The Journey with Jonathan Pitts

In this episode Jonathan and Linsey Driskill interview author, speaker and CEO of MOPS International, Mandy Arioto. Mandy shares her story of finding community as a mom, building it across the country and offers practical advice on how to find the same. Step into an honest conversation around the complexity of building community as families from a mom's and dad's perspective.

Does prayer have to be boring? Or can conversing with God be simple and lead to a real connection?  Is intimacy with God obtainable for you? And could you equip your kids to find the same? Jonathan and Addison Bevere discuss opening the conversation in your own heart and with your kids, pulling from a few simple ideas and methods in Addison's new book, Words with God: Trading Boring Empty Prayer for Real Connection. Addison Bevere is a best-selling author, speaker and ministry leader for Messenger International, and the oldest son of John and Lisa Bevere.

In this episode, Jonathan & Linsey Driskill interview mom to two teen girls and licensed marriage and family counselor, Terra Mattson.  Terra shares her personal story of living with and overcoming an eating disorder and shares the simple power of good communicating and modeling when it comes to parenting around issues of body image, eating, nutrition and all things food.     The Journey with Jonathan Pitts is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org  

In this episode, Jonathan simply and vulnerably shares where he is right now, reflecting on God's goodness while maintaining a posture of faith and trust through the most difficult moments on the parenting journey. He encourages himself and all those that will listen to be still and see the deliverance of the Lord in whatever challenges they find themselves in today.

In this episode, Jonathan interviews the founders of Sister I Am With You, Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston, an online community of women, encouraging each other everywhere to stand hand in hand, heart to heart and arm in arm. Jonathan, Amy and Jess discuss parenting, friendship and tips for parenting your children through their friendships as well as creating boundaries in your own.

In this episode, Jonathan is interviewed by Cynthia Yanof on her show Pardon The Mess. Jonathan and Cynthia discuss dealing with grief, loss and unmet expectations while Jonathan also gives a life update on new marriage, blended family while also sharing encouragement on fully embracing your feelings and processing life as it comes.

In this episode, Jonathan interviews dad of 5, pastor, popular speaker, sports chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys and Mavericks, Jonathan Evans. The Jonathan's catch up on friendship and family while having a conversation around “Fighting Your Battles” and helping your kids to do the same.

In this episode, Jonathan interviews wife, mom, writer, worship leader, speaker and dreamer, Lauren Chandler. Jonathan and Lauren talk about their intersections in life as well as their similar journeys of leading kids through difficult seasons, encouraging you to “take the long view” as you parent and lead your family.

In this episode, Jonathan interviews best-selling author, Stormie Omartian, best known for her book Power of a Praying Wife. Stormie has sold more than 38 Million copies in her Power of a Praying series and vulnerably shares her story of coming to know Jesus as an adult and discovering the power of prayer as a wife, mom, and now a grandmother.

In this episode, Jonathan has a conversation with his good friend, author, mom, wife and founder of Treasured Girlz, Courtney DeFeo.  The cover a lot but mostly revolve around what it looks like to care for yourself as a parent and how to trust God as your kiddos age.

In this episode, Jonathan interviews Teaching Pastor at Church of the City in Franklin, TN and Founder of the non-profit, Find Rest, Curtis Zachery. Curtis shares his story and journey to finding rest and how to find it in your own parenting journey.

In this episode, Jonathan is back to share thoughts on life and his current reality, including a pursuit of letting go of fear and control in exchange for trust. He pulls up to the mic to process what he is learning now and works it out even as he shares.

Jonathan interviews counselor, therapist and coach Terra Mattson on raising courageous and confident daughters. Terra, a mother of two girls and Jonathan, a father of four, discuss practical ways to grow your relationship with your daughter and her confidence in herself.   A Christian Parenting Guide: Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters   As a mom today, it's harder than ever to instill the godly confidence our daughters so desperately need.   And without that confidence, our daughters are left to navigate, on their own, the pressures and values of the world around them.   That's why we created a clear, credible, and biblical guide that gives moms like you what you really need to raise daughters who are empowered to face whatever life throws at them.   A Christian Parenting Guide: Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters is the resource you've been looking for to help you develop and keep a loving, secure connection with your daughter, while helping her to be confident in all that God has created her to be.     This course is just based on Terra Mattson's 20 years experience as a licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist, as well as her 16 years raising her two girls. Each video in Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters is designed to equip you for every age and stage of your daughter's journey.   Each course includes:   eight video lessons for moms like you, giving you behind-the-scenes coaching on the mental, emotional, and physical world of your girl;   conversation guides to foster deep discussions between you and your daughter; and   a downloadable journal to spark a more intimate connection between you, your girl, and God.     We hope you would be willing to get the word our the Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters courses  

