Adventures In Imperfect Living Catholic Podcast With Greg And Jennifer Willits

It’s incredibly easy to believe that you suck. Perhaps you’ve looked in the mirror and actually said those words to yourself. But where did that unhealthy core belief come from? And what is a core belief anyway? In this episode, Greg takes a page from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy rulebook to explain the difference between healthy and unhealthy core beliefs, as well as how to counteract negative core beliefs by evaluating positive evidence from your life.

St. Theresa of Jesus describes Contemplative Prayer as “nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.” Contemplative prayer, the Catechism teaches, is a choice of time and duration that arises from a determined will (2710). It is the prayer of the child of God, the simplest expression of the mystery of prayer, an intense time of prayer that is a gaze of faith, focused on Jesus. Additionally, Contemplative prayer is hearing the Word of God and is silence, the “symbol of the world to come.” An exploration of Catechism paragraphs 2709 through 2719, in this episode we work though the complexities of what should a very simple action: experiencing God through Contemplative Prayer. EXCERPT: An exploration of Catechism paragraphs 2709 through 2719, in this episode we work though the complexities of what should a very simple action: experiencing God through Contemplative Prayer. GREG + JENNIFER’S LINKS Support Greg and Jennifer on Patreon

Part 1 of 2 - If you’re like us, then you loved Highlander when it came out in the 1980’s. Swords, Scotland, and Sean Connery. What’s not to love? Well, watching it 30 years later, apparently there’s plenty! Grab some Scotch and join Mac and Greg as they revisit a classic from their teen years - Highlander! There can be only one…podcast…that mocks Highlander. And this is it. Film: Highlander Release Date: March 7, 1986 Rating: R Description: An immortal Scottish swordsman must confront the last of his immortal opponent, a murderously brutal barbarian who lusts for the fabled "Prize." Watch on Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B079N4DM13) Watch Part 2 here - WAM004b

Part 1 of 2 - If you’re like us, then you loved Highlander when it came out in the 1980’s. Swords, Scotland, and Sean Connery. What’s not to love? Well, watching it 30 years later, apparently there’s plenty! Grab some Scotch and join Mac and Greg as they revisit a classic from their teen years - Highlander! There can be only one…podcast…that mocks Highlander. And this is it. Film: Highlander Release Date: March 7, 1986 Rating: R Description: An immortal Scottish swordsman must confront the last of his immortal opponent, a murderously brutal barbarian who lusts for the fabled "Prize." Watch on Amazon Prime (https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B079N4DM13) Watch Part 2 here - WAM004b

A Stinking Beginning to the show (literally), the Evolution of Catholic podcasting, Revisiting old Rosary Army podcasts, and the origin of Rosary Army retold, with several revelations about the future and purpose of this important apostolate. Excerpt: Talking about the evolution of Catholic Podcasting and retelling the origin of Rosary Army has revealed an incredible future for Rosary Army that was right in front of us for several years. STUFF WE MENTIONED ON EPISODE 296: OK Catholics on YouTube That Catholic Couple YouTube Holey Marriage Podcast SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT WE’RE DEALING WITH iTunes - h

We all want deeper relationships with God, and as St. Therese of Lisieux says, “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” But if “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God,” as St. John Damascene writes, then why is prayer often so difficult? And why is it such a challenge to establish a regular, ongoing prayer routine? In this episode we talk about what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say about prayer, and how we are to go about doing it, particularly when we let our own lives get in the way. EXCERPT: A discussion on prayer as God’s gift to us, and the different ways God calls us into a deeper communion with Him through prayer. SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT WE’RE DEALING WITH iTunes - h

We talk about our new dog, excitement on our YouTube Channel, Being Deliberate about prayer time, and we make an exciting announcement you won’t want to miss! And in this episode’s exclusive BONUS content we share easy ways to make the Rosary a part of your daily routine. Like what we do? Join our community of co-producers to help out and get even more content! Links: Our YouTube Channel Jennifer's Instagram Greg's Instagram Our Facebook Page Support us on Patreon Book of Christian Prayer (Single Volume Liturgy of the Hours) The Everyday Catholic's Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours Divine Office App iBreviary App Pray Station Portable Podcast Rosary Army Mobile App Rosary Cast Podcast

A shockingly candid episode where Greg is joined by his wife, Jennifer, as the look over their 20+ years of marriage and the shadow mental health issues has cast over the years. Jennifer shares her unique perspective of a newlywed learning about having a spouse suffering from depression, coming to terms with what depression is and isn't, how best to support a loved one suffering from mental health issues, and more. www.gregandjennifer.com

Joseph Pronechen from the National Catholic Register recently wrote an incredibly insightful column about Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s 1974 statement about the end of Christendom, as well as the antidote to the crisis of faith very much in existence in the world today. In 1974, Archbishop Sheen clarified by saying, “Christendom is economic, political, social life as inspired by Christian principles. That is ending — we’ve seen it die. Look at the symptoms: the breakup of the family, divorce, abortion, immorality, general dishonesty.” In this episode we break open both Pronechen’s article and analysis, as well as work towards a deeper understanding of Sheen’s prophetic words from 1974 and what they mean in today’s world. We’d love to hear your comments and feedback! Links: Joseph Pronechen's article about Archbishop Sheen at the National Catholic Register Support our Work: Greg and Jennifer's Patreon Page Mac and Katherine's Patreon Page

