about me

My name is Jason C Dukes. I am a follower, a leader, a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a friend, a learner, a teacher, a writer, and a dreamer. I was born in Cleveland, MS, grew up in New Orleans, LA, and now live in Central FL.

I have been married since 1998 to the most beautiful, thoughtful, wise, and supportive woman ever. I am blessed to know Jen as friend and lover. She is the best mom ever, an awesome friend to so many, a compassionate RN, a gifted decorator, a witty conversationalist, my favorite watcher-of-a-movie-with-me, and an outstanding cook.

We have five kids. Caleb is the older brother. He is a Jeff Gordon fanatic. None of us ever liked NASCAR, but he has influenced us all to watch it and be a fanatic, too. You should see his room. He is also very smart, very thoughtful, very creative, a gifted artist, loves music, and has a passion for sports. Well-rounded kid. So thankful for my little man.

Katey is our sunshine. She was a miracle gift to us. She makes us all smile with her humor and how comfortable she is around anyone. She is stunningly beautiful, extremely charming, very common-sense smart, extremely compassionate, super-sensitive to the hurts of others, and simply wants to have fun.

Abby is a cutie. She is a blonde version of my mom. Her smile is contagious. Her imagination is eclectic and all-encompassing. I never know what my character name is each day with her. She is a determined and caring little girl. Very smart. She loves shoes and bags of all sorts. She plays “house” and “dress up” with Katey, and she serves as fashion consultant for all of us.

Ella is a blossoming bundle of smiles. She makes us all laugh with her funny faces and particular requests. The older kids have doted over her ever since she was born. Caleb actually prayed that we would have another baby back in February (2008). We are thankful God answered yes. We think he wanted a little brother, but he sure has been excited for “Ella” – he even gave her the name. We are so enjoying her infectious joy and charming style.

Noah (October 2010) is the little brother Caleb has been desiring for a long, long time. He is a laid back kid with a handsome smile and an acute desire to see what’s going on around him. He always wants to face outward when we are holding him. And he digs being outside. And naked, too. Hopefully that one will curb a bit.

We have been on an amazing yet sobering journey for the last five years starting Westpoint Church, a local community of faith focused on being the church, doing life together, and giving herself away. We emphasize “living sent” – being a letter from God communicating His love and hope in the message of our daily life among all whom we encounter. We are sent by Jesus, God came near, who showed us God’s love and how to love. Now we are trying to learn and live in His ways.

We’ve also enjoyed being a part of creating the Restoration Concept, House Blend Cafe, the Reproducing Churches network, and the Church of West Orange. Click on each to check out their websites.

I dig music, movies, teaching, and writing. I cheer for SEC football (specifically the Gators), Duke basketball, and NASCAR (particularly Jeff Gordon because my son is a fanatic for him). In summary, I really like dating my wife, dancing with my daughters, watching races with my son, learning, writing, thinking, and basketball.

[a few FAVORITES]

• MUSIC_chris rice, andrew peterson, will smith, rich mullins, john mayer, coldplay, leeland, steven curtis chapman, the civil wars
• MOVIES_crash, the passion, hoosiers, contact, hancock, the dark knight, veggie tales jonah, tron, adjustment bureau
• BOOKS_one thousand gifts, unstoppable force, searching for God knows what, Jesus i never knew, every man’s marriage, choosing to cheat

Find me on Facebook and Twitter (name – jasoncdukes). And here’s our Christmas card from 2010, wishing you a Merry Christmas all year long!!!