Barnabas Piper's Blog, page 77

New Happy Rant: LIVE in Louisville, Part 2

In this episode of The Happy Rant Ted, Ronnie, and Barnabas have climbed the mountain, achieved greatness, MADE PODCASTING HISTORY. It is the second of three episodes from Live in Louisville where they gathered with 80 of their closest friends for sheet cake, coffee, and decadence as well as conversation about a whole variety of topics.

We’d like to thank our sponsors who helped make this event happen, provided give-aways, and supported our efforts – David C. Cook publishers, The Christian Standard Bible, Lagares Roasters Coffee, and Missional Wear.

To listen you can:

Subscribe in iTunes.
Listen on Google Play
Listen on Stitcher.
Leave us a rating in iTunes (it only takes 1 click and it really helps us).
Listen using the player below.

Episode #167

3 Things I Like This Week – November 2

Each week I will share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might to

[image error] 1. ‘47 Hats

I would wear a baseball cap every day if society and gainful employment didn’t dictate otherwise. Apparently they are frowned upon at weddings, funerals, most churches, my parents’ dinner table, and any place that requires “business casual” attire. And if I had a choice I would wear ’47 hats on at least 5/7 of those days. They are the most comfortable hats and they have great throwback designs. I currently own 4 of these, but I suspect that number will rise.

[image error] 2. Forever Words by Johnny Cash

I’ve loved Johnny Cash’s music for a long time. He was a true troubadour – a story teller, a tale twister, a poet. And poetry is what this book is. Cash was the Man in Black. He had a public image as a tough man, a representative of the down and out, a voice for the under appreciated. He had well-publicized issues with drugs and alcohol early in his career. But he was a student, a wordsmith, and a craftsman as well. Cash was a man of deep and real faith. This book of poems is a collection published after his death. They were written on hotel stationary, airplane napkins, and spiral notebooks. And they show the mind and heart and humor and soul of Johnny Cash. If you like his music you will love this book.

[image error] 3. Peg Leg Porker

I’m not positive, but I believe that the epic feud between the Hatfield and McCoys was started by an argument over BBQ. For some reason this delicious culinary art form engenders more debate and spite than any good thing ought to. Well, I for one will not take part. I love ALL BBQ – Carolina, Memphis, KC, Texas and every iteration thereof. That said, Peg leg Porker has the best ribs in Nashville. The first time I went I ordered the ribs wet and the lady at the counter stopped me and demanded I order them dry instead. I said “I don’t love dry rub ribs.” And she simply asked whether I’d had theirs and then modified my order. That confidence was properly placed and I now never order anything else when I go. When hou visit Nashville, or have the privilege of living here, go to Peg Leg and order the dry rub ribs. You’re welcome.

 

 

 

6 Reasons Men Should Read More Stories than Men’s Books

“If men read fewer books on manhood and more really good stories they’d be much better for it.”

I tweeted this a while back, and the response I got was strong. I didn’t post it because I hate books on manhood. On the contrary, I think they can be quite helpful – helpful in the same way an instruction manual is. That is to say, once you have the motivation and the tools manhood books are useful. Many of them try to inspire, but rah rah speeches and point-by-point arguments are only so motivating.

And that is where stories fill the void. This is not specific to men, but men, as a whole, read fewer stories than women. Men gravitate to “give it to me straight” and “I just want the facts.” In such attitudes key realities go missing. Here are six of them:

1) Stories make you want to be better.

The best stories leave the reader wanting to be better than he is – nobler, braver, humbler, gentler, more faithful. They are not manuals full of instructions; rather they are other universes which depict reality as it could be, for better and worse. Even non-fiction depicts other universes because the story is about the local universe of the characters, one different from our own. When we read them we don’t come away with a list of to-dos that need implementing but rather a sense of how much better we could be, an aspiration rather than a duty.

Examples: Unbroken (Laura Hillenbrand), The Lords of Discipline (Pat Conroy), The Brothers K (David James Duncan), The Road (Cormac McCarthy)

2) Stories show, not just tell.

The way which stories make us want to be better is not through instruction. No good story conscientiously preaches to the reader. Such writing feels contrived and stilted. (This is the shortcoming of so much Christian fiction.). Rather, the best stories do what I wrote above, they create a universe in which lessons, characteristics, truths, and inspirations are made to look and feel real. Rather than being instructive or intrusive such stories feel palpably desirable. Because of how real they are, it is only a small step to take those truths and characteristics and recognize their place in our own lives. And because they are not taught with a specific style, stories are “one-size-fits-most” rather than applying only to a certain demographic or learning style.

Examples: The Lord of the Rings (J.R.R. Tolkien), The Pendragon Cycle (Stephen Lawhead), The Harry Potter Series (J.K. Rowling), The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain)

3) Stories give role models and anti-role models.

Every parent knows that children learn best by imitating. Somehow we forget this when we become adults trying to learn, though. Stories create a context for imitation. A story’s characters are the ones doing the showing. They function either as role models or as anti-role models, those to emulate or to avoid. The relationship between reader and character, if the character is written well, can range from pure adoration to utter loathing. Often, though, it is somewhere in between because the character is human and has both good and bad qualities. As we relate to these characters, though, we get to determine what about them is to be imitated and what is not.

Examples: To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee), The Great Santini (Pat Conroy), Robin Hood (Various), The Hiding Place (Corrie ten Boom)

4) Stories don’t have to be about good to be good.

It is a mistake to think that we can only learn from stories that explicitly promote virtue. Often the stories that depict a void of virtue are just as powerful. Loathsome characters and despicable decisions can make us want to be better just as much as virtuous ones. The danger in this, of course, is that we become confused and deceived into thinking that evil is appealing (as we are so prone to do), so it is best to read far more of virtue than of vice. But do not discard all depictions of evil as useless, for they are remarkable effective at setting a back drop against which good can shine.

Examples: The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald), A Song of Ice and Fire Series (George R.R. Martin), The Godfather (Mario Puzo)

5) Stories express.

Men are often (not always) inhibited in our expressions of emotion. We can struggle to know when and how to give voice to our passions, both positive and negative. Stories give both example and lessons in how to do this. They show the benefit to being open and the harm that comes from locking feelings and passions away. But they do so in a palatable way by showing it in the lives of others. You will know it when you find it as your heart and emotions align with whatever is being said or done in the story. And, since there are millions of stories in this world, ranging from Shakespearian to Orwellian, we can most certainly find one that expresses in a way that suits us.

Examples:NONE – this is deeply personal, and you must find your own examples that work for you.

6) Stories get under the surface.
No one should ever describe the characters of David Baldacci or John Grisham as “deep” or “human.” They are caricatures, not characters – means by which the plot moves forward. The best characters are those written deeply, as a whole person. It is these characters with whom we can feel like we relate as we read. We discover their gifts and weaknesses, their virtues and shortcomings. It is through this sort of depth that the universe I was describing earlier comes to life as a multi-dimensional, real, relatable thing. And it is in such a universe that we see under the skin of the characters and get a sense – whether or not it is explicitly written – of good, bad, noble, cowardly, and imitable. I have yet to read a prescriptive teaching book for men that effectively that creates the same sense.
 

Examples: Peace Like a River (Leif Enger), The Giver (Lois Lowry), Where the Red Fern Grows (Wilson Rawls), East of Eden (John Steinbeck)

The best non-story books for men are the ones which draw on the import and impact of stories. Lessons are good, but, as the famous saying goes, “they are better caught than taught.” So men, if you want to grow and learn and be a better man, read more stories.

New Happy Rant: LIVE in Louisville, Part 1

In this episode of The Happy Rant Ted, Ronnie, and Barnabas have climbed the mountain, achieved greatness, MADE PODCASTING HISTORY. It is the first of three episodes from Live in Louisville where they gathered with 80 of their closest friends for sheet cake, coffee, and decadence as well as conversation about a whole variety of topics.

