The Right Gift: Mandela, Todd Burnaman and more

The Right Gift It’s November.  Time to think about gifts.  As my momma says,  “It’s never too early to think about Christmas buying.” I’m reminded that the best gifts don’t have to be expensive.  They just need to be covered in love. When Nelson Mandela was South Africa’s president, he made a state visit to America.  President Bill Clinton and …

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Christmas Jelly, African Eyes, and more

Today is Saturday, November 3. It’s a cool brisk day in the Appalachian foothills of Virginia. Excitement is building over our latest book, Christmas Jelly. You can read a sample chapter here or order your own copy. Ebook copies are for sale at Smashwords and Amazon Kindle. Later this week, we’ll be giving away free downloads of Christmas Jelly. African …

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Looking Ahead

Today is  Tuesday, October 30, 2012 Hurricane Sandy is one cold lady! Irony: I came from Louisiana and ended up on the edge of a hurricane! I encourage you to read this powerful message on the Sovereignty of God by my pastor, Charlie Bailey. Our newest short story collection,  Christmas Jelly, is now available. I’ve posted one of my favorite …

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Curt’s Current Six Words

Curt’s Current Six words Pray Passionately Walk Daily Connect in Relationships Focused Simplicity Live with Gratitude! LLL   be a Life Long Learner   As of Oct. 19, 2012

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Matthew 6:33 A Verse to Live By

My life verse is Matthew 6:33. Here are several one of my English language versions.  33 But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.   NKJV 33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then …

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Everyone deserves to hear . . . Friday, October 19

Every person I know back home has had a chance to hear the Gospel.  Many are lost. However, none of them haven’t heard.  There’s a church on every corner in Beauregard Parish. People like the man in the photo haven’t heard.  Everyone deserves one chance to hear about Jesus. The vision of the International Mission Board is that a multitude …

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History of Early Dry Creek Schools

This fascinating article is from an earlier Dry Creek historian, Belle Singletary.  Ms. Singletary lived in Dry Creek with W.B. “Bill” and Mary Jane Lindsey.  She taught a generation of students at DeRidder High School. Faces ….Places #3 appeared at unknown date in1964 in the Beauregard News BEAUREGARD NEWS, DE RIDDER, LOUISIANA (Exact date unknown), 1964 Faces . . . …

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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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Holding the Ladder

Thursday, October 11 The following powerful story is from a choice couple serving in a difficult part of North Africa. I cannot list their names but beg you to pray for them and their sweet children. Dear Friends and Family, Thank you for being such an encouragement to us. I was watching a man across the street painting a house. …

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Christmas Jelly: Coming soon to a stocking near you.

  Cool breeze in the pines. October afternoon at The Old House In the edge of Crooked Bayou Swamp. All quiet on the Southern front Except for the occasional acorn on the tin roof And a murder of crows taunting a cat squirrel.   Monday, October 8                           …

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All You Need to Know About Today

Monday,  October 1 Assurance for Today                       None of us know. What today will bring. What may be lurking out there tomorrow. What our life will be like 5 years from now. It doesn’t matter because we can trust the strong hands of Jesus to hold us and our world …

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Thumbnail Sketch: The Iles’ go to Africa

The Journey Curt and DeDe Iles serving on East African Engaged Team                 Curt and DeDe Iles will begin serving in Uganda in 2013.  They’ll be working as Master’s/International Service Corps workers with the International Mission Board.   After two months of training in Virginia, they’ll make a short Christmas trip home, and …

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Words of Affirmation from Tim Patrick

Scroll to end of post to read complete lyrics of today’s “Can’t get it out of my head” song:  “The Israelites”   early Reggae. A word from Curt:  Our heart is full of gratitude for the love, support, and affirmation we received during last weekend’s TheJourney Estate Sale.  DeDe and I are blessed beyond words. The proceeds from the sale are …

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