Thoughts on Heaven

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Something struck me while I came inside from my last cigarette of the evening - a time when I tend to be at my most thoughtful.
I am not an especially religious man. I do not believe in the existence of a god, or at least, not in the standard sense of the word. But if there is a life after death - is it something that I can genuinely look forward to? There are some certainties - I would dearly love to see my Grandfather again, and if I were to go to some sort of heaven, he would certainly be there. Likewise, I would wish to see the rest of my family - although I would not wish for them to join me immediately, as I would wish for them to continue living. When one goes to 'heaven', does it follow the same timescale as my earthly life? Or would everyone I ever wish to join me in heaven be there from the moment I arrived - not having died when I did, but the wait for their arrival being bypassed, that I might see them sooner, to enhance my experience of heaven? And more importantly, just because I wish to see someone in heaven, they are not guaranteed to wish to see me. Likewise, the part they play in my heaven may well differ from the part they wish me to play in theirs. If I were to die in the next hour, I can be certain of who I would want to be by my side in heaven - but I also know that it would not be their wish to share heaven with me in the same way. So, would my heaven be independent from theirs, featuring nothing more than an approximation of their character, designed to make me as happy and peaceful as possible? If I were to go to heaven, I cannot help but feel I would spend every day doubting the reality of my situation. As with the concept of Utopia, what suits one person does not suit another. So, I cannot see heaven as something to look forward to - an eternity with my loved ones is indeed a wonderful concept. But an eternity never knowing if the feelings I feel are for real people or for constructs of my own imagination? Not so appealing.
How can it be possible for heaven to be truly heavenly for every single occupant?

Only if there were a heaven for each one, I think.

I guess that depends on whether your 'heaven' is just wishful thinking or has any reality to it. Some of what I understand about heaven is that those that enter it are made perfect, which would mean that we would have perfect love for all people (and they would for us too) and would want them all to be there. As I understand it, heaven seems to be more about us being focused on God, and not so much on those around us or wanting some utopic state for ourselves, (although, I must admit that I do struggle with getting my head around the whole idea of no marriage etc. and relationships being different to earth).

An interesting thing about heaven that I have been thinking on lately is that there is supposed to be complete healing of disabilities, disorders and injuries. I guess that means that there'll be no AS there, which is an interesting concept - anyone else have any thoughts on that?

I don't think AS is a disability. It's a-nother-ability: one that our society isn't equipped to embrace. The Bible doesn't promise perfect bodies. When Jesus came back to see the disciples after His crucifixion, His hands still had holes in them and His side where He was pierced with the spear was still noticeable. (John 20:24-27) Heaven won't allow "anything impure" nor "anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life."(Rev. 21:27)

Lots of preachers have said what heaven is gonna be like, but I don't believe them until I study the verses myself. Well, OK, I just don't believe them. Period.

Have you read, "Lovely Bones," by Alice Sebold? It's a really interesting story about a girl who is already in heaven. She watches her family on Earth and explores heaven and such. I think you'd find it interesting.

a cardshop with all those trading cards i cant afford

Heaven to me... hmmm....

owning invacare, bodypoint, therafin... and all the other powerchair and strap companies

Does God come from heaven on a white horse and lasso you with straps and pull u to heaven, or is this your plan for heaven on earth?

heaven in both places

What are heavenly straps made from and what are their dimensions?

heavenly straps are made of neoprene... and come in various dimensions... but i like the kind in my avatar the best

Ahh, yes, that is comfortable! My car seats are made of neoprene and they stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

While I mean no offense, I must ask... does EVERY thread have to turn into a discussion of straps or powerchairs?

I love neoprene

i also like silk and velvet and other soft things

so heaven for me would be more of a sensory paradise... i dont really have much intellectual things...

my obsessions are powerchairs, assistive technology, stock market, neurological diseases and disabilities, sensory integration disorders, radiology, straps!! !

my sensory integration disorder / autism is calmed/relaxed/comforted by the following i love soft silky straps and restrainy thingies!(see what i mean at http://bodypoint.com) tight warm things and places, deep pressure, sensory deprivation, being mummy wrapped, extremely tight hugs, blood pressure cuffs, lead aprons, soft latex/PVC thingys

my sensory list being much longer already tells you that i am more sensory than intellectual

I iz sorry

Ive had memories that were always in my head from the beginning, that were about choosing what kind of reality I wanted to live in. All I know is that the past ones I have experienced were harmonous, nothing compared to the challenges I face here :/
So no, there is no heaven.
I know not how the descension/blending process occurs.. Something I have been curious of for a very long time. Only that it happens at birth.
My favorite way of looking at it (because Im a SG1 freak ), is a symbiote becoming one with the host. Definetly one of the best ways of describing it imo. Also Im not convinced that everyone on Earth becomes possessed, but thats just part of my wishful thinking I have to admit..