I have had some bad luck in the airports lately.
I’m stuck in the Phoenix Airport trying to get to Catalyst Dallas.
But nothing like a 3 day stint in the Las Vegas airports spending my life savings in the terminal slot machines.
What is your worst travel story?
Los

When you are on a bus you get really close with your bus mates.
And this is a great group of guys to get to spend a month with.
John Marks band (who James and John are playing with me as well) are the real deal.
Love the Lord and can kick your teeth in if you mess with us.

I love my life…
Los

I jumped off a bridge today.
But it’s all about perspective isn’t it?
In the first pic I’m just a chubby Mexican with his flip flops in his hands.
In the second pic I’m just a chubby Mexican with his flip flop in his hands jumping from 5 stories.
In the third pic nobody cares about the chubby Mexican with his flip flops in his hands because the landscape is so amazing.
Let me tell you something.
The crap that was almost in my pants from jumping off that bridge was real, but so is your perspective.
And let me tell you something else…
The truth about who you are or the church that you have is real…
But so is everybody’s perspective.

So keep jumping…all the while knowing that no one else may think it’s a big deal.
It’s better that way.
Los

There’s a reason they call it the redeye.
When’s the last overnight flight you took?
Los

I know it’s not as catchy as Donald Millers book title but it’ll have to do.
I’m heading on radio tour this week hitting Dallas, Sacramento, Seattle, Portland, St. Paul, Grand Rapids, and Denver.
I’m gonna try and schedule a tweet/blog/whatever meet up in each town I’m in.
I’ve got radio and TV appearances each day but for those of you who stay up late…there shall be a chance to dine…
If I had to eat at one place in each of those towns…where would it be and what would I eat?
Hope to see you guys!!!
Los

What was it all about?
Los

I have no idea how to decipher your code.
But it was the only “personal touch” I could expect from a store.
And now I get a sticker slapped on the side of my cup that still has the boxes you used to scribble your coffee love note to me.
Only to cover it with that God awful sticker.
I know in the end it makes you faster.
But that scribble, now that it’s gone…
Takes you one step closer to McCafe.

Sincerely,
Metrosexual Skinny Hazlenut Latte Drinking Customer…
Carlos

I never get tired of that trick.
Los

As I begin the “hustle“…
Here are some of the amazing places I’ll be in the coming weeks.
Come hang out…

8.26           Catalyst World Domination Headquarters – Atlanta, GA
8.27-8.30  LifeChurch.tv – Somewhere in OK
9.1              North Point Ministries Worship Leader Retreat – Atlanta, GA
9.3-9.4      Tracking for Ragamuffin Record – Franklin, TN
9.3-9.5      FeedBack Conference – Nashville, TN
9.8             Catalyst World Domination Headquarters – Atlanta, GA
9.8-9.11    Tracking for Ragamuffin Record – Franklin, TN
9.13-9.14  Sea Coast Church – Charleston, SC
9.16-9.19  The Gathering Conference, Phoenix, AZ
9.20           Buckhead Church, Atlanta, GA
9.23           Catalyst World Domination Headquarters – Atlanta, GA
9.27           Oak Leaf Church – Cartersville, GA (I’ll be a photog, pretty cool)

Holy cow.  I’m tired already.
Please come say hi if I’m near you.
I’d love a non digital hug.
See you there…
Los

Hey all. Well, as most of you well know, Carlos is on a blogatical and with that, has asked me to take over things in his absence. Who am I? Well, I am Crystal Renaud and can usually be found at PinkHairedGirl.net. That’s my cozy little area of a internet real estate. I have been blogging since 2003 and somehow got to know Carlos along the way. I am honored to call him a friend. I am totally going to agenda-push (because hello, I am posting on ragamuffinsoul) and share with you, that I am working on a project of my own. I am not going to go into detail (I am not that shameless), but if you’re curious, check it out.

I don’t know about you, but I am super proud of Carlos for taking a step back to evaluate things. Prioritize. Breathe. And connect with our Maker. While I hope he returns sooner rather than later, I am excited to see what God does through this time.

NOW, FOR SOME BUSINESS

As Carlos said, this blog is now yours. Always has been and always will be. So, take advantage of this time and let your voices be heard. Got something on your heart? Got something amazing your church is doing that you think we all need to know about? Got a funny video of your kid with his head stuck in the banister railing?

SPILL IT.

Send in your videos (vimeo, youtube, any embeddable video source) to stories@ragamuffinsoul.com and I will post them as I get them. This a time for you ALL to step out and share your stories. Would love it if the stories are new… and relevant to this community. Not something from a year ago, you know? Yeah, you know what to do.

OFF THE BLOGS

While Carlos’ online presence may be gone, he is still alive and well. One of the ways you can get a little love is by coming out to OFF THE BLOGS. OFF THE BLOGS is a night of conversation with three of the most influential bloggers in the ministry world-Carlos, Anne Jackson and Jon Acuff and hosted by Pete Wilson with worship by Aaron Keyes.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here. Registration is free for Catalyst ONE DAY Atlanta attenders. Just pick up a wrist-band at the registration area.

I am going and I gotta say, I am totally pumped. Not just because I get to hang with some amazing people, but because I think that God is totally going to show up through the authenticity and no sugar-coating that will take place there.

OR you can check out his familia at … whittakerwoman.typepad.com.

GO.