Garage Sales by Map

Just found a great site if you are having a garage sale! Check out Garage Sales by Map. It is a great way to promote your sale and hopefully earn more money by selling more!

Visit them today at http://gsalr.com/

The Car with MORE POWER!

I am a big fan of the hit 90’s show “Home Improvement”. Tim Allen starred as the husband of Jill Taylor and the father of their three boys. He had his own repair show (within the show) called “Tool Time”. Throughout the course of the show’s eight seasons, Tim took on a few restoration projects of classic cars. I actually believe that this is where my fascination with classic, muscle cars comes from. It was the only time I can recall being exposed to such things.

1933 Ford Roadster built by Tim Allen

 What interests me now is that it wasn’t just plot filler on a comedy show. Time Allen is actually a big gear-head in real life and the cars he was restoring on the show where in fact his cars. The first car project Tim took on was restoring a 1933 Ford Roadster. This car still causes me to drool. He painted it this amazing sky-blue and was fitted with a 350 Chevy engine ("RRR” branded), and a custom grill.

The second car was just as beautiful – a 1946 Ford Convertible detailed in maroon with a tan ragtop. This baby boasts a 292 ci Motor City Flathead pumping 225 hp, a C4 trannie with overdrive, Heidts independent front suspension, CWI/Ford rear, and a Lokar shifter. It is truly an amazing looking car.

While watching Tim build cars essentially from the ground up was entertaining, I was more interested in finding out that Time Allen has actually helped design a few models for Cadillac. During the height of his show’s success, Time teamed up with Chevy’s Jon Moss and Wheel to Wheel’s Jeff Beitzel to transform a 1996 Impala SS into a black, menacingly fast but also supremely comfortable one-of-a-kind ride. In addition to Tim’s exterior and interior aesthetic modifications, this SS holds a DOHC 32-valve Corvette ZR1 engine and delivers 446 hp at 5500 rpm.

Tim Allen with the Silver Ice TAD CTS

While the Impala is impressive, I liked the next car he designed with Chevy nicknamed the TAD (Time Allen Design) Cadillac CTS. The “Silver-Ice” TAD version of the CTS (starting with the CTS Sport basic package) features exterior additions including 18-inch wheels, 14-inch brakes, special interior trim, a rear spoiler, new front grill and screen, Corsa stainless steel polished exhaust system and body-side rocker panels to add a more aggressive appearance. There are numerous engine and chassis modifications with a belt-driven turbo compressor, a unique air-induction and charge air cooler assembly and a height-reduced modified suspension.

One thing is for sure - if Tim Allen is a Cadillac man, then I am pretty that means it’s an amazing car with “MORE POWER”! If you’re interested in checking out some of the new Cadillac models and going for a test drive, then get in touch with Williamson Cadillac car dealership. They’ll answer any questions you might have and setup you up with what you need!

Hello Mr. Lincoln

Lincoln, meet the new Lincoln

While 2012 was a big year for Lincoln (the former President managed to land two movies – “Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” and the more prestigious “Lincoln” from Steven Spielberg), Lincoln is hoping for another good return in 2013. Of course, I am talking about the folks over at Ford who will begin rolling out their newly designed Lincolns after newly two years of work.

Some of the changes on the 2013 Lincoln MKZ include all-new sheet metal, a choice of gasoline or hybrid power trains, a raft of cutting-edge technologies, and will offer features like adaptive headlamps, a retractable panoramic glass roof and active noise control, as well as the latest version of Ford's Sync infotainment system with ”MyLincoln Touch”. You have a choice in your engine as well. There is a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and a 300-hp 3.7-liter V6, both coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a new push-button gear selector that replaces the conventional gearshift lever. Either engine can be ordered with front- or all-wheel drive.

The MKZ Hybrid combines an electric motor with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and is coupled with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

2013 Lincoln MKZ

Of course, the Lincoln MKZ will have the latest in safety features. Standard and available systems include Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert, Driver Assist, Active Park Assist, a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support. Another exclusive option is inflatable rear seatbelts. I had not heard of the “Lane Keeping” technology before, but it is very innovative (some of that technology that makes you scratch your head, but in the end you just accept that it works and that’s all that matters).

Ford introduced this technology in 2012 with the Ford Explorers. The Lane Keeping Systems can help detect drowsy drivers and help them stay alert and in their lane. The technology’s Driver Alert System monitors the vehicle’s lane position and can notify a driver of signs of inattentiveness with a coffee cup warning light that appears on the dashboard. Too bad it doesn’t dispense a nice, not cup of Dunkins coffee too…perhaps one day. Regardless, this type of technology is quite innovative and has great potential. Beyond technology, there has been a extensive redesign of the cabin which now includes premium-grade leather with wood trim, a new instrument panel, a multilevel console, a pair of LCD screens, air filtration and a choice of entertainment systems, including a 700-watt THX II audio system with 14 speakers. Only time will tell if the new design will take off, but I imagine everyone will be interested in a look and a test drive. Reedman Toll Lincoln Dealer would be the best place to go and check out the new MKZ as well as the other updated designs in the Lincoln lineup.

Here is a look at the "Lane Keeping Technology" as well:

The New FIAT 500e - Mama Mia!

I am a You Tube commercial hunter. With the wonderful new technology that graces even the most basic cable or satellite services, television viewers no longer have to endure the onslaught of commercial advertisements that break up our beloved shows. I’ll be honest though – I enjoy commercials…for the most part. I like knowing what new products are out there. More so, I like making fun of certain commercials (why does KIA think giant rodents driving their cars will prompt anyone to go buy one) and I like finding those hidden gems, the companies that really nail a commercial. We no longer have to wait for the Super Bowl for high quality commercials as companies seem to be able to do more with less. But with the joy that is the DVR, we skip over commercials and thus miss the magic. That is why I turn to You Tube these days – to watch commercials (too much free time, I know).

I came across one of those hidden gems just the other days from the fine folks at FIAT. I knew little about the Italian car designers until I saw their commercials and did some research.  The new lines of FIAT 500’s, which had their debut at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show this past November, are electric. I am really planning to go electric once our current cars breathe their last, especially with the gas prices continuing to climb. Plus, electric cars have come a long way since their infancy.

Fiat states that its new electric car effectively combines zero local emissions driving and "iconic Italian design." The 500e is powered by a 111-hp (83 kW) electric motor and floor-mounted 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provide up to 80 miles (129 km) of range (100 miles/161 km in the city), 147 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h). Fiat estimates that the 500e will boast 108 mpg-e combined, making it one of the most efficient and cleanest, cars on the road.

An electric minicar may never be the equivalent of a V8 sports car when it comes to driving excitement, but Fiat thinks the car will be more fun to drive than competitors.

FIAT stated in a press release, "Other EVs are benign and lifeless until the accelerator is pressed. In keeping with its sporty, fun-to-drive character, the Fiat 500e incorporates a ‘creep’ feature, which launches the car smoothly and assuredly as soon as its brake pedal is released, just like a vehicle powered by an idling engine."The battery pack will take less than four hours to charge with a 240-volt Level 2 charger or about 24 hours with a 120-volt charger.

Electric cars aren’t for everyone, which is a good thing for anyone outside of California where the 500e will be sold. That being said, FIATs ‘regular’, non-electric cars are just as stylish and sporty as their competitors. To talk to some of the best FIAT experts in the DFW area, hop on over to Holt FIATof Hurst dealership.

And the commercial that caught my eye? You can check it out below!


 

The Winged Warrior Rises

I was at the post office the other day shipping an autographed Adrian Peterson football I sold on eBay. One thing that always amazes about the post office is that, regardless of the fact of how poorly I hear they are doing business-wise, they are always busy. Upon closer observation I noted that there were two groups of people in line: those like me that were shipping packages and those that were buying stamps (some to use on snail mail, others who were collectors). I had forgotten that the United States Post Office still created different series of stamps. One of their upcoming series (slated for release today, February 22) is titled “Muscle Cars” and it features five classics including an orange 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona peeling out on the open road. The spoiler on the back there still cracks me up, but I couldn’t help but wonder what cosmetic changes Dodge has made in the last 44 years.

I must say that the soon-to-be-released 2013 Dodge Charger Daytona blends “muscle” with “style” quite well and is considered “the baddest of the bad”. It is available in two basic configurations: the regular leather-clad, optioned-up version or a Super Bee (pictured here on the right) with cloth seats and fewer expensive options. Both share a huge engine with serious power that would bring a smile to any drivers face. Grant it, it doesn’t sport the five-foot-tall rear wing of its 1969 predecessor, but this model would probably fit into your garage better as well as attract less awkward expression while cruising down the highway (my son said the original model was “scary-looking” so I suppose that would be a plus as well).

The “Winged Warrior” will become available this spring after the Daytona line’s four year absence. The car features hood stripes, roof wrap and custom interior. “Daytona” is spelled out on the back fenders, a plaque on the dashboard, and the body color palette is silver, blue, black or white. If you’re drooling like I am and want to test drive one, you best be ready when they hit the market…only 2,500 will be available for sale. Luckily, Dodge has a full line of muscle cars, sedans, SUVs, and more available at such dealers like the great Ken Garff West Valley Dodge dealership.

9/11 Captured by NYPD Helicopter

This is some of the more sobering footage I've seen of the towers falling.

NYPD Helicopter Video

Robert's (New) Land Returns (and so does Huckabee)!

Hello one and all! I have not posted since the night Barak Obama won the election back in 2008, and did not plan to. However with the current state of the world around us, I figured being silent wasn't really an option. It is my hope to carve out the time to write about current events, their role in end time prophecy, and I will once again be focusing the attention of several posts on former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (and maybe every now and then I'll make some pointless observations). For now, let us begin with him and this article I found last night.

Huckabee has expressed his (possible) desire to run against Obama in 2012 which is wonderful. Huckabee is far removed from the candidate of 2008. His following and resources have both greatly increased. Is he poised for a longer, more successful run this time around??

"Mike Huckabee Dubbed Ronald Reagan's Heir"

The Death of a Blogsman

I am sitting on the couch watching President-elect Obama's acceptance speech. They are playing music from The Patriot. I may throw out my soundtrack tomorrow because that kind of ruins it.

The results do not surprise me as I am sure many feel the same. I first must say that President Obama will have my prayers behind him as he leads our nation. Probably more so than any other leader. Prayer does not equal support. Prayer should be given because of the hope that God will lead Obama as he leads our Nation. Certainly I pray that God be with all of us now.

Many people are wondering what will happen next. Obviously "change" is coming! For some reason during this campaign the word change automatically meant "good". Not all change is good. Hitler brought great change, did he not? No, I am not comparing Obama to Hitler. Just making a point.

In all seriousness, I know many people are scared right now. Those who have wisdom and see past the glitter of the past year's campaign know that things aren't always as they are presented. Many fear for America's future. I can't not give a 100% prediction of what is to come, nor will I assume on this blog...but I do know that when/if things become bad we can find solace in Scripture.

This semester I had the pleasure of studying a book of the Bible that I have never looked at before - Habakkuk. It is a wonderful, short book of the Bible in which Habakkuk has a one-on-one conversation with God. Habukkuk was a prophet who came to God with a simple question: how much longer would He (God) allow Israel to get away with its sin. God answered Habakkuk's question by telling him not to worry, because He was going to send in Babylon to overthrow them.

This wasn't exactly what Habakkuk was hoping to hear. He becomes upset and asks God how He could allow a nation whose sins were greater than theirs to punish them. God calmly answers Habakkuk telling him that He knows Babylon's sins and that they will be given the due in time. Habakkuk is humbled and thinks back over God provision to Israel in the past and of all His great deeds.

Habakkuk states in chapter 3, verse 2 "Lord, I have heard the report about you and I fear O Lord, revive your work in the midst of the years, In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy." Habakkuk went on to say at the end of the chapter that he trembles at knowing what is to come and in having to wait for it. Even though things were about to get really bad, Habakkuk says in verse 18 "Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation." Despite the fact that Israel was about to be trampled and taken into captivity by Babylon, Habakkuk says that he will still praise his God. Why? Because God is sovereign. God is never changing. God knows all things that are to come and they all play into His plan. What might be seen as something really bad might is part of a bigger picture. God has been and always will be in control. Though sin has permeated this nation, though people are blind to His truth - God is still God. Regardless of what happens in the years to come, God is still God. Those who are faithful to Him, He will not desert. Take hold of that fact friends and continue with the mission that He has given us - to bring others into His grace. For answers on this topic, please visit this website.
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Readers...it has been my extremely pleasure to create and author Robert's (New) Land. When it began I intended for it to be a means of updating family and friends after we moved from TX to MA. It soon became all too clear that only a few people I knew would constantly check for my updates. Regardless the blog became a book of my fondest memories of my time in New England. Over a year ago, I had the pleasure of joining the campaign for Mike Huckabee (HUCKABEE 2012!!!) and the blog quickly turned political. My final few posts took a more serious tone. I strongly felt that I needed to write these last three blogs which, in a manner, are political in nature. While they deal with biblical happenings, events of the world around us seem to indicate that they could be at hand. I wrote them because I know years from now people who are searching for answers will be able to find them on this blog. I hope that in doing so, they will find The Answer who is Christ Jesus.

I will continue blogging, but at a new address. It will be more of a relaxed place where I won't feel compelled to write such long, in-depth posts. I may even write a one liner here and there. One topic on my mind is those Glade commercials. For those who want the new address, you know how to reach me. For those who have no clue how to reach me, I am sure you can figure out another easy way to find it.

May God bless you all.

The Antichrist

With the election looming, I have heard several people make mention of the Antichrist and Barrack Obama. There are even emails going around stating that he is the Antichrist. While no one can be certain, I thought I'd go through a few verses in the Bible that discuss The Antichrist.

Revelation 13:1 states that John "saw a beast coming out of the sea." Sea usually refers to a group of people around the Mediterranean meaning he will be a Gentile.

Daniel 8:8-9 suggests that he is the "small [horn]" that came out of the four Grecian horns, signifying that he is part Greek.

Daniel 9:26 says he is the ruler of the people to come. This indicates that he will be of the royal lineage that destroyed Israel which was Rome. So he should be predominately Roman.

Daniel 11:36-37 says that the Antichrist "does not regard the God of his fathers". If we take this in context then we'd have to assume he will also be Jewish. Much like Hitler (who was a prototype) the Antichrist will appear to be Gentile, but will have Jewish blood which he will probably keep a secret.

In the book Revelation Unveiled Dr. Lahaye states that, "[His identity] may be known only to God, but the Bible teaches that he will be a Roman-Grecian Jew, a composite man representing the peoples of the earth. The technically qualifies him to be the embodiment of all evil men."

So is Obama the Antichrist? Maybe, but probably not. As far as we are aware, he doesn't have all of the above mentioned blood coursing through him, but who knows what his true nationalities might be. Many (while misinformed) believe that his Muslim heritage makes him a candidate, but as we just read there is no mention of that in Scripture. I think he will be more of a precursor for the Antichrist and/or America's downfall.

The future activities of the Antichrist will include the following:
1. A rise to power - he will steadily gain control of all things through promises of peace (Revelation 6:2 and Daniel 8:25)

2. One-World Government - As seen in Daniel 2, the Antichrist will set up a government with 10 "Kings". Revelation 17:12-15 shows that these ten rulers will eventually believe that they can no longer govern themselves and will cede full power to the Antichrist. Verse 13 indicates that a world government will be created in the name of peace.

3. Domination of World Economy - When Revelation states that these rulers will give their power to the Antichrist, it is not just referring to their governments and armies, but also economic power. Think of the European Common Market as an example. In such a time of economic crisis, is it really that hard to picture this happening?

4. Atheistic Religion - Daniel 11:36-39 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 describe the religious beliefs of the Antichrist. They teach that he will place himself "over everything that is called God or worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God." Revelation 17 shows that Antichrist will approve an ecumenical world church (also not hard to imagine today) which would merge all religions together, celebrating their differences. For a time, Antichrist will be dominated by the church's power (Revelation 17's "prostitute", the church, riding "the beast", Antichrist). Somewhere within the first 3 1/2 years of the tribulation period, though, Antichrist will destroy this ecumenical institution and set himself up as god. His true religion will be atheism.

5. A Covenant with Israel - As mentioned in my previous post dealing with Gog and Magog, there will be a covenant created with Israel for the length of seven years. This will promise her peace and protection during that time. After 3 1/2 years Antichrist will break this treaty and seek to wipe Israel off the map. This is found in Daniel 9:27.

6. Death and Resurrection - Revelation 17:8 states that "the beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because he once was, now is not, and yet will come." Many believes that the verse indicates that the Antichrist will die during the 7 year tribulation (probably around the half way point). Be aware that it will not be the Antichrist himself to resurrect - Around the same time, Satan will be cast out of Heaven once and for all (he currently has access having to give an account for his deeds...read Job 1:6-7). Satan will indwell the body of Antichrist and contrast the actual, supernatural resurrection of Jesus Christ. From that point on, Antichrist will have the power to perform "counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders " (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) and he will deceive many. At that time, he will proclaim himself God, desecrate the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, and unleash an attack against Israel. Anyone who doesn't declare him God and pledge allegiance to him (this is where the whole "mark of the beast" comes into play) they will be killed.

7. The Ultimate Destruction of Antichrist - Second Thessalonians 2:8 states that Antichrist (the "lawless one") will be overthrown by Jesus Christ. This is further discussed in Revelation 19:11-20.

There you have it. This is just a breif overview of the Antichrist who is to come. Chances are good that is he alive somewhere right now. I once read an interesting book (the title escapes me) stating that since Satan doesn't know when the end will come, he has had to have an antichrist ready/prepared during every generation. A chilling thought.

Regardless of who the Antichrist is, interesting days lay ahead...

Ezekiel's Prophecy of Gog and Magog

There are several prophecies in the Bible that haven't been fulfilled. Most have to do with the 7 year tribulation, Christ's second coming and of course Israel. One of my favorite prophecies to study is found in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. In these chapters we read about an attack on Israel led by countries known as Gog and Magog. In the following post, I will discuss this prophecy. The following information is from the Bible, various commentaries, dictionaries and other sources that will be sited at the end.

Beginning with chapter 38, Ezekiel names several nations that will join forces to attack Israel. These include: Gog, Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer and Beth Togarmah "from the far north". Of the above nine names, only one is not a geographical location - Gog. Instead it is a title like President or King. Gog will lead this invasion against Israel. From the New International Bible Commentary (F.F. Bruce) we read that "the chief prince" mentioned in verse 3 is "preferable to 'prince of Rosh' which adds another name to our geographical list.

Each of these countries was easily identified in Ezekiel's day, but most of the above names seem foriegn to us. Once you identify what countries inhabit these ancient lands, though, it is easier to piece together.

Rosh (ancient Sarmatians) was also known as Rashu, Rasapu, Ros and Rus. Today we call her Russia.

Magog (ancient Scythians) is present day Central Asia. "Islamic southern republics of the former Soviet Union with a population of 60 million Muslims. This territory could include modern Afghanistan." (M. Hitchcock)

Meshech included ancient Muschki and Musku in Cilicia and Capadocia. Tubal was in ancient Cappadocia. Today both are known as Turkey along with southern Russia and Iran.

Libya, the easiest, known as ancient Put and west of Egypt is known today as...Libya.

Persia is probably the second easiest of the list. Persia changed it's name to Iran in 1935.

Ethiopia in ancient Cush, south of Egypt is present day Sudan.


Finally, both Gomer and Beth-togarmah, both of which are present day Turkey.

So our list of key players will be Russia, Iran, Turkey, Sudan, Libya as well as numerous several Islamic countries in Central Asia. Each will bring all of their military strength to the table for this attack. Led probably by either Russia or Iran, these countries will have one goal in mind: the complete and utter annihilation of Israel.


We know their target is Israel from verse 8 which states, "...In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety." Israel regathered "from many nations" and returned from a very long absence and became a nation in 1948.

An interesting side note - God has promised Israel that she will never again be removed from her land (Amos 9:14-15). Prior to the prophecy of Gog and Magog, Ezekiel 37:15-28 tells us that Israel will be one nation, no longer split into two (Israel and Judah). Despite all these nations (and others) who wish to destroy Israel, it will never happen.

Verses 8, 11 and 14 of Ezekiel 38 give hints as to when this attack may occur. All state that Israel will be "living securely". There is a chance that Israel could enter a brief time of peace, possibly reaching some type of agreement with Iran in the near future. No doubt this would be a false security, but it is possible. The other possibility is during the 7 year tribulation.

The tribulation will take place after the rapture of the church. Officially it will not begin until the Antichrist signs a peace treaty with Israel and all of her neighbors that is to last 7 years. However prophecy teaches that the 7 years of peace will only last 3 1/2 years before The Antichrist decides to destroy Israel.

There are some that assume that it is when The Antichrist retracts his peace agreement the attacks of Gog and Magog occur leading to the Great Tribulation (the last 3 1/2 years of the tribulation). Others believe that this will be World War III and/or Armageddon. Others believe this to be inaccurate for several reasons (one being that Armageddon doesn't take place in Jerusalem, but Megiddo) but we'll focus on the strongest argument.

"Ezekiel 39:9-10 indicates that for seven winters the people of Israel will burn the leftover implements of [the] war" with Gog and Magog. "Since the Jews will be persecuted by the Antichrist for the last three and a half years of the Tribulation, that may suggest that Russia and her Arab allies will be destroyed at least three and a half years prior to the beginning of the Tribulation. It could, of course, be more." (Lahaye) Therefore, this attack is most likely to occur anytime between now and shortly before the signing of the seven year treaty (at the latest). Also, Armageddon occurs at the end of the Tribulation, so Israel wouldn't be living in peace as Scripture states, but in hiding.

It is not difficult to pick a reason on why this attack will take place. Iran has already stated that it would destroy Israel. Russia and Iran are close allies. All of the other nations listed above hate Israel. Ezekiel tells us that this attack will occur "so that the nations may know me when I show myself holy through you before their eyes." It is sobering to think about the possible revival this will bring about across the globe, especially if it happens prior to the rapure.


With the exception of the final battles of the tribulation, this attack on Israel will be the largest in it's history. Verse 16 states, "You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land." In all likelyhood, Israel will stand alone when it occurs. In a recent post, FOX News reported that the U.S. denied Israel any help in the form of weapons to make a pre-emptive strike on Iran. Russia is also off everyones nice list after their attack on Georgia and refusal to leave. It wouldn't have any hinderance on attacking Israel. No one is quite sure what to do with Russia because of its recent actions. Throw in a war-weary United States and it all helps set the stage nicely.

UPDATE (August 20): MSNBC is reporting that Russia is "freezing" it's military ties with NATO and allied countries. This could also play into/set the stage futher for an attack on Israel. Click here for the article.

So how will little Israel withstand such a massive invasion? "This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Soverign Lord. In my zeal and fiery wrah I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beast of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountians will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountians, declares the Lord. Every man's sword will be against his brother. I will execute poor judgement upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones, and burning sulfur on him and his troops and on the many nations with him. And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 38:18-23)

Ezekiel goes on to tell us that all the attacking troops will be destroyed and given over to animals to feast on them. There will be so much carnage that it will take Israel seven months to bury the dead and then "they will begin their search" (39:14). The cleanup will be so extensive that a town (Hamanoh meaning Horde) will be established in the valley at the gravesites to aid the cleanup crews. Fire will upon the actual attacking nations. Some believe this means that those nations coming against Israel will be completely destroyed. It is interesting to think that in our lifetime Russia, Iran and almost all (if not all) Islamic countries will cease to exist.

At the end of chapter 39, God once again states his purpose for this attack: "From that day forward the house of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God." Ezekiel 39:22

There you have it, a quick run-down of Ezekiel 38-39. An attack led by Russia and Iran along with Turkey, Sudan, Libya as well as numerous several Islamic countries will come upon Israel (more than likely) before the rapture or shortly there after. Though the odds will be greatly agaisnt her, God will supernaturally protect Israel -destroying her enemies. Then there will be a revival among Jews and Gentiles as they see that the Lord is God.

I hope this is informative. Some of you may disagree with it and that is fine. If nothing else, I wanted to write it so whenever it does occur there will be one more place for people look back and find it. In that way I hope it brings others to the Lord.

Forgive any scattered-brain(ness). It was not the easiest topic to write while chasing my 8 month old around the house. Soon I will work on my Antichrist post. May not be until next week though.


Zondervan. The Holy Bible, New International Version. 1996.

Lahaye, Tim. Revelation Unveiled. Zondervan Publishing House. 1999.

Butler, Trent ed. Holman Bible Dictionary.Holman Bible Publishers. 1991.

Bruce, F.F. ed. New International Bible Commentary. Zondervan. 1979.

Lahaye, Tim & Ed Hindson ed. The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy. Harvest House Pupblishers. 2004.

Steven Curtis Chapman Interviews

Members of the Chapman family discussed the death of their daughter, marie Sue Chapman recently on Good Morning America, Larry King Live and in the newest edition of People Magazine (set to hit news stands Aug 15). To see these interviews and for other Chapman news, follow the links below:

Steven Curtis Chapman Homepage

Good Morning America Interview

The Larry King Live Interview can be seen through Jim Houser's (Chapman's manager) in six parts.

People Magazine sneak-peak.

Gospel Music Channel Report

U.S. Refuses Israel Weapons

Taken from FOX News -

The United States has rejected an Israeli arms request that would have improved Israel's capability to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, a frontpage report in Israel's Haaretz newspaper said on Wednesday.

The U.S. warned Israel against attacking, saying such a strike would undermine American interests, the paper said. The unsourced report also says the U.S. demanded that Israel give it a heads-up if it decides to strike Iran.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak did not deny the Haaretz story and refused to discuss it in an interview with Israeli Army Radio,

"It would not be right to talk about these things," Barak said, according to Reuters.

Iran is a "threat to the whole world order, and there are many actions to be made in the realm of intelligence and preventive measures," Barak said.

The United States "does not see an action against Iran as the right thing to do at the moment," the defense minister said, but shared Israel's view that "no option should be removed from the table".

Israel believes Tehran will be capable of building a nuclear bomb by 2010, and has been pushing for greater international pressure on Iran to stop building nukes.

Both the U.S. and Israel have said they would prefer a diplomatic solution to the standoff but have not ruled out other options — including a military one.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Reminder to the United States of America:

“I will make you (Israel) a great nation;
I will bless you and make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
- Genesis 12:2-3

*Remind to talk about the prophecy of Gog and Magog (primarily, present day Russia and Iran) in Ezekiel 38-39 really soon

Obama Hates Superman!

In case you need another reason to not vote for Obama, I have one for you. In a recent interview he was asked what superhero he'd like to be. Now I'm not saying everyone should want to be Superman, but to say that Superman isn't "really earning [his] superhero status" and that he has no inner turmoil is just a mis-educated statement. I could argue that you haven't really earned your politician status, but I won't. Shame on your Mr. Obama. Shame on you! Then again, why should I worry? I am sure if more people complain about his statement he will soon say "Superman is the greatest hero of all time! I would love to be him." Hmmmm why wait? I just found this picture!


What's this? Looks like a certain someone is trying to be like Superman...hmmm!

In more serious news, last week Obama revealed an energy plan. Most people focused on his statement regarding the filling up of our tires. McCain and others made fun of this fact so Obama later said in a speech that those people "take pride in being ignorant..." Look, we should all be responsible and change our oil regularly and keep our tires filled. However I believe the true ignorance belongs to Obama in believing that a large majority of Americans would be responsible enough to follow through with that. Just a few of us doing it isn't going to solve the problem. Sadly, this isn't a 'what can I do for my country' nation. To his credit, he didn't rule out drilling for oil - after a poll came out stating a majority of Americans favored it.

The Move and Other Items

Obviously my plans to update this blog each night of my drive down to Texas didn't pan out. The first night there was no Internet connection...at a Holiday Inn. Go figure. The second night the hotel had wireless (but no free breakfast) but we had been on the road 14 hours so I could have cared less to update my handful of readers.

The drive itself was really fine. My father-in-law and I trekked through Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia on our first day. All that was done in about 9 hours which included gas and food stops. The second day included the rest of Virginia, Tennessee, the smallest amount of Georgia (with the absolute worst Taco Bell establishment on the face of the Earth), Alabama and finally Mississippi. The final day was a short hop through the rest of Mississippi, Louisiana and finally Texas. It's hard to say just how long we drove (actual driving) since some of our stops were extended. Google Maps made the trip out to be 27 hours. Of course that is only if you drive 60 mph. I won't name names, but a member of the driving party enjoyed the 80 mph mark. I can't make assumptions as to why, but said member spent the prior days playing Need for Speed. a racing game, on my XBOX 360. So actual driving time was under 27 hours.

We ran into bad weather only once. I felt like I was driving through a tropical storm. Most people pulled over and found cover, we plowed on through. "I can't see out my windshield" and "I'm not sure I'm still on the road" be darned! You will get two different stories on the traffic. I say we only ran into one bad traffic jam caused by an overturned truck. My father-in-law says we ran into a lot more. Of course when one takes our definitions of "traffic" into consideration, our difference of opinion makes more sense. Boston traffic versus Palestine, TX traffic is quite different. Since Boston is the bigger city with actual traffic, I win the argument so we ran into one traffic situation on the second day.

At one time I had a list of funny city names, gas prices, and things I saw...but much like the travel coffee mug I had when we left, it has vanished. I remember going near Scranton and Gettysburg, PA. I saw the University of Alabama and a few other big name schools which is cool. New Jersey, Virginia and Alabama were the best looking states. New Jersey also won the Rude Person Award (please notice that is singular). You'd think an employee for AAA would be more helpful than giving you a finger point. I really enjoyed the entire drive. I would love to drive all around the U.S. someday.

The most noticeable change while driving was the music. I was enjoying what I call "normal" stations on the radio (stations that play just your normal hits ranging from the 70's to today) all the way till Virginia. All of a sudden the normal station to country station percentage was 20 to 80 (before this it was 95 to 5). The further we went south, the more this percent went up. We were around 2/98 until we hit Mississippi. At this point I had to throw in another number for rap stations. Normal 5%, Country 30%, Rap 65%. The rap kept rising till Texas then things settled around 20%, 70% and 10%. Fuzzy math.

Gas wasn't too bad. For reference I looked at the gas price on my old blog when we arrived in MA. It was $2.60. The station I filled up at upon leaving was $4.08. I saw a high near $4.15 however at another MA station. The highest I spied was 4.60 or 70 something, but that was one of those interstate gas station where you have no choice but to pay out the bum. The lowest I saw was $3.70 something. I paid $3.86 here in Lewisville yesterday.

Off of the move, I have been able to knock a few more movies off my Summer Movie Wish List. Those that are italicized are those in bold are no longer playing whole those in bold are the ones I have seen.

1. Prince Caspian
2. Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull
3. The Dark Knight (pending Saturday night)
4. Iron Man
5. The Incredible Hulk (v)
6. The Happening
7. Get Smart
8. Hancock
9. Step Brothers
10. Tropic Thunder (v)
11. The Pineapple Express
(v) = I can wait for it on video

The best so far are Get Smart and Indiana Jones. Hancock was good. Language was a bit much. Everyone says the movie wasn't good anymore after Hancock (Will Smith) turns good, but I say that is when it finally took off. Could this be a sign of the world today? Do we really enjoy evil and wickedness so much that we dislike watching goodness being portrayed? People hate Superman because he is good, but dig Batman and Wolverine because they are dark and mean. Then again, girls in high school acted to same to me. "I think you are such a great, sweet and wonderful guy Robert, but we are just so compatible and too good of friends for this to ever work. I'd rather date the guy with tattoos who goes through girlfriends like a bag of Skittles."

Anyone keeping up with King Obama's World Tour? I was watching an interview with him on the evening news last night. Every time he is asked a question he side steps it or is vague. He was being asked about Iran and Israel and how he would handle situations there. He gave fluff answers like 'I don't feel I have the right at this time to accurately portray the situation of the scenario of the fiscal year but if you'll look deep into my eyes you will see puppy dogs, babies and the souls of the damned....yes Charlie....look into my eyes...follow me everywhere.' The whole time, the veteran news anchor sat and nodded. He did ask Obama if he had a plan after he danced around another question. Obama said yes, but he didn't feel it should be shared at this time. Ummm okay. So when? When you're president and its too late? His plan could be to supply Iran with whatever it needs to wipe Israel off the map. No worries though. The public think he is awesome. Who cares that we know nothing of what he is wanting to do. Dude looks great in suits.

Meanwhile John McCain (he's the other guy running for president) was being interviewed by some rookie anchor. McCain was trying to give an actual answer to a question and the anchor continuously interrupted him. Just think, it's only July!

Coming Soon

I promise to post an update by the end of this week complete with moving highlights and other fantastic thoughts from the depths of my mind! I know you're all excited.

Huckabee on Dobson on Barack

Former Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee appeared recently on FOX News' Hannity & Colmes to discuss Dr. James Dobson's comments on Barack Obama. While Allen Colmes is his annoying self, Gov. Huckabee soundly and calmly makes some wonderful points about the Democratic hopeful that all people should open their eyes to. Listening to Huckabee speak reminds me how great of an opportunity America missed at having a truly wonderful President.




This video was originally found at Massachusetts for Huckabee.

I will be heading down to Texas on Monday and hope to be able to post updates along the way...not while driving obviously, but at night. So be sure to check back!

Farewell New England

This time next week, we will be on the road headed back to Texas! Jennifer and I greatly enjoyed our time here in the North East and will really miss it. We take with us numerous memories that are encapsulated in this blog, so instead of boring you all with a long recap, I decided to make a video with some of the pictures taken over the last 2 1/2 years.




For those who wonder about the song choice and how it relates to Boston, the reason for it can be found in an old blog...if you really want to know.

"Wuv...Sweet Wuv"

Awww, Clinton and Obama are totally BFF! They sooooo showed up in Unity, NH today to promote not only unity, but PDA! OMG can't you totally see them taking this country in a new direction?? And they soooo totally matched!

...Sigh...

Get used to it. We'll be seeing these two together at least until November and longer if she is VP. The first question that came into my head while watching the news was "did they plan out their outfits together?" Obama sported a white dress shirt (sleeves rolled up for that casual, man-of-the-people, outdoor look) with light blue tie while lady Clinton wore a light blue lady suit. I can picture that coversation in my head.

Ring Ring

"Hello?"

"Hey Hil, it Barack!"

"Oh hi Bar Bar! What's up my brother?"

"Not much, just flipping through the newest Tiger Beat magazine. You?"

"Just chopping your head off pictures in Newsweek....JK!"

"Oh Hil, you so crazy! Listen, I was wondering what you're going to wear to Unity, NH tomorrow?"

"Oh my gosh! I bought the cutest little outfit!"

"It isn't another one of those lady jump suits is it?"

"Actually it is, but listen! This one is different! It's light blue!"

"Oh sweet! I have the perfect tie to go with that! We can totally be twinkies!"

"hehe!"

...Sigh...

Honestly, it was awkward to watch them on stage as "united friends". You know they hate one another. I figure when he kissed her cheek she was thinking "You disgust me...you should be kissing my butt, not me kissing yours." And when the crowd chanted her name instead of his, you can imagine that he was seething.

Again, get used to it because I have the feeling we are going to see a LOT more Barack and Clinton Variety Hours.

Notes for the not in the know:
BFF = best friends forever
PDA - public displays of affection
OMG = oh my gosh
JK = just kidding
VP = vice president

Dobson versus Obama

Dr. James Dobson dissected a 2006 speech by Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama on his daily radio show today. In the speech Obama discussed some of his religious views and its role in government. He also compared Dr. Dobson to Rev. Al Sharpton.

To hear Tuesday's broadcast, click here.

Maria Sue Chapman Memorial Service - News Coverage

Since almost every day people visit my blog (through a search) looking for video from Marie Chapman's funeral service, I decided to do some digging and post the news footage. This isn't meant in a morbid way. As I stated a while back, the service was a beautiful event celebrating the life (and new life) of this young little girl.