skydivermom

I'm doing my second SL jump tomorrow and I'm as nervous as I was the first time! I'm practicing the arch on my living room floor. By the time my three-year old is 18, he'll be doing the arch in his sleep! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

"DOPE ROPE"! I LOVE IT !!! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

Again, I will go back to my point about the "wisdom of men" and how we can take verses out of context and not understand their meaning. This commentary that you downloaded was written by man who obviously do not understand the meaning and the context of these verses. You can continue to believe that it contradicts itself if you want, but I think if you read and study it and really see what it's talking about you will understand what it's saying. God CANNOT lie! If you want me to send some info. explaining some of these misguided assumptions I will be glad to PM you. As I said before, I don't have all the answers and some parts of the bible are still confusing to me. This will be a good experience for me because I will get to learn and study more. It would take up too much time to talk about everything mentioned on that website, but it seems, in my OPINION, if this person put more effort in trying to actually understand what the bible is saying he would get much more out of it. Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

You are absolutely right! None of us have everything figured out. As I stated in an earlier post, I don't have all the answers and will be learning as long as I am here. Man, it would take the excitement out of life if there was nothing left to discover. No,the Bible does not contradict itself. Sometimes we can take one verse and if we don't read the verses around it or sometimes the whole chapter it's meaning will be skewed. For example Matthew 7:1 says "do not judge, lest ye be judged." But John 7:24 says "judge righteous judgment." Yes, sounds very contradicting to me. However, if you read the whole chapter in Matthew it becomes clear that he is talking about hypocritical judgment. Take the plank out of your eye before trying to take the speck out of someone elses. I have no business counseling someone about their stealing habit if I myself am holding up banks. Cheesy example I know. Also the old and new testaments seem to contradict one another. It makes more sense when you understand that when Christ died man was no longer under the law of Moses. He gave us a newer, better law. We don't do animal sacrifices anymore and we worship on the first day of the week instead of the seventh. Just a couple of examples. In 2 Corinthians it states "God is not the author of confusion." As for the idea that man prevented some of the books from making it into the Bible, the original Greek Septuigen (from the first century) has the complete word of God. There is nothing missing from that and it is an original document. Even if that weren't the case though, it goes back to faith. "Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Matthew 24:35 I think where all of us (those that believe and want to believe) have trouble is getting our minds around the whole concept. It is not always easy to have faith and it's much easier to rely on our own wisdom and what we can observe with our senses. I struggle with this all the time. I think it's wonderful to ask all of these questions. Most of us do at some point. I know you may not agree with me but I hope I have been at least some help. You have certainly helped me a lot. The more I study with people the more I learn. Take care and have safe jumps and soft landings. Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

Thank you. I'm actually starting to enjoy this! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

This is a very good question, and I can answer it. In the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians it talks about all of the miracles and what provided "proof" and how the end of these things came to be. (I'm not saying God still doesn't chose to heal people today.) "When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away with." The "in part" was the "proof" that so many seek today. The "perfect" is the completed word of God. These things were available then because we did not have the complete word of God. God worked through men to write his word. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God..."2 Tim 3:16 and "...holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21 "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" Romans 10:17 This is a very interesting subject and if you do want more information I would be glad to discuss it. You could also PM me if you want. Take care and Blue Skies. Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

Your point is very objective and makes so much sense. This really is good for me because I never had the courage before to even express myself at all. I was too afraid. You all have helped me so much to realize I need not take things so hard and not be so "thinned skinned". I do not have any animosity towards any of you because of what you believe or don't believe. My sister doesn't believe like I do but I love her to death and we have a great time together. I can sum up what I've been trying to say this whole time in just one verse... ..."CHOOSE ye this day whom you will serve, but as for me and for my house, we will serve the Lord..." Joshua 24:15. We all have the right to choose and no one can choose for anyone else. I want to thank all of you for your help. I now have more confidence and feel more at ease about entering into discussions like this. Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

