Ragamuffin Soul: Ragamuffin Soul » THE BLOG
shari brown
· 3 years ago
After I read all things soulcast http://www.jesuscreed.org/ Scot McKnight's blog. The people who frequent this blog are so out of my league smart and have such a historical background of the bible that the discussions are incredible. I read about 40 blogs, but allow myself 30 minutes a day for that, so not always the same ones. You didn't ask but I spend far more time in the blog world than watching tv. Peace, shari
hale-yeah!
· 3 years ago
I've got to say that this is the blog that i look forward to the most. it's the truth. not just because you're one of my best friends, but because of the community that has take up residence here. I do read at least 25 a day, but some either never post, Advancing and Bald Faith, or they post too lengthy of articles, which cause me to lose interest. I won't mention the references of this but i'm thinking of two big bloggers. I also like it when people mix in stuff about their own personal lives instead of always trying to push a cause or promote something. For a lot of us, this is how we connect. I'm not going to call a buddy in Georgia everyday to talk, but at least i know what's going on with him and his wife through their blogs. I know that blogging was here way before you, los, but thanks for being a pioneer for us!
pete
· 3 years ago
I was just thinking today that I could spend an AWFUL LOT of time jumping from link to link off of everyone's blogsites. That's how I found the RagamuffinSoul.
There is no possible way I can read all 220 feeds I've subscribed myself to at Bloglines, but I do try to, throughout the day, peek in at various ones on my "Frequent-cies" list.
The one blog I really try to read is Ben Arment's [ http://www.benarment.com/ ]. There are several reasons I go...
- I know Ben personally -- his passion for leadership and reaching the lost in our local area is inspiring - I respect Ben's experiences and insights with regards to leadership, evangelism, and church 'marketing' with creativity and relevance - his blog site is clean and simple - I always take something away from Ben's posts
MeWhoElse?
· 3 years ago
I really don't mean this to sound the way it's going to sound....but, there is no way around it. I'll just say it, then explain.
I go to my own blog most. I don't think you can benefit fully from blogging without blogging.
I love my linklists and comments/encouragement, insight from others. I remember where I am and why. (Have to be sure I'm blocked on sitemeter or I'd artificially inflate my traffic!)
Become such a life tool for me that I just use it a lot...as I would my own manual journals of the past. Only now I get pics added, and other people sharing in it...community. Very cool. I don't have to wait to die and let my kids find my journals...I get to use them now. It keeps me on target with life goals. It keeps me celebrating. It lets me decompress, and it leads me to focused prayer. Thanks for modeling a great blog, Los!
me
MeWhoElse?
· 3 years ago
As to other's blogs--unfair to pick one! I check most often those who post regularly, have a good combination of authenticity, character, content, fun, and resources.
I enjoy them all for their own reasons--the popular and the more obscure.
Now...it has to be said: blogs who are using it as a jumping board to grow their own name/book/thing/opinion annoy me --I guess there's a place for it as popular as they seem to be, but I don't read them much and hope we don't try to pattern after those. Give me plain 'ole real.
Chad Jarnagin
· 3 years ago
Here's something for you...
I have about 30-40 different people from my church (tpc Franklin) that read my blog every day or so....
Most of which do NOT blog so they just get on to see what I am saying. Between me and Randy, we have anywhere from 75-100+ people from the church reading ours every day or so....sweet action.
For all we know though, there might be more.
Peace C
C.Harv
· 3 years ago
#1 blog that I check almost every day? Is Ragamuffin Soul!!!
Why? I'm new to the blog world and I am learning what's up. I know Los so I began at first to see what he was up to. I continue because the blog is interesting, offers a lot of variety, and mainly to learn about what's going on in the world of blogging, music, computers, technology, etc.
What draws me? Creativity, variety, and content of resources like music, books, podcasts, and other blogs.
