A cup of coffee . . . and sandwich with Paul I hope you’re enjoying our thoughts on the short book of Philemon.  I ask for your comments and insights.  That is how we learn best! In verse 1, Paul identifies himself as a “prisoner of Christ Jesus.” This humble term identifies Paul and is the first floorboard in building …

  Wise words from King Solomon, the wisest man: “Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭14‬ ‭The Message   Surround yourself with good people Surround yourself with good people. Surround yourself with people who will give wise counsel. Surround yourself with people you respect and will listen to. …

  On Leadership   As I begin my 68th year on Planet Earth, I can sum up what I’ve learned about leadership in one sentence: “I want to thank you ahead of time for doing this, and I know you won’t disappoint me.” I’ve been a youth leader, parent, coach, teacher, principal, camp manager, missionary, and now a grandfather. That …

Leaders Eat Last You can listen to the podcast episode of “Leaders Eat Last”  at our The Quiet Leader Podcast Thoughts on Servant-Leadership   “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 I’ve recently discovered a fascinating book, Leaders Eat Last by …

My Writing Manifesto Curt Iles July 2024 I write and tell stories that connect with people’s hearts. I write about what I know: the unique and fascinating stories of Louisiana’s people, places, culture, and history. I am a writer who is very comfortable in my own skin. I am a Southern writer/storyteller who lives in Louisiana and tells stories from …

Audio Podcast of “Professor Cavanaugh’s Best Lecture. ”   A word from Curt Teacher. There’s no higher calling. Few professions can influence as much as a dedicated teacher. The best teacher I ever met was Charles Cavanaugh. This is his story. “Yes, God’s will—most often—is simply doing the best we can, right where we are.” Professor Charles J. Cavanaugh and …

        More at www.creekbank.net Today’s Mini-Blog “I will walk with you”  Thoughts on kusindikiza   Takeaway: there are so many simple acts of grace we can show others. It’s called common courtesy.   Kusindikiza Pronounced “ku-sin-di-kiza.” It’s a Swahili term I have yet to find a comparable English term. Google Translate gives “To escort” as the English …

More stories at www.creekbank.net See dirt? Throw seeds.   It’s one of my favorite quotes. It’s simple but profound. See dirt? Throw seeds. It is a multi-faceted statement. Here are several applications: If we see a situation that needs improving, get involved and make a difference. Dig in and become part of the solution. Secondly, when we throw seeds, we …

Listen to “The Quiet Leader” Podcast. The Quiet Sheriff   He was my sheriff and one of the quietest leaders I’ve known.   Friday, September 23, 2005 10:00 AM CDT DeRidder, Louisiana There was palpable tension and anxiety in the crowded meeting room. Over a hundred Beauregard Parish leaders had gathered for a final briefing on Hurricane Rita. This strong …

Keep Doing Your Good Work: Stay above the Fray   “So I sent messengers to them, saying, ‘I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?’”  -Nehemiah 6:3   Sadly, some people will try to drag you down when you’re attempting a good …

“You shall not pass!” There comes a time when a man must stamp his staff, stand astride the path, and shout, “You shall not pass!” I do not know when that time is for you. It’s a very deep personal decision. Only an individual can decide when that moment is and how he or she will make a stand. It …

Buying Truth “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23   Today’s takeaway: The lifelong learner puts effort, time, and money into the pursuit of growth and knowledge.   I’ve always believed that everyone, especially leaders, should be lifelong learners. I call it “L.L.L.” Life Long Learner You don’t need to head a large …

    The Unoffended Life “The unoffended life is the best way to live.” What is the unoffendable life? It’s the mark of a person who doesn’t easily get bent out of shape. They don’t carry a chip on his or her shoulder. They let offenses roll off their back and choose to overlook slights, real or perceived. In the …

Thoughts on a Manly Handshake It’s an art every leader must master. Let’s delve into the cultural significance of the manly handshake, a unique aspect of our Louisiana Pineywoods region. Sometimes it’s called a manshake. A man-shake is firm instead of its opposite number, the dead fish/damp washrag handshake. Men in our area are judged by their handshake. It can …