Things I have in Common with the new Japanese PM

He is Catholic and likes magna. 

I'm Catholic and have a small collection of magna. The story does not mention if he has a tendency to stay up waaaay to late on weekends trying to watch anime, though.

H/T: Mark Shea

I actually ( yes, I used the homeschool code word) find this very intriguing. We have been studying the reopening of Japan and Commodore Perry this month. To have a Catholic is office is remarkable, given how much Christian blood has been shed in Japan. St. Francis Xavier, missionary to the Samurai, pray for him.

HELP!!!

I am looking for a book, a classic novel, with the theme of forgiveness. I know should be able to come up with a few off the top of my head, but for some reason I cannot. Please give me suggestions, this is for a review I need to write for a parish newsletter, read by about 200 families and our Pastor. We are trying to not just discuss books that are exclusively religious, but classics that are good moral examples. I'll also take suggestions for book lists. 

New post over at L2L Movies

I review Nancy Drew, the movie.

Life's Chance Encounters

Recently I met a lovely older (to me at least) woman at my parish. She was serving soup at our Lenten Soup dinner. I was struck by her kindness and her perfectly manicured nails. Here she was serving soup, at a parish function, to mostly hyper children and their tired parents, and she looked so elegant. She smiled, and waited patiently on all of the children, happy to refill their bowls again and again. She served with joy. I did not know who she was, i had never seen her around before, but I remembered her.

A few months later she and I met at a committee meeting for Project Gabriel, a group that in parishes helps support women in crisis pregnancies. There she was, the head of the material goods committee. I was thrilled to finally meet her and more thrilled to work with her. 

I grew to know her a bit, she was witty and realistic, perfect for our work, which can be hard. She was full of great ideas and resources. Her husband was a Knight of Columbus and was very helpful in our work, rallying the older men to help our young, pregnant, homeless mother with her material needs, and gettting them to pray for her. Every time I saw her, she was joyful and greeted me with a warm smile. A good Catholic woman.

This morning I received a phone call to inform me she had suddenly died. I am deeply saddened. I am shocked, and I am better for this chance encounter with a wonderful woman who shared her time with so many, including me.

Our school year

We began a while ago, but this year, we have really hit a groove. So far, no crying, so thrown math books and no excuses. Everyone is happy, even the preschooler, who gets a bit ignored during the school day.

We have traveled to the Art Institute, The Museum of Science and Industry, and done a few hikes. Our study of history has given us the chance to read The Secret Garden, and use a companion cookbook. We have talked about our new favorite book, Around the World in 80 days and the Sepoy mutiny in India. The fiction gave the kids a better understanding of the history. Just today we talked about how Russia tried to gain power over a region near the Black Sea, in 1853, very near a region in the news, with Russia as part of the story. 

I think the biggest help this year is that daily Mass I like to go to is 15 minutes earlier, so the kids can come with, or I can at least get home early enough to eat and then start classes, rather than trying to do both at the same time. God is good, and I love homeschooling again.

This just makes me sad

Someone has vandalized the church we go to daily Mass at, again. My kids really love this statue. It is in a beautiful garden that an elderly priest tends. We have spent many afternoons there, in front of the statue, talking to friends, praying, enjoying the beauty of Fr. Gordan's garden. We just returned home from Mass, the head has been placed back on the Statue, but still the damage is done, please pray for those who hate the church and act on their hatred.

Teachings that never change

Part of what makes me love being Catholic is the 2000+ years of history, tradition and teaching. That fact that in 2000 years many of the teachings have never changed is very comforting.

With all the "Catholic" Politicians voicing their opinions on church teaching this week, I thought this picture from 1700 depicting an event from 390 is appropriate. More on the Refusal of St. Ambrose to allow Theodosius into the church and his repentance can be found at New Advent. It is a very interesting moment in Church History, a moment that should not be forgotten, especially by modern "Catholic" politicians.
I promise not to rant about politics too much this year, but it is sad history is being made by a man who chooses death for so many of his own people.

A Soldier's Story

Today, my Sister's Husband leaves for Afghanistan, and the local Chicago news talked to him this week. Please watch the video. My sister was not prepared to be on TV, she didn't sleep at all that night, so she looks a mess. Poor Kate. Her Step-daughter will not be able to see her until he comes back, in a year, just adding to the difficulties. As you can see, her kids are darling, please pray for them. John joined the National Guard last year, with the hopes that when he comes home, he can get out of construction, which is very slow right now.

Chesterton, Chesterton Everywhere!

Today has been very odd, everywhere I turn, Chesterton.

Here's a look at my Chesterton filled day. I'm at Barnes and Noble, looking for a copy of The Man Who Was Thursday rather quickly. I bought one there last year as a gift, so I know that recently they have had it. I searched and searched, no sign of anything Chesterton. I even ventured into the abyss know as "Christian Fiction" looking. I gave up after a latte found it's way into my hands, and decided I needed help. Enter "Customer Service" girl who informs me that "due to the nature of the book, it is pre-pay special order". Um, Okay, and what is that nature, I ask, "books no one wants". EXCUSE ME! I want it, and know for a fact that B&N has a edition of it they publish. I decide, rather insulted, I'll order it from The American Chesterton Society and forgo my husband's huge employee discount at the mega book retailer.

Shortly there after daughter and I race to church to be 6th and 7th line for confession, so we only have to wait 45 minutes. Father tells her to "read a book called Father Brown". I chuckle, she giggles, and refreshed with grace, we head home to find..

...A Letter from the ACS asking for donations, memberships and book orders. In all honestly, if I had any money I could give, I would, but we just do not this year. I'm happy I have 2 more years on my membership. I'll be ordering that book, and maybe another tonight.

After a brief visit with family for a party, I check my 104 awaiting emails, to find this:

Save the Dates for G.K. Chesterton Events: October 23 and 24, 2008

The Wade Center is pleased to present a lecture by Dale Ahlquist (President of the G.K. Chesterton Society) on Thursday, October 23, followed by a Wheaton College chapel talk on October 24 by Chris Mitchell. Chuck Chalberg presents his dramatic performance "G.K. Chesterton On Stage" on October 24. Continue to watch this web page for additional details.

I'm so excited! We love watching EWTN"s Apostle of Common Sense with Mr. Ahlquist. I think I'm going to get a nice date with my husband October 23 or 24, and an evening at the Irish pub down the block.

Now I'm off to play Chutes and Ladder with my boys and then read Chesterton, who seems to be calling me today.

Living Life and the Blog

I had a great conversation last night with a fellow blogger about the state of our sad little endeavors. We have come to the conclusion, that it is hard to blog about life, when you are too busy living it. Hence the lack of recent additions to Simple Joys. I love writing, but much prefer living.

School is starting soon, and life will slow down. I've got 2 writing gigs this year, so I'll need to practice a few stylistic changes here. I'll, in theory, have time to sit and recollect my thoughts on life, family and and the world, but of course theories have to be proven.

For now I'm off to live life some more, but I'll write about it some day.