We’d like to thank our sponsors who helped make this event happen, provided give-aways, and supported our efforts – David C. Cook publishers, The Christian Standard Bible, Lagares Roasters Coffee, and Missional Wear.

To listen you can:

Subscribe in iTunes.
Listen on Google Play
Listen on Stitcher.
Leave us a rating in iTunes (it only takes 1 click and it really helps us).
Listen using the player below.

Episode #167

3 Things I Like This Week – October 26

Each week I will share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too.

1. “Sometimes I Cry” by Chris Stapleton

Just listen, then listen again, and a third time too.

2. Gardettos

[image error]Gardettos are simply the best snack. They are like chips, but with muscles. Like Chex Mix, but for grown-ups. They have faithfully accompanied me through many road trips and football games. When lunch has been pushed to the fringes of an otherwise busy life Gardettos are there for you. They have neither too much of anything nor too little and the only disappointing aspect is when they run out.

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3. John Steinbeck Audio Books

[image error]I am an avid audiobook listener, and John Steinbeck’s books stand out as the best I have listened to. The performer of an audiobook makes an enormous difference, but it seems to me that regardless of reader, Steinbeck’s books were meant to be read aloud by one person for the appreciation of others. I’ve listened to East of Eden and The Grapes of Wrath and they are brilliant, bleak and brilliant. His sentences are so sharp and his characters so real that even something as miserable as jogging becomes enjoyable while listening to these (at least from the neck up).

He Reads Truth: How Great a Love

I have the privilege of contributing to He Reads Truth, a website of whose purpose is “To help men become who we were made to be, by doing what we were made to do, by the power and provision that God has given us to do it, for the glory of Jesus Christ.” They do this by providing scripture reading plans accompanied by reflections that can be accessed for free online or purchased as print books. For those of you looking to engage scripture in a fresh way – either because you are dried up or have been away from it, these studies/plans will refresh your soul and engage your mind.

What follows is one of the pieces I wrote for the plan on 1, 2, and 3 John. You can find the full plan HERE.

 1 John 2:28-29, 1 John 3:1-10, James 1:19-27, John 3:1-15

My daughters bear a striking resemblance to me and an even more striking resemblance to each other. They are three years apart in age, and the younger one looks exactly like the older one did at the same age. When I show up at their school, their teachers say things like, “Yep, they’re yours alright.” The family resemblance is strong.

Family resemblance isn’t just genetic, though. It’s spiritual too. In 1 John 3 we are told that we are children of God, born of Him. As a mark of God’s great love, we are His children. Jesus explained this to Nicodemus as being “born again” (John 3:3). This phrase is one that has almost been clichéd out of any meaning, but think about it: born again. Nicodemus was a religious teacher and he was utterly baffled by this imagery. We should be too. How can a person be born, grow up, then be born again? By the Holy Spirit, Jesus says. That’s how. Our new life as children of God is a miracle of the Holy Spirit; we are remade as people.

In being made new—in being born again as God’s children—we take on a family resemblance to Christ, God’s Son. If we are His children, we are no longer marked by sin. We don’t look like sin; we look like Christ. This doesn’t mean that we never sin. It means that the defining characteristics of our life—the things that stand out, what people remember us by, and the shape of our personhood—is holy and Christlike. If someone met Jesus, they would look at us and say, “Yep, you’re His.”

Practically, what this looks like is to be “doers of the Word” (James 1:22). We know what it means to follow Jesus because He told us. We know what it means to pursue holiness because He told us. It’s all in the Bible. And as children of God, we go from just being hearers and knowing something about it, to living by it. It’s the family story and the family expectations.

Being a child of God means being transformed. That is what “born again” means. It’s more than a profession of faith; it’s a new life in the Spirit. And it’s a life that resembles Jesus as we live out His Word daily. Yes, we will sin. But when we do, we know that we are still family and that Christ has made a way for us to be forgiven and accepted as children of God.

New Happy Rant: Fixing the Holidays, Why Even Podcast, and Childhood Memories

In this episode of the Happy Rant Ted, Ronnie, and Barnabas do as they do and get a little reflective, a little curmudgeonly, a little sarcastic, a little meta, and a little fun. They discuss the following.

