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69th out of 299 books
—
245 voters
The Dream Giver: Following Your God-Given Destiny (Dream Giver)
Bestselling author Bruce Wilkinson shows how to identify and overcome the obstacles that keep millions from living the life they were created for. He begins with a compelling modern-day parable about Ordinary, who dares to leave the Land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream. With the help of the Dream Giver, Ordinary begins the hardest and most rewarding journey of his life...more
Hardcover, 160 pages
Published
September 3rd 2003
by Multnomah Books
(first published 2003)
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Sep 18, 2008
Ron
rated it
1 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
no one
Recommended to Ron by:
wish I knew
Shelves:
religion-philosophy,
christian_life
Don't waste your money. At $17 for what would only be about one hundred pages if font, line spacing and margins were normal, it's pretty expensive.
Wilkinson is a great communicator. His The Three Chairs and Prayer of Jabez are classics of inspirational literature. The Dream Giver however does not meet those standards. It's half parable (John Bunyan, Wilkinson is not.) and half inspirational guide (complete with The Dream Giver "resources").
If you want to read something that'll do you some good,...more
Wilkinson is a great communicator. His The Three Chairs and Prayer of Jabez are classics of inspirational literature. The Dream Giver however does not meet those standards. It's half parable (John Bunyan, Wilkinson is not.) and half inspirational guide (complete with The Dream Giver "resources").
If you want to read something that'll do you some good,...more
We read this book aloud to our children and then met to discuss it with other families. It was interesting to sit in a room with four families, sharing the dreams we have pursued or would like to pursue, the dreams we have witnessed others pursue, the dreams that have failed, and those that have succeeded. That is the kind of thinking this book leads to. You start thinking about your dreams.
The first half of the book is an allegory. It’s pretty didactic and obvious, in the tradition of Pilgrim’s...more
The first half of the book is an allegory. It’s pretty didactic and obvious, in the tradition of Pilgrim’s...more
First off, if you don't believe in God and that he has a plan for you, skip this book. I don't believe in foisting my religion on others, so consider this fair warning.
That said, if you DO believe that, it's pretty good. I was very annoyed by the first half of the book, it's basically Joseph Campbell's journey of the hero, but without bothering to give any of the characters real names or personalities. The Alchemist did a way better job of presenting the same allegory, I just couldn't connect to...more
That said, if you DO believe that, it's pretty good. I was very annoyed by the first half of the book, it's basically Joseph Campbell's journey of the hero, but without bothering to give any of the characters real names or personalities. The Alchemist did a way better job of presenting the same allegory, I just couldn't connect to...more
The book is an easy read that I was able to get through quickly. I enjoyed the story at the beginning. I felt I was able to relate to it and it inspired me, especially now at this time in my life. The second half of the book compared the story to various stories in the bible. This part was more difficult for me. I have never been an overly religious person so I struggled with this. I appreciated the author's effort and I could still appreciate the point he was trying to make. I understand that I...more
This book changed my life! I cried thru the whole thing because ever since I was a small girl, I just KNEW that I was born for greatness and to make a difference in the world; however, I realized that I had allowed that dream to lie dormant, buried underneath fear and failures. I had settled for a life of mediocrity. but NO MORE! This parable is so easy to read but is filled with wisdom about how to never allow anyone to steal your dream and about the struggles we all face in reaching for that d...more
Best short book I ever read.
This book came at a crucial time in my life. It is a quick, simple read, but very profound. I found this information to be helpful in this new season of transition in my life. I learned that fear is just a four letter word and it is time to move with passion to reach my dreams. Yes, I said dreams with an "s", because life is full of many great things to achieve. Just holding to only one dream in life is too limiting. After reading this book I feel liberated from the prison of "ordinary" and that...more
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I just finished this book recently and I was so blessed by every word! The character in the parable named "Ordinary" was ME!!! I had no idea that there were actual steps that we go through when we are going for our "Big Dreams!" I highly recommend this book to ALL people for we all have a dream that was given to us before we came to earth! If you think you don't have a dream think again for the "Dream Giver" is God and our "Dream" is our purpose on earth and everyone has a purpose!!! EVERYONE!!!...more
The great thing about parables is that they are non-specific enough that everyone can find herself in one.
When I first read the preface to this book, I was extremely skeptical. The author wanted to be my "Dream Coach," excuse me? 'What a load of inspirational baloney,' I thought. 'This is going to be the cheesiest thing ever.'
But I had a few hours to kill, and the book was thin enough and written in big print, so I gave it a shot.
I think this cheesy little book of inspirational baloney has chang...more
When I first read the preface to this book, I was extremely skeptical. The author wanted to be my "Dream Coach," excuse me? 'What a load of inspirational baloney,' I thought. 'This is going to be the cheesiest thing ever.'
But I had a few hours to kill, and the book was thin enough and written in big print, so I gave it a shot.
I think this cheesy little book of inspirational baloney has chang...more
The first part of this book is a parable about Ordinary leaving Familiar and working to accomplish his Big Dream. I love learning from parables and Wilkinson did such a good job making his story inspiring. When you finish this book, you feel that you can conquer the world. The second part of the book explains the tests and trials that Ordinary had to pass through to get to his Big Dream. This would be a great book to read over again whenever you have a challenge that looks insurmountable.
This was a great story, but would have been fantastic if it was written with Ordinary using EFT to help him succeed. My boys laughed and soon rolled their eyes for the many times I stopped reading and asked what Ordinary could have used to make that part of the journey lighter. (Answer: EFT) That would be a great project for me, rewrite it with the paradigm change of EFT thrown in the mix.
The Dream Giver was a great allegory of a man named Ordinary who lived in the Land of Familiar and left his...more
The Dream Giver was a great allegory of a man named Ordinary who lived in the Land of Familiar and left his...more
This was a fun and interesting little book to read. It's a quick read...easily read in one or two sittings. As the description says, it's a modern day parable, where the main character, Ordinary, leaves the Land of Familiar to pursue his dream, with the help of the Dream Giver (God). It's a unique way to give a pep talk about following your dreams. I also feel like it would be a good book to hand to someone who's questioning the particular path that they're on.
This book is helpful for anyone looking for some encouragement during pursuit of a new dream or goal. The author offers a simple story about "Ordinary" living with the "Nobodies" in "The Land of Nothing." When "Ordinary" is given a feather from "The Dream Giver," his view changes. As he pursues his dream he meets bullies, giants, