Practical Wisdom: From My 80 Years / Dean, Alan W. / Paperback / LSI

What does a life fully lived actually look like?

Alan Dean has answers-forged on a Pennsylvania dairy farm, tested in the jungles of Vietnam, and refined across eight decades of faith, family, and unexpected adventure.

In Practical Wisdom, Dean's hard-won lessons on marriage, parenting, and purposeful living aren't borrowed from bestseller lists. They're drawn from real experience: a faith that turned disappointments into open doors, a marriage built to last, and children raised with genuine purpose.

Grounded in Scripture and lived reality, this memoir speaks directly to anyone tired of quick fixes and trending advice. Whether you're navigating family, vocation, or simply wondering if your best days are still ahead - Dean's story may be exactly the voice you've been looking for.

Wisdom isn't found. It's lived.

Reviews

~“I thoroughly enjoyed this testimonial which endearingly wove autobiographical sketches into the practical wisdom gleaned from a life of faithfully following Jesus in all his endeavors.  I was inspired to look more deeply at the way the Lord has led in my own life and to praise Him more.  It was an easy read and I didn't want to lay it down.”

Sally Kelly, BA   Health Educator and Plant-Strong Chef

~“At a time when there is too much misinformation due to social media, Practical Wisdom is like a breath of fresh air to read. He gives glimpses of life’s twists, turns, and phases with an outlook needed for today's young families. The Book of Proverbs says get wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Alan’s got a lot of it here for the giving. A must-read.”

Donald Towns   Professional Artist

~“I found this quite practical and very informing on how to live a Christian-based life and also how to raise your family. I would recommend it to anyone.”

Ronald Miller   Bricklayer and Stonemason

~“I found the book to be well-named... Practical Wisdom. The wisdom if contains is not radical or "brand new," but what makes it powerful is that it comes from someone who has lived it, used it, and practiced it. The book is very much like the author himself—it is full of wise ideas and bits of ageless wisdom. The book is brief enough to be easily read, and long enough to touch on much of the practical wisdom that can make life more satisfying and happy.”

John Kelly, MD, MPH   Lifestyle Medicine Physician & Presenter

~“Readers of Practical Wisdom will be inspired. Alan’s growth has been a quest of faithfulness and love for all. He found himself, more than once, with his life taking an unexpected turn. However, he had the wisdom to accept God’s grace and trust that the new path was where he was intended to be. I highly recommend Practical Wisdom for readers of all ages searching for a way to integrate the spirit of Christ into their lives.”

Judy Shanahan   Retired VP of Admissions, South University 

About the Author

Alan Dean resides in the Virginia foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A healthy octogenarian, he serves with the local jail ministry and county food bank, writes devotionals for the local newspaper, and gives support to a nearby church plant. Prior to retirement, he served in various ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 45 years. He and his wife have been married more than 50 years and have three children and nine grandchildren.

Preview

Book Trailer