Eight and a half years ago Sally and I bid farewell to Missoula, Montana (without a doubt one of the best places on earth to live) to return to the land of our roots--Des Moines, Iowa. There seems to be some controversy as to whether any place in Iowa falls into the best places to live category. There were an assortment of reasons we chose to do so; the first of which was to get closer to my parents and assist my Dad in writing a book he wanted to write. I truly felt it was a divine assignment, not to mention a great privilege.
This past October Dad's dream of writing a book was fulfilled. Other than urging him on and some minor editorial work, my role was insignificant. Once he got in the writing mode he poured his heart into the project. While serving full time as a chaplain to a large retirement complex, he devoted countless hours to research and getting his thoughts on paper. As Mom would attest, he lived in the book project for several years until he felt it was just the way he wanted it. Now it has been published and the positive reviews are pouring in. I can honestly say that I have not read a more inspirational and encouraging book than Dad's. Anyone who has ever struggled with a sense of failure, whether it be letting yourself down or thinking you had failed God, could give no better gift to his/herself this holiday season than to pick up and read a copy of Dad's book. I promise you will be astonished at the insights this book brings out and gain a whole new appreciation for God's grace extended to us all through Jesus Christ.
The book's title is JUDAS ISCARIOT: REVISITED AND RESTORED, Discovering Grace in an Unlikely Place, Ivan Rogers, Xulon Press, 2008. Just click on the A GIFT FOR YOU blog title above. It is also available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Borders.
Merry Christmas.
