What do you think?
Rate this book
Grandpa's Gift: How Old Wisdom Can Inspire New Life
Grandpa’s Gift is a story born from a grandson’s walk through the world in search of something more. Attaining the comforts of business success, a very happy marriage and family life and general enjoyment of the world, still left Dan with a yearning for something else to find. Following the rediscovery of a book containing messages from his grandfather from more than 60 years ago, he began to realize that the elusive “something more” is the wisdom he found in its pages and stories. It’s a wisdom as old as time itself, yet often hard to find for all of us. That discovery became a gift for Dan, from his GrandFather, and it could very well be a gift for you.
“THIS COLLECTION OF MESSAGES IS SO FULL OF WISDOM, ENCOURAGEMENT AND SPIRITUAL INSIGHT FOR TODAY’S WORLD...”
– Justin Brierley is an author, broadcaster and speaker and host of the ‘Unbelievable?’ and ‘Ask NT Wright Anything’ podcasts. www.justinbrierley.com
“THIS IS A BOOK TO BE SAVORED, NOT RUSHED. IN IT YOU’LL FIND A WISDOM AVAILABLE FOR US ALL, AT ALL TIMES. IT’S AMAZING WHAT FAITH CAN DO, AND THIS BOOK MAY JUST HELP US ALL TAKE IT EVEN MORE SERIOUSLY.”
– Peter Kerridge, President & Chief Executive Officer, Premier Christian Communications & Premier Insight Author, Entrepreneur & Pastor
“THIS BOOK TOUCHED MY HEART. TO LEARN ABOUT DAN’S INTENTIONAL STEPS, MADE CLEARER BY HIS GRANDFATHER’S LESSONS FROM LONG AGO, GRADUALLY LEADING HIM TOWARD A STRONG FAITH WAS A REAL GIFT TO ME AND I BELIEVE IT WILL BE TO SO MANY OTHERS! I’M EXCITED TO BE A PARTNER WITH ROCK RANCH IN THE MINISTRY OF HOPE & HEALING FOR ALL.”
– Lynn Moore, Founder & CEO, Acres for Life - Therapy & Wellness Center
“THIS COLLECTION OF MESSAGES IS SO FULL OF WISDOM, ENCOURAGEMENT AND SPIRITUAL INSIGHT FOR TODAY’S WORLD...”
– Justin Brierley is an author, broadcaster and speaker and host of the ‘Unbelievable?’ and ‘Ask NT Wright Anything’ podcasts. www.justinbrierley.com
“THIS IS A BOOK TO BE SAVORED, NOT RUSHED. IN IT YOU’LL FIND A WISDOM AVAILABLE FOR US ALL, AT ALL TIMES. IT’S AMAZING WHAT FAITH CAN DO, AND THIS BOOK MAY JUST HELP US ALL TAKE IT EVEN MORE SERIOUSLY.”
– Peter Kerridge, President & Chief Executive Officer, Premier Christian Communications & Premier Insight Author, Entrepreneur & Pastor
“THIS BOOK TOUCHED MY HEART. TO LEARN ABOUT DAN’S INTENTIONAL STEPS, MADE CLEARER BY HIS GRANDFATHER’S LESSONS FROM LONG AGO, GRADUALLY LEADING HIM TOWARD A STRONG FAITH WAS A REAL GIFT TO ME AND I BELIEVE IT WILL BE TO SO MANY OTHERS! I’M EXCITED TO BE A PARTNER WITH ROCK RANCH IN THE MINISTRY OF HOPE & HEALING FOR ALL.”
– Lynn Moore, Founder & CEO, Acres for Life - Therapy & Wellness Center
- GenresNonfiction
170 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2022
5 people are currently reading
3000 people want to read
About the author
Dan LaRock
1 book31 followersDan LaRock is a believer, husband, father and son.
He is also an entrepreneur, an executive shareholder with HUB International - Great Plains, a co-founder of Rock Ranch, a frequent communicator and speaker and experienced in public relations and institutional advancement.
Dan is currently the national Nonprofit Specialty Practice Leader for Employee Benefits for HUB International. He has been blessed to work with entrepreneurial leaders at incredible companies from across the Upper Midwest including Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
He is a current board member for Premier Insight, The University of Sioux Falls and Southwest Minnesota CEO. He also serves on steering committees for Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, Sioux Valley Energy and The Mandate Podcast. He is a worship leader for various churches in SW Minnesota, NW Iowa and SE South Dakota. He is a former school board member for Hills – Beaver Creek ISD #671 in Minnesota.
Dan and his family reside in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
He is also an entrepreneur, an executive shareholder with HUB International - Great Plains, a co-founder of Rock Ranch, a frequent communicator and speaker and experienced in public relations and institutional advancement.
Dan is currently the national Nonprofit Specialty Practice Leader for Employee Benefits for HUB International. He has been blessed to work with entrepreneurial leaders at incredible companies from across the Upper Midwest including Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
He is a current board member for Premier Insight, The University of Sioux Falls and Southwest Minnesota CEO. He also serves on steering committees for Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, Sioux Valley Energy and The Mandate Podcast. He is a worship leader for various churches in SW Minnesota, NW Iowa and SE South Dakota. He is a former school board member for Hills – Beaver Creek ISD #671 in Minnesota.
Dan and his family reside in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 13, 2025
Grandpa’s Gift: How Old Wisdom Can Inspire New Life is a treasure and classic among books - offering wisdom, faith, hope, insight and cultural history in a collection of short writings re-published by Dan LaRock. His grandfather (C. Maxwell Brown) shares messages from life as a pastor that include articles and short writings which speak to readers of today. Written during the turbulent 60’s, LaRock showcases that these articles are still extremely relevant today. This book describes “the Way” – Following Jesus and His principles from the Bible through a delightful collection of short messages which will impact readers in a positive light.
LaRock’s commentaries and Biblical insight in his summaries featured at the end of each writing from his grandfather add to this read, often explaining the depth of his grandfather’s writings, to include how they impacted his own life. It is the author’s hope that the readers find these quick writings “essential” and “life-giving” for the times we live in.
Readers will find timeless messages, cultural wisdom, history, and Biblical insight provided alongside, guidance, inspiration, purpose are within the pages!
Grandpa’s Gift is one of those books to give to family, friends, co-workers, and the like to inspire hope. A highly recommended read! Entertaining, challenging, and thought-provoking.
LaRock’s commentaries and Biblical insight in his summaries featured at the end of each writing from his grandfather add to this read, often explaining the depth of his grandfather’s writings, to include how they impacted his own life. It is the author’s hope that the readers find these quick writings “essential” and “life-giving” for the times we live in.
Readers will find timeless messages, cultural wisdom, history, and Biblical insight provided alongside, guidance, inspiration, purpose are within the pages!
Grandpa’s Gift is one of those books to give to family, friends, co-workers, and the like to inspire hope. A highly recommended read! Entertaining, challenging, and thought-provoking.
November 11, 2025
Loved this book by Dan LaRock! From the wisdom of his grandfather from the 1960s. It was wisdom then and it’s wisdom now! Loved that he shared his grandfather’s words with us and I thank him for that. And I thank God for giving his grandfather the words. God knew it would be as needful today as then! Recommend to all especially to those who want to expand their faith and knowledge of God and the Bible and history.
December 18, 2022
Simply amazing how 1960s parallel to the 2020s. This book has been published at exactly the right time in history. I hope many more people read this book and feel better because of it.
July 21, 2025
A Timeless Treasure
Dan LaRock’s book, “Grandpa’s Gift – How Old Wisdom Can Inspire New Life” is exactly as the title describes it, a gift. A deeply significant gift. At every turn the book is packed with Grandpas wisdom, and I caught myself, time and again, staring at what was written in front of me, deeply moved by what Grandpa Max had said. And just when I thought it wouldn’t happen again, it did. This book is a treasure. One I will certainly be recommending and using.
