each of you who pray with me daily concerning another spiritual awakening in America and also other nations of the world.  Concerning America, it's evident that we are a nation out of control. I hardly recognize the country that I've grown up in. What has happened to this land of the free and home of the brave? We can blame our demise on the president, congress or other entities. We can blame other factions or factors, but I believe most of the blame should rest squarely on the shoulders of the American church that I call the "the silent majority."  As Christians we have given our children over to government (public schools) that teach secular humanism. They follow these teachings into major college and universities that are hotbeds for humanism, socialism, immorality and teachings of Islam. The Muslim movement is rapidly gaining momentum as the Aljazeera television network enters the homes of millions of Americans this month.  Our president is continually endorsing and promoting the homosexual movement while one well known Hollywood Star declared just this past week in USA Today that she is encouraging parents to let their children invite their friends of the opposite sex to have a "sleepover" or "move in", admitting that she lived with her boyfriend when she was 14 and is planning on encouraging her children to do the same. The very moral fiber of our nation is unravelling before our very eyes with little resistance.    All of these outlandish viewpoints are being swallowed hook, line and sinker by millions, including many Christians as well.  Where does the problem lie? I believe the problem goes straight to the pulpits of America  where many pastors are afraid to tell the truth to their parishioners. They are silent when it comes to naming sin. When it comes to declaring to their congregations what is holy and unholy. The difference between righteousness and unrighteousness. Many of our church services in America are nothing more than motivational speeches presented by feel good leaders who want to remain neutral by not offending anyone, including leading pastors in America who are working hand in hand with the woman who is America's top show host. The one who believes there are many ways to heaven.  Much of this liberalism is being fueled by false- grace preachers who are indoctrinating their members that there is no longer a need for repentence. Many leaning in the direction of Universalism which teaches there is no hell or it's only a temporary experience. But after 46 years of full time ministry, I have seen history repeat itself and I saw this movement rise and fall when I was a boy, with "do whatever makes you feel good" principles turning into the moral decay of a generation of church leaders and Christians. "Billy Graham wonders what his late wife Ruth would think of a nation in which self-centered indulgence, pride and a lack of shame over sin are now emblems of the American lifestyle". Today I'm announcing that I'm standing with 94 year old evangelist Billy Graham who is praying that America will experience another great spiritual awakening.  This awakening will come as we repent and call for a spiritual cleansing, accompanied by churches gathering to pray on a regular basis.   Thanks again for your faithful prayers. I believe we are making a difference. Gratefully, Dale Gentry P.S. Please encourage a friend to sign on and pray with us by going to www.letsprayamerica.com.

The 11 Worst Health Foods You Can Eat.

The Unhealthiest of Health Foods.  Click the words to read the article by Dr. Mercola which contradicts much of what we have been taught for many years.  It certainly causes me to reconsider what I thought were healthy foods.  

       I thought this was a good reminder from Tiffany Ann Lewis that we need not fear but instead we can trust God to bring good from all situations.  It was posted on The Elijah List today.

Tiffany Ann Lewis:

Trust In God: Let's Not Panic, Let's Fly to Him

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. Psalm 27:1-3

Someone wrote asking me to re-post an article that I wrote four years ago called "Bitachon." The Lord bore witness immediately, and I sensed it was time to teach on trust again. After all, in the perilous times we are in, we need to trust God more and more each day.

Bitachon (pronouncedbeet-ta-chon) is a Hebrew term which means, "Trust in God." It comes from the rootbatach (Strong's #982), meaning: to trust, to have confidence in, to be secure, and to feel safe.

It expresses a sense of well-being and security that comes from having someone or something to place your confidence in. It is often translated as "to hope" or "to be persuaded," but interestingly enough, not as "believe in" or "faith."

We see the illustration of bitachon over and over again in Paul's writings. He was fully persuaded that what He (God) had promised, He was able also to perform.

Here's the key: Bitachon is not about believing in God, per se, but rather trusting that everything He wills, everything that occurs, will be for the good because He is good and in control. It is similar to Romans 8:28: "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Bitachon is an affirmation that God is perfect and full of infinite wisdom and unfailing love in all circumstances, all, even in the circumstances that are unfair. Even when cruelness, poverty, and sickness run rampant, bitachon is persuaded that His love never fails.

                                    In This I Will Be Confident

Looking again at our key text from Psalm 27, I want to share with you that the Hebrew phrase, "in this I will be confident"uses the root word batach that we have been studying. You see, as David was running for his life, living on a prayer, and hiding out in caves, he tasted God and discovered He was good (see Psalm 34:8).

