Podcasts about emptied experiencing

We're talking with Jonathan Pitts who's a bestselling author, speaker and he's an executive pastor at The Church of the City in Franklin, Tennessee.  He's also the proud dad and a big dream advocate for his 4 amazing daughters.  Jonathan has pursued a number of big dreams… and has encouraged his family to dream big too.  In fact, his oldest daughter had a major role in the movie “War Room” at the age of 10! But Jonathan will be the first to tell you that life can bring major challenges and tough setbacks too.  In fact, Jonathan was married to his beautiful bride Wynter… who was a successful author and magazine publisher.  And just as they were putting the finishing touches on their book on marriage… Wynter passed away unexpectedly… leaving him a widower and the father of four grieving daughters.  As you can imagine… this totally rocked his world and the future and the big dreams Jonathan and Wynter had planned together completely dissolved. So he… along with his daughters had to decide how they were going to live life and move forward.  And it's been a tough… beautiful… messy… and wonderfully inspiring journey since.  Now… Jonathan has written a new book that offers us a real... intimate… raw... and ultimately hope-filled look at grief… and how to live life to its fullest after tragedy.  It's called, My Wynter Season: Seeing God's Faithfulness in the Shadow of Grief. We're going to talk about it… and what it takes to continue to dream… and encourage others to do the same on the other side of grief.  Let's do this! RESOURCES: Jonathan's newest book: My Wynter Season: Seeing God's Faithfulness in the Shadow of Grief. Jonathan and his wife, Wynter, co-wrote Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage and She is Yours: Trusting God as You Raise the Girl He Gave You.  Jonathan now serves as president of the ministry he and Wynter founded together, For Girls Like You––a nonprofit organization featuring a magazine and resources for girls that grew out of Wynter's desire to empower and equip their own girls and to provide parents with the resources and support needed to raise strong women.  Jonathan's Instagram: www.instagram.com/pittsjr26   THE “DREAM TOGETHER” APP IS HERE! That's right! Our DREAM TOGETHER App is here! The “Dream Together” app is designed to help you clarify your goals as well as connect with like-minded individuals so you can “dream together” to make those dreams (big or small) a reality! So… HERE ARE THE STEPS: STEP 1: Download the app. Find “Dream Together” for your Apple Device: HERE Find “Dream Together” for your Android Device: HERE STEP 2: Sign up and enter the group code: dreamthinkdo STEP 3: Be inspired by the dreams that are already there.  Then… follow and encourage a dream or two! STEP 4: Post at least one of your own dreams… and then invite friends to join you so you can DREAM TOGETHER! Let's do this! MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE: As you probably know… this year we're going after launching 1 million dreams this year!  It's been amazing to see your response and your support.  LOVE that so many of you are on board with this mission. At the same time… we need to acknowledge that in the midst of a global pandemic where many people are hurting from the loss of family members, it's important to speak to the “tough stuff” too.  That's exactly why we're talking with Jonathan Pitts… because his unique perspectives can bring comfort and encouragement based on his own first-hand experience with unfathomable loss.  In his book, “My Wynter Season,” Jonathan takes his readers on the emotional journey from “love at first sight” to complete blindsided loss in the midst of a season of losing family members (in a period of two years the Pitts family lost 6 family members including Wynter), to finding the beauty in seeing Wynter's continued impact on the world.   During our conversation… we talk about the importance of finding hope amidst the hardest days and the deepest grief.  Plus, we dig into ways to dream and/or dream again… after experiencing loss.  I think you're going to love this conversation.  I sure did!   DREAM THINK DO MINUTE BY MINUTE: 0:02 What to expect today 2:08 Download the Dream Together App 3:12 Meet Jonathan 5:05 Conversation starts 5:59 When Jonathan and his wife started dreaming 8:45 The best thing about dreamers 11:24 When Jonathan and his wife started building the company together 15:35 When everything changed for Jonathan 19:20 How Jonathan and his family started to move forward 23:22 Jonathans advice for anyone learning how to dream again 30:05 Who Jonathan's new book is for 31:36 Mitch's final thoughts   I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Powerful stuff.  What did YOU think?  I want to hear from YOU!   Leave a comment below and let me know what stuck out to you!  And hey… please share this episode with someone who might need it!  Thanks.  

