Creekbank Stories Curt Iles, Storyteller

            ”The Old House at Night”  1963  tempera on cardboard by my uncle, Bill Iles. The Old House in Dry Creek. First constructed by my great-great grandparents circa 1892, this family home is my favorite spot in the world, the source of many of my stories, and my best writing muse. Below is the opening …

Love and Discipline I once read a story about a father’s wise advice to his daughter, who was struggling with disciplining her young children. The father invited her to take a boat ride on a nearby lake.  The boat had two oars and the father told the daughter to take one oar and row. The boat went in a circle. …

  Riding the Cussin’ Bus   When we first moved to Alexandria, I worked as a chaplain for Roy O. Martin Corporation. My mission field was the two ROM mills near Alexandria.  Because of the noise and busyness inside the mills, it was challenging to build relationships. As I got to know the workers, they would open up when in …

  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 …

Learn more at www.creekbank.net   These are the rough notes for Episode 1 of our new podcast, “The Quiet Leader.” I’ve printed them in their entirety so you can see what goes into preparing a recorded episode. As always, enjoy! Cur Click here to listen to Episode 1 of “The Quiet Leader” podcast   EPISODE 1    The Quiet Sheriff …

“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 …