In this episode of the Desert Wanderers podcast, we welcome Father Nathan Dale to discuss the importance of willpower and how it influences our ability to choose good in our lives. Together, we explore the intersection of beauty, vocation, and self-discipline, and how cultivating a strong will can lead to a more fulfilling spiritual life. Join us for an insightful conversation that bridges the gap between faith and everyday choices. Chapters: (00:00) The Desert Wanderers interview priests, religious and laity in Boise (00:34) Father Nathan Dale joins us from his office to talk about Catholicism (00:53) I put this whole thing together with seminarians because I wanted beauty (02:38) When we talk about beauty, it's far easier for us to choose good (03:58) We're going to talk about willpower and the will in a new podcast (06:25) When I hear willpower, I don't necessarily think Catholic (10:16) For anybody, I would say waking up early is the hardest habit (14:51) You touched on this briefly. I feel like this goes a little bit into forming your conscience (23:46) You have to grapple with mysteries in our life and our will and God's will (27:24) How has original sin affected our wills, concupiscence (32:37) The difference between Protestant and Catholic theology is Protestantism says our will is broken (36:20) Christ talks about going to confession but not filling it with anything good (38:23) There is discipline and there's obsession. Motivation. Obsession. I don't know if it's discipline or obsession (42:59) Roland Martin says the only things that remain are discipline and obsession (48:18) I do have a question. Because I think in marriage, (50:15) Self discipline and self denial are beneficial for us, right (52:43) Are there practical ways laypeople can practice self denial as laypers (55:33) Self denial is leading us to Christ versus just building us to do things (57:29) Turn off all input audio or visual an hour before you go to bed (58:33) Bronco Catholic is looking for help with Newman Nights for 70 students

In this enlightening episode, we explore the intricacies of balancing family life, work, and faith with guests Carol and Hope. They share their personal experiences in homeschooling, managing household responsibilities, and nurturing their children's spiritual growth. Discover practical tips and heartfelt insights on how to navigate the challenges of motherhood while fostering a strong family bond. Join us for a conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and encouragement as we journey together in building the city of God!
Resourses:
Read Aloud Revival https://readaloudrevival.com
Atomic Habits by James Clear https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
FlyLady https://flylady.net
Mother's Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Rule-Life-Organizing-Yourself/dp/1933184210

Chapters: (00:00) The Desert Wanderers interview priests, religious, and laity (00:34) Carol and Hope talk about parenting techniques and systems (01:37) Hope and Carol talk about balancing motherhood and family life (02:32) Hope Ryan didn't start working until her daughter was 12 (08:34) I was active in the campus ministry there. So I was the campus minister (12:31) Hope uses Seton Home Study to homeschool her three children (16:36) You had conversations with your husband early on that you wanted to homeschool (23:00) There's more to education than just the books and the curriculum (28:14) A lot of people say that homeschooling is different from public school (32:27) How do you balance the needs of everyday life? Or how did you balance (35:42) You can train your kids to do a lot of things in 15 minutes (38:46) You're constantly evaluating whether homeschooling is working or not (40:45) How did you manage needs and expectations from your children while working (45:12) How do you teach your kids how to behave in mass (46:17) What is appropriate mass behavior? Because my oldest is not quiet (49:19) You know, address their need. Go to a daily mass if you need quiet time yourself (52:45) What were the hidden costs of working outside of the home or homeschooling (57:08) What systems and habits helped you through different stages of homeschooling (01:02:18) Sometimes you just have to take a breath and accept what's going on (01:02:42) What does a normal homeschooling day look like for you (01:06:13) Mass was very important to our homeschooling, too (01:09:10) Also something that I really, really value is prayer at 9 o' clock (01:13:03) With an autistic kiddo, we had to be very regimented (01:14:53) So going back to the behavioral piece, though, did you ever fight with your kids (01:18:50) What are some tips specifically for schooling boys that you think are valuable (01:22:13) How do you deal with burnout when there's so much to do (01:24:53) When did your kids start doing chores? What kind of chores were you expecting (01:28:55) Lower your expectations and you'll be happier, she says (01:29:35) Did you intentionally outsource or just stop doing or skipping things (01:32:40) Was there anything that you guys intentionally skipped or didn't do (01:34:38) How is your husband taking on different tasks throughout the season (01:35:47) Every family is different. And there's different techniques to homeschooling (01:40:33) What would you give parents starting out or really in the thick of it (01:42:43) Being intentional in your parenting is important, Hope says

In this enlightening episode of the Desert Wanderers podcast, we are joined by Deacon Bill Burns, who shares his remarkable journey of faith and vocation. From his childhood experiences of role-playing as a priest to his eventual return to the Catholic Church after a 20-year hiatus, Deacon Bill offers profound insights into the importance of understanding one's conscience and the moral teachings of the Church. Join us as we explore how to navigate spiritual challenges and the role of a well-formed conscience in making ethical decisions. Don't miss this inspiring discussion!

