Quotes: A Good Way to Keep Your Life-Compass Pointed True North
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 is a favorite. Success To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better than you found it. Two keywords: “Respect” and “Leave.” I could write a book about each word. Maybe one day I will. QUOTES AND SNIPPETS I’ve always been a collector of quotes and pithy sayings. They motivate me and serve as road signs to keep my feet on the path, my journey straight, and my moral compass set. Here are recent ones from my journals: “Always keep your inner moral compass pointing true north. Take time to check and change your direction as needed.” Go where you can have the greatest influence and make the most impact. Influence: Go wide! Impact: Go deep! LIVINGSTONE ROAD The story is told that an English missionary society wrote to the great missionary David Livingstone and asked, “Have you found a good road to where you are? If so, we want to know how to send other men deep in the heart of Africa to join you.” Livingstone wrote back, “If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them. I want men who will come even if there is no road at all.” The road to Samaria… As well as the road through Samaria… Neither of these are ever “good roads” or “easy roads” but they are the place to be and will always be the road of blessings. “You shall not pass here.” Gandalf the Wizard Making a stand. It’s Gandalf the Wizard, in The Lord of the Rings, standing astride the bridge of Khazad-Dhum opposing a balrog fire demon. The Wizard stamps his staff. “You shall not pass here.” “You shall not pass here.” (From Chapter 19, “Grit” in The Three Trees.) Proverbs 25:11 written in Journal #89. A SONG I was lost And I was found Take me home To a pine belt town. -Pine Belt Blues” The Dexateens My Duct Tape Bible I read Proverbs 20 on the 20th day of each month, and continue daily. One of the best habits I’ve ever made. A good Bible is too precious to throw away. That’s why God invented Duct tape. ON LIFETIME FRIENDSHIPS “Even though our hands may not often touch; Our hearts always do.” Statements that have shaped my life: If you like people, people will like you. He was a kind man.” Put it on my tombstone. You cannot outgive God. Relationships matter. Grit: Perseverance trumps talent 6. Finish Strong 7. Onward! 8. “You cannot have too many friends.” -Mary Iles 9. Make moving memories “See dirt, throw seeds. See seeds, water them. Filling my Life-Buckets. A daily priority. One way I’m learning to be unoffended is the part of writing I detest. Rejection letters. It’s part of the life of a professional writer. Rejection letters. You’ll have a stack of them if you’re sending out proposals. I’ve learned not to take it personally. To accept it with graciousness. Send a nice note to the editor. Trying to glean anything from them and their rejection that can teach me a lesson. Additionally, I’m trying to accept life’s setbacks and difficulties with a smile, “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll just put it in the next book.” You have no friends. You have no enemies. You only have teachers. Cato’s Warning to the Roman Senate on Carthage: AD 535, given that the closest distance from Cape Boeo, Sicily, to Cape Bon, Tunisia, across the Mediterranean is only about seventy-five miles, a shorter distance of travel than from the western Sicilian city of Marsala to the Straits of Messina. The Roman historian Livy records the dramatic story of how the Elder Cato warned the Roman Senate of the dangers of an aggressive Carthage by dropping a fig from a fold in his toga, while admonishing the senators that it was still fresh, given that it had been picked just three days earlier, the aggregate direct travel time between Carthage and Rome. From the story, “A Millionaire Named Bruce” in my book, Hearts Across the Water. X BRUCE HATW The difficulties of living so far from family and among a different culture should never be underestimated. Some would claim that the worst mistake Bruce made was messing up his ordered, simple life by wandering off on a two-week disaster relief trip. But in my mind, I see Bruce’s grin as he holds up over 1 million rupiahs in the market area of Jakarta, Indonesia. Yes, he is still a millionaire—not of the earthly kind, whether measured in dollars or rupiahs. But Bruce has found his calling And he has found his life partner. And he has found that simple secret, a secret so simple and plain that most of the world trips over it. The secret that real fulfillment in life doesn’t come from amassing wealth But rather from serving others and having the joy this service brings. The kind of joy and purpose that makes a man a millionaire. JUST WRITE IT DOWN! I’ve written parts of my ideas, dreams, and future book outlines on napkins and on my hand in ink. I once wrote a short story outline on a roll of thin Ugandan Camel brand toilet paper. I’ve used several expensive pens. I’ve used an orange