The book is made up of five collections, each with five chapters. Between collections LaRock reflects on what the five previous chapters have spoken about. He writes, “I believe my grandfather laid out a path for all of us. It’s a familiar one to many. Foreign to many as well. It’s the path of Jesus. It’s the Way of the Bible. It’s Christianity.” Each of the chapters in each of the collections provide timeless wisdom that is as relevant today as what it was when it was written in the early 1960’s. It is almost prophetic, seeing into a future of what could be. Grandpa’s Gift continues to provide direction and purpose in a world that often mentions these words but continues in its aimless pursuit of that which cannot provide fulfillment.
Grandpa Max reminds us that we ‘stand highest in the human race when we know how to treat strangers.’ He encourages us to ask ourselves the question, ‘How are we doing as a human being, a total human being?’ Not as a Caucasian, not as a Protestant or Catholic, but as a man. That mercy and truth does not always ‘come wearing Western clothes, speaking the English language, through Caucasian lips….’
There is so much in this book. I thank God for the elderly men and women who have sat at the feet of Jesus and understood His heart, even when that is counter cultural, and have had the boldness to speak. Uncle Max is such a man. I can only imagine what it would been like to sit and talk to him about life and faith.
This book goes way deeper than giving cliched answers or pretending that all is well. It deals with so much: good habits, spiritual drift, the importance and beauty of intentional love, the importance of children to God, and how loneliness is very real, even when we are surrounded by many people. I was particularly challenged by the chapter on guilt.
I highly recommend this book. Add it to your library. Read it again and again. It will inspire, guide, develop, strengthen, and help you. In my heart there was an enormous YES as I read it. Thank you Dan LaRock.
Dan LaRock’s book, “Grandpa’s Gift – How Old Wisdom Can Inspire New Life” is exactly as the title describes it, a gift. A deeply significant gift. At every turn the book is packed with Grandpas wisdom, and I caught myself, time and again, staring at what was written in front of me, deeply moved by what Grandpa Max had said. And just when I thought it wouldn’t happen again, it did. This book is a treasure. One I will certainly be recommending and using.
The book is made up of five collections, each with five chapters. Between collections LaRock reflects on what the five previous chapters have spoken about. He writes, “I believe my grandfather laid out a path for all of us. It’s a familiar one to many. Foreign to many as well. It’s the path of Jesus. It’s the Way of the Bible. It’s Christianity.” Each of the chapters in each of the collections provide timeless wisdom that is as relevant today as what it was when it was written in the early 1960’s. It is almost prophetic, seeing into a future of what could be. Grandpa’s Gift continues to provide direction and purpose in a world that often mentions these words but continues in its aimless pursuit of that which cannot provide fulfillment.
Grandpa Max reminds us that we ‘stand highest in the human race when we know how to treat strangers.’ He encourages us to ask ourselves the question, ‘How are we doing as a human being, a total human being?’ Not as a Caucasian, not as a Protestant or Catholic, but as a man. That mercy and truth does not always ‘come wearing Western clothes, speaking the English language, through Caucasian lips….’
There is so much in this book. I thank God for the elderly men and women who have sat at the feet of Jesus and understood His heart, even when that is counter cultural, and have had the boldness to speak. Uncle Max is such a man. I can only imagine what it would been like to sit and talk to him about life and faith.
This book goes way deeper than giving cliched answers or pretending that all is well. It deals with so much: good habits, spiritual drift, the importance and beauty of intentional love, the importance of children to God, and how loneliness is very real, even when we are surrounded by many people. I was particularly challenged by the chapter on guilt.
I highly recommend this book. Add it to your library. Read it again and again. It will inspire, guide, develop, strengthen, and help you. In my heart there was an enormous YES as I read it. Thank you Dan LaRock.
March 21, 2023
Amazing how principles on life never change. Old wisdom continues to be applicable in the world today. Great read very thought provoking.