How can you boldly walk forward from unfathomably challenging circumstances? Jonathan Pitts, pastor, author and father of four joins us to share how he did exactly this after he tragically lost his wife. Jonathan vulnerably shares his journey of loving Wynter, how he coped with losing her, and how he continues to find peace, strength, and hope in keeping her legacy alive. Our encouraging conversation will remind you that even in the most difficult times, the best of our days remain ahead. SHOW NOTES: Jonathan’s mom, a White German-American, met his dad, a Black man, at a music school in New Jersey. Having an Identity: Growing up in a bi-racial family, Jonathan is thankful his parents raised him with faith as it provided him strength.  As a member of the ROTC program at Drexel University, Jonathan expected to serve his country yet met + quickly fell in love with his wife, Wynter Evans. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 Raising four girls five years old and younger + seeking a greater purpose, Wynter started For Girls Like You, a magazine that evolved into devotionals, books and many other tools for girls and their parents. Learn more here. July 24, 2018: 3:45pm: Jonathan approved the manuscript of their book Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage, which he now gratefully calls a "time capsule of our marriage". 7:44pm: Unexpectedly, Winter makes her quick + quiet entry into Heaven. Opposites compliment: Jonathan shares the differences that caused struggles early in their marriage were the things they most loved, appreciated + admired later. Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8) Why are dark moments holy moments? (C.S. Lewis) Jonathan shares the emotional, sacred and deeply personal moment surrounding Wynter's passing in hopes of showing that death isn't scary. Have no fear of sudden disasteror of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. (Proverbs 3:25) Solace in solitude: While grieving, Jonathan's learned to embrace stillness and credits it in healing his mind, heart and faith. Get a copy of Wynter + Jonathan Pitt's book Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage here. Get a copy of Jonathan Pitt's book My Wynter Season here. JONATHAN PITTS'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Dr. Meg Meeker and Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? More hopeful + optimistic. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Photos speak so much to me so an album of my family over the years. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Tiger Woods. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad would always say, “all you have is your name,” as a reminder to maintain a good reputation. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Just relax. Everything is going to be okay. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Act 13:36 - David served the purposes of God for his generation and then he fell asleep. *** About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

What to Do When Your Heart Is Broken   0:51 Do This When You Feel Hopeless 12:59 How to Overcome Loss with Jonathan Pitts 35:17 Remember This When Life Is Hard . . . Resources Christy's 5-Day Confidence BoostSign up for my free 5-Day Confidence Boost. You'll receive five days of encouragement focused on helping you become a more confident you! https://bit.ly/3hLeH6m Christy Wright 2021 Goal PlannerYou can do hard things. You just need a plan. My brand-new 2021 Goal Planner will help you manage your schedule, grow as a person, and reach your goals—whether your goals are centered around your money, career or personal life. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the planner is available: https://bit.ly/2Di9jbW     On today’s show, we’re talking about trusting God . . . even when your heart has been broken. Then, my friend Jonathan Pitts is joining us to talk about his story of faith. He’s the executive pastor of Church of the City here in Nashville, and I know you’re going to be unbelievably encouraged by his story. Finally, we’ll spend some time journaling through what it looks like to have peace that passes all understanding. Let’s go!   Do This When You Feel Hopeless  We’ve all had disappointments in our lives. I’ve had my heart broken in many different ways. I’ve been in the hospital with my 3-year-old as he was hooked up to all these monitors to see if he was going to be okay. And he was. But at that moment I was terrified. I've lost family members. I've had family members and close friends go through tragedies in their life. I’ve also gone through seasons of darkness and wilderness where I felt like God didn't see me and didn't remember me and wondered if He was mad at me. Have you felt like that? Have you gone through disappointments or heartbreaks or tragedies? The kind where all you can think in those moments (even if you’ve had a lifetime of faith) is, God, where are you? Do you even see me? Do you even hear me? Do you know what I'm going through? We look to our heartbreak and draw conclusions about the character of God. But when you look at Scripture, God never said it would be easy. There’s example after example of disappointment, trials, valleys, temptations and seasons of darkness. It’s full of people feeling lost and scared and forgotten. It's full of those moments when we feel like He doesn't see us, or that He's left us or abandoned us. Or maybe it’s that He's just not good. But you know what? Scripture also reminds us that even though we’ll go through those seasons, God is with us. Even though we’ll go through darkness, God is good. And even though we’ll go through seasons where we’re full of fear and anxiety of the unknown and experience heartbreak, disappointment and tragedy, He sees us, He's with us, and He’s still good.   How to Overcome Loss with Jonathan Pitts I’m so excited to be sitting down with Jonathan Pitts today. He’s the executive pastor of Church of the City in Nashville, co-author of Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage, and President of For Girls Like You. Jonathan had to learn how to trust God after losing his wife Wynter Pitts. His story of faith despite the hardest circumstances really moved me, and I know it will move you too. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: Centering yourself on the present—especially when your heart is broken Choosing a posture of gratitude, even in hard times Knowing who you are and whose you are Having hope despite life’s disappointments Believing that God works all things out for good   Remember This When Life Is Hard . . .  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 (NIV) There are so many things in life that we want but can’t necessarily have. We can’t have control or every desire fulfilled. We can’t always have our plans work out exactly as we want them to. Things aren’t always going to be easy. But what Jesus reminds us again and again is that we can have peace that passes all understanding despite our circumstances, our heartbreak and our tragedy. Remember: This world is not our home. We will have trouble, but God is still good—He is with us and He is for us. Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you process what it means to have faith—even in your heartbreak. Think back on some past times when you’ve been disappointed and remember where God showed up. Write down specific examples of how God carried you during those difficult times. How did you change as a result of that suffering, tragedy, disappointment or heartbreak? What changed in you? How did going through that actually strengthen your faith? Where do you need God to show up right now?