Keep up it up Los!
kristiapplesauce
· 3 years ago
Ragamuffin it is. I check it most because it has allowed me to have a surrogate church family. That may sound way cheese-ball but let me explain. My husband and I have recently left the church we helped church plant (it was just time, after our pastor moved and the church changed directions completely) and just recently we turned in our resignation to our sending mission agency…(for integrity issues). And so we are now kind of “out there”. Starting all over again, we are looking for a church home, and seeking what He would have for us concerning missions, learning trust and of course forgiveness. We are really lonely and vulnerable. So then comes Ragamuffin, which is exactly what we are. Seeking truth and worship. It doesn’t replace real relationships and real fellowship…but while we are visiting new churches, and trying to heal; coming here for a little “therapy” is what draws me. I love the humor and feeling free to express “whatever”. It is fun and exciting to see the ups and downs of others who have made their way here as well. I’m thankful for the interaction, even if it is through a web-site.
- he's my boss. :-) - ben is an amazing communicator of vision, creativity, and new ideas through the blogospere. - he keeps his posts short...but power packed. - he posts really regularly. - its a way for me as a staff member to further my sense of what he is thinking. serves as almost a third line of communication.
My second is this blog. Its blogolicious.
Ben
· 3 years ago
1. RichKirkpatrick.com. - Rich has great discussion items. Really gets the thinking juices flowing on worship, pop culture and he has cool hair in his photo.
2. www.GaryLamb.org - He's a bold & brash church planter that really tells it like it is.
These are both folks whom I've had contact with through email apart from blog comments. I like snippets of info that get right to the point and are thought provoking/challenging. Along with a little personal stuff. Too much theology discussion really keeps me away. I get bored pretty quickly if posts are longer than 3 - 5 paragraphs...5 is pushing it.
Jules
· 3 years ago
I check many different blogs everyday. I usually update mine first, Family Jules. I then check blogs of folks who comment on mine: Purpose Driven Blog, Terrible Speller, The Tate School, With Reckless Abandon, Nerd Family, Two Blonde Boys, and Others. I like when people comment on my blog, so I try to do the same for them.
Janna
· 3 years ago
I can't pick just one blog in particular either. However, the blogs I like to read most regularly are: 1) Those whose writers I know personally in the real world, 2) Those who are uplifting, encourage me in my daily walk with God, make me think and are a resource for women's ministry, and 3)Some blogs written by Mom's from a Christian perspective.
Hope this helps! :)
Byrd Man
· 3 years ago
Dude seriously: RAGAMUFFINSOUL And here's why: Not only do you update this sucker like crazy but I NEVER know what to expect! It could be this sweet lil pic of your child, it could be a kick butt vid on Wing Base Jumping, it could be some theological nugget I need for the day! I NEVER KNOW! And like I said: You update this sucker like its your job! I LOVE THAT.
For me, I guess my top blog to read is Ethos. Others I keep up with regulary are Ragamuffin Soul, Just Charlie, Kem Meyer, Mark Waltz, Tony Morgan, Scoot Hodge, and Presentation Zen.
By the way, Jules, I am hrt that I was not your #1 pick. No more solos for you!
actually, i have over a hundred blogs in my netvibes.com feed organizer, but not all of them are worth a daily read necessarily. that's where a good rss reader helps a ton.
what i'm looking for mainly is people doing things with the same heart and passion that i have. i've found it to be a great way to drastically expand my circle of friends.
a short list of good daily reads would have to be:
like i said, there's more, but that's a pretty good sampling of my "must read's."
Dino Rizzo
· 3 years ago
I've been blogging for about a year and a half now. When I decided to use my blog as a tool to help me stay connected with the people at Healing Place Church (the church I pastor), I really began to see blogging as a tremendous benefit. The larger our church gets, the more creative we have to be to continue to foster a sense of personal connection.
Blogging has also allowed us to connect with our community - especially in the days and weeks immediately after Katrina hit. We were able to use my blog as a source for updates on developments in the efforts to reach out to those affected by the storm.
I'm a huge fan of doing exactly what your teaching title says. I was privileged to be interviewed by terry storch recently for the bloggingchurch.com podcast, and was able to share a lot of my heart on the subject there.
I hope this helps answer your question. Please let me know if you have further questions on the subject I can help with.
and give 'em heaven in the class you teach out there at saddleback. i'd love to get my hands on a copy of your session(s) there.
Addie
· 3 years ago
I came over here from my husband, Babulife's, blog, and I of course read his daily. But since I'm a mom and a blogger, my bloglines is completely filled with mommy blogs. Many of them share beliefs that are similar to mine, but not all of them.
stephanie
· 3 years ago
The blog I look at the most, besides my own, is Heather's. She inspires me.
Brad Metzger
· 3 years ago
This blog is really the only one I look at regularly and I do so at least twice daily.
I like it because you update once or twice a day on average. Other blogs I've looked at generally don't update regularly and that leads to a quick loss of interest.
Carlos if you need material for your conference, just tell the audience that if they blog all their dreams will come true. That line did wonders for Pedro.
Los
· 3 years ago
Wow. Thanks guys. KEEP them coming. So I am seeing a trend here. 1. Simular Life Stage or Interest. 2. Real Community Trhough these things called Blogs. Wow. 3. Consistantly changing content. I think there are some sub points here but overall this is where we are heading. Great comments. Spread the word to your "non blogging" friends who are blog stalkers. I want to hear from them. Albee. Where you at?
As far as mine. Top 3 in no particular order. 1. Flowerdust.net - http://www.flowerdust.net - Community. The wierdos that end up there make me feel like there are more like me. She doesn't have to post daily but her comments keep churning. That is a sign of good content. 2. MaxWax - http://homepage.mac.com/maxwax11/iblog/ - Content and Photos. I won't lie. The asian brotha from anotha mutha is living my dream. I wonder how many other Mexican fathers read about Super Chick every day? 3. DustinBryson.com - http://www.dustinbryson.com - Style, Concepts, Quality. I covered his blog on one of my early podcasts. He is an amazing designer, film maker, pastor, and disciple of Christ. I've never met the guy and I consider him a friend. That my friends, is why blogs are changing our communities. This ain't yo mama's AOL. Los
CajunTiger
· 3 years ago
I've been blogging for nearly a year. I orginally started to help my family in Louisiana keep up with my going ons in DC and now in Iraq. It has also been a great way to share my heart with others.
It also evolved into a great way to keep in touch with my friends lives as well. My mom and sister both also started a blog, so I can "be a part" of their lives from afar as well as several friends back home.
So, the majority of blogs I read are written by family and friends.
The next set is from pastors I enjoy and learn from, Dino Rizzo, Mark Batterson, Perry Noble, Mike Haman.
The third set is political leaning sites, both conservative like me and a couple of libs to stay current on the issues.
Hope that helps!!!
Anne Jackson
· 3 years ago
I would read your blog more if you had (ahem) a mullet.
Sorry I have been so far out of circulation. Our church just moved buildings and apparently I am allergic to the new building as I have been sneezing and blowing my nose since Wednesday... any way...
My top 3 blogs (in no particular order):
1. Ragamuffin Soul (Carlos Whittaker): I found this blog by chance on Justin Adams' rockalot blog. Although Justin's blog was fun to read, I decided to click on "Los" and see where it would take me. I don't truly know you, brother, but I enjoy this blog because of its raw and true discussion and just because at times it is super funny. You are the kind of person who has popular blog and yet makes it around me leaves comments on others'. A true Blogger. It is insight to this man's mind and life. I love that.
2. FlowerDust.net (Anne Jackson): She is my girl! I have been reading her musings since before she had a blog. Why would I stop? She is always changing her topics... She is isn't afraid to be real... She is devoted to her readers... She has a great talent for writing. I love my Anne Jackson.
3. Since I couldn't truly decide on a 3rd one I will just say, "ChurchMarketingSucks.com" - Anne showed me this site and I must say it is very ingenius. I love the discussion.
Rich Kirkpatrick
· 3 years ago
Hi Los,
Besides your blog bro (which I read via reader like most blogs) I read about 45. You are on my top!
Here is one of the other top....
Ethos (Randy Elrod) - I see Randy as a mentor from knowing him at re:create the past several years. He is a dreamer. I love that about him and he is so well read that his thoughts about art and culture and worship really are worthy to read and learn from. He also got me and so many others into blogging by introducing Hugh Hewitt to us at re:create. Oh yeah...I read Hugh Hewitt religiosly, too. Can I pick more??
Dr. Lori
· 3 years ago
Everyday without fail, I check my own Xanga blog. It's not that I love myself and my own witty insights...it lists all the people I subscribe to in order of who has posted most recently.
I use Feedblitz to keep me informed. I daily get news from Bad Astronomy.com and Universe Today (I teach Astronomy), not to mention all my friends.
and that mullet really needs to go public. for real dog.
why did say that?
Anne Jackson
· 3 years ago
* why did i say that? * sorry...sleepy....bed....
PC
· 3 years ago
My number one blog is www.HughHewitt.com ...it is my "home page" and it leads me to so many other blogs including yours as well as the evangelical outpost, purpose driven, stand to reason and a host of political blogs. I check it everyday because I know I can get the real truth and news about important events affecting our nation. I am on an isolated island with no TV or Cable or even "real" and decent radio...so I find out what's happening from Hugh, drudge, etc. And I can listen to Hugh Hewitt via internet streaming from KRLA870.com talk radio.
I read mainly political and religious blogs like Hugh Hewitt (which is how I found yours)Michelle Malkin, RomanCatholic blog, Whispers in The Loggia, The Anchoress, and then mine Sma' Talk Wi' T. smalltalkwitht.blogspot.com Keep up the good work!
Aimee'
· 3 years ago
The number one blog I check almost everyday is my pastor's, Dino Rizzo. My reason is that it keeps me connected to the heart of my pastor and the vision he has for his church family and the vision of our church. I then check out his links because I believe if he links it he must think it is important. I then go to Dan Ohlerking's blog, read his entries and then go to town on reading his links specifically Children's Cup links. Most are his family who are missionaries in Africa. Just reading Children's Cup blogs makes me want to serve more. It moves me, it encourages me, it inspires me, and it challenges me. Blogging, for me, has been an amazing tool to get connected to the move God is making around the world. What an awesome tool!
Brian
· 3 years ago
I use a newsreader, so I don't exactly "check" a single blog each day, but the main blog I look forward to is Creating Passionate Users by Kathy Sierra (headrush.typepad.com). The blog is full of more interesting and mind-expanding ideas per square pixel than anything else I've ever read.
Aunt Cyndi
· 3 years ago
I read Pellucidly.com daily because Tim's my first born nephew...whom I'm so proud of and love with every ounce of my being. Then I scan the blogs from those who are corresponding and sharing the Truth with him...like Kristiapplesauce and Anne Jackson.
All Comments
http://www.jesuscreed.org/
Scot McKnight's blog. The people who frequent this blog are so out of my league smart and have such a historical background of the bible that the discussions are incredible.
I read about 40 blogs, but allow myself 30 minutes a day for that, so not always the same ones. You didn't ask but I spend far more time in the blog world than watching tv.
Peace,
shari
I know that blogging was here way before you, los, but thanks for being a pioneer for us!
There is no possible way I can read all 220 feeds I've subscribed myself to at Bloglines, but I do try to, throughout the day, peek in at various ones on my "Frequent-cies" list.
The one blog I really try to read is Ben Arment's [ http://www.benarment.com/ ]. There are several reasons I go...
- I know Ben personally -- his passion for leadership and reaching the lost in our local area is inspiring
- I respect Ben's experiences and insights with regards to leadership, evangelism, and church 'marketing' with creativity and relevance
- his blog site is clean and simple
- I always take something away from Ben's posts
I go to my own blog most. I don't think you can benefit fully from blogging without blogging.
I love my linklists and comments/encouragement, insight from others. I remember where I am and why. (Have to be sure I'm blocked on sitemeter or I'd artificially inflate my traffic!)
Become such a life tool for me that I just use it a lot...as I would my own manual journals of the past. Only now I get pics added, and other people sharing in it...community. Very cool. I don't have to wait to die and let my kids find my journals...I get to use them now. It keeps me on target with life goals. It keeps me celebrating. It lets me decompress, and it leads me to focused prayer. Thanks for modeling a great blog, Los!
me
I enjoy them all for their own reasons--the popular and the more obscure.
Now...it has to be said: blogs who are using it as a jumping board to grow their own name/book/thing/opinion annoy me --I guess there's a place for it as popular as they seem to be, but I don't read them much and hope we don't try to pattern after those. Give me plain 'ole real.
I have about 30-40 different people from my church (tpc Franklin) that read my blog every day or so....
Most of which do NOT blog so they just get on to see what I am saying. Between me and Randy, we have anywhere from 75-100+ people from the church reading ours every day or so....sweet action.
For all we know though, there might be more.
Peace
C
Why? I'm new to the blog world and I am learning what's up. I know Los so I began at first to see what he was up to. I continue because the blog is interesting, offers a lot of variety, and mainly to learn about what's going on in the world of blogging, music, computers, technology, etc.
What draws me? Creativity, variety, and content of resources like music, books, podcasts, and other blogs.
Keep up it up Los!
- he's my boss. :-)
- ben is an amazing communicator of vision, creativity, and new ideas through the blogospere.
- he keeps his posts short...but power packed.
- he posts really regularly.
- its a way for me as a staff member to further my sense of what he is thinking. serves as almost a third line of communication.
My second is this blog. Its blogolicious.
2. www.GaryLamb.org - He's a bold & brash church planter that really tells it like it is.
These are both folks whom I've had contact with through email apart from blog comments. I like snippets of info that get right to the point and are thought provoking/challenging. Along with a little personal stuff. Too much theology discussion really keeps me away. I get bored pretty quickly if posts are longer than 3 - 5 paragraphs...5 is pushing it.
Family Jules.
I then check blogs of folks who comment on mine:
Purpose Driven Blog, Terrible Speller, The Tate School, With Reckless Abandon, Nerd Family, Two Blonde Boys, and Others. I like when people comment on my blog, so I try to do the same for them.
Hope this helps! :)
And here's why: Not only do you update this sucker like crazy but I NEVER know what to expect! It could be this sweet lil pic of your child, it could be a kick butt vid on Wing Base Jumping, it could be some theological nugget I need for the day! I NEVER KNOW! And like I said: You update this sucker like its your job! I LOVE THAT.
By the way, Jules, I am hrt that I was not your #1 pick. No more solos for you!
-Pat
an ongoing theological/discussion blog with a set group of contributors
www.realivepreacher.com
possibly the best spritual journey blog i have ever seen.
www.reallivepreacher.com
what's yours?
what i'm looking for mainly is people doing things with the same heart and passion that i have. i've found it to be a great way to drastically expand my circle of friends.
a short list of good daily reads would have to be:
1. dino rizzo (www.dinorizzo.com)
2. mark batterson (www.evotional.com)
3. church marketing sucks (www.churchmarketingsucks.com)
4. tony morgan (tonymorgan.typepad.com)
like i said, there's more, but that's a pretty good sampling of my "must read's."
Blogging has also allowed us to connect with our community - especially in the days and weeks immediately after Katrina hit. We were able to use my blog as a source for updates on developments in the efforts to reach out to those affected by the storm.
I'm a huge fan of doing exactly what your teaching title says. I was privileged to be interviewed by terry storch recently for the bloggingchurch.com podcast, and was able to share a lot of my heart on the subject there.
I hope this helps answer your question. Please let me know if you have further questions on the subject I can help with.
and give 'em heaven in the class you teach out there at saddleback. i'd love to get my hands on a copy of your session(s) there.
I like it because you update once or twice a day on average. Other blogs I've looked at generally don't update regularly and that leads to a quick loss of interest.
Carlos if you need material for your conference, just tell the audience that if they blog all their dreams will come true. That line did wonders for Pedro.