That was not my point! Saying "everyone" believed Christopher Columbus was a broad statement I will admit but I could care less how many intellectuals knew the earth was round. SOME did believe the earth was flat but just because they believed it didn't make it so. Just because you all do not believe in God it doesn't mean he doesn't exist for those of us who do believe! I am not here to put anyone down or try to push my views and beliefs on you all, but there have been many replies to my post that seem to border on attacks. Like the reference to prayer and voodoo dolls. Come one guys let's all respect eachother okay? I am not telling any of you that you should pray or believe what I believe so please don't tell me my prayers don't work and make references that it's all a "fairy tale" and that the ignorant believe whatever to help them sleep better. That is really unnecessary. If I just came up with all of this on my own without studying and reading then it would be out of ignorance. Also, yes it was easy to prove the earth was round. As for my own PERSONAL beliefs, it wouldn't be called faith if you could prove it. Lastly, I never intended to frustrate anyone. I thought I was simply stating what I believe and what drives my faith, the same way you all were saying why you don't believe. I can assure you my intentions were the best. Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

Are we pulling out the guilt and scare whip again? Just like those signs along the rural parts of some highways that warn you that hell is real and near and that you will fry in it if you don't repent and convert instantaneously. If I would put up an analogous sign for a cult that is less established than chritianity most people would seriously question my mental sanity It's okay if you label me in sane, my kids and husband may agree with you sometimes! I realize I"m not going to change your mind and that's not what I was trying to do to begin with. You don't believe in God and Jesus. That is your right to live and believe as you please, but just because you don't believe in something doesn't mean it's not real. After all, everyone thought Christopher Columbus was nuts when he said the earth was round. They all "believed" it was flat. That's all I was trying to say. And prayer does have an affect in MY life. It may not in yours and that's fine but I'm still going to pray for you. I don't understand why you are so upset at me. Why does it matter to you what I think and believe? You don't even know me. I don't go around thumping anyone on the head with my bible, but I will tell someone about my faith if they ask me. And about your comment regarding walking by faith. I'm sure you are smart enough to know it is talking about a spiritual walk. I don't know what my future holds, but I'm certainly going to have faith that God does. I am not sorry for speaking about what I believe, but I am sorry if I upset you. That was not my intention. I did not mean to sound threatening and brutal. If you knew me at all you would know I don't thrive on conflict. You are absolutely entitled to your opinions and ideas and you express them very well. I am not basing any of my beliefs on my own wisdom and ideas. It's all from God's word. My Christian life is not confining and guilt-ridden, it is very fullfilling. There is nothing wrong with two people disagreeing with one another, but let's not allow it to escalate into an all out war. After all, we have at least one thing in common, we LOVE skydiving! That is why I joined this forum and I'm sure you can say the same. Let's agree to disagree and have fun. Okay? Blue Skies, Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

You are absolutely right. Obviously there are statements that CAN be more offensive than others and that is what he was trying to say. I did not mean to sound smart alek at all. I'm just a happy person and try not to take life too seriously. I'm also not one that thrives on conflict so I apologize if my post seemed tackless in any way. I did not join these forums for any reason other than to have fun. You and I don't know eachother, but we know we have at least one thing in common. We LOVE skydiving. So let's forget about what we may not agree on and just have a good time talking about this awesome sport. Life's too short. Blue skies, Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

YOU missed MY point! Which is that we are the only ones responsible for how we feel. If we get offended and upset than we allowed ourselves to do so and we are giving our power away to someone else. You can live a lot happier life if you learn to blow people off and be the one in control of your feelings and reactions. "Thank you for missing the point" Well, you are very welcome my friend! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

Just wanted to say to you and all other paramedics on this forum. I LOVE YOU GUYS! I had my first ambulance ride a couple of weeks ago after an AFF jump. Wasn't hurt from the skydive. Had a panic attack after landing. Freefall and landing were kind of scary. Anyway, I am/was scared to death of IVs and those medics were wonderful! They talked to me and held my hand and the medic that did the IV did a fantastic job! I, too, am uninsured but my husband's company will pay any of our medical bills up to 6 thousand per year. Even if that wasn't the case, I would pay something each month if I had to pay for the rest of my life! Just a sense of responsibility instilled by my mom. Glad you guys are out there! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

YOU ARE RIGHT ON! I get fed-up with the sense of entitlement that some have over here. As mixed-up as our system is, it sure beats the medical care (or lack of medical care) in some third world countries. Maybe if we visited these places and saw what goes on we would not have such a problem paying for healthcare. I'm talking to myself here to. I take my plush and comfortable life for granted too sometimes. I DO pay my bills, but allow myself to get frustrated occasionally. Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

Man, I wish I could have taken a picture of the first sunset I ever saw from 7,000 ft. It was my first AFF jump and the freefall was so scary (ended up on my back and couldn't get stable). The instructor pulled for me at about 7,000 and it was breathtaking being under that canopy all by myself looking at that gorgeous sunset! It made everything that went wrong on that dive absolutely worth it! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

Hello! I will be glad to start jumping with you when I am off student status. I live in Baytown and I'm doing my training in Beaumont. I have heard so many awesome things about both Houston DZs and cannot wait to visit them. It will probably take me about six months to finish because I have a family and don't jump all of the time. Plus I'm paying as I go! Congrats on getting your license and hopefully I'll see you out there! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

Great job on your progression! I am right behind you (sort of). Had a horrible experience with my first AFF jump so I'm doing static line closer to home. Either way my goal will still be accomplished. Best of luck in AFF and enjoy! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

Way to Go! It is very addictive isn't it? I've already sprained both my ankles (not at the same time) and I'm still proceeding. Just have to have a better landing next time. Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

Hey! I cannot give advice but I just wanted to say thank you for your post. You asked a question that I was going to ask next time I jumped. I, too, am a student and started out on AFF. I had to find a dz closer and the one I found teaches static line. I love it! Best of luck with your skydiving venture. You will have a blast! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

I did my first SL jump on the 23 and loved it! I jumped from a Cessna 182. Actually hung from the strut of the plane at 4,000 ft. and when the JM said go I arched like my life depended on it. I really wasn't sure if it was a good arch because the chute opened by the time I could think about it. When I landed (another rough landing, sprained my right ankle) the JM said it was a perfect arch! So even though I really didn't freefall, I CAN do an arch up there! I keep looking at my logbook and the words "great arch" next to my first jump. I'm glad I can gradually go into freefall with static line. Thanks for the advice! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

I actually did 3 tandems at the dz in San Marcos. I just freaked out on freefall because I had never done it by myself, was exhausted, nervous and didn't feel well that day. It probably would have gone better had I waited to do the jump. The dropzone was 3 hours away from my home and so I think that contributed to the stress. I found a skydiving place about an hour away from me and would have continued there even if they did AFF. I just figured the whole thing would work better being closer. This is a small skydiving club (oldest one in Texas) so I wasn't aware it existed before. Static line just seemed more appealing because of the way you gradually go into freefall. Also, it's much cheaper because they are so small. I heard horror stories about people having to repeat all these AFF levels and I just cannot afford that. I understand I may have to do that with static line but at least it's cheaper. Thanks for the advice and I may do a tandem every now and then just for fun, even though it won't go in my logbook! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

I would just laugh because I know neither is true! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

I don't have to prove anything, I walk by faith, not by sight. That is 2 Corinthians 5:7. Of course if you don't believe the Bible then there is really no point in discussing it. I will certainly pray for you and I hope you someday realize just how real God is (Not a made up fairy tale). This confining life that you speak of? I have been a Christian for a long time and I've never felt more free. In fact, the bible tells us that we can be slaves to sin. How confining do you think it was for God to take on human flesh (Jesus) and come to earth and endure the treatment that he did. He did not have to do that but he loved us so much. I don't claim to have all the answers or to be better than anyone and I am certainly not interested in trying to "prove" God's existence. I see evidence of that everyday. Especially the other day when I was gliding down to earth and got to see a sunset at 7,000 ft. If you are looking for concrete proof or are waiting for him to come down and talk to you, you are going to be very disappointed. I hope you do reconcile this while you still have the chance. Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

That sure would have been wise for me. I've only done two solo jumps (one AFF and one SL). Sprained my left ankle on the AFF and my right one on SL. Flared too late on AFF and too early on SL. I am hoping for a stand-up landing on my next jump! BTW, I LOVE STATIC LINE! Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

Ali! Wow! That is too cool! I showed my husband and boy was he jealous. That is a neat plane. My husband is starting flying lessons the first of next year. We will have to come hang out at Aggieland one of these weekends. By the way, how did your jump go (and what did you jump out of)? Glad you are back in the skies. Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28

Thanks a bunch! I will do just that and I apologize for overloading the forums with another post about the subject. In the future I will explore other threads before posting another one. I understand if you need to delete my thread. Mrs. WaltAppel All things work together for good to them that love God...Romans 8:28