What is one thing we would change about the holidays?
Why even do a podcast if everyone with a social security number is now doing one?
What is a favorite childhood memory we always come back to?

Visit HappyRantPodcast.com to get your Happy Rant signature roast coffee from Lagares Roasters and your Happy Rant gear (mugs, moleskins, shirts, and more)

To listen you can:

Subscribe in iTunes.
Listen on Google Play
Listen on Stitcher.
Leave us a rating in iTunes (it only takes 1 click and it really helps us).
Listen using the player below.

Episode #166

3 Things I Like This Week – October 19

Each week I will share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too.

[image error] 1.  God’s Very Good  Idea  by Trillia Newbell

This is a beautiful book showing kids (and adults too) God’s perfect intent in creating people of different races, cultures, gifting, and preferences and God’s perfect rescue plan to redeem those people after they screwed things up. It is a magnificent depiction of God’s image being reflected in all people and the gospel being the salvation for all people too. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and fun. It’s the kind of book any parent should get for their kids and that makes a perfect gift. Shoot, I think it is so good pastors should read it to their congregations from the pulpit on a Sunday.

[image error] 2. Worthy by Beautiful Eulogy

This new album drops on 10/20, and is so good. I love what Courtland, Braille, and Thomas do lyrically and musically. It is a unique sound with rich truth – hip hop, but not like any other sound I’m aware of. I love how low key and melodic the sound is and how deep and honest the lyrics are. You can get it wherever you like to download your tunes.

[image error] 3. Digit Savings

I don’t have a great history of being disciplined to save money. Sorry, Dave Ramsey. I found digit a couple years ago and have found it super helpful. It is automated savings based on the status of whatever bank account you tie it to. You can tell it to save more or less aggressively, and you can manually deposit money as well. In all, I found it to be a really helpful tool for emergency savings or saving for a specific expense.

3 Things I Like This Week

Each week I will share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too.

[image error] 1.  God’s Very Good  Idea  by Trillia Newbell

This is a beautiful book showing kids (and adults too) God’s perfect intent in creating people of different races, cultures, gifting, and preferences and God’s perfect rescue plan to redeem those people after they screwed things up. It is a magnificent depiction of God’s image being reflected in all people and the gospel being the salvation for all people too. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and fun. It’s the kind of book any parent should get for their kids and that makes a perfect gift. Shoot, I think it is so good pastors should read it to their congregations from the pulpit on a Sunday.

[image error] 2. Worthy by Beautiful Eulogy

This new album drops on 10/20, and is so good. I love what Courtland, Braille, and Thomas do lyrically and musically. It is a unique sound with rich truth – hip hop, but not like any other sound I’m aware of. I love how low key and melodic the sound is and how deep and honest the lyrics are. You can get it wherever you like to download your tunes.

[image error] 3. Digit Savings

I don’t have a great history of being disciplined to save money. Sorry, Dave Ramsey. I found digit a couple years ago and have found it super helpful. It is automated savings based on the status of whatever bank account you tie it to. You can tell it to save more or less aggressively, and you can manually deposit money as well. In all, I found it to be a really helpful tool for emergency savings or saving for a specific expense.

New Happy Rant: Pulpits, Preachers, Magazine Writing, and What We’re Reading

In this episode of The Happy Rant Ted, Ronnie, and Barnabas discuss the following:

The other Jarrid Wilson
Assigning pulpits to preachers
What Ted judges people for
If we could write a regular column in one publication all time, what would it be?
What we’re reading

Visit HappyRantPodcast.com to get your Happy Rant signature roast coffee from Lagares Roasters AND to sign up for Live in Louisville, coming this October. It’s really happening, and we’d love to see you there!

To listen you can:

Subscribe in iTunes.
Listen on Google Play
Listen on Stitcher.
Leave us a rating in iTunes (it only takes 1 click and it really helps us).
Listen using the player below.

Episode #165