Your Mom Reads My Blog
I’ve never considered this blog a “niche” blog.
You know. There are church leadership blogs, marketing blogs, boring blogs, ect.
I started this blog almost 3 years ago to keep my team in my head. So they know what I am thinking even when they are not with me.
If I had to define the niche of this blog I would call it the famadopcreateleadworshipbestupid niche.
Normally a blog needs to have a tight niche in order to gain momentum.
We are nearing 3500 readers a day and this is still nothing more than the mess in my head.
So help me battle the urge to narrow…
and tell me why you read this mess?
Los
RAIN IT DOWN
You mean other than getting to gaze into your dreamy eyes every day?
…. that’s a tough one….
Because it makes me feel less alone in my own mess…
….because it’s all the stuff we think in our head, but never say. You liberate our thoughts to be able to be real with others, ourselves….and God. Thanks.
Because it’s not niche. It isn’t held down to one topic over another. I find that refreshing. And I love to see life through the eyes of others, which is why I have the job that I do (telling others’ stories via ink and paper, or HTML).
I love it. Sojourn on.
you already are a niche…it’s called the niche of authenticity. I like what jesse said, we all think these things, you just have the balls to let the world in…that’s inspiring, makes me think, “what am I hiding?”
Because I’m trying to glean everything I can about how/what an SPD for Northpoint Ministries does during the week and how he can so effectively take part in reaching out to the culture of the ATL.
Seriously, what you guys do amazes me every single time I walk in your building. The way Northpoint has setup their ministry I think is one of the most effective ways in the world. I enjoy learning whatever way I can, however I can. IE your Blog.
i have no clue. maybe because i’m sick of all the pastors blogging about how big their junk is…?
good question….why DO i read this thing??!! haha
While on youtube watching an Korean adoption story, I happened to see your story and watched your 1st installment then got hooked and watched all of them. As a nonkorean married to a Korean, I found myself connected in some way to your story. In that viewing, I saw you the posterboard that you held up with this link written on it. Since I thought that the music in the background was Christian, I checked out this blog to see your story. That was about two weeks ago. Now I check in and read your witty yet wise words. I enjoy your artistic approach to life. It is fresh and often places a smile on my face.
Hmm…great question! I guess I read because it’s nice to hear a church leader honestly express himself. I am currently struggling through a great deal of cynicism toward the church and your honesty and heart for people gives me hope.
Also, you’re a pretty funny dude and your blog provides a needed break from my crazy work environment. Keep it coming brother.
you’re like an unedited reality show, minus the sketchiness.
i’m addicted. it’s better than caffiene.
and once in a while a worship confessional appears, which is my favorite dose of los.
It’s entertaining and keeps me fresh for my blog. Keep up the famadopcreateleadworshipbestupid niche.
For the hummor. If you stop being funny, I will leave…
Just kidding.
because, even though we have never met in person, I have referred you you as my friend, Los. Somehow over this anonymous electronic system of transferred images I felt connected to you and your family, your ministry, your passion for authenticity, and that has helped me walk my walk.
1) you seem to be highly cool
2) shared ministry; we both are in the production deal
3) you associate with flowedust
4) we have similar hairstyles
I don’t know about everyone else but I’m here for the beauty supply tips.
You remind me that my blog can be completely random, because I am…
and
The voices in my head tell me to read this blog or they’ll kidnap my inner child…
Anyone this passionate about Christ….I am going to read!
Yea, I know I’m not in your niche (if this was a niche blog). All the things that you are now (parent of young ones, married, in worship ministry, etc)are in my seemingly distant past. I’m just an empty nester widow sitting in a wooden pew every Sunday who writes a blog to inspire myself and my friends.
I read YOUR blog to find out what people out of MY niche (safe familiar place) are thinking and doing. I like the posts where you are “authentic” and real. Too much media is just not REAL. And even though sometimes I get annoyed with a post or two, I stay for the REAL journey of one of God’s people.
