Re-Imagining Education…#becauseamerica

  Sometimes I wonder about the type of education my kids one day will receive as they matriculate into “formal” schooling over the next few years.  I found myself doing so again this lazy, post July 4th as I sat out on my back patio watching my daughters create their own game in the yard, with…

Breathing Room

Years ago, one of my favorite pastors preached a series on creating breathing room in our lives.  That message has stuck with me, and recently struck a chord as I found myself unraveling in small ways, definitely in need of a break.  I remember reflecting about a week ago, how I just needed a little breathing room…

Fathers Making Good on their Promise

I just left the graduation ceremony for this year’s group of Teen Dads, and it was inspiring.  This is a group of dads who many people in society might write off, who are dedicated, committed, and taking the steps necessary to become the fathers for their children that many of them never had.  My family…

What fatherhood means to me

My primary responsibility as a father is to plant and nurture seeds. When I look at my own children, this is what I aspire to do everyday.  Before we were married, my wife and I talked about the kind of family we wanted to raise, how we would nurture our children, the futures we saw…

Creating memories will cost you, but it’s worth it

This was definitely a whirlwind of a weekend.  We seemed to do everything under the sun…and made some terrific memories in the process.  First, my youngest sister got married.  It still sounds new to me, even to write it.  But, it happened and I’m happy for her.  She seems happy, and Brett, my new brother-in…

My baby girl turns two

Olivia Grace Wakefield… I remember when we chose your full name.  We wanted it to mean something to us, and certainly when we hear the words Olivia Grace it evokes an emotion.  You are and always have been a gift of grace to this family.  I remember bringing you home.   You gave your mom…

Celebrating 9 Years and Counting of Marriage

The woman of my dreams…     We met at Emory University…lived in the same freshman dorm (Longstreet!).  I’d see her race out of the building each day to track practice, and though we had a class together and both sang in the gospel choir, we barely noticed each other first semester.  Well, that’s not…

Every Father Has a Story

Recently I met with the Executive Director for a prominent private school in the Atlanta area to pick his brain about some of the work he’s been doing with young families from low income communities.  Given that we’re in the same line of work, and that he has years of experience in this field, I…

Inspired by the love of a good woman

Sometimes I look at my wife and I can still remember back when she was simply my wife, and before she became the mother of my children.  It’s a trip how time flies.  One day you’re holding hands in Lullwater Park, dreaming about your future, the next you’re holding a little one’s hands dreaming about hers….

What’s your definition of success?

Have you ever thought about how you define success in life?  Particularly for parents I believe this is an important question to consider.  I read a definition this morning during my quiet time that was really inspiring.  It’s by John Maxwell, and it’s one he decided on  earlier on in his marriage, parenting, and career….