Curt Iles

I write to have influence and impact through well-told stories of my Louisiana Pineywoods life.

Monday, August 15

Today’s Quote: “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” -Publilius Syrus, first century B.C. The importance of knowing who you are and who you aren’t: John told them, “I baptize with* water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave …

Read More »

July 30, 2011

Heavenly Treasures on Casino Road   From the book,  The Old House, by Curt Iles The silver BMW zooms by me as we head west on US 190 outside Reeves, Louisiana.  It’s a hot Saturday afternoon in June, and as always, our Louisiana summer humidity is tough to bear, and impossible to enjoy.  I’m driving the camp van, loaded with …

Read More »

Triumph and Tragedy: Thoughts about Norway

The tragedy in Norway reminds us that evil and extremism can, and does, exist everywhere. But I’m reminded that for every coward like the killer there are a thousand points of light doing good. Points of light like my Norwegian friend,  Tommy Rasmussen.  We met him last year in eastern Congo.  He had made three recent trips to this war …

Read More »

Sharp Hooks . . . and Tough-Mouthed Catfish

I’m just returning from a speaking engagement in southern Arizona.  It was simply great being with pastors and wives of Catalina Baptist Association. Today’s quote:  “The shortest distance between truth and a human heart is a story.”   -Anthony deMello Sharp hooks and tough-mouthed catfish… I never knew Reas Weeks . . . but I’ll always remember the following story about …

Read More »

The Mockingbird's Song

[display_podcast] Click on player to hear Curt read the preface. This is the preface from my book, The Mockingbird’s Song: Essays on the Journey through Depression Preface: The Mockingbird’s Midnight Song “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25)   It’s the middle of another restless …

Read More »

As the Crow Flies

These are the first two chapters and synopsis from my current manuscript, As the Crow Flies. Enjoy! Curt Iles Chapter One My name is Nancy Cotten, and I was born into a family of thieves. I guess that explains why Daddy kept looking over his shoulder as we came to the ferry at the Calcasieu River. “They say we’ll be …

Read More »

Values: Are yours priced right?

“A $1000 Saddle on a $100 Horse” From Wind in the Pines by Curt Iles This story was told to me by my friend Diann Cain Norris and it is still among my favorites. Diann’s family has always been active in rodeos.  Her parents, Junior and Anita Cain made sure their three daughters, Diann, Dena, DeAnn were busy with both …

Read More »