FUTURE BOOKS

Greetings from Lizard City I was taught by my Louisiana great grandmother, Dosia Iles, “Baby, don’t ever hurt a lizard.”   Africa, like our Dry Creek Old House, is a place where lizards abound.   A word from Curt Actually, three words: 1. Curiosity 2. Wow! 3. Share We’re in a different part of Africa.  So different from the countries …

Bobby’s Best Catch:  Some would argue that it was his game-ending catch in the seventh game of the 1962 World Series. I beg to differ.   Thursday, 29 January As you read this, DeDe and I are traveling to a new African country. We’ll be there for most of the month. How to pray for us this month: Pray for …

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.” …

When you cry, I taste the salt in your tears. It's a statement of empathy

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 …

    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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

                              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 …

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 …

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 …

  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 …