Chapters:

(00:00) The Desert Wanderers interview priests, religious and laity in Boise

(00:34) Bill Burns is a deacon at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

(04:44) North was ordained in October of 2023 after 20 years outside the church

(11:29) Whenever you're opening yourself up to spiritual influences, you're putting yourself in danger

(13:01) What are the top few things that you wish people knew about spiritual warfare

(15:52) What would you say to someone who says they were born Catholic but don't practice

(18:30) What would you say to someone who says they left because of Catholic rules

(20:11) The Vatican is becoming more open to women in leadership positions

(23:19) When Catholics say conscience, what exactly are we talking about

(25:05) Natalie: I was driving through the canyon and I was nervous

(27:32) Let's discuss some ways we can decide on moral issues

(32:12) How does the conscience guide us toward good and evil

(33:47) How do we distinguish between strong opinions and a well formed conscience

(40:19) Dominic: Understanding the church and why behind the church is important

(46:13) What does a well formed conscience look like in practice

(47:58) This kind of ties into what we were talking about, about choosing the good

(49:52) How does the society and culture around us shape our conscience

(56:39) Catholic Church teaches that it's better to save the mother than the embryo

(58:24) The church teaches that we have to act according to our conscience

(01:03:36) How do we help someone or how do we ourselves move from being stuck

(01:05:24) How can we help our children find spiritual advisors

(01:09:15) Complacency is the worst habit that keeps us from changing and improving

(01:10:47) Any kind of spontaneous prayer is going to be good. Like state your intention, Lord

(01:11:52) Roman Flames Band has a YouTube channel with maybe six videos

In this episode of the Desert Wanderers podcast, we explore the intricacies of parenting with counselor Jodi. Discover her unique journey from a career in computer science to becoming a dedicated advocate for families. Jodi shares her experiences with foster care, the importance of connection in parenting, and the transformative Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) program. Join us as we delve into practical parenting tips, the significance of emotional intelligence, and how to navigate the challenges of raising children in today's world.

Chapters:
(00:00) The Desert Wanderers podcast interviews priests, religious and laity
(00:39) Christian is a counselor who focuses on helping families build stronger family units
(06:27) Can we talk about adoption and foster care for a little bit
(12:43) You've probably heard about the Springs of Love organization. That's the Catholic group
(15:53) Do you feel like Safe Families and foster care could be a stepping stone
(20:29) Some of the laws regarding foster care are changing, and that's interesting
(22:34) What about visitation? So what does that look like for foster parents
(28:10) TBRI is a trust based relationship intervention for children with trauma
(31:25) There are four different attachment styles depending on where you were raised
(38:16) How can you connect with kids when they hit or bite others
(39:40) Self regulation is calming yourself by yourself when emotions are high
(43:46) Sometimes we have so much information when trying to figure out parenting
(44:52) What is your take on timeout and how is it used appropriately or inappropriately
(50:38) What's the need behind the behavior? That's a huge part of TBRi
(51:57) What are the core emotions parents should help their children understand
(58:04)Start with small things that kids can do well so they feel empowerment
(59:30) How do we help children self regulate? Um, physical activity helps
(01:01:01) By the time they're in middle school, we're hoping that they can self regulate
(01:05:52) When I spoke with the Flanagans, we were talking about discipline
(01:09:37) When is it appropriate to give cell phones to children, what is recommended
(01:12:02) So, so let's talk about devices. So there's a TV, there's smart watches, smartphones w
(01:17:18) So the first step is delay technology as long as possible. And delay it, you know, until eighth grade
(01:22:03) Number one is daily digital detox. How does that work? Um, digital diet. So daily digital diet
(01:24:54) A digital detox isn't always required, but sometimes we need it
(01:27:38) Parents have to monitor their children's technology, even when they're teens
(01:34:02) There's a lot of parenting information out there, and it can be overwhelming
(01:37:56) Desert Wanderers talks about parenting teenagers and young adults

In this enlightening episode, we explore the concept of holy discipline in parenting with John and Heidi, a dynamic couple blessed with seven children. They share their insights on navigating the complexities of discipline across different ages and temperaments, emphasizing the importance of love, understanding, and consistency. Tune in to discover practical tips and heartfelt advice on fostering a loving environment while instilling discipline in your children!

In this episode, we welcome Sister Petra, a bride of Christ and member of the Sisters of Merry Morning Star. Join us as we delve into Sister Petra's vocation story, exploring the journey of discovering her identity in God and the profound impact her family had on her spiritual life. From childhood inspirations to the challenges of discerning a religious vocation, Sister Petra shares her heartfelt experiences and insights on embracing God's call. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that bridges the gap between faith and community.

Chapters:

(00:00) The Desert Wanderers interview priests, religious, and laity in Boise

(00:44) Sister Petra is a bride of Christ

(01:21) You identify yourself as bride of Christ, searching for truth and like a discoverer

(02:52) Were there things that your family did that helped you desire holiness

(04:25) What other things do you remember from your childhood that really solidified Christianity

(06:11) How did your parents help you develop a personal relationship with Jesus

(07:31) At 10, you get your first call about religious life

(10:37) Can you go into this? I think, um, if I was in someone else's shoes

(15:27) To get to know God a person, you need to encounter him

(16:48) There's somebody who asks the question about like, how to enter into silence

(23:12) Having a spiritual director can help guide you when you're searching for vocation

(27:17) What's the difference between the school of life and the novice year

(30:08) You receive the wimple from the Virgin Mary as a novice

(34:27) M. I. Marion: We need to build relationship with our Heavenly mom

(38:36) Natalie: I wanted a wedding so bad. I was like, I can live simply after that

(43:41) How has Jesus brought out your feminine genius in the convent

(48:23) M: Lay people should be more intentional about their prayer life

(54:09) M: It's hard not to get distracted when you have kids

(01:00:02) We have to trust in the Lord, but we also have to control

(01:01:28) What has been the best part of saying yes to your calling

(01:02:34) Do you want to lead us in a prayer