November 2025 Anticipation, Riding Shotgun, and More
Tuesday, November 4 Riding Shotgun But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. -Jesus in John 15:26 If you grew up watching Westerns, you’re very familiar with the shotgun rider. He was the well-armed, grizzled guard who sat on the high seat beside the stagecoach driver. It’s an ingrained part of American vernacular, “I’m riding shotgun.” You’re riding beside someone. It can be for protection, comfort, guidance, or closeness. During my years in Africa I had to be careful with my language. Many American terms mystified my African friends. I once invited an African pastor to ride with me. “Pastor Joseph, let’s go to Rhino Camp today.” I pointed to the empty passenger seat. “You can ride shotgun.” There was a blank stare. “What does that mean, Mzee?” I spent five minutes explaining about the shotgun rider and the Wild West. If I remember correctly, I sketched a stagecoach in my journal for him. Riding shotgun. Protection. Companionship. Guidance. When Jesus mentions the Helper in John 15, he’s referring to the Holy Spirit. In another passage, he calls the Spirit, “Our Counselor.” Notice that both are capitalized. Jesus is referring to a person, not a thing. Our Helper. Our Counselor. When a person is born again in Jesus, he or she receives the Holy Spirit. He comes to dwell in us. That’s an amazing thing. And He’s there to guide us. Protect us. Companionship at the highest and most intimate level. Sound familiar? Guidance. Protection. Companionship. In a way, the Holy Spirit becomes our shotgun rider. Right there in the driver’s seat beside you. Always faithful. Always powerful. Always close. He’s the Holy Spirit, a full member of what we call the Trinity. The three-in-one. Look again at John 15:26. They’re all there. The Father. The Son. The Spirit. You need a strong shotgun rider beside you on your life journey. May I recommend him highly? Jesus calls him “The Helper.” “Lord, I thank you for Your Holy Spirit who indwells a Jesus-Follower. Thanks for help and guidance your provide. Please remove anything from my life that hinders your full power to rule my life. Amen. “Anticipation is 82.4% of life.” -Unknown (percentage adjusted due to inflation.) Anticipation is 82.4% of life. It’s true. Looking forward to something is a large and enjoyable part of life. It doesn’t matter what it is. A vacation. A great steak supper. Or a new baby. It’s especially true of a trip or event. Often, the best part is preparing, dreaming, talking, and getting the details done. That’s anticipation. Anticipation. It’s a good word. My sister Claudia Lou and her clan routinely make several yearly pilgrimages to Disney World. I’m talking about multiple (expensive) trips to the Magic Kingdom. I kidded her, “Sister, why do y’all make these many trips to Disney World? I mean, there’s only so many times to see Mickey Mouse or Snow White.: Claudia said something profound: “Curt, we spend weeks enjoying the planning of the trip. We have a great time while we’re at Disney World. And then we spend weeks talking about what a fine time we had.” Claudia’s three-point sermon has deeply affected me. Life is more than the event or occasion. It’s anticipation. Looking forward to it. It’s enjoyment. Taking it all in. It’s making memories. Taking weeks, sometimes months, maybe a lifetime, re-living it with others and in our hearts. Thanks, Sister, for a good lesson. I’m making this triangle a part of my life. Like I said, Anticipation is 82.4 % of life. Go for it, Sister. Grab hold of it, Brother. There’s always more at The Creek. Visit our blog at www.creekbank.net Coming Blogs Rebel yells Doing it right. The Three laws of sowing/reaping. “Where I Come From“ has become a favorite among our faithful readers. You can purchase copies in Paper, Hardback, and Kindle eBook at Amazon.com/Curt Iles Books. Purchase your copy of The Three Trees at Amazon.com/Curt Iles/Books The Mission of Creekbank Stories is to share moving stories that encourage and inspire. STAY IN TOUCH: Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter. You can also follow us at the Creekbank Facebook Page. There’s always more at The Creek. www.creekbank.net You can read any of our 1600-plus blog posts at www.creekbank.net Our YouTube posts, books, blog posts, and newsletters are all accessible in the top menu at www.creekbank.net Order your copy(s) of The Three Trees on Amazon here. There’s always more at the Creek. www.creekbank.net The Mission of Creekbank Stories is to share moving stories that encourage and inspire.
