Creekbank Stories Curt Iles, Storyteller

I’ve been reacquainting myself with the land where my roots are deepest. It’s been neat walking the fire lanes and fence rows that make up the end of Clayton Iles Road. I’m renewing friendships with the summer birds of Louisiana.  They are so different from Africa.  I’d nearly forgotten what a unique singer the Mockingbird is; how bright red a …

  During this season of my life, I’m learning about God’s timing on our Life Road.  It seldom matches ours but is always the best. The story behind this poem is found at the end of post. You can listen to the Audio Podcast read by Curt.   God’s Timing is Always Right God is very seldom early But He’s …

A word from Curt We’re doing fine. Splitting time between Dry Creek (with my Mom) and Alexandria (Grandkids and our soon-to-be new house). I’m doing better health-wise.   I’m having more good days than bad days.  Still losing weight (DeDe is making fun of my pants sagging).  We’re still praying for healing and clarity on what is causing ongoing illness. …

Plowing and The Harvest.   Enjoy the audio of this story. 1. Be Curious. 2. Be Amazed. 3. Tell about it.   I get in lots of trouble being curious. But I also learn so much. The best stories begin with a simple question,  “I noticed you . . .” Most folks are more than happy to share their story. …

This is the first of my stories to be published.  My sweet Mom sent “A Pair for Life” to Home Life magazine in 1991. (See above). Their decision to publish it was the first step in my realization that maybe someone in addition to family and friends might enjoy my stories. I thought, publishing seems easy.  I have a thick …

One of my key words is Gratitude. I want to live the Gratitude-filled life. Today, I’m especially thankful for all of you who’ve prayed for DeDe and I during our transition back to the U.S. Our hearts are still divided between Africa and Louisiana, but we have a deepening peace that we’re right where we should be and God’s work …

The Importance of a Daily Review I’m learning. Always learning. I’m committed to being a LLL. A Life Long Learner. About a decade ago, I began the habit of listing keywords for my life. It developed into what I now call my 6+ Words. I adjust or change them from time to time but most remain the same. At the …

  A quick note: Thank you for holding the rope in prayer and encouragement for DeDe and me. Here are three ways to pray: 1.  Pray for two members of our Chadan team that will go to Chad in August. 2.  Pray for continued healing for Curt.  I’m slowly getting better. 3.  Pray for DeDe.  She has been a stalwart …

The Week that Was It was more than ironic. I spent two days in the culinary capital of the United States: New Orleans. And I have no appetite for their wonderful seafood, soul food, po-boys, and beignets. We saw our doctor(s) at Tulane Medical.  They had “good news and bad news.” Good news: none of the tests show any conclusive …

  Scroll down for an update on today’s trip to Tulane Medical Clinic.  I was told this story by a South Sudanese. It’s a tale of optimism. The right story to share on the fourth birthday of the world’s newest country, South Sudan. During the worst years of the previous civil war, famine accompanied the violence and displacement. A mother, …

The voice spoke from the desert darkness, “Pick up stones and you will be happy and glad.”   There’s a mythical story concerning a trading caravan traveling through the Sahara Desert. After a long day, they camped in a wadi, a dry river bed. About midnight, the travelers were startled by a loud voice, “Pick up stones and you will …

  Sojourn:   a temporary stay.   Friday,  3 July    You’ve held the rope by praying! DeDe and I have been traveling since Tuesday night. Here’s a quick update: -We left Uganda at midnight on June 30. (Our time zone there is 8 + hours over CDT).  On the flights, my system held up pretty well.  I firmly believe …

A word from Curt This week is a time of adjustment.  Instead of trekking into South Sudan, we’re packing to go to the U.S.  It’s time to get rid of Smaug (that’s what I’m calling this dysenteric bug in my gut). I’m processing how I feel about all of this. With your permission, I’ll be sharing transparently this week about …

So many of you promised to pray when we left for Africa in January 2013. You’ve been so faithful and we thank God for each of you. (Phil. 1:3). Here is a short list of our prayer needs. It’s a short list full of big needs.  Thankfully, we serve a God who is big enough. Due to my ongoing dysentery, …