Creekbank Blog

The Deer Hunter Tuesday, December 12, 2023 There are some people you fall in love with the first time you meet them. That was true of Chet, and it was also true of Michael. I first met Chet in early November when he approached a breakfast table of men. It was the first week of deer season. One of the …

  Straight Out Of Yale   As I’ve followed the brouhaha around the presidents of Harvard, Penn, and M.I.T., I’m reminded of one of my favorite stories: A young man from a smaller church felt called to preach and entered Yale’s Divinity School. After one year at Yale, he triumphantly returned home and was invited to preach at his home …

  A Bald-Faced Liar “He’d rather climb a tree to tell a lie rather than stand on the ground and tell the truth.”   Where I come from, calling someone a bald-faced liar are fighting words. What’s the difference between a lie and a bald-faced lie? A lie is telling untruth. It’s wrong. It’s a sin. “Do not swear false …

    Friends and Readers, We’re putting the final touches on our upcoming novel, Where We All Belong. Don’t give up on us. There are many moving parts in getting a book into your hands. I really believe the final product will be worth the wait. Remember, it takes a village to raise a book and you’re a part of …

“The Old House at Night.”  by Bill Iles 1963 “A Tree Fell on the Old House.”   “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”    Proverbs 23:7 I’ve always dreaded it, but knew it’d happen one day.  My sister’s message was short, “A tree fell on the Old House last night during the storm.” Before I tell you …

A Ugandan Thanksgiving    In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -I Thess. 5:18   Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. It’s free of commercial crassness and a time for family and sincere gratitude. Thanksgiving gives us room to take a big breath and simply be thankful. Thanksgiving became special …

Lost at Sea: Remembering Milton Tinsley It’s Veteran’s Day and a time to honor those who served our country in times of need. It’s an excellent time to remember veterans who have been forgotten. It’s a good time to remember Milton Tinsley. He has a simple marker at Hopewell Community Cemetery near DeRidder, Louisiana: Milton Tinsley Lost at Sea I …

This week’s blog post: Aunt Margie’s Hands I still believe my Aunt Margie Nell had the most beautiful hands in the world. I miss those hands on the piano. Although I miss Aunt Marge’s hands, I miss her heart the most. Marjorie Nell Iles Walker was my Dad’s younger sister. During her lifetime, she was SW Louisiana’s most renowned pianist. …

Leaders Eat Last Thoughts on Servant-Leadership “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 I’ve recently discovered a fascinating book, ‘Leaders Eat Last’ by Simon Sinek. The book’s premise comes from the United States Marine tradition, where officers will wait until the …

A one sheet sell sheet is a snapshot tool to share with editors, agents, and readers concerning an upcoming book. This attractive one sheet was designed by my friend Wayne Mullins and his wife Heather  at Ugly Mug Marketing.  Visit www. to learn about Wayne’s innovative excellent. Please take a moment to visit www.usglymugmarketing.com and leave a message for Wayne. …

Pine Knot Piles and Earthly Treasures I have a startling confession to make. I’m going this afternoon to Ace Hardware to buy some pine kindling. I’m glad my ancestors didn’t live long enough to see a Dry Creek man pay good money for rich lighter kindling. In Alexandria, we recently moved into a house with a fireplace. I’ve been waiting …

I’m Sorry. Will you forgive me?”     Here’s a good quote to begin: “An unforgiving Christian? That’s an oxymoron.” -Jordy McCaskill   Summer 2023 Alexandria, Louisiana   My friend and I had just finished a fine meal at Word of Mouth Cafe near the Rapides Parish Courthouse in downtown Alexandria.   As I neared my truck, a tall security …

A Mentor named Jay Miller   “I was born in a tiny Southern town. I grew up with my family and friends all around.” Something to Love Jason Isbell   I grew up in a rural community where I was fortunate to have a long line of mentors and role models.  Many of these relationships continued even into my adult …

  The bird crashed into the plate glass window. My friend and I walked over to where a red cardinal lay on the grass. She said, “It’s dead.” “Let’s watch for a while. I’ve seen birds, knocked silly from a collision, get up, wobble around, and fly off.” But it was evident this cardinal’s flying days were over. He was …