Devotions

Part of our application process to serve with the International Mission Board was writing a 6-10 page “autobiography.” My wife DeDe looked at this requirement and shook her head.  “There’s no way I can write six pages about myself.” Curious Curt had a different reaction.  “How can I limit it to ten pages?” That’s why we make such a good …

Updated 1April 2013 2013 Life Plan as of 30Mar2013  on file: 2013April_My Life Plan_Iles.docx Curt Iles     What Matters Most: PIN 1. My Jesus-Walk   I want to chase hard after Jesus.  Haraka haraka!            2013 Key Verse: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and how they were uneducated common men, they took note that …

  I seek to live by six defining words.  It helps keep me focused and purposeful.  Here are my current words as of August 2012. I’d love to hear about the words you’ve selected.  

    This chapter is from our upcoming short story collection,  Christmas Jelly.  It contains two of the most powerful stories on forgiveness I’ve ever heard. May Ruth and Biggie’s stories touch you as they have me.   On Forgiveness   Forgiveness: the greatest gift to give. You can receive it. You can give it. It’s the gift that keeps …

Thursday, July 26 Today is a Lake Charles day.  I’m speaking to the Power Ladies Lunch at Glad Tidings Assembly of God. It will be fun!   Hope.  It’s such a big word. It’s when our candle is flickering And the tender reed of our heart bent and bruised That hope is most needed. It’s when Jesus always shows up.  …

 This is day one of a three-part travelogue on my recent train trip to California.  Enjoy! “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 …

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.” …

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 …

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 …

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.   …