Clayton Iles Pond, Dry Creek, Louisiana     Thoughts on Being “Stove-Up”   I received word that one of my Dry Creek friends, Larry Dale, had been injured, so I immediately called his brother, David.   In his classic Dry Creek drawl (I’m proud of mine too), David said, “Yeah, Curt, he was up on a ladder gleaning his …

  We’d love for you to sign up for our weekly newsletter. It’s about the Mission of Creekbank Stories to Share Moving Stories that Encourage and Inspire. There’s always more at the Creek.   www.creekbank.net   Quotes to keep you pointed North and your feet on the ground.   How do you define success?   This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson …

  Contented   “But Godliness with contentment is great gain.”   –I Timothy 6:6   It’s the coldest morning of the year.    23 degrees at daylight.   I always think of old drafty houses on days like this.   We lived in The Old House as a boy, and I still shudder at the memory of the icy wind whistling …

Sometimes, an image burns into our minds without words. Such are these recent photos from the Iles homestead in Dry Creek.    

    My Dad loved Dry Creek Baptist Church and Dry Creek Baptist loved him in return. Attention: To all who want their church to be the best it can be in reaching others. The following is what I call “Brother C’s Manifesto.” It was written by my late father, Clayton Iles. I’ve left it in his unique handwriting. I …

Encouragement is something that doesn’t cost anything to give yet the outcome is priceless! -May Hill Encouragement   What a good word: encouragement. I could list various definitions. Instead, I’ll do what I do (and love) best. I’ll tell a story: The 1936 Berlin Olympics are among the most famous Olympiads of the 20th century. Its location was Germany Its …

  My 12 Key Words for 2026 Onward! Each January, I revise my Life Plan. It’s the words, sketches, and notes that remind me about what really matters. I have a list of words to guide me. Onward is one of my 12 keywords. It reminds me I’m moving and upward. There’s no room for coasting in my life. Onward …