jumpjunkie2004

I believe in "something". I believe that our souls are "recycled" and over many life times our souls evolve. I believe that we should look beyond God and the theory of "heaven" and "hell". I don't think it is that simple. Maybe those places exist, but getting into "heaven" is not a result having blind faith. I think it's a result of having your soul mature and purify. Telling your neighbor that she is going to hell for believing in reincarnation doesn't seem very mature. If there is a God, he is tolerant. Where do I belong? The jury is still out... Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

Karen, It sounds like you've had a rough time of it. I'm so sorry to hear how religion has altered one of the most meaningful relationships in your life. It's very sad that he can't see what he's sacrificed to be on his new path. One of my friends is a skydiver and a born again Christian. She prays for everyone at our DZ. I have radically different beliefs and I think she has been brainwashed. At times she is extremely sad because she does not have a relationship, but she will not allow herself to have one because of her religion. This makes no sense to me. Yet another thing I don't understand... I'm very sorry for your loss and hope your broken heart heals quickly. Sarah Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

I'm going to check to see if they have the book at our library and I'll add it to my reading list. Thanks Billvon! Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

The more I read about religion, the more confused I am. For now, I believe in something. I can't imagine that we are here by random chance. When I'm more well educated about the religions of the world, maybe I'll discover one that is right for me. Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

I'm going to stay my course and let my children find their own religious path. I will continue to present them with interesting literature about the religions of the world, and encourage them to attend services as available. I won't tell them if I think they are right or wrong, but I support their decisions to pursue a religion that's right for them. Thanks to everyone that responded. Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

My son is 13 - he went to church regularly with a friend and developed his own path. I'm ok with that. I don't want to invalidate the opinions that he has formed. Who knows...maybe he's right? I think that we (people in general) are presented one idea and latch on to it like it's the gospel. I didn't want that for my son. I didn't guide him, but it's funny that he has found Christian religion on his own. I fully support him and would happily drive him to whatever church he selects. Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

So...I think there may be smoke coming out of my ears. I was outside working in my yard today and my Born Again neighbor and I started a friendly conversation. Don't ask me how, but it evolved into a conversation that ended with me going to hell. Eek! Apparently, the people who commit heinous crimes and then ask for the Lord's forgiveness will be on the fast track to heaven. And all the people like me (I'd give you the shirt off my back, I've never committed a crime, etc. but I believe in reincarnation) are destined to end up in hell. Who knew? Apparently, believing in reincarnation invalidates a belief in God. I believe in something, but I think a soul has to mature before it is allowed to leave this realm. So...I'm wondering...am I going to hell? I admit that I'm ignorant when it comes to religion. I was raised as a Methodist. It's the only thing that I knew. In order to make an intelligent choice about religion, I need to explore all the options. Maybe I'm really a Buddhist? As a parent, I've made a point of introducing my son to an assortment of religions. We have books about all the religions of the world and we also have an assortment of bibles. He has elected to believe in Jesus and God. My husband is an atheist and he is ambivalent about this. Is it reasonable for parents to project their religious beliefs on their children or is it better to let them find their own beliefs? Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

Broke my ankle on Jump #7...I'm feeling your pain. Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

Does anyone have any decent photos from that night? I'm working on an on-line journal called "My Quest To Become a Skydiver", and I'd like to include a shot of someone swooping in to Z-hills at night. I've already got a cool picture of the wingsuit guys. http://x.mcintyres.net/jumpblog/?postid=140 It was so cool! Thanks for the help! Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

Bug repellent. Edible plant guide. A park ranger? Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

hey - are you going to be out at Orange on Sunday? Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

We are doing a huge renovation project on one level of my house. We will be installing the Pergo ourselves next month. I asked several installers before I decided to do it without one. We purchased the Vintage Home Pergo - it uses no glue. We also got an instructional video and it seems like a relatively easy project. We've also installed ceramic tile - pain in the ass. PM if you want to talk about getting the best price - I found a place that sales over the internet. At first I was skeptical, but I picked up the floor last week and was very happy with the price. I saved about $300. BTW - I don't sell flooring - I'm just a stay at home mom who likes to figure out how to save $$$. Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

Thanks so much for the 411! Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

I'm writing a journal about my quest to become a skydiver. http://x.mcintyres.net/jumpblog/ I was at Z-hills during the weekend of March 18-20th and had an opportunity to see Z-flock in person. I'm getting ready to write about my experience at Z-hills and I was wondering if it would be ok to download and post one of the pictures from this forum. Perry - if you read this - it's me - Sarah - Jennifer's friend. I could also post something about how to contact you if they are interested in additional information. Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

No worries...feel free to vent away!

I'm just going to have to try it for myself to see what it's like. If I get the feeling that I'm training to be a sniper, then I may reevaluate my decision to let my son participate. Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

So sorry to hear about your son's misadventures. My son is in 8th grade and he is taking two high school classes (Spanish 2 and Geometry). I think in general he is very responsible,and I trust him. Hopefully, he won't let me down. Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

No chest shield - So we should just dress in layers for extra protection? Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

Hey Bill - We all live in the same house, but husband isn't interested in participating in family activities or being a hands on dad. Complicated story that doesn't belong here. My original question got lost along the way. I was just curious if paintball was encouraging my son to be more violent. Do I have a skewed perspective because I was brought up around guns? I was wondering if I was downplaying the symbolism of it because it seems like a harmless activity to me. paintball = paintball = fun Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

I can't wait to get out there and give it a try. I'm sure it will be a blast. I know that my husband will not say anything against my decision to our son, but he will to me. Oh well...he didn't want me to skydive either

I've raised our son by myself with his financial support. I am married, but my husband does not participate in 97% of the decisions regarding our children. That's my job. He's from an anti-gun family. I'm a farm girl and used to be a member of the NRA. So, when he weighed in on this issue, it made me curious if I'm downplaying the symbolism of paintball. We've all played with squirt guns when we were kids - that was ok. So, I look at paintball as an evolution of outdoor play. Is it any different than aiming a squirt gun? I don't think it is. 55th trimester -

Thanks so much for the 411. I think there are several places where we can rent equipment and try it out before we buy. It might have to be a mother/son outing the first time around just so I can see what it's like. Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

Would he be sharing his pot...just kidding Those are both scary things to consider. Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

Immediate family = husband (a city boy) Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

My father is a hunter and my son has spent a number of hours doing target practice on our farm. So, I know he understands the difference between paintballs and bullets. I'm just curious about the aspect of actually aiming a gun at someone and pulling the trigger. I've rationalized it by comparing it to playing with water guns, but trying to convince my immediate family is not working. Can you get hurt by a paintball? Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...