Through David's trials, he found God to be loving and faithful, so he could boast, "My heart shall not fear."Biblically, the heart refers to the inner man, the mind, will, heart, soul, and our understanding.

To me personally, it's a bit of a miracle when my heart is at peace in the midst of a storm. I believe that the more we are able to comprehend that Jesus Christ would rather suffer and die than to spend eternity without us, the fear that is in our heart will change to trust.

Let's not panic, let's fly to Him in the Spirit, as David so often did, and find our rest. Just as in the beginning when God used light to bring calm out of chaos, He will do so again. Jesus Christ is our Light and our Salvation, in this we can batach.

Amen and Amen.

Tiffany Ann Lewis
Dancing With the Flame of the Lord Ministries
Email: tiffanyann@tiffanyannlewis.com
Website: tiffanyannlewis.com

The Architect of Destruction by Maureen Scott

My uncle sent this excellent article so I'm sharing it with you.  It describes Obama actions well and helps us to see why he does not have the same love for America that most of us who have grown up in patriotic homes have.  (President Obama would do well to see the Word for Today that Bible Gateway just happened to choose for this date.)

 Maureen Scott is an ardent American patriot who was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and retired to Richmond, VA, in 2000. Free from the nine-to-five grind of writing for employers and clients, she began writing political commentary to please herself and express her convictions, as do I. Our Pledge of Allegiance, a military band playing the National Anthem, and the wisdom of our Founding Fathers, inspire her passion and views. Her life is guided by a firm belief that truth is the most important virtue, and that God knows what He is doing with her. She is my guest writer today, for I could have never said it better. Please take the time to read and listen to this good American woman. I believe you will be glad you did. I give you Maureen Scott. 

                                        The Architect of Destruction

By Maureen Scott 

Barack Obama appears to be a tormented man filled with resentment, anger, and disdain for anyone of an opinion or view other than his. He acts in the most hateful, spiteful, malevolent, vindictive ways in order to manipulate and maintain power and control over others. Perhaps, because, as a child, he grew up harboring an abiding bitterness toward the U.S. that was instilled in him by his family and mentors…it seems to have never left him.

It is not the color of his skin that is a problem in America .

Rather it is the blackness that fills his soul and the hollowness in his heart where there should be abiding pride and love for this country.

Think: Have we ever heard Obama speak lovingly of the U.S. or its people, with deep appreciation and genuine respect for our history, our customs, our sufferings and our blessings? Has he ever revealed that, like most patriotic Americans, he gets "goose bumps" when a band plays "The Star Spangled Banner," or sheds a tear when he hears a beautiful rendition of " America the Beautiful?" Does his heart burst with pride when millions of American flags wave on a National holiday - or someone plays "taps" on a trumpet? Has he ever shared the admiration of the military, as we as lovers of those who keep us free, feel when soldiers march by? It is doubtful because Obama did not grow up sharing our experiences or our values. He did not sit at the knee of a Grandfather or Uncle who showed us his medals and told us about the bravery of his fellow troops as they tramped through foreign lands to keep us free. He didn't have grandparents who told stories of suffering and then coming to America, penniless, and the opportunities they had for building a business and life for their children.

Away from this country as a young child, Obama didn't delight in being part of America and its greatness. He wasn't singing our patriotic songs in kindergarten, or standing on the roadside for a holiday parade and eating a hot dog, or lighting sparklers around a campfire on July 4th as fireworks exploded over head, or placing flags on the grave sites of fallen and beloved American heroes.

Rather he was separated from all of these experiences and doesn't really understand us and what it means to be an American. He is void of the basic emotions that most feel regarding this country and insensitive to the instinctive pride we have in our national heritage. His opinions were formed by those who either envied us or wanted him to devalue the United States and the traditions and patriotism that unites us. 

He has never given a speech that is filled with calm, reassuring, complimentary, heartfelt statements about all the people in the U.S. Or one that inspires us to be better and grateful and proud that in a short time our country became a leader, and a protector of many. Quite the contrary, his speeches always degenerate into mocking, ridiculing tirades as he faults our achievements as well as any critics or opposition for the sake of a laugh, or to bolster his ego. He uses his Office to threaten and create fear while demeaning and degrading any American who opposes his policies and actions. A secure leader, who has noble self-esteem and not false confidence, refrains from showing such dread of critics and displaying a cocky, haughty attitude.

