There are so many people to thank when one writes a book. Even though there may be only one author, good books are collaborative efforts with great teams standing with the author. I want to acknowledge that team.
First of all, I thank my agents, Robert and Eric Wolgemuth at Wolgemuth and Associates, for believing in me enough to represent me. I love that you are not only professionals, but also men of integrity and great character. It has been an honor to work with you, and I look forward to more collaboration.
I thank my editor, Rod Morris. You have a gentle yet firm way of telling me when things are bad—and I gave you many opportunities to tell me that! Thank you so much for working with me and being honest. It was a pleasure.
I thank Harvest House Publishers for allowing me to become a part of your family. Everyone has been a pleasure and joy to work with. You do things right. I am honored to entrust this project to the Harvest House team.
I am grateful for the church I pastor, Cross Pointe, and the staff I serve with. Ministering alongside great men and women of God has sharpened the virtues I describe in this book. I am grateful to the Lord to be both your pastor and fellow-worker with God.
This book would not even have come to pass had it not been for the urging and encouraging of my precious son, Jonathan. It is one thing to have ordinary people believe in you, but when your own son believes in you to the extent that Jonathan does, it humbles me beyond words. All three of my sons are my best friends, and I love them all, but I especially thank Jonathan for believing in his dad, admonishing me when I got discouraged in this project, and helping me to make this book as sharp as it could be. He is a writer far greater in ability than I ever hope to be, and I have learned so much from him. Jonathan, with all my heart, son, I love you and thank you for getting me to this point.
Finally, the greatest decision I ever made in my life—next to trusting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior—was marrying my wife, Teresa. Humanly speaking, you are the light of my life. I can’t imagine a minute without you. You really are the finest person I’ve ever known. I am glad that God brought you into my life, and I will love you now, forever, and for always!