Forgiveness: Build A Bridge And Get Over It

Forgiveness: what a word!!! I stood before the thirty summer staffers in the camp dining hall. We had all just returned from a great weekend in Houston. It was now time to return to the world of camp and get ready for 400 campers arriving the next morning. During our Houston weekend I’d shared mini-devotions …

What Causes Depression?

I’m often asked, “What causes a person to become depressed?” My answer is often, “No one knows.” One of my wise doctors, a psychiatrist, once said, “Curt, we don’t understand as much as we’d like about exactly how the brain, and its chemicals, work.” That being said, I think there are Biblical examples of depression …

Under The Broom Tree With Elijah

Tonight in revival, I’m speaking from I Kings 19:1-18, specifically verse 4, “He (Elijah) came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die.” Elijah, after the greatest victory in his life (the BBQ on Mt. Carmel where God “showed up and showed out) is running in fear for his …

Whatever It Takes

La Esperanza, Honduras From the book by Curt Iles, The Old House copyright 2002 I stood in muddy water in the middle of what was now a raging stream. Only an hour ago this spot was the middle of a dirt road on the side of a hill in northwestern Honduras. We’d arrived here at …

Across The Pea Patch: A Story On My Hero, Don Hunt

Across the Pea Patch: A story on my hero, Don Hunt I often write about traveling to far off places to share the good news of Jesus. Whether it’s Africa or Honduras, I always feel privileged to “go and tell.” Acts 1:8 tells us to “go to the ends of the earth.” However, the greatest …

A Day In The Life Of A Writer

Curt in one of his “offices” Thur. Oct. 22 Lake Charles, LA I am so privileged to write for a living. It is my calling, but I try to never forget what a joy and honor it is to write. You see, I’m “writing for a reason.” My reason to write is to honor God …

"Six Foot Deep" In Trouble

As promised, here is a light-hearted cemetery story about the fear we all have: someone being buried in the wrong grave. One of my ministries is to work with people in selecting their grave sites at Dry Creek Cemetery. I’ve found that this is a time when we can really help people. I call it …

The Evergreen Cedar Tree

This story, from my second book, The Old House, tells about a sacred place in our community: Dry Creek Cemetery. Later in the story, I share the touching and heroic tale of my friend and neighbor, Arlean Crow Courmier. Yesterday, we buried her father, Arthur Crow, beside Arlean’s grave. As we stood by his grave, …

A Spent Bullet Synopsis

A Spent Bullet Readers: This blog contains a three-page synopsis (0verview) of my current work in progress. I’ve looked at it until my eyes are crossing. I’d appreciate any and all reader feedback for improvements before it begins its journey to publishers.A Spent Bullet I’m looking for grammatical as well as plot ideas, weaknesses, or …

Hurricane Season

Hurricane Season is winding down. Hooray. Hallelujah. I know it’s not officially over until November 30, but it’s safe to say this will be a below normal season, especially for our battered Gulf Coast. Shown are two of my favorite hurricane items. One is my can of Baptist Beer. I write the name of every …

More On Planning and Planting

More on planning and planting for the future. Beth Koop is one of my Dry Creek Camp friends. Her parents are a classic example of a lifelong good marriage. Beth shared this concerning the future and tree planting. “My daddy was talking about planting a tree a few weeks ago. My mama asked why he …