Mostly, his time seems to be spent causing dissension, unrest, and anxiety among the people of America, rather than uniting us (even though he was presented to us as the "Great Uniter"). He creates chaos for the sake of keeping people separated, envious, aggrieved and ready to argue. Under his leadership Americans have been kept on edge, rather than in a state of comfort and security. He incites people to be aggressive toward, and disrespectful of, those of differing opinions. And through such behavior, Obama has lowered the standards for self-control and mature restraint to the level of street-fighting gangs, when he should be raising the bar for people to strive toward becoming more considerate, tolerant, self-disciplined, self-sustaining, and self-assured.

Not a day goes by that he is not attempting to defy our laws, remove our rights, over-ride established procedures, install controversial appointees, enact divisive mandates, and assert a dictatorial form of power.

· Never has there been a leader of this great land who used such tactics to harm and hurt the people and this country.

· Never have we had a President who spoke with a caustic, evil tongue against the citizenry rather than present himself as a soothing, calming and trustworthy force.

· Never, in this country, have we experienced how much stress one man can cause a nation of people - on a daily basis!

Obama has promoted the degeneration of peace, civility, and quality of cooperation between us. He thrives on tearing us down, rather than building us up. He is the Architect of the decline of America , and the epitome of a Demagogue.

Maureen Scott

Isn't this outrageous?

     This is from The Patriot Post today.  The whole thing is outrageous!  Whatever happened to freedom of speech?  The leftists never worried about offending George Bush, or any other conservative for that matter.  Why are we letting them get away with this?

From Gag to Gag Order

It started out as a bit to get some cheap laughs -- a rodeo clown dressed in an Obama mask and an announcer asking the crowd if it wanted "Obama run down by a bull." But the act at the Missouri State Fair has blown up into a national travesty, one which an Obama spokesman (and Missouri native) bemoaned was "certainly not one of the finer moments in our state." Missouri's governor, Democrat Jay Nixon, called the incident "disrespectful and offensive," a politically correct sentiment echoed by his Republican lieutenant governor.

While, by most accounts, the crowd took the skit for the humor intended, thin-skinned leftists took a much more severe attitude toward the rodeo. The rodeo clown portraying Obama was banned for life from the state fair; meanwhile, the Missouri NAACP said the incident "warrant(s) a full review by both the Secret Service and the Justice Department." One Missouri NAACP official called it a "hate crime." Those were some of the milder reactions.

Yet those with cooler heads (and a sense of humor) pointed out the hypocrisy of the Left. They were silent when, as Michelle Malkin noted, images of George W. Bush being assassinated were all the rage. Rush Limbaugh characterized the fallout as "no different than [the] irrational reaction to the Mohammed cartoons." Indeed, the Left's prophet was slandered.

When it comes to free speech, Barack Obama and his sycophants don't seem to have an understanding that it doesn't just apply to those words and organs with which they agree. In the end, the skit portrayed Obama as having enough sense to run from the bull, so why not take that advice in real life?

Islam Is NOT a peaceful religion!

      Are you getting as fed up with hearing that Islam is a peaceful religion, as I am?  Have you seen what they're doing to Christians in Egypt?  Click here to read about the Muslim Brotherhood calling for a Day of Rage.  Have you ever heard of Christians calling for a day of rage?  In our lifetime have you ever read of Christians going into mosques dragging out the worshippers and beheading them, then burning down the mosques?  How many Christians blow themselves up in suicide raids?  How many plan terrorist attacks and carry them out on innocent people who are just going about their daily work?  Yet it is Christians who are being persecuted and silenced and Muslims who are getting a pass for this despicable behavior!  Why do you think that is?  I believe it is darkness (evil) trying to shut out the light and there are many deceived people today.  Jesus said that He is the light of the world.  Yet why are the majority not running to Him for wisdom?
     This attitude of tolerance, or ignorance, or fear, or whatever it is toward Islam has got to stop.  Otherwise they will soon rule the world which, if you've read anything about Islam you know that is their plan and purpose.  Is there no common sense anymore?   What is wrong with the majority of our leaders?  Are they all so weak?  Or paralyzed?  They seem to no longer have a moral compass.  And because of that, they are trying to make sure those of us who know there is a right and a wrong are silenced.  Have you noticed the increase in persecution towards Christians in the U.S.?  Christian leadership is no longer valued as it was with the Founding Fathers all the way up through the last 40 years.  There is now pressure to get churches to conform to the opinions of the world instead of the reverse.  We have been brainwashed into political correctness and those who recognize this are using it to the max.
     Are we ready to speak the truth?  Are we seeking God's wisdom?  Are we willing to take a stand for righteousness before it's too late?  I pray there is an army of people who know their God and are fed up with being told how to think, but instead will shout from the rooftops that Our God is the Lord Jesus and only Him will we serve!