That’s the niche we share.
It’s like a bad addiction.
The randomness and the honesty.
I’m up to my ears in deep reads that sometimes I need a creative, fun read to balance it out. Plus it gives me an inside look it to whats going on outside of my box.
I have said it before and I’ll say it again:
Your blog is part Truman Show, part Cloverfield, part love, and all you.
Honesty
Randomness and community!
p.s. Sojourn wasn’t the word I was looking for…perhaps I meant “journey” ? Yes. Journey is something I relate to, because we all have one. So with that said…
JOURNEY on. =)
First of all, great title for this post! I laughed when I read it.
I read your blog because I can always count on something light-hearted sandwiched in between some pretty interesting or thought-provoking posts. You seem to be exactly who you are on your blog since the temptation would be to become who you want to be.
Keep being yourself and don’t worry about your niche. I love it.
Brad Ruggles
http://www.bradruggles.com
You own the “Box of choc-a-lates” niche
You know what I really dig about you Carlos?
I like that you break the stereotype of a “minister”. Most people shove those in “ministry” on a silly little petal stool and make them unreachable…unattainable. You appeal to the everyday person AND you have this uncanny ability to be a light in a dark place. God has gifted you with gab so keep on using it. I personally enjoy reading your blog…and so do my roommates. We make it a habit to keep up with your idea’s and thoughts on a weekly basis. You know, if I were to confess that out loud 10 years ago I would have been considered a stalker? Now reading and staying up to date with semi-strangers is “ok?. Weird, yeah? Oh how we evolve.
Dude, because your blog represents that your are an actual, authentic person. It comes across as a simple and thorough reflection of your thoughts the way they genuinely are balanced–some relating to purpose and responsibility, some about family and the “important things”, some about personal battles, and some simply inane and useless brainfarts. All-around we come away with a full balanced perception of your character, from top to bottom, which makes us more interested in hearing what you have to say–because you make us feel like we know you.
Kind of like how you wouldn’t generally care about what some stranger has to say on a daily basis, but if you know the person, suddenly it matters to you what they think. Because you represent yourself so thoroughly, you’ve put us in a position where we can’t help but care, because we feel like we know you. Key word: authenticity.
Authentic
Humorous
Bald
Passionate
Transparent (like 3M tape)
Creative
Voyeristic
Messy
‘Cause you are the real deal, bro. I read your stuff and then met you in person. Raw and authentic. And I wanna be that too!!!!
‘Cause you are ‘the edge.’
‘Cause you work for and with two of the people I admire most in leadership, church & culture: Andy & Jeff.
By the way Carlos, thanks for sharing ALL your ‘findings’ with us. You rock, dude! Keep it up.
I only read because I keep hoping that you will one day give away something free, and I’ll be the first reader. That and I’m constantly surrounded my people that aren’t honest with themselves, and I find you refreshingly honest.
Your nose is looking much better.
Cuz we love you, duh! And because it gives me a break from the drama… sometimes! LOL
Because you are real, because you care, and because you are totally living the life of my dreams.
i read for the reason you started the blog.
production team in the hiz-ouse!!
I read because you’re the man! But seriously, I usually either laugh or am challenged by your posts.
for me, it’s purely the entertainment value. i like the short posts. they don’t take a whole lot of commitment. i have other long, boring posts to read elsewhere.
Because it is a mess? (no insult intended) I read because you are flow of thought – yourself – out there. You write like I think and people love you for it. I read because you post lots of pictures. Because reading you is like watching a sitcom/drama/reality show of your life, minus the hollywood editing and stage makeup.
Your posts are short, to the point, humorous, real and honest in a way most Christians have a difficult time allowing themselves to be seen. At the end of the day, you give me hope for Christianity and even myself
Two Words-
RAW AUTHENTICITY.
Because your blog is kinda like America’s Next Top Model..