Notes From The Creek October 2025
Jots, Notes, and Sketches October 2025 From Journal 153 I’ll be sharing rough sketches and notes from cuurent Journal 153. I’ll also be writing from/about the following photos: (Below) Gone but never forgotten. Richard A. Rayburn. DeRidder native, American hero, and son of two of my dearest friends, Macon “Mac” Rathburn and Mabelle “Mamie” Rathburn. Vietnam Wall Section 45 E Line 5. Stay tuned for stories
If You See Dirt
See Dirt, Throw Seeds If you see dirt, throw seeds. If you see seeds, water them. Swahili Your statement means: Ukiona udongo, panda mbegu. Ukiona mbegu mwangia maji. “Maji” is water in Swahili. That is what our lives should be about: sowing seeds. Gospel seeds Seeds of Kindness Seeds of Generosity Seeds of Compassion The list could go on forever. Where is your “Dirt Field? “Where are you throwing seeds today?” How are you watering plants from seeds planted before you? Let’s be busy today. Planting seeds in our respective fields. It’s everyone’s job. It’s all our privilege, responsibility, and opportunity. Let’s be busy in the Field today. There’s always more at the Creek. www.creekbank.net You can read any of our 1600-plus blog posts at www.creekbank.net The Mission of Creekbank Stories is to share moving stories that encourage and inspire. STAY IN TOUCH: Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter. You can also follow us at the Creekbank Facebook Page. There’s always more at The Creek. www.creekbank.net Our YouTube posts, books, blog posts, and newsletters are all accessible in the top menu at www.creekbank.net Order your copy(s) of The Three Trees on Amazon here. There’s always more at the Creek. www.creekbank.net The Mission of Creekbank Stories is to share moving stories that encourage and inspire. Swahili
Spring Cleaning on Journal Notes
Spring Cleaning from my Journals *Scroll down to learn more about our latest short story collection, The Three Trees. As always, you can access all our links and information on our home page at www.creekbank.net We’re starting a new journal today. As a writer, it’s always special to open a new blank journal and wonder what will fill its pages in the days and weeks to come. Before we tuck our present journal away, I thought you might enjoy some rough notes and quotes. Q. Who do you know that needs to hear words of affirmation and encouragement from you? Q. Will you do it today? Our Creekbank Website Home Page contains everything you’d ever want to know about Creekbank Stories and Curt Iles. Order your Amazon copy of The Three Trees and receive it in 3-4 days.
“Landing Page” for All Things Creekbank
April 23, 2025 falls on a Wednesday. A lot is going on at the Creekbank today. Around noon, Matheus and I will approve “The Three Trees,” starting its two-day Amazon review. You’ll be able to purchase your copies at Amazon. You’re going to love it and want to pass it on to the young people in your life. Stay tuned. Proverbs 23 for April 23: “Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12 NLT Life Long Learning: I’m early 69 and still have that burning desire to learn.
Staying Curious
My 3 Daily Guidelines are: Staying Curious Being Amazed Sharing Moving Stories. Basically, that’s what I do every day. I’ve never lost my curiosity. In addition to my membership at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, I’m a card-carrying member of Church on the Levee, a homeless church that meets on Sunday afternoons. We gather under the Murray Street Under the I-49 overpass at Murray. About 50-60 homeless plus about 20 “civilians” gather for music, a worship service and a hot meal. Drop by. They don’t bite. Be curious. Be Amazed. You’ll be blessed. Curt creekbank.stories@gmail.com https://www.churchonthelevee.com/ Learn more below.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
SAT. JAN. 25 “GO FOR YOUR DEAMS WITH GREAT INTENSITY.” -Don Gray to his son John upon his graduation from East Beauregard in 1986. Lots of people,” as the poet and artist Austin Kleon puts it, “want to be the noun without doing the verb.” To make something great, what’s required is need. As in, I need to do this. I have to. I can’t not. “If I don’t write this book, no one will.” “Compelled” I must do this. I am pilled along to do it. WWW.CREEKBANK.NET
FIELD NOTES: Thursday, January 23, 2025
FIELD NOTES Our Journey Page for today Thursday, January 23 Today, I’m speaking at a senior adult lunch at my church, Calvary Baptist Church. I’ll be sharing snippets from my latest release, Where I Come From: Journeys, Seasons, and Quarters Lessons from the Seed Tree Professor Cavanaugh’s Best Lecture Thought on the beautiful art of forgiveness: “3 Fallouts” and “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?” A note on speaking to seniors: Remember that you’re the only thing between them and a hearty lunch and an afternoon nap. Be brief. Tell Stories. More journal updates will come as the day goes by. The stories listed above are from Where I Come From. “A book needs friends before it needs readers.” I’m starting an outline today of my upcoming book, FIELD NOTES From a Life of Journaling. If you have ideas or tweaks on the title, email me at curt@creekbank.net. I will reply. I’m working on the chapter outlines, order of chapters, and covers. My goal for Field Notes is to make it a Creekbank Tribe Project. I want my readers involved each step of the way. It’ll be fun! I’ll post the back cover text later to give you an idea of the heart of the book. Writing, Curt Had a great time with Calvary Seniors. Becky Cady was there, so I told her story “The Art of Snake-Popping” from Where I Come From:
