The Middle East (June 20, 2009)

Yes, I believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Christian Church, since we are only “grafted in” for a period of time (The Church Age) before God then once again uses Israel as His evangelical method of reaching out to the unsaved world (via The Two Witnesses and The 144,000). There have been many hints at this being that time in history where such a possibility has become so highly likely: We are in the generation of time that has witnessed Israel come together as a nation, for instance and much of Bible prophecy that has yet to be fulfilled is to occur during such a time.

So, anyway, I stumbled upon a news source trying to validate information received by a TV Evangelist I don’t always agree with that was rather sobering… SEE ARTICLE. It may mean something, it may not. Such is for you to decide.

What I was actually attempting to research was the possiblity of a statement made that ALL citizens of the world will take “a mark” by 2017 (Have you heard about that? It’s news to me! Unverified, as of yet.) – and it’s been said that it is a plan already set in motion among world rules today! That there is this drive toward a One World Government, or A New World Order with A Supreme Leader, and that such has been gaining steam in recent years, from efforts begun back with The Illuminati, and now carried forward by The Untied Nations… it should cause even the anti-Christian crowd to rise up in wonder and ask questions… But it probably won’t. They will likely buy into whatever argument is presented hook, line & sinker, by whomever is then their secular leader at the time the decision is made. Good luck to you, if that includes you.

Grace & peace, Ron

Fantasy NBA

This was my first year playing Fantasy Basketball, and my preference is definitely for leagues with Head-toHead competition that enjoy a Playoffs System to determine a winner (maybe because I won in a league like that!). As “The Commish” for this league of 5 players, I have put together a concept for a playoffs-type conclusion for our Total Points league; but, basically, the guy with the most points after the regular season already won – and everybody knows it!

Congrats, Dad!

Nevertheless, I have enjoyed putting together a playoffs system, even if others haven’t considered it significant or of any interest to them. We have all learned a little bit about ourselves, about how fantasy leagues work, and all of us “novices” will probably have a different perspective on matters next year.

There’s always next year!

Bottom Line:

Desert Rattlers  is  THE WINNER  for this 2008-2009 season.
#2: Enochs Eagles.
#3: SoCal BeachBums (me).
#4: Modesto HotShots.
#5: System.

 

Playoffs Action: (in process)
1 Eagles (CLEVELAND CAVALIERS) – OUT
2 Rattlers (LOS ANGELES LAKERS), Lakers lead 2-1
3 HotShots (BOSTON CELTICS) – OUT
4 BeachBums (ORLANDO MAGIC), Magic down 2-1

HotSHots could win the whole thing if back-up team HOUSTON ROCKETS works there way to a FINALS VICTORY without McGrady!

You never know. That ball bounces funny sometimes…

 

Updated from first edition: April 28, 2009

“Go, Lakers! beat The Magic!”

If you are a huge Lakers fan like I am, then you have probably gone through a series of emotions this playoffs season, from chewing your finger nails to walking away in disgust to shouting for joy! Thankfully, it is “better to be lucky than good” – at times. But referee calls aside, the experience of The Lakers as an organization may have a lot more to do with their success this year than anything else. The Orlando Magic had a great game plan in play for Game #2 but their “rookie” Courtney Lee missed THREE LAYUPS down the stretch – not just one. The supposed Pau Gasol “goal tend” of the most critical one with time expiring in regulation… Like I said: “Better to be lucky than good!”

The thing about LUCK is you don’t generally have any unless you first have talent! KB24 had his worst game of any playoff game he ever played, and I highly doubt there will be a repeat of that miserable performance of numerous blown defensive plays and SEVEN turnovers! Not tonight. Not by one of the very best DEFENSIVE players in the league, somebody who just so happens to always be one of the 3 best offensive players in the league year after year (Is that all you know about him? His scoring?).

Without Kobe Bryant, The Lakers are still a solid team. Their GM Mitch Kupchak has helped build a team with great chemistry, and I am astounded at his ability to acquire a former Cavalier (Shannon Brown) and a former Magic player (Trevor Ariza) so easily – possibly giving us an insider’s understanding of the coaching philosophy of those teams. That both players have come up BIG for The Lakers in the playoffs has been a HUGE part of why we have been so successful. Regardless of Bynum’s inconsistent play (which has been unfortunate), the steady play of Gasol and Fisher, as well as the resurgent play of Lamar Odom that has been borderline INCREDIBLE. The Magic have their work cut out for them if they are going to keep The Lakers squad from sweeping them in FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES as I hope will occur (six likely, five a possibility, but if they gather themselves together, they can do it in four).

The Orlando Magic are a very good team, but there time has not yet come: another two or three years, perhaps; but with Garnett on the mend, The Celtics could easily dash their hopes of making it back to The Finals next year. Time will tell. “Go, Lakers! Beat The Magic!”