President Herbert Hoover quote

President Herbert Hoover: "If our youth is rightly instructed in the faith of our fathers; in the traditions of our country; in the dignity of each individual man, then our power will be stronger than any weapon of destruction that man can devise. ... The great documents of [our] heritage ... are from the Bible, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Within them alone can the safeguards of freedom survive."

Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton

     Aren't you outraged at the media and politicians like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Barrack Obama constantly stirring up racial strife--like what they've done with the Trayvon Martin case? (And what they have recently done to the rodeo clown who was dressed as Obama.  How many people were sent to 'sensitivity training' for ridiculing George Bush?  But that's another story, isn't it?)

       I read recently there have been over 10,000 black on black murders since George Zimmerman defended himself against that thug, but there is no mention of that in the media.  Instead they have tried to portray George as a white person who was racially motivated. They have ruined his life for their own political gain.  I pray there will be no gain but instead that people will wake up to the fact they are being manipulated by those who believe they can.  If you read anything about George Zimmerman's background you will see he was not a racist but instead had many black friends and acquaintances.  

      Once in a while, a cartoon comes around that absolutely hits the nail on the head.

Every Curse In Your Life Destroyed (Joseph Prince)

      It seems like a good time for a reminder of who Jesus was and why He came through a Joseph Prince Devotional.  I need to be reminded every so often that Jesus took all sickness and gave me health because right now I'm not feeling healthy.  I have a sinus infection and a deep cough that's keeping me awake at night.  Obviously, I'm not receiving all Jesus has for me, but I want to.  And I want to be reminded until it becomes reality in my life.  How about you?
     There is no sickness in Heaven and we are to pray "as it is in Heaven" for the earth and its' inhabitants.

Every Curse In Your Life Destroyed  (Joseph Prince)

Galatians 3:13 13Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),

Many believers probably know that when Jesus died, our sins were forgiven because He shed His blood. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. (Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 9:22) But why did Jesus have to die on the cross, since the capital punishment of Israel during the time of Christ was stoning and not crucifixion? Jesus hung and died on the cross because He knew the law which says that “he who is hanged is accursed of God”. (Deuteronomy 21:23) He wanted to redeem us from every curse of the law, so He went to the cross, “having become a curse for us”. Jesus took all our curses at the cross, so that we can take all His blessings! The moment you received Jesus, every curse in your life was destroyed. And the way you experience this is to simply believe and confess what Jesus has done for you. Say, “Because of Jesus, I am blessed.” The more you say it and believe it, the more you will experience it. So if there is an area in your life in which you feel oppressed, for example, a skin condition that refuses to heal, say, “Christ has redeemed me from this skin condition. I refuse it and reject it in Jesus’ name because by His stripes I am healed!” (1 Peter 2:24) Believe it and say it until you see it! “But Pastor Prince, my father died of cancer. His father died of cancer. And I have been told by my doctor that there is a likelihood that I might get it too. It’s in our blood!” My friend, the blood of Christ shed at the cross has redeemed you from allcurses, including diseases like cancer! God put the curse of cancer on Jesus at the cross. And He put all the blessings of Jesus on you. Therefore, expect only the blessings of Jesus to come upon you and overtake you!

Milky Way's Kittens Are Growing

      The little kittens are growing up.  They are now playful and curious.  I tried to take a picture of all of them together but when they saw me they started walking to me so I'm posting several so you can see each one.  I think that some of the grandchildren (& one of the dad's) have chosen the buff colored one and the one with a white face (which is my favorite).  As you can see they all have white feet.  There are still two available--although I think Josie is trying to talk her parents into one of them--so if you're in need of a kitten, let me know.

A fun day with Josie!

      Josie and I had a fun lunch in Terre Haute, and then we stopped in at Inland Aquatics to see what kinds of fish they had.  Our younger son is working on a salt water aquarium and had mentioned how interesting the place was, but I had not thought to make a point of going there until yesterday when Josie and I were looking for something different to do together.  It was memorable.
      While we were talking at lunch, I discovered Josie's cell phone was not working.  Since I'm in the process of changing cell phone carriers I told her we should try her sim card in my old one and if it worked she could have it.  She said maybe she & her mom could come over to get it later in the afternoon and also help me pick beans.
      So after we got home, not only Josie & her mom, but her 2 brothers came over.  We picked a 5 gallon bucket and another one half full of beans and dug a few potatoes.  Fortunately, they took some of the beans home and my mom & sister wanted some so I don't have to freeze any right now. ( It looks as if there are going to be lots more so I'm sure I will have the opportunity later.)
      Their dad then came for supper so we picked up pizza and then the boys entertained us with 'tricks' they had learned from friends and one that Martin (our European tour guide) had taught them.  Such a nice day!
     (The phone worked great for Josie so she is delighted to have a new (to her) smartphone.  Her brother helped her clear all my info and then set it up with her email, etc.)