..No matter what time of day it is or what city I am in, it’s always on
..It is, for the most part, completely superficial (with the occasional deep, dramatic climax)
..You look a lot like Tyra Banks
..And I cannot, for the love of all things holy, turn it off
Because you are YOU and that is refreshing. That and the first time I read your blog I looked at my own motley crew of peeps and thought, this dude would SO fit in… then I started praying for your family… and now you guys are in my heart… so your stuck with me now.
Besides, the video makes me shoot coffee out my nose sometimes. No. Not really. LOLOL
You intrigue me, Mr. W. I’ll admit to being a follower. I’m here b/c I see all the people you’re reaching and I feel I’m made to do the same thing, through writing, music, and God-willing, some movie stuff, too.
That’s why I’m here: to watch what you’re doing and how you’re doing it.
I read because it reminds me that God is moving in areas other than my little corner of this world (Seattle-area). It also reminds me that I am human.
cuz its new to me and interesting and short enough to not lose my short attension span.
I read it because youre like the bother I never had. Seriously. and also because even though youre not perfect and none of us are, you and your friends are so cute to have all the things society says you should have by age 30, the kids, the hip cool couple, the nice house and the ministry, what else can you ask for? Im living “vicariously” through you and Haether
and I admire both of you a lot! Thanks for keeping it real. Yeidy
For some reason I like to read peoples blogs that are as random as me.
And we like the same things.
And your ideas and methods are awesome.
because it’s what all the cool kids are doing.
but in all seriousness:
1. entertainment. i’m a bored teenager.
2. “in common.” i can relate to you in some of your posts
3. friendship. you’re one of the few blog/twitter friends i have made.
’cause you’re cool and I’m not…i’m trying to learn something
Because your blog is not meant to catalyze change, but does.
Because your not like every other pastor out there with an agenda blog, but real like me.
Because you are not trying to get people to think like you, but after reading they begin to think for themselves.
Because its not about what I should do with my life, but what you are doing……and that inspires me.
Later Los.
geno.
I read your blog because it is real and raw…the words that you write are not contrived…they just are very relateable. (I think I just made up a new word…haha)
I guess I feel like we’re friends. I enjoy the reality and the funnies.
You’re funny, you’re smart, you’re very fashionable, and i have no idea what you’ll post about so it’s always a suprise. Simple eh? You and Anne Jackson are like the coolest people ever.
Someone should start a fan club, like Clay Aiken has the Claymates…what about “The Ragamuffin Soulers?” We could work on it.
Because of your authenticity AND your writing talent. You put it all into funny and intriguing posts. Like this one.
I saw “your mom” and thought ‘oh no he ditn’t!’
Los,
I read your blog because you taught me to blog, and yours is the first blog I’ve read.
Beyond that, this blog is an honest, transparent creative humorous, and messy place where you allow us to peek inside that dome of yours. You don’t hide anything from us, and you take us on an “all access” tour.
I read your blog because you are striving to empower artists and creativity in the church.
I read your blog because I know when I load my RSS reader, there will almost always be a few new posts on your feed.
I read your blog because even though I only know you through the internet, I have wept with you. Especially the adoption videos.
I read your blog because you keep it real.
One word…
AUTHENTICITY
Ok, maybe another word…
RANDOM
Because your blog is real, fun, random, and authentic.
Because you aren’t afraid to put pictures of your nose on it.
Because you have tattoos, and I feel little less geeky for NOT having any when I read your blog.
Just to name a few.
I’m a new reader. And I’m blogrolling you.
Perhaps we just like mess? LoL. I like it for the same reasons others have said… randomness, you seem authentic, etc. Love checkin it.
/TC/
Authenticity ….. wish there was a little more of that in my neck of the “christian woods”.
I just recently found your blog and I LOOOVE the honesty. It is beyond refreshing to read that you had scrubbed the kin off your nose I may or may not have done something similar at one point in either this life or one somewhere else. I love that it makes me laugh. I love that it is real.
Thanks you for being honest and raw and letting strangers into the depths of your life so that we may learn and grow.
I read it because I can’t wait to see what your kids do next. Your kids are awesome.
I also snag your worship confessionals for my myspace page–To show some of my unchurched peeps the fun they are missing.
My sister sent me a link to your blog last September. She thought I’d be interested since my family and I live and serve in a church in the ATL area. BTW she is like a female “Los”. Always cracking me up!!!
At the risk of echoing previous comments, I kept coming back for more because of your “realness” and the fact that you (and your regular comment posters) challenge my thinking. It forces me outside my comfort zone on a regular basis.
Plus, you keep me in touch with what young folks are thinking today (something my 23, 19 and 16 year old daughters had practically given up on). I’ve learned a lot from you. Thanks.
…because I am a worship guy that loves what is going on at buckhead, and I have just started blogging, and this is the kind of thing that my team needs too. Keep up the good stuff.
Louis
bc i am on your new team
do you read my blog? you have NEVER posted 
Because you find random crap on the internet that I’d never find, or have the time to find, and post it on your blog.
Then I get to see some crazy/funny/interesting stuff I’d otherwise never get to see.
Oh, and because sometimes you post pictures of Losiah…and I love him.
I miss you too.
you make feel a little bit normal…i said a little bit!!!
cause youre my brother..
It’s quality entertainment…and you’re crazy… ‘What will Los do next?” Pretty soon it will be RagamuffinsoulTV…
Because in an interweb world of crap and consumerism you are real, a nugget of truth, a lone ranger who is modelling what real-life ministry looks like in a world full of fakers. You get my drift. And has anybody told you that you look like Ben Harper? That helps too. (kidding)
Because 6 year med turned me on to you. I’m not her mom but I could be!
you care, and don’t care.
it’s kinda contagious.
It’s unfiltered.
similar interests, encouragement in the faith, interesting odds and ends, “More soul then freaknik”
You have a wonderful way of looking at life and the punches it throws at you. You are greatful for what you have and yet always strive for better. You are young and yet you have a beautiful family that you don’t take for granted. You show that you don’t have to be a “freak” to be religious.
I don’t know how long you have been writing for however you describe whatever your feeling in the moment to a tee. You decribe things that only people can feel but not write down, even if it’s silly things and not so serious.
don’t you dare narrow….
that’s why.
it appeals to my a.d.d. nature.
and when it’s happy… i’m happy.
Because you are on staff at the coolest church in America working under the most innovative team in the church world. I love your blog great stuff you rock my face off. Would love to meet you some day! Maybe at Unleash!!!
I read because it inspires me to be real and reminds me that other people struggle with things just like I do so I’m not alone in this big bad world we call home for the short span of that we’re here.
Because you answer my questions.
Oh, wait. Nevermind.
I am one of the Moms who reads your blog. I am 55 years old, creative, sometimes even witty. Following your blog makes me stop and think. My answers to your questions challenge me. Your freedom to be yourself challenges me. I don’t want to lose a passion for Jesus in my busy life. Your writing somehow reminds not to take myself too seriously and your stuff inspires me to write on my blog. Plus, look at all the people who you touch with your blog! If it aint broke, don’t fix it.
Carlos, I’m about to attempt the same authenticity and transparency that makes your blog great (even if at 1 AM it’s gonna lack the creativity). There are two reasons I read your blog. I volunteered on the production team there almost every Sunday for a couple years. The people under you mean a lot to me (especially Josh, he rocks), and this is kind of a way to keep tabs on them. The second reason is a little more personal. I read your blog because it gives me hope. I’m currently in grad school, getting ready to get married (yet I live 150 miles from my fiancee), and working as the technical coordinator at a church that treats “excellence” as though it was a sign of devil worship. Not to mention they hand out buckets of responsibility and thimbles of authority to chase it down with. I read your blog like a boy reading the story of Buzz Aldrin. While I am working diligently to make whatever impact I can in my present state, you are what I want to be when I grow up.
Lest I leave it there, things are looking up. I’m moving to Chattanooga in a month, so I’ll be close to my finacee and have a new job (now I’ve just got to find it).
Thanks for letting us into your life, it goes great with google reader and a bowl of Kashi Go-Lean Crunch in the mornings.
Because you are crazy man, and coming to your blog makes me feel less crazy… and that way also I can discover when I need to ‘UP’ my craziness. You are my measure of how crazy to be. … err in case the rest of the guys are wondering, I’m really talking about being crazy for Jesus.
Keep blogging man, don’t niche or anything of that sort. We have to be multi(or zulti)-dimensional!
So after reading all of these I have garnered one thing…
We pretty much are all crazy.
ummm…becuase you are open and real. and you keep me entertained.
you still owe me $10
You update constantly which is a must for a repeat read blog. You talk about worship and I lead worship. You work for a big church group and that’s fascinating to me. Watching the tight rope walk between church and spectacle. And your honest. Honest almost to a fault and that is what I think makes the best blogs.
Why ask why? I got hooked after my soninlaw chris told me about this blog. Such craziness. Thanks for your honesty.
Because everyone loves a trainwreck! J/K. I read this blog because its not some Myspace niche group that focuses solely on one thing. It does perfectly what a blog is supposed to do. Connect your life and heart with others. You’re a little odd, but so am I or else I wouldn’t be on thise site.
Makes me laugh… I love the fresh, honest, random church leader perspective.
because it is refreshing–encouraging bits of info on life and ministry mixed with some great, honest glimpses into real life–thanks!
Los… I read your blog because it’s a trip bro. The post about flipping the dude off at your gym had me rolling. Don’t narrow anything… keep the mess coming. It’s encouraging to all of us messy people to know that even Northpoint peeps are messy! ha.
You are the coolest guy I’ve never met. You are honest, real, funny, spastic, confident, vulnerable, passionate, and so much more.
When I tell people about stuff that you say on the blog I find myself saying, “a friend of mine said…”
When the day is dragging I know that I can pull up my google reader and I can touch base with the outside world.
Don’t change a thing. Don’t fall into a pigeon hole (pigeons are disgusting, nobody like pigeons and I can just imagine how undesirable their holes are)
I read your blog because I never know what I’m going to get… you’ve intrigued me! Now I must explore!
as said about 458 times above, you’ve given us all permission to be random and authentic. Filters off. It’s contagious. Thank you.
Dude, I read your blog ‘cuz it allows be to get to know you even better than when you were @ sandals (I don’t get out much and if I had the time to hang out you’d be da coolest)
Real may hurt but joy ‘ll come in the morn. GOD is good all da time!!!
sos i can steal ideas for my new blog – going live tomorrow and hopefully get some conversation going here in my neck o’ the woods.
Because I love you bro!
because i’m my kid’s mom and i feel a little cooler and more fun being able to talk about what you’re talking about.
can’t remember how i stumbled here not too long ago,though.
the videos of your family adopting from korea were what i first noticed and i was in tears as you were over there.
in short, your blog makes me laugh, cry, and think.
and i don’t do those as much as i should -so muchos gracias!
IT:
makes me laugh
makes me cry
teaches me stuff
helps me to grow
challenges me
pushes me to try something different
keeps me from “ministry tunnel vision”
is just plain fun….
keep hope alive los!
I laugh out loud every time I think of you bolting out of the womens locker room at your gym….
I came here by way of “rocks in my dryer”. We’re an all-vanilla family who adopted a daughter from China a year ago. I think I may be a soccer mom, but I’m not sure what a soccer mom is. Are you still a soccer mom if your kids don’t play soccer?
I like the wholeness of your blog. I like the different perspective. Your outsides are way different than mine, but our insides seem amazingly similar.
I’m tired of labels. Why so many labels in the world?