“All Aboard!” The conductor called out. I hefted my backpack and stepped aboard the Amtrak train. “Where are you headed?” “San Francisco.” “That’s a long way’s from here in Lake Charles.” “Yes, it is.”   I didn’t reveal the reason for my trip.  He’d probably think I was crazy. The idea for my Louisiana to California train trip began at …

A story was related to me this week by my friend Jeff James :  a local Mennonite farmer talked about the art of plowing a straight row.  “You’ve got to have the ‘long-look.'” The long-look is always the best look in making good decisions. That’s why I believe so passionately in having a written life plan.  It forces a person …

On The Journey Sunday, July 1 Mrs. Audry Tyler, age 90, shuffles past me on her walker.  Another church member says,  “Curt, I heard you’re going to be overseas on missions.” “Yes, we’ll be gone two to three years.” Mrs. Audry, who served me hundreds of lunches during my school days, says,  “Well, Curt, you won’t be seeing me again.” …

Thursday, June 28 It’s a mockingbird morning. The mockingbird that rules our front yard is a providing a free concert in the (slightly) cooler Louisiana morning. I sit, cup of coffee and Bible, for my quiet time.  In spite of the racket of his 5 note-7 song repertoire, I enjoy my time “alone”:  God, me, and a mockingbird. I’ve always …

When Greg gets to Heaven   Greg Johnson is one of my friends. He’s also a hero and mentor.  I’ve learned way more from Greg than I could ever teach him. Greg lives in Union Hill and serves as a volunteer at Dry Creek Camp.  Greg was born with brain damage and is limited in many ways. But he hasn’t …

Thursday, June 21, 2012 Curt and DeDe Iles        Gondor, Ethiopia   circa 2007   Compelled:  to be driven along by a strong force or object. “It’s O.K. to be out on the limb.  That’s where the best fruit is found.” DeDe and I are taking the first steps on a new journey. We’ve applied with our missions organization,  the International Mission …

I’m blogging this week from G.A. Girls Camp at Dry Creek. Cade Gibbs leads the song,  “Christ be the center of our lives.                                                        Be the place we fix our eyes.” Young girls singing fills the Tabernacle. I think of Patti and her story.  She’s an adult who grew up at Dry …

Best part of my job:  I collect stories. The best stories I’m hearing now:  from the generation that saved the world.  Our Great Depression/World War II men and women. Join me in collecting their stories.  They’re all around you.  Grandparents, great grandparents, uncles, teachers.  They experienced first-hand a time that will never be repeated. Capture their stories.  Use your smart …

A Soldier’s Story Memorial Day 2012   It was a call I’d dreamed of :   “Sir, I’m contacting you because of your research on Medal of Honor winner, Sgt. Leroy Johnson.  My father was with him in Company K on December 15, 1944.  In fact, he saved my father’s life with his brave act . . . and my …

Everyone has a Story The Houston to Alexandria plane is late. It’s the story of airports:  hurry up and wait. I take my spot at Gate B-66.  Ready to get home to the Louisiana piney woods. It’s then I see her. Let me rephrase that.  I see them. A lovely older woman with a lifetime smile that she’s probably worn …

Welcome to Fummat’s Home I don’t know if Fummat lives in the C Terminal restroom at Charlotte Int’l airport but he could. It’s that clean. Before boarding my Houston flight, I make a restroom break.  Freshen up, brush my teeth. This Men’s room in C terminal is across from Big Daddy’s Burger Bar between gates C-5 and C-6 and it’s …

This devotion placed in the Blue Ridge Mtn. Christian Writer’s Conference contest.  I hope it blesses your heart. Le Petit Baton Rouge  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. -Jesus in John 13:35 When you step out of your vehicle at Avery Island, Louisiana a sharp pungent odor burns your nostrils.   …

  An ‘Easy Mark’ To call someone an “easy mark” is normally not a compliment. We use it in the context of taking advantage of someone and associate it with weakness. I have a story that explains the term’s origin. I’ll let you—the reader—decide if being an easy mark is a compliment or not. Thanksgiving and then Christmas are good …

My ability won’t take me very far My fragility is a testimony of Who you are.  -“Jar of Clay”    Aaron Tate/Caedmon’s Call When it comes down to it, there’s little we can do by ourselves. When it comes down to it, we can get a lots done working with others. But the only way eternal differences are made are when …