Survival depends on very little – food, water, shelter, clothing. Fulfillment requires healthy relationships, meaningful work and serving others. Convenience is more complicated. Reflecting on what I cannot live without is an examination of convenience. Everything on this list contributes to my comfort, productivity, or entertainment, but it isn’t necessary for survival. That said, this … Continue reading Things I can’t live without
Category: Uncategorized
Christmas traditions
We have to be careful when we plan something special for our family because if we do it once, the boys will insist on making it a tradition. This is especially true of Christmas. We begin the season by decorating our home the weekend after Thanksgiving, often getting a jump by hauling the bins of … Continue reading Christmas traditions
Thankful for great memories
Memories are fleeting. They come and go on their own timetable. I treasure my children and different memories of them flash into mind at seemingly random moments. Here are memories I cherish and hope revisit me often as the boys grow into adulthood: Barron Parents know the least with their firstborn, and we didn’t even … Continue reading Thankful for great memories
Origins of a passion for writing
I have been drawn to writing as a creative activity since childhood. It started by inventing stories in my head. It grew into imitation when in the 7th grade I read William Faulkner’s 1942 short story “The Bear,” and I wrote my own story of a bear hunt gone awry. In the 8th grade, my … Continue reading Origins of a passion for writing
So glad she was born
(In honor of Carla's birthday on Nov. 13, here's a reflection on our introduction and courtship.) My deepest and most profound season of happiness came in January of 1996. One Sunday night after church, I was introduced to a young woman who worked with the children in the nursery. The Sunday night crowd was always … Continue reading So glad she was born
Who inspires me
I am blessed by a number of people in my life who inspire me. Jesus inspires me to love. I start each day before everyone rises to spend time alone in prayer and with the scriptures. The words and example of Jesus comfort and challenge me. Jesus not only commanded me to love God and … Continue reading Who inspires me
Funniest family members
Humor sustains us in difficult times, and I have become profoundly appreciative when my family makes me laugh. Upon reflection, I find my dad, father-in-law and middle brother, Lee, the funniest in my family, each in their own way. Dad has a penchant for remembering and telling stories and jokes. Lanny was a quipster who … Continue reading Funniest family members
A random act of kindness
If you are worried about how much something costs, you shouldn’t buy it. That’s been my philosophy for years, and I apply it most often during vacations. I don’t want to worry about how much a meal, accommodations or an activity sets me back because worry hinders my enjoyment. Why spend money on something you … Continue reading A random act of kindness
Even better than expected – part 4
(This is the final installment in a series about my career's twists and turns. If you missed the previous three posts, I encourage you to go back and catch up: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Now, for the final chapter... so far:) When I left GTRI for Institute Communications at Georgia Tech, I … Continue reading Even better than expected – part 4
What’s in a name, part 2
Our youngest child is named “Carlton Fulghum Wallace.” Naming our third born was the toughest. Unlike with our second-born, Harris, we were able to find out he would be a boy at 20 weeks into the pregnancy. We considered the family names still available to us that we liked, and we kept returning to “John,” … Continue reading What’s in a name, part 2
New South Essays 