You know those Worst Case Scenario survival guides? Well, they made one of those for Presbyterians. They—as far as I can tell, a group of silly Lutherans that started the whole trend with, The Lutheran Handbook—have now created, The Presbyterian Handbook. In addition to practical information like, “How to Survive for One Hour in an Unair-conditioned Church,” (sit still and pray—it got Jesus through 40 days in the desert), there are theological helpful-hints like a brief reference guide to different denominations and beliefs and plenty of comical assists such as recommending one not make change from the offering plate.

The book is clever, sometimes funny, and pointedly honest about what to do in specific situations (a crying baby, for instance—no staring, or "How to Forgive Someone")—a handy little reference book in some ways, a comic book in others.

The handiest section by far this particular Ash Wednesday is a How To section on memorizing Scripture. Which gives me one more plug on our First Pres journey through Lent in memorizing the resurrection story. I hope you First Pres-ers will consider joining in the journey.

For everybody, I’m also going to use Lent as a letting go, which is going to include any contemplating on the blog. So Monday mornings, you can look for meditation spots or Scripture passages, maybe a good quote or two, but I’ll skip the musings.

To the journey,
Jess

On Joy:

"Joy shows from the eyes. It appears when one speaks and walks. It cannot be kept closed inside us. It reacts outside. When people find in your eyes that habitual happiness, they will understand they that are beloved children of God." Mother Teresa

Joy and understanding be yours,
Jess