1. Simular Life Stage or Interest.
2. Real Community Trhough these things called Blogs. Wow.
3. Consistantly changing content.
I think there are some sub points here but overall this is where we are heading.
Great comments. Spread the word to your "non blogging" friends who are blog stalkers. I want to hear from them. Albee. Where you at?
As far as mine.
Top 3 in no particular order.
1. Flowerdust.net - http://www.flowerdust.net - Community.
The wierdos that end up there make me feel like there are more like me. She doesn't have to post daily but her comments keep churning. That is a sign of good content.
2. MaxWax - http://homepage.mac.com/maxwax11/iblog/ - Content and Photos.
I won't lie. The asian brotha from anotha mutha is living my dream. I wonder how many other Mexican fathers read about Super Chick every day?
3. DustinBryson.com - http://www.dustinbryson.com - Style, Concepts, Quality.
I covered his blog on one of my early podcasts. He is an amazing designer, film maker, pastor, and disciple of Christ. I've never met the guy and I consider him a friend. That my friends, is why blogs are changing our communities.
This ain't yo mama's AOL.
Los
It also evolved into a great way to keep in touch with my friends lives as well. My mom and sister both also started a blog, so I can "be a part" of their lives from afar as well as several friends back home.
So, the majority of blogs I read are written by family and friends.
The next set is from pastors I enjoy and learn from, Dino Rizzo, Mark Batterson, Perry Noble, Mike Haman.
The third set is political leaning sites, both conservative like me and a couple of libs to stay current on the issues.
Hope that helps!!!
Mark Driscoll
http://theresurgence.com/
Donald Miller (even thought he hardly ever updates)
http://www.donaldmillerwords.com/index.php
Scott Hodge
http://scotthodge.typepad.com/
Brian Hale
http://halefamily.blogspot.com/
Brianorme.com
http://deeper.typepad.com/
My top 3 blogs (in no particular order):
1. Ragamuffin Soul (Carlos Whittaker): I found this blog by chance on Justin Adams' rockalot blog. Although Justin's blog was fun to read, I decided to click on "Los" and see where it would take me. I don't truly know you, brother, but I enjoy this blog because of its raw and true discussion and just because at times it is super funny. You are the kind of person who has popular blog and yet makes it around me leaves comments on others'. A true Blogger. It is insight to this man's mind and life. I love that.
2. FlowerDust.net (Anne Jackson): She is my girl! I have been reading her musings since before she had a blog. Why would I stop? She is always changing her topics... She is isn't afraid to be real... She is devoted to her readers... She has a great talent for writing. I love my Anne Jackson.
3. Since I couldn't truly decide on a 3rd one I will just say, "ChurchMarketingSucks.com" - Anne showed me this site and I must say it is very ingenius. I love the discussion.
Besides your blog bro (which I read via reader like most blogs) I read about 45. You are on my top!
Here is one of the other top....
Ethos (Randy Elrod) - I see Randy as a mentor from knowing him at re:create the past several years. He is a dreamer. I love that about him and he is so well read that his thoughts about art and culture and worship really are worthy to read and learn from. He also got me and so many others into blogging by introducing Hugh Hewitt to us at re:create. Oh yeah...I read Hugh Hewitt religiosly, too. Can I pick more??
I use Feedblitz to keep me informed. I daily get news from Bad Astronomy.com and Universe Today (I teach Astronomy), not to mention all my friends.
I am a HUGE LOST fan, so some blogs I check out are:
1.The Lost Experience Clues
http://thelostexperienceclues.blogspot.com
2. Brian's Lost site
http://lost-and-gone-forever.blogspot.com
Of my friends, my most frequent visits are to friends who post on a daily basis, usually with some pretty profound thoughts. They are:
1. Anne (http://www.flowerdust.net)
2. Steve (http://www.stevenfuller.blogspot.com)
3. Candyce (http://www.xanga.com/sheplaysamartin)
and that mullet really needs to go public. for real dog.
why did say that?
For laughs, I also check out the Feline Empress Kukka Maria at http://felinesovereign.blogspot.com/
Keep up the good work!