Husband, father and pastor Jay Hewitt had a wonderful and normal life…until he didn't. One day he was a teaching pastor with a bright future. The next he found himself diagnosed with a brain tumor and a terminal diagnosis. But he didn't let his diagnosis or circumstances define him. And as a dad and as a man, he decided to join God in what God was doing. Join Jonathan and Jay to hear how Jay walks resiliently each and every day and is teaching his daughter to do the same.

Jonathan interviews dad, businessman, and author Randy Hartley about his journey and story of desperation as a dad  that ultimately led him to complete dependence on the Lord. They have a candid conversation about what it means to both lead well and trust God in difficult circumstances along the parenting journey.

In this episode, Jonathan introduces season 4 and starts off with an encouragement to pursue childlike faith. Jonathan explores Matthew 18:3 and the words of Jesus through the lens of what he has experienced and seen with his own children.

In this episode Jonathan interviews mom, seminary graduate and entrepreneur Ellen Cooper. Ellen shares her journey from nominal Christianity to being a sold out follower of Jesus who has given her life to full-time mothering and full-time ministry and an unlikely path to a new kind of success.

How do we talk about suicide as parents? How do we think about the growing prevalence of tween and teen suicide in our communities? Well, let's start with a conversation.   Lilybeth Garcia says “Learn to talk to them about nothing and they'll talk to you about something.” Jonathan interviews Lilibeth Vilella Garcia of Tiaras Girls. Lilibeth shares her experience of having lost identity and how finding Jesus changed everything. She gives very practical tips and advice on how to help prevent suicide in our teens and tweens in our families and communities.

How's your marriage? Marriage, like no other relationship, exposes your heart and demands your growth.  Whether it be control, passive aggressive tendencies or people pleasing, we all have growth edges to work through as humans and especially in our marriage relationships. Listen in as Jonathan sits down for a genuine and real conversation with Bryon and Carla Weathersbee of Legacy Family Ministries, a couple who have dedicated their lives to helping married couples and those exploring marriage.

Jonathan sits down with Dr. Jim Denison for a conversation on what Dr. Denison calls the Coming Tsunami - the rise of post truth culture, the rise of the sexual revolution, the rise of critical theory and the rise of secular religion.   As Dr. Denison describes the earthquakes beneath the surface of our day, he suggests how we as cultural missionaries in our homes and in our communities can respond with truth and love. He helps us learn to spot the lies in our world and stay focused on being beggars helping other beggars find bread.   Dr. Denison wrote an amazing new book. The Coming Tsunami: Why Christians Are Labeled Intolerant, Irrelevant, Oppressive, and Dangerous―and How We Can Turn the Tide. This book came from his passion regarding the culture and how we as Christians can protect our faith and redeem the brokenness and darkness that is in our world right now.

Jonathan interviews dad and author John Sowers. Jonathan and Jon talk life, fatherhood, grief and leading as dads through unexpected change. John shares vulnerable thoughts and ideas from his new book Say All the Unspoken Things, in which he opens up in letter format, with urgency, sharing all the things he wants his daughters to know that are deep in his heart. John shares why writing and documenting our love and legacy can be so important for our children and our future generations.

