Sharing a Baker’s Dozen of My Favorite Websites

I don’t always respond to them, but I dig the daily prompts WordPress serves up for consideration via the creatives working diligently over at DayOne. Their daily offerings always seem to cause me to consider the prompt and wonder if it’s one I should take the time to type up a response to…should I?

Sometimes the answer is yes, other times it’s no.

Today’s prompt hit a chord, causing me to tap the letters on my blank black digital screen. Yes, Virginia, I have a few favorite websites.

What are your favorite websites?

First things first.

Is WordPress referring to websites or blogs? Both? Either?

“What’s the difference, Rainer?”

“I’m so glad you asked, dear reader.”

Websites and blogs primarily differ in their purpose, structure, and content style:

A) Purpose:

• Website: When you think website, think any form of online presence. Websites are typically designed to provide people information about a business, individual, organization, product, or service. Websites usually offer various pages (home, about, contact, services) that frequently remain static.
• Blog: A blog is a type of website, or sometimes a section of one, featuring regularly updated content, usually in the form of posts or articles.
  • Blogs rely more on content engagement, offering conversation along with information.
  • Bloggers aim to engage readers on specific topics or through personal reflections.

B) Structure and Content:

• Website: Truth be told, a website doesn’t really change much unless it’s a news site. Websites are typically organized with a fixed navigation structure. A website’s information remains the same, day after day. Literally, there’s nothing to see here once you’ve seen it.
• Blog: Blogs, on the other hand, are lively and dynamic—or should be—and are organized chronologically, with new posts appearing at the top. Blogs are updated frequently—at least most of them have a posting rhythm—and encourage reader interaction through likes and comments. Posts can focus on a variety of topics and may include tutorials, personal experiences, or cover current events.

C) Interaction:

• Website: Interaction is limited. You go there, look around, find what you want and exit out the rear window before anyone knows you’re there.
• Blog: Engagement is key. Blogs typically encourage interaction through comments, shares, and other social features. Blogging thrives on community.

My blog, The Devotional Guy™, includes life experiences, Christian reflections, artistic expressions, and insights into ministry work so it functions as both a blog, featuring regularly updated, thematic posts and a website offering lifestyle resources.

I read a lot. I scroll through lots of websites and blogs. They inspire me. They inform me. They encourage me. Sometimes, they give me a seed to cultivate and grow into my own idea for a blogpost. Mostly, they provide me with community and connection in an increasingly divided and isolated world.

My Baker’s Dozen

David’s Daily Dose

Bridget A. Thomas

Devotional Treasure

Lessons from a Lab

Daryl Madden

Big Sky Buckeye

Living Life Recovery

Seth’s Blog

The Gospel Coalition

Challies.com

Danny’s Essays

The Psalmist

The Domain for Truth

There are, of course, other blogs and websites that I like. And sometimes my tastes change and I like a different blog than the one I liked before. And then there’s the whole podcast thing. I love podcasts!

What are some of your favorite blogs?

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Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
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Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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Until our next conversation…

Remember:

God is good. All the time. 

No matter what.

Don’t worry about what’s next. Enjoy what’s now. 

Love, peace, and joy,

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

#JesusStrong