In this inaugural podcast, Greg and Jennifer Willits from the Adventures in Imperfect Living Podcast and Mac and Katherine Barron from the Catholic in a Small Town Podcast join together for a long form conversation and deeper dive into a topic that's been on their minds lately. In this episode, the discussion revolves around a response to a recent talk and letter given by Robert Cardinal Sarah. The complete text of the talk can be found at https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2019/06/21/cardinal-sarah-we-must-rebuild-the-cathedral-we-do-not-need-to-invent-a-new-church/ Note: This is a bonus podcast initially available exclusively to supporters at http://www.patreon.com/gregandjennifer and/or http://www.patreon.com/cst

What is the proper way to receive communion at Mass - in the hand or in the tongue? And should you kneel when receiving? These and other questions are bounced around on this episode of What We're Dealing With. Hosted by Greg and Jennifer Willits from the Adventures in Imperfect Living Podcast and Mac and Katherine Barron from the Catholic in a Small Town Podcast. Note: This is a bonus podcast initially available exclusively to supporters at http://www.patreon.com/gregandjennifer and/or http://www.patreon.com/cst

How do you set aside time for prayer, and could your prayer life be improved? In this episode we discuss the difficulties of maintaining consistent prayer, and overcoming roadblocks to more “advanced” prayer like daily Mass, the Rosary, and Liturgy of the Hours. Hosted by Greg and Jennifer Willits from the Adventures in Imperfect Living Podcast and Mac and Katherine Barron from the Catholic in a Small Town Podcast. Note: This is a bonus podcast initially available exclusively to supporters at http://www.patreon.com/gregandjennifer and/or http://www.patreon.com/cst

In this episode the gang spends some time pontificating on how important it is to read original church documents, especially in the light of the changes the church has seen since the Second Vatican Council. We discuss this in light of the recognition that the language is often dense and difficult to understand. These documents call us to a greater and deeper holiness. Church documents, though dense and difficult, call us to greater holiness. Get to reading! Patreon.com/gregandjennifer Patreon.com/cst

Continuing our discussion of church documents, we begin to unpack the opening paragraphs of Sacrosanctum Concilium, getting stuck in the opening paragraph with both agreements and issues with the wording. Reform? Modern times? What?? Sacrosanctum Concilium - We get through one whole paragraph. Help!

The gang discusses preparing our hearts, minds, souls and bodies for Mass. Oh, and leave your phone at home! Being deliberate about how you approach Mass with your minds and with your clothes!

Mac, Katherine, Jennifer and Greg dive into Scripture, Tradition, and the Early Church Fathers to have a better understanding of not only the necessity of baptism, but trying to figure out if this is a “one and done” sacrament that isn’t necessary for the rest of our Christian life.

After recording last week’s show, Greg got a phone call that changed his plans for the next 90 days. He’s now joined a group of men going through Exodus 90, which means no TV, movies, video games, alcohol and more until just before Thanksgiving! Also, last week we had a chance to attend a Traditional Latin Mass for the first time and we share our perspectives. And lastly, Jennifer talks about her decision to start wearing a veil at Mass, and all the conflicting feelings that go along with it.

The controversial topic of feminism versus femininity, and what WE think it means to truly be man or woman in today’s world. And in this episode’s exclusive BONUS content we explore the graces that come from devoting time to educating your kids at home, even when your confidence is shaky.

Dr. Elizabeth Dybell is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. For over 20 years, she has worked with parents, children, teachers, and adults, providing psychotherapy and assessments. Dr. Dybell also lectures widely on topics relating to mental health and education concerns. On this episode of More Than Mental, Dr. Dybell joins Greg to talk about the difficulty of explaining mental illness to children when one of their parents is suffering. We also touch upon how to go about getting counseling help for children with their own mental health needs. Books mentioned on the program: Dr. Elizabeth Dybell's Website Why Are You So Scared?: A Child's Book About Parents with PTSD Why Are You So Sad?: A Child's Book about Parental Depression Wishing Wellness: A Workbook for Children of Parents with Mental Illness

Ben and Tom turned 17 and 15 last April and now go to a high school that requires us to drive them 20 minutes each way every day. With Ben on an after school robotics team, there are days we make this trip 3 times, plus Tommy has to go to work four days a week. So to cut down on driving, we bought a secondhand car so Ben can finally get his license. It all goes down from there. Plus, Mac and Greg’s new podcast “Watch a Movie with Mac and Greg” is off to a great start, but would be doing even better if Greg hadn’t messed up the recordings of three episodes so far. Lastly, in an effort to give our kids one-on-one time, Lily planned a daddy/daughter day with Greg. Enjoy the show? Join our Patreon co-producer community, make a one time contribution through PayPal, or pick up a t-shirt or coffee mug in the Swag shop!