Pornography is toxic and not many parents are talking about it. Jonathan interviews mom, grandmother, entrepreneur and problem-solver, Kristen Jenson, Founder and CEO of Defend Young Minds on that very topic. Jonathan and Kristen have a fascinating conversation about how to teach your kids to reject pornography even as you teach yourself. Listen today and learn how to engage your mind and help your family create a simple strategy for digital self defense. This interview took place originally at the Parenting with Purpose Event hosted by ChristianParenting.org. Books: https://defendyoungminds.com/books Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefendYM Instagram: @defendyoungminds Twitter: @defendYM

Join Jonathan as he interviews Angela Perritt, founder and President of Love God Greatly, a women's ministry dedicated to helping women find deep intimacy with God through scripture and community. Jonathan and Angela discuss intentional ways to engage your own heart and the heart of your children as Angela shares her journey with the Lord and into international ministry with little to “no strategy!” And Angela shares about the release of their new study, The Young Women Love God Greatly Bible.

In episode 7, Jonathan sits down for an interview with dynamic mother and daughter, Esther Collins and Tammy Franklin. Esther is a singer, worship leader, great grandmother, wife to former guest Bill Collins. Tammy is a proud wife, grandmother and wife to Grammy Award winning gospel artist, producer and writer Kirk Franklin. Both women share wisdom from the heart and reflect on life and intentionality in all stages of life and mothering, including boundaries, instilling confidence, internal beauty and rest.

In episode 6, Jonathan processes some thoughts and recent learnings from his continued journey as a dad and a husband in the middle of blending a family. A journey that requires both building into relationships and fighting spiritual battles. He gives some very real and practical ways to help process emotions deep within, listen for more than just words and respond to fears appropriately. It's a bit of a mashup as He shares from his heart in real time.

On this episode, Jonathan interviews Linsey Driskill, mom of triplets and author of Beautiful Hearted Women of the Bible: A Creative Mother-Daughter Devotional.   Jonathan and Linsey have a full conversation on engaging and connecting with your kiddos on a heart level, looking for the ways God wants to use your parenting journey to set you on a path of purpose beyond your family and walking and talking with your kids through hard things.

Mary Beth would love to be able to discuss the 2022 Hope for the Journey conference they have coming up in April too... the 2022 Hope for the Journey Conference in Franklin, Tennessee will further support and aid current (and potential) parents and families impacted by adoption and/or foster care. Kicking off April 8, 2022 (with on-demand viewing available through May 31, 2022), this groundbreaking, day-long conference brings together teachers, practitioners, advocates, adoptive and foster care families, adult adoptees, and foster youth alumni to share knowledge combined with uplifting perspectives.

Never before has Jonathan felt more of a need to pray and to trust the Lord as a parent than in this current season. And never before has he been grateful for the opportunity to lean on the prayers of others who have been where he currently stands.    In this episode, Jonathan Pitts interviews a modern day liturgist, Kayla Craig. Kayla is the author of To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers and Liturgies for Parents. But more than that, Kayla is a mom.   With a family knit together through birth and adoption, Kayla has stayed up countless nights searching for the right words to pray for her children's varied personalities and needs. And she's decided to share them with you.   Join Jonathan and Kayla as they discuss all things prayer and how liturgy and pulling on the prayers of the saints both modern and long gone, can aid you as you call on the Lord for your kiddos.

In this episode Jonathan and his new bride Peta Pitts have a discussion about chatter - the noise and thoughts in life that keep you from trusting God and walking by faith into His call with confidence and assurance. Jonathan and Peta process some of their own fears and tendencies to be distracted and share their process for replacing chatter with worship.

In this first episode Jonathan admits that he learns the most about himself when he processes out loud. And this is what you'll find him doing in this first episode. Processing his new life. Life in a blender. Since Season 2 Jonathan has remarried, leaving widowhood behind. He's begun a new journey of oneness with his new wife Peta, while simultaneously leading through what he considers one of the more difficult leadership moments of his life, family blending. Listen in as he processes this change and what he has learned about change management and communicating well through your changing family dynamics, traumas and difficulties.

In this episode, Jonathan interviews his fiance, and they begin to tell their love story. Peta shares how God rescued her from her fear of loneliness, by bringing her through an unexpected season of solitude.  She shares how the Lord met her in her loneliest and most vulnerable season to show her what belonging means in the kingdom and how she can be an agent of helping others understand they belong too.   Peta Sergeant is an Australian actress who's been working in theater, television and film for almost 20 years.  She is passionate about living out her faith and mission in the context of where she first found Jesus and where He's continued to call her, on sets all over the world.  In addition to acting, she has found great joy in coaching and equipping others that are called to the entertainment industry through iLA Fam: Iris Los Angeles Film, Acting and Music School where she has trained actors & aspiring filmmakers from all over the world.