December 18, 2023
A grandson shares spiritual writings from his grandfather (a pastor) from the 1960's. These writings are timeless; the application to our times is amazing. Check out the works of C. Maxwell Brown (the 1960's pastor).
June 10, 2025
Inspirational
Grandpa's Gift: How Old Wisdom Can Inspire New Life by Dan LaRock is well-written and inspirational. You will appreciate its spiritual content. While written for a Christian audience, this book will help non-Christians understand their lives with its profound insights and clear ideas.
The book is a series of radio sermons delivered by the author’s grandfather between 1963 and 1965. Although the messages are over 60 years old, they reveal timeless truths. In this beautiful collection from Grandpa Max’s life and works, we are given a unique glimpse into the heart, mind, and soul of this incredible man. With each turn of the page, it is easy to see why his inspiring and practical messages inspired many during his lifetime and continue to inspire so many people today.
The book full of nuggets of sturdiness and truthfulness. You will appreciate the book's wisdom and faith content. The chapter titled, “El Camino Real” is a standout. In that chapter, Grandpa Max says, “Do you want a meaningful life? Keep your eyes open to the world around you. Find a need and fill it to the best of your ability.” Another wonderful quote comes in the chapter titled, “The God Who Intervenes.” There we read, “…since we know about Him, we cannot avoid doing something about Him. Whether we follow Him of deliberately ignore Him, God has intervened in our lives by requiring us to choose.”
I recommend Grandpa's Gift: How Old Wisdom Can Inspire New Life to anyone who would like to go deeper into the Christian faith. You will be blessed by the wisdom in these pages.
Grandpa's Gift: How Old Wisdom Can Inspire New Life by Dan LaRock is well-written and inspirational. You will appreciate its spiritual content. While written for a Christian audience, this book will help non-Christians understand their lives with its profound insights and clear ideas.
The book is a series of radio sermons delivered by the author’s grandfather between 1963 and 1965. Although the messages are over 60 years old, they reveal timeless truths. In this beautiful collection from Grandpa Max’s life and works, we are given a unique glimpse into the heart, mind, and soul of this incredible man. With each turn of the page, it is easy to see why his inspiring and practical messages inspired many during his lifetime and continue to inspire so many people today.
The book full of nuggets of sturdiness and truthfulness. You will appreciate the book's wisdom and faith content. The chapter titled, “El Camino Real” is a standout. In that chapter, Grandpa Max says, “Do you want a meaningful life? Keep your eyes open to the world around you. Find a need and fill it to the best of your ability.” Another wonderful quote comes in the chapter titled, “The God Who Intervenes.” There we read, “…since we know about Him, we cannot avoid doing something about Him. Whether we follow Him of deliberately ignore Him, God has intervened in our lives by requiring us to choose.”
I recommend Grandpa's Gift: How Old Wisdom Can Inspire New Life to anyone who would like to go deeper into the Christian faith. You will be blessed by the wisdom in these pages.
March 4, 2023
This was an inspirational book. The author, Dan LaRock, uses a series of sermons that his grandfather preached in the 1960's. Even dated lt felt relevant now in the 2020"s for those going through their faith journey. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
October 4, 2023
Originally, I came across Dan while listening to a podcast interview. Two aspects of his story strongly resonated with me, (1) the impact of his maternal grandfather, C. Maxwell Brown, and (2) the work he and his wife, Marie, are doing at Rock Ranch in Hills, MN. You see, I also share a unique influence on my maternal side, in my case, my grandmother which came through spending a great deal of time on their farm outside of rural Luverne…just a few miles from Rock Ranch. Additionally, in my youth and adult years, I served as a volunteer and coach for Special Olympics through an equine-assisted therapy program, Dandy-O, so I have deep, personal awareness and experience of the impact of horses on people when used in a way that heals and empowers.
