Encouragement!

Two Lessons I’m Learning: LLL and Outdoor Living

There are two life lessons I’m presently learning. First, is the power of the outdoors and nature. One of my keywords is L.L.L. Life Long Learning. I wish to finish strong in my life and constantly have a learner’s lean.  Eager to listen, learn, and grow. This corresponds with my three mantras: Stay Curious. Be Amazed. Tell Stories. Often I …

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A Month Called February

What is it about February? I read this excellent essay yearly on February 1. It’s written by Bobb Biehl. Thanks to Chip MacGregor for sharing this four years ago. Enjoy! Curt February habits Whenever we get past the January “new year resolutions” and starting moving into the February “reality of winter” season, it’s nice to spend a few moments taking …

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In the Wilderness

Wednesday, January 25, 2017   This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. -King David in his wilderness time from  Psalm 34:6 In the Wilderness I’m still learning this: Sometimes God delivers us out of the wilderness, but often he instead chooses to walk with us through it. I guess that is …

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Thinking about Transparency

Transparency is a Good Thing. “But he (Jesus) said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  -Paul in I Corinthians 12:9   There’s just something about a fire in the woods. …

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Two Faces: Refugees and Illegals

I never met Tyler Lundin. At least not when he was alive. My journey to learning about his life and death began on a dusty soccer field near the Nile River in Uganda. Africans wear all manner of American shirts and caps.  I always enjoyed talking to them about who the Boston Celtics were, Adrian Peterson’s Vikings jersey, and my …

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Christmas in an old feed trough

This is chapter 16 from my short story book, Christmas Jelly. There’s still time for you to order copies of Christmas Jelly in time for Christmas stocking stuffers. Scroll down to learn more or click here. We are also offering a special Christmas price on a set of all twelve of our books: $100 for the entire set.  Learn more here.  …

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It’s LLL Day (Life Long Learner)

Like most of you, I’m committed to being a Life Long Learner. It’s an attitude. It’s a habit. It’s the desire of my heart. It defines my mantra: Stay curious. Be Amazed. Tell Stories. “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago; the second best time is today.”                     …

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A Father’s Love

Listen to the podcast of  “A Father’s Love.”  “A Father’s Love” From the Curt Iles book, Wind in the Pines. The story below always gets two strong reactions when I tell it. First, laughter. That is a good thing. Secondly, many times this story brings tears. Last year, I told it at Delta Downs (in Vinton) to a group of …

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It’s Friday’s and We’re Thinking about Life Long Learning

  What we’re about in 2016: 1.  Staying Curious. 2. Being Amazed. 3. Telling Stories. It’s Friday, which means it’s time to think about LLL. That’s Life Long Learning. It’s the reason I want to stay curious,discover, and share good stories. I. This week’s word is Gratitude. Here’s my favorite story on gratitude: Vance Gill, my guitar-playing Dry Creek friend …

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The Creekbank Quotes Page

We love quotes. They motivate us. Correct us. Inspire us.   2016 and earlier:                                                               The following is from a neat website on passion:  http://www.glidedesign.com/25-great-passion-quotes/     25 Great Quotes …

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Professor Cavanaugh’s Best Lecture

  A word from Curt Teacher.  There’s no higher calling.  There’s few professions that can influence as well as a dedicated teacher. The best teacher I ever met was Charles Cavanaugh. This is his story.   Professor Cavanaugh’s Best Lecture Nervously I stood in the hallway outside the Louisiana College biology department’s second floor office, waiting to see Professor Cavanaugh. …

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Holding the Rope and The Week

If you missed last week’s Story Letter, you can read it here.    When you pray, you hold the rope. Thank you for covering our writing, speaking, and ministry with prayer. Here are current prayer needs for DeDe and me: I consider it a privilege to speak to groups of all types and backgrounds.  Please pray for these upcoming events: …

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A Saddle on a Pig

The Old House, Cover

If you missed yesterday’s story letter,  click here to read. Erik and Yvonne Pederson had been on my mind all week. Yvonne was buried yesterday in her beloved Dry Creek.  I had the privilege of delivering her eulogy. I had spoken at her husband’s funeral about ten years ago. I described her as “A woman with a dazzling smile who …

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Louisiana Rain: a short post

Louisiana Rain A word from Curt:  Prayer. It’s a powerful word because it links us to a powerful God. The following story occurred this week during my chaplain work at Roy O. Martin’s two mills. Enjoy. Stay curious. Be amazed. Tell a story   While making my rounds at the Chopin mill, an employee named Harley* stopped me. “Chaplain, do …

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