What to Do When Your Heart Is Broken   0:51 Do This When You Feel Hopeless 12:59 How to Overcome Loss with Jonathan Pitts 35:17 Remember This When Life Is Hard . . . Resources Christy's 5-Day Confidence BoostSign up for my free 5-Day Confidence Boost. You'll receive five days of encouragement focused on helping you become a more confident you! https://bit.ly/3hLeH6m Christy Wright 2021 Goal PlannerYou can do hard things. You just need a plan. My brand-new 2021 Goal Planner will help you manage your schedule, grow as a person, and reach your goals-whether your goals are centered around your money, career or personal life. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the planner is available: https://bit.ly/2Di9jbW     On today's show, we're talking about trusting God . . . even when your heart has been broken. Then, my friend Jonathan Pitts is joining us to talk about his story of faith. He's the executive pastor of Church of the City here in Nashville, and I know you're going to be unbelievably encouraged by his story. Finally, we'll spend some time journaling through what it looks like to have peace that passes all understanding. Let's go!   Do This When You Feel Hopeless  We've all had disappointments in our lives. I've had my heart broken in many different ways. I've been in the hospital with my 3-year-old as he was hooked up to all these monitors to see if he was going to be okay. And he was. But at that moment I was terrified. I've lost family members. I've had family members and close friends go through tragedies in their life. I've also gone through seasons of darkness and wilderness where I felt like God didn't see me and didn't remember me and wondered if He was mad at me. Have you felt like that? Have you gone through disappointments or heartbreaks or tragedies? The kind where all you can think in those moments (even if you've had a lifetime of faith) is, God, where are you? Do you even see me? Do you even hear me? Do you know what I'm going through? We look to our heartbreak and draw conclusions about the character of God. But when you look at Scripture, God never said it would be easy. There's example after example of disappointment, trials, valleys, temptations and seasons of darkness. It's full of people feeling lost and scared and forgotten. It's full of those moments when we feel like He doesn't see us, or that He's left us or abandoned us. Or maybe it's that He's just not good. But you know what? Scripture also reminds us that even though we'll go through those seasons, God is with us. Even though we'll go through darkness, God is good. And even though we'll go through seasons where we're full of fear and anxiety of the unknown and experience heartbreak, disappointment and tragedy, He sees us, He's with us, and He's still good.   How to Overcome Loss with Jonathan Pitts I'm so excited to be sitting down with Jonathan Pitts today. He's the executive pastor of Church of the City in Nashville, co-author of Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage, and President of For Girls Like You. Jonathan had to learn how to trust God after losing his wife Wynter Pitts. His story of faith despite the hardest circumstances really moved me, and I know it will move you too. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: Centering yourself on the present-especially when your heart is broken Choosing a posture of gratitude, even in hard times Knowing who you are and whose you are Having hope despite life's disappointments Believing that God works all things out for good   Remember This When Life Is Hard . . .  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 (NIV) There are so many things in life that we want but can't necessarily have. We can't have control or every desire fulfilled. We can't always...

Wynter and Jonathan Pitts were married for fifteen years and twenty-seven days, until July 24, 2018, when Wynter unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord. Wynter left behind a family of four girls, a handful of books, and a ministry to tween girls—For Girls Like You. The niece of Tony Evans and the cousin of Priscilla Shirer, Wynter came from a strong family of faith. Jonathan Pitts is a speaker and executive pastor at Church of the City in Franklin, TN. He joins us today to speak about seeing God’s goodness in the middle of the pain of loss. His testimony is faith-filled and rooted in the knowledge that God allowed his wife to complete her mission before he took her to heaven.  Jonathan shares some of the truths found in the last book Wynter and he completed just hours before her passing—Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage. Jonathan and I talk about marriage, raising girls, living life in quarantine, and so much more. Jonathan’s mission to carry out Wynter’s ministry, while raising their daughters, is going to encourage you! Be sure to follow us on social media @pardonthemesspodcast to get notices on our Instagram Live events as well many other encouraging parenting resources. We want to walk the parenting road with you!

#69: Jonathan Pitts: How to Experience a Poured-Out Marriage Shortly after Jonathan and Wynter Pitts celebrated fifteen years of marriage and in the midst a move from the Dallas area to Nashville, TN, Wynter's heart failed. She left Jonathan and their four daughters bewildered and heartbroken, but also hopeful. In this episode, Jonathan will share about the last book he and Wynter wrote together, Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage. Even though we do talk about marriage in this episode, you will be encouraged whether or not you are married. Yes, we talk about marriage, but we're also going to be talking about suffering and how God does move and how he brings joy even in the midst of that suffering. Get the links and show notes HERE: https://kristiclover.com/069 I know that you're going to love this episode with Jonathan! Get ready to be encouraged!

Just days after celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary, Jonathan tragically lost his wife to unexpected heart failure. In this interview, join host Jerrad Lopes as he talks with pastor Jonathan Pitts about his journey of loss and what motivated him to write his book, "Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage. This week's sponsors: Faithbox: www.faithbox.com/tired KiwiCo: www.kiwico.com/dadtired