Dan recently published this book, Grandpa’s Gift: How Old Wisdom Can Inspire New Life. As a steward of his grandfather’s 60+ year old transcripts, Dan brings these timeless truths to light while adding his personal touch through reflection and application. Whether you’re looking to fill some time or you’re willing to make the time for an impactful read, I would encourage you to pick up this book. Not only will this book have a positive impact on you, but, in true Dan spirit, your purchase of the book will have a positive impact in the lives of others…as proceeds go toward the mission and work of Rock Ranch. Blessings!
Dan recently published this book, Grandpa’s Gift: How Old Wisdom Can Inspire New Life. As a steward of his grandfather’s 60+ year old transcripts, Dan brings these timeless truths to light while adding his personal touch through reflection and application. Whether you’re looking to fill some time or you’re willing to make the time for an impactful read, I would encourage you to pick up this book. Not only will this book have a positive impact on you, but, in true Dan spirit, your purchase of the book will have a positive impact in the lives of others…as proceeds go toward the mission and work of Rock Ranch. Blessings!
September 13, 2024
Wow! Thank you Dan LaRock for sharing the stories from your Grandfather C. Maxwell Brown. His sermons are absolutely timeless and as relevant today as they were when he wrote/preached them in the 60's in CA. In his sermon "Character Is Costly" he wrote, "We have to pay sometime, somehow. The easy, undisciplined, effortless life may seem to be a bargain. One takes it a day at a time, with the least possible effort. But this is the “live-now pay-later” plan, and like all delayed payments, it is mighty costly." In his sermon, "God Commands - But Gently" he wrote, "If we really want to live, we had better begin to find some way to express some love for somebody. This kind of love, this Divine love if you will, reaches out to someone, to anyone, in fact, whom we can help." Great and quick read. Loved the book. Thanks!
November 8, 2024
Grandpa's Gift is a gift to every reader. Author, Dan LaRock, has rediscovered the book, Backpacking in A Cultural Wilderness. It was written by Dan's grandfather, C. Maxwell Brown. It is a collection of sermons that his grandfather preached in during the 1960's and was self-published in the 1980's. The sermons written by his grandpa are more than 60 years old, but their messages still resonate today.
The book is divided into 5 collections. Each collection is introduced by Dan with several sermons to follow. Dan wrote this book to find joy in his life. Anyone who reads it will experience the same joy whether they think they need it or not. I know i needed it and the book will hold a place on my best loved bookshelf. I received this book from the author as a Goodreads giveaway. I consider it divine intervention from God that i received the signed copy of this book.
The book is divided into 5 collections. Each collection is introduced by Dan with several sermons to follow. Dan wrote this book to find joy in his life. Anyone who reads it will experience the same joy whether they think they need it or not. I know i needed it and the book will hold a place on my best loved bookshelf. I received this book from the author as a Goodreads giveaway. I consider it divine intervention from God that i received the signed copy of this book.
May 16, 2023
I loved Grandpa's Gift. I read a chapter a day and now I want more! I truly hope there will be a second book. This book is honestly a treasure. The way Dan LaRock, the grandson, commented on and then shared his grandfather's sermons; the way the messages from the 1960s relate to today; the wisdom that permeates through both Dan and his grandpa - it's so well done. On top of that, I love the hard cover, the cover art, and the layout style. It's all a beautiful package and would make a nice gift for both the reader and someone they love.
June 29, 2023
An easy read over a weekend. I plan to ‘gift’ this book to a friend and hope they’ll do the same to another friend and so on. Because good advice and relatable stories from an old soul is something we can all appreciate and learn from.
September 2, 2024
This book was loaded with wisdom and insight! Love that these lessons/gifts are time tested!
November 20, 2024
Old wisdom passed down Thru the ages good then good now.
January 6, 2025
I found the grandfather's 'chapters' rather difficult to follow, they often took a circuitous route IMHO. Dan's summaries and personal stories were enjoyable and insightful.
May 24, 2024
I was impressed with how Grandpa Max’s words of wisdom are so relevant to the lives we live today!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews