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the Journey towards the Dream Oct 22, 2003 (41 of 42 found this helpful)
Biblically based, with an emphasis on the lives of Moses, Joshua, and David, this slender volume is extremely helpful to those of us either pursuing the Big Dream, or those who have it in their hearts, but have not taken any action to fulfill their Destiny. It will be of particular value to those who might feel that they have lost their way in the WasteLand.
The first part of this book is in the form of a parable; it is as wise as it is charming, and is an almost Tolkienesque tale of Ordinary, who lived in the Land of Familiar, and who one day leaves his Usual Job, and his Comfort Zone, to persue his Dream. There are many trials and tribulations in his path, and Giants to slay (Giants like Moneyless), but his faith gets stronger, as he learns his lessons.
In Chapter Nine, "Living Past the Edge", Mr. Wikinson describes his fear of public speaking, and the steps he took to overcome it. I recently had the good fortune to be at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, where Mr. Wilkinson spoke not only to the vast crowd in attendance, but to millions on televison, and he is a truly gifted speaker; it is hard to envision that at one time he had felt inadequate in front of an audience. With this book he will help you conquer your own fears, and get past the feeling of being Unworthy and Unable.
In Chapter Twelve, he talks about the Dream that has not been surrendered to God, and the pitfalls that can bring; how "Your Dream will become your idol", and how that can "make people 'successful' but not fulfilled" (pg. 133) and further, to face the areas in our lives that need cleansing, where we may be making compromises and have "unfinished business".
In the final chapter, Mr. Wilkinson describes how his Dream has led him to South Africa, to help the millions of children who have lost their parents to AIDS, and it is an example of how once you have reached one Dream, it can lead to another, with God continually working through you. "You are meant to be a river of blessing, not a puddle drying in the sun".
The layout is lovely, with small but beautiful images by Steve Gardiner, good quality paper, and a readable font size. I found a lot in this book to inspire me and give me the tools and armor to slay another Giant, and perhaps you will too.
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A Complex Issue Made Simple Jan 12, 2004 (44 of 49 found this helpful)
The critical reviews for this book express that simplicity is a bad thing. The truth is that anyone can take a complex issue and make it sound complex. In The Dream Giver, the authors have taken a very complex, yet motivating aspect of life and they have made it very simple.
The story of Ordinary leaving Familiar is very simple. And it is true that you can see many of the illustrations before they are fully developed, but that is not a bad thing. I have been going through the process of reevaluating my dreams, goals, etc. and I had begun to think that the emotions I was experiencing were unique to me. However, this presentation reveals to me that the experience of spiritually chasing your dream is universal.
Specifically, I have been dealing with God's asking me to give Him my dreams and then receiving them back after He becomes more important to me than they are. Having read Ordinary's tale, I now understand so much more about the process of developing a Big Dream, inspired by the Dream Giver.
I recommend this book for mature Christians, new Christians, and even the discouraged unchurched. I think this book could be a great tool for evangelizing the unchurched because the descriptions of Ordinary's experiences will speak to them and confirm the reality of God's hand upon their lives.
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The Dream Giver Nov 3, 2003 (11 of 11 found this helpful)
If you loved the Prayer of Jabez, you're going to love The Dream Giver. Watch out best seller list! Once this book gains momentum, it will probably eclipse global sales of Jabez by a wide margin.
It's a rare book that can make each and every reader feel as if the author tailored every page for their enrichment.
One day afer reading this book I encouraged my immediate circle of friends & family to make The Dream Giver a top priority read. It's that good.
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Powerful and Inspiring Mar 10, 2004 (9 of 9 found this helpful)
The Dream Giver proves to be a book that it is as equally inspiring and thought-provoking as it is short and compact. Told in the form of an allegory of an individual named Ordinary, The Dream Giver takes him on a journey from his land of Familiar and away from his Comfort Zone into the land of the unknown as he pursues his Dream. As Ordinary disembarks on his journey in pursuit of his Dream, he is confronted by Border Bullies (people you know who try to, in one way or another, deter you from your dream, and Giants, or obstacles that one must confront on one's way to fulfillment of one's Big Dream.
While everyone has a Dream, Wilkinson points out, not everyone follows through with it due to all of the foreboding obstacles, perseverance, and imminent confrontation that it will entail in achieving it. Leaving one's Comfort Zone, and the stability and peace of mind that accompanies it, seems to be the most difficult course of all. Once abandoned, Wilkinson says, one will doubtless encounter alarmists, defeatists, and antagonists who will try with reckless abandon to halt your progress for one reason or the other including being motivated by fear of your failure -- as well as fear of your success. Giants, such as lack of resources, an immovable bureaucracy, & physical burdens must be conquered on the way as well. While all of this may seem perhaps idealistic and simplistic to some(and it is at times), The Dream Giver is nonetheless a great read that will, if nothing else, surely open your eyes and make you take a second look at everything around you in your current milieu - and, at best, could possibly change your life. Have faith in God and abandon fear all ye who enter here.
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Fresh Wind Beneath Their Wings Oct 16, 2003 (12 of 13 found this helpful)
I gave this book to a Pastor Friend and his wife. They had resigned from their latest church assignment where they served the local church as associate pastors and were waiting to see where their next steps would lead them. During their waiting period they became discouraged as people doubted their decision to step down. Then, they encountered being blocked by co-pastors from pursuing starting their own church in the same area.
As a result they began experiencing depression and had settled under a dark cloud.
As I read out loud the first half of the book -- the modern day parable -- they wept together, smiled together and seemed to settle into a new peace. It was like watching a spiritual washing. I left the book for them to finish by studying the second half. During the following days, they embraced the marvelous truths and became strong once again -- refreshed, renewed and focused on the steps God has for them.
They are soaring today with a fresh wind beneath their wings!