What a Summer!

     Last night Country Guy & I were discussing how busy this summer has been with planting season, cutting hay, Graduation, Heritage Days, friends and family visiting from Nebraska, an All-Star Football game, trying to keep up with the gardens and lawn, a nephew's wedding & family from out of town, the Martinsville Fair, a trip to Europe and then one to Nebraska.  We were realizing that we have no plans this weekend and what a rarity that is!  (Of course, we have plans to 'catch up' on yard work, but no social plans.)  As we talked, we determined the last time we had a free weekend was June 8th.
     Last week was particularly tiring because of jet lag. We had promised our 2 middle grandchildren that we would take them to Nebraska some time this summer to see their younger cousins but time was running out with school starting so early.  It seemed last weekend was the only time to follow through with our promise.  We left on Friday and returned Monday.  I returned with a sore throat and not feeling well so I haven't been doing much this week.  (Sometimes our body knows that we must slow down when we won't do it ourselves.)  So I have been resting and reading.
     I finished Christianus Sum which I started on the plane to Rome and then read The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly, a 700+ page novel I picked up at the Goodwill Store.  I liked it so much that I looked to see if she had written other books.  It seems this one is the first book of a series of three so I checked ABEbooks.com, found the others there at used book prices and ordered them.  I then read The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzman which was interesting enough for me to finish but the writing style did not compare to Donnelly's.
     Today I'm taking our oldest granddaughter to lunch to celebrate her birthday which was June 5th!  We have been way too busy!!

Righteous Judgment by Francis Frangipane

Righteous Judgment In my various writings and public speaking, I have urged the born-again church to resist the trends of self-righteous anger and bitter cynicism that exist in our world. Instead, let us seek to possess the "higher . . . thoughts" of Christ (Isa. 55:9). In truth, our calling is to serve God as ambassadors of Christ (Eph. 6:20). A true ambassador is not only pledged to represent his or her leader; the ambassador is one who knows what that ruler actually thinks and what he would say. He receives regular communication with that leader and is current on his leader's short-term and long-term goals. Should the ambassador be ignorant of the ruler's view, he is trained to not offer his own opinions; he is to wait until he hears from the one he represents. The world doesn't want to know what we think. There are some seven billion opinions in the world today; what the nations need is not to hear our opinion, but to hear the One we represent: our King, Jesus Christ. I have also endeavored to put a roadblock in front of false discernment. We must avoid the self-righteous, religious approach of the Pharisees. When I urge people to not be judgmental, I am not saying don't discern. Spiritual discernment is an art form, while judging by outer appearance is an instinct of the flesh. I am saying we must learn how to wait, listen and, in meekness, discern the higher way of Christ. Judgment That Is Righteous  Yet inevitably there are still questions. What about the Lord's admonition calling us to "not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24)? What is righteous judgment? In discussing this with others, I've noticed that the words righteous andjudgment seem to be all that some see in the verse. However, the first part of the verse explains, at least partially, the second half: righteous judgment is that which is "not . . . according to appearance." Righteous judgment comes from another source, that which is higher than the instincts of the flesh. You see, there is a difference between discerning a need that you are determined to pray for and, in contrast, simply finding fault which often degrades into gossip and slander. God does not call a person into a "ministry of judging others" just because one has always been fearless to "tell it as it is." Faultfinding is not a gift of the Spirit. If your judgment is truly from God, it will not be an isolated gift. You will also have humility from God, love, and lowliness of mind as well. Righteous judgment proves itself genuine by the virtues that support and present it. All the virtues of the Spirit -- love, joy, peace, gentleness, etc. -- should be functionally evident in your character. If so, you will have been known to be gentle, loving, lowly of mind and wise. When you bring a righteous judgment, your character affirms that your judgment is not an emotional reaction, but you come as one sent from God -- like Christ, you are typically full of grace and truth. You speak as an individual who is seriously concerned with bettering the life of others. As John wrote, "By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world" (1 John 4:17). Yes, the day of judgment is coming. Our goal should be that "love is perfected with us." In the seasons of judgment, we are called to a life of perfect love, for "as He is, so also are we in this world."

BBC News - Gardening can help beat depression, study says

More evidence that gardening is good for your health.