EmPulse for Week of November 23, 2009

thanx

Thanx. Def. “a recently discovered branch of theropods (all bipodal) of the genus Saurischia [species- Dinosaurian], who veered away from their carnivorous ancestors to cultivate a more balanced diet of cheeses, celery, and, occasionally, Voles (Arvicolinae), which were significantly more abundant & larger than their present-day offspring. Thanx of the early Phanerozoic Eon were known to incorporate an nascent form of chocolate (from the cocoa plant) with the latter part of their daily diet.”

Thanx approached extinction as early human civilizations migrated from the Mesopotamian Valley, east, through Asia, and west, toward the Eurasian peninsula. The Far East (China) retained discernable evidence of extant Thanx well into the Christian Era (the Yuanshi era of the Han Dynasty). By the time of the Peoples’ Revolution of 1949-1950, there were no known sightings of Thanx reported to the Western press. Thanx reappeared briefly during the Western Victorian era, but validating their veracity uncovered it to be more of a rouse, a hoax, or merely a societal affectation than any genuine reappearance of the class.

As far as field research and anthropological investigation can determine no Thanx (or very few) have been positively established as genuine indicators of their return to the ecological matrix following the shifts from the post-modern era, and, now, well into, the postChristian eras. This loss has been grievous, though little noted among historical scholars, academicians, the media, nor governmental agencies. Neither society nor the environment have noted the decline in their respective, overall health due to the lack of the exercise of Thanx.

A few environmental scientists, joined, nor surprisingly, by a goodly number of refined philosophers and orthodox religious individuals, are working toward a common goal of recreating the Thanx line through DNA research, with an eye toward the regeneration of the class, and its consequent introduction into the present rubric of society, whatever shape that society might be. You are subsequently invited, by the reading this historical abstract, to join with us in resurrecting the practice of Thanx into our daily lives. It should be such a simple gesture, given all that God has bestowed upon us—mother, father, brother, sister, friends, children, work, shelter, food, faith in God, the love of God, His forgiveness and salvation, freedom to cry…, or to rejoice, the resolution of death…, the hope of the resurrection to come. And, of course, Turkey!

Give thanx.

Have a nice week.

Gary

EmPulse for Week of November 9, 2009

fragile

It was one of exquisite wine goblets, a piece of artwork, really; with a tall, thin stem, holding the finest of globes that made even the finest of wines taste even finer. Its ping rang true to the ear, and resonated to a soothing, restful finish. There two in the set to begin with. Losing the first was dispiriting: watching the other one fall to the floor was more a tragedy that caught the throat and the heart at once.

It is often the finest things in life that are the most fragile—a child’s heart, another’s trust, a rich friendship, a family heirloom, a fine wine goblet. These are the things, when broken, that bring the most pain. There is one more (there are many more), that draws the attention of this writing—the human soul.

The Soul— What is it, exactly? Part of “body, soul, & spirit?” Or is the Soul the simple coupling of Body & Spirit? Theologians have bantered this question around for centuries. Frankly, does it matter that much? The way we use the word today has more to do with personal wounding or a question of the afterlife than anything else. At the very least, on this side of the grave, the human soul can be beaten about, wounded, and hurt very deeply through many assailants, some trusted friends, or family, others, our own emotions and perspectives of life.

The point is, that, if your soul is beaten down enough you become quite fragile, unable to function in daily life without exerting a great deal of energy (read- control) to hold things together. Not unexpectedly, that contributes even more to your fragility, and wears you to the bone. In the end you become terrified of breathing, of living life, not to the fullest, but of living life at all. It is at that point that you are in serious trouble. You need to talk with someone…, quickly.

The human soul is fragile. But the God who made it, made you, is strong. It has always been his design that he would be an integral part of your soul-support, woven into the fabric of every human being. We are not designed to live apart from a deep, rich, casual relationship with the Lord God Creator of the universe. If you do not find yourself in this state, you need to get off your ass and do something about it. Renew, refresh your relationship with the God who made you. If you are at a point in life where you have been beaten about, your soul is weary, and you are not sure you can go on, you need to get some rest. The ensuing holidays (Thanksgiving & Christmas) will not do much to rest your spirit.

Refurbish your soul by resting it, now…, and by feeding it. Get some spiritual food, whatever that is for you. I find a warm fire, substantial time in Scripture and a fine glass of wine work quite well.

Have a nice week.

Gary

EmPulse for Week of October 26, 2009

Definitions

1. Anthraxite – An unpleasant form of fossil fuel.
2. Bluffalo – A bull that may or may not be about to charge.
3. Cluckoo clock – A European timepiece that chimes the song of a chicken once every hour.
4. Deafeat – The result of failing to hear an order to retreat.
5. Penguini – A kind of pasta developed by Falkland Islanders.
6. Snyphilis – A contagious nasal drip.
7. Pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (pseudoPHP) a word which refers to a lung disease contracted from the inhalation of very fine silica particles, specifically from a volcano. (longest word in an English dictionary)
8. MAHER-SHALAL-HASH-BAZ (Isaiah 8:1) is the name given to Isaiah’s son, meaning “swift is booty, speedy is prey.”
9. Abraham (Hebrew) – Father of many.
10. Barak (Hebrew) – Lightening.
11. Carol (Olde French) – Melody
12. Edward (Olde English) – Rich guard.
13. Hans (Scandinavian) – God is gracious.
14. Gary (German) – Spear Carrier.
15. How I define myself – Strong personality, dependent on God, safe/dangerous, complex, creative, positive, risky, relaxed, tenacious, encouraging, gracious, lover, dumb (sometimes), and totally wacky (for starters).
16. _______(your name)_______ – What words define who you are? [Note– Cheating is allowed. Ask others to contribute their definitions of who you are.]

Have a nice week.

Gary