In this episode Jonathan recaps season 1 and 2 and describes the beautiful nature of God, displayed through stories of rescue.  He suggests that if the Gospel is a message, then your life is it's letter.   He shares how God's redemptive nature is put on display through each and every life He enters and opens up about his new love and continued story of redemption and engagement to actress and creative, Peta Sergeant.

In this episode, Jonathan sits down for a conversation with his identical twin brother, Benjamin Pitts, who recently relocated his family of five from New Jersey to Colorado.The twin brothers talk candidly about the beauty of their upbringing, the trap of self-righteousness and the rescue that is necessary for anyone to find the grace of Jesus experientially, regardless of how closely they were raised to know Him cognitively. Ben Pitts is an entrepreneurial leader and has spent the last decade building technology and organizations that help people make better personal financial decisions.  As an entrepreneur, he co-founded and helps lead three businesses in the financial planning and technology space. Ben graduated from US Military Academy at West Point and holds an MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. 

In this episode, Jonathan interviews Viola Carter, his mother-in-law and the mother of his late wife, Wynter Pitts.  Viola Carter started life in the rough inner city streets of Baltimore, MD. Married young she experienced, first hand, the pain of physical abuse, betrayal and abandonment. She met Jesus in her early adulthood and his presence changed everything for her..  Her sweet life in Christ is clearly heard as she shares the story of her rescue by the presence of God, even as her life has continued to be littered with loss.    Viola is married to her best friend, Tom, and is a grandmother to 6 beautiful granddaughters and 1 grandson.

In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Sherman Smith, a man rescued from the guilt of a decision in his past that wouldn't catch up with him for more than 40 years.  This decision of his youth would change his life forever, his family forever, and his understanding of God's kindness forever.    Sherman is a former NFL running back who played 8 seasons for the Seattle Seahawks and San Diego Chargers. After finishing his NFL career he would go on to teach high school, coach football and begin mentoring boys. He would go on to coach at his alma mater, Miami University in Oxford, OH before going on to coach in the NFL for more than 20 years.   Married to his wife, Sharon, for 44 years, Sherman has 3 children and 7 grandchildren and resides in Franklin, TN where his greatest “why” remains discipling men.

In this episode, Jonathan interviews Rosie Rivera. Rosie transparently opens up about her real life struggles starting with abuse from her past and how God rescued her from self sabotage. A businesswoman, television personality, and social media influencer, Rivera is one of the most influential and inspirational Latinas in the world. She co-hosts The Power of Us, a marriage podcast, with her husband, Abel Flores; is the mother of three children; has authored five books; has appeared on reality shows such as I Love Jenni, The Riveras, Mira Quien Baila, and Rica, Famosa, Latina (currently on Netflix); is involved in her family's Christian outreach ministry; and carries out her sister's mission of helping single mothers find affordable housing, shelter and treatment for abuse through the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation.

In this episode, Jonathan interviews NBC's The Voice winner and former pastor, Todd Tilghman. From adopting two children from South Korea to fighting for their newborn son's life to pastoring a small congregation through adversity to joining Team Blake in 2020, Todd has walked many difficult roads in life. Through it all, he has found that God has been his rescuer. Listen in as Todd talks deeply about his struggles with pleasing people and a fear of man that has caused him much anxiety. As God has lifted him up, he has courageously walked into a new calling and career that comes with its own challenges and a new needed trust in the Lord.

In this episode, Jonathan continues his interview with Jim Ravella. Jim shares how him being rescued led to him being one God could use to rescue others. In his loss, God gave him more purpose. He shares how the cross is our greatest gift but that gift comes with a call from God that can demand a lot.     He shares how his greatest trial in life and the loss of his wife Andrea Fuller Ravella in 2007 would provide a gift that would keep giving to him despite the pain. Jim married Ginger in 2008 and they have seven children, Nicholas (35), Anthony (28), Boston (23), Greyson (21), Isabella (18), Aspen (15) and Annalise (15).     Jim currently serves as a Vice President for the Gary Sinise Foundation, a non-profit charity whose mission is support our Nation's Defenders, Veterans, First Responders, their families and those in need.  He is a retired United States Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot with 26 years of service and numerous awards including multiple Top Gun Awards and the Meritorious Service Medal.   Jim Ravella's Book, Hope Found: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Found-When-hoped-would/dp/1512777870/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ginger+ravella&qid=1619799302&sr=8-1

In this episode Jonathan interviews Jim Ravella, Ginger's Ravella's husband and co-author of the book, Hope Found.  Jim answers the question, “How has God rescued you?” with a very surprising answer that is a great reminder that loss can lead to much gain. He shares how his greatest trial in life and the loss of his wife Andrea Fuller Ravella in 2007 would provide a gift that would keep giving to him despite the pain. Jim married Ginger in 2008 and they have seven children, Nicholas (35), Anthony (28), Boston (23), Greyson (21), Isabella (18), Aspen (15) and Annalise (15).     Jim currently serves as a Vice President for the Gary Sinise Foundation, a non-profit charity whose mission is support our Nation's Defenders, Veterans, First Responders, their families and those in need.  He is a retired United States Air Force Colonel and fighter pilot with 26 years of service and numerous awards including multiple Top Gun Awards and the Meritorious Service Medal.   Scriptures: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33   “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his [y]life will lose it; but whoever loses his [z]life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25   Matthew 19:16-29 - The story of the rich young ruler   Jim Ravella's Book, Hope Found: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Found-When-hoped-would/dp/1512777870/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ginger+ravella&qid=1619799302&sr=8-1

In this episode Jonathan continues his conversation with Ginger Gilbert Ravella, a military wife and widow, mother of five, stepmother of two, writer and international speaker.  At 36 years old, she faced the sudden tragic loss of her college-sweetheart husband in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the horrors that quickly followed.    Ginger continues her story of redemption in marriage to her now husband Jim and in family with their 7 kids that were ages 2-22 combined when they united.  She shares how God used her pain in making her to be a warrior for Him. They discuss the beauty and the complexities of blending a family and how important it is for us to have our identity based in Jesus.   Scriptures:   “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28   “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12   Ginger Ravella's Book, Hope Found: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Found-When-hoped-would/dp/1512777870/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ginger+ravella&qid=1619799302&sr=8-1

In this episode, Jonathan interviews Ginger Gilbert Ravella,  a military wife and widow, mother of five, stepmother of two, writer and international speaker.  At 36 years old, she faced the sudden tragic loss of her college-sweetheart husband in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the horrors that quickly followed. Ginger shares her story, sudden loss, and the overwhelming nature of the life she found herself living.   Ginger answers the question, “How has God rescued you?” sharing the depth and darkness of her anxiety and depression and shares how it has built a heart of compassion in her for those going through similar pain.    Scriptures Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16 NIV   The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 37:4   Ginger Ravella's Book, Hope Found: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Found-When-hoped-would/dp/1512777870/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ginger+ravella&qid=1619799302&sr=8-1   Troy Gilbert Article http://today.ttu.edu/posts/2016/11/troy-gilbert

In this bonus episode I share my favorite quote from this season and am asking you to share yours! And hey, if you have been impacted by this show that's produced by the Christian Parenting Podcast Network, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to CPgive.org today!

In this season wrap up, Jonathan talks about what it means for him to move on from his tragedy of losing his wife Wynter. He shares how moving on doesn't mean forgetting and the importance of remembrance. Join him as he verbalizes his process, some of it for the very first time.  If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe to it, share it with someone, and leave a review or rating. Follow Jonathan on instagram @pittsjr26. Thank you for listening.

Jonathan sits down with one of his spiritual fathers, Pastor and Author Scott Wilson, as they recall the moments where Jonathan needed a father the most. They remember Scott showing up for Jonathan and the girls as Wynter took her last breaths and leading them through her funeral and into today. They discuss what it means to have a spiritual father and what it means to be a spiritual father.  If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe to it, share it with someone, and leave a review or rating. Follow Jonathan on instagram @pittsjr26. Thank you for listening.