The Art of Encouragement!

Lifting the Barn . . . Together

Lifting the Barn. Together we can do it. Even if you skip today’s post, don’t miss this video of several hundred people moving a barn in Nebraska. http://youtu.be/o83W0gj_CRE is my favorite “Pamoja” story: Herman Ostry’s barn floor was under twenty-nine inches of water because of a rising creek. The Bruno, Nebraska farmer invited a few friends to a “barn raising.” …

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Wish you’d been there . . .

A Real Southern Gospel Quartet   Flash prayer need: A team from our Louisiana home church will be working among the Kakwa during the next two weeks. Pray for Aaron, Todd, and Garrett as well as our church leaders in Uganda and South Sudan. Scroll down for  other needs   Nothing connects with a person quite like the truth in …

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Travel: A Prayer for Packing

    A word from Curt On the Road.  It’s the way we spent much of our time. We’re often carrying money in three (sometimes four) currencies. I’m not complaining. It’s a privilege to travel, share the Gospel with new friends, and learn from Africa. Tomorrow (5 October 2014) we leave for an extended trip to Kenya.  As always, we …

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What I Value Most

A Word from Curt; Today’s word is UpCountry As in #UpCountry. It’s where we’re at today. Seven of us:  David and Renee Crane, Gordy and Colleen Glaser, Brady Glaser, and DeDe and yours truly are in West Nile Uganda District. I’ve posted ahead for today’s blog. Enjoy! Pray for our work over the next few days.  You can follow our …

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Wings and Roots: Purple Martins

An An Adult Male Purple Martin Wings and Roots   If you ask what I like best about purple martins, I’d reply, “It’s how these birds have wings and roots.” One of the joys of my rural life is the six months yearly the martins spend as my guests. These migratory birds, members of the swallow family, first arrive in …

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Are you “doing what you were born to do?”

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 …

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Wed.Feb. 2 Being Generous

Thoughts on Generosity… Matt Farmer’s Barn   It is the first Sunday we’ve had church since Rita.  Much of our community is still scattered over four states but many are returning home to clean up.  Most homes are still without electricity and water pressure is only now beginning to build up for use. Our attendance is small today but there …

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After The Conference: What To Do When The Circus Leaves Town

                              After the Conference Ends: “What to do when the circus leaves town.” “Turn out the lights, the party’s over. They say all things must come to an end.” -Willie Nelson I’ve read many excellent articles about preparing for, and attending, writing conferences. However, I’m not …

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A Hollow Log

My grandson Jack Iles explores a hollow log. When I told him there might be a coon or possom in the log, he had to go inspect it. This was taken during a day hike he and I took last week on the Wild Azalea Trail. “Don’t you know that the laughing hole ain’t there just for the kids and …

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What Is True Success?

What is true success? If your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it’s not success at all. -Anna Quindlen       Last week, I asked my Facebook friends, “How do you define true success?” I was blown away by the wisdom in the …

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Having a Learner’s Lean

  Having a “Learner’s Lean”   Paul had it.* (* keep reading and I’ll share more.) I want it. Throughout history, all great leaders who finished strong possessed it. For simplicity’s sake, I’ll call it the “Learner’s Lean.” Next time you’re in a meeting—whether it is a business seminar, church, or the local Rotary Club, be observant. You can always …

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A Good Term: It is a Privilege

It is a privilege… When we count our blessings, we’ll realize how many we have. With that on my mind, I’ve been stuck on this wonderful phrase, “It is a privilege.” I find myself applying those words to every opportunity, challenge, problem, and joy I encounter on this rocky yet wonderful road of life. It’s a privilege to ___________. “IAP” …

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Relationship Quotes

It’s all about relationships. When it comes down to it, our lives are about the relationships we share with others. I call it the ripple effect. (I’ll put my story “The Ripple Effect” on this blog later today.) Here are three of my favorite quotes on friendship, which is the heart of relationship-building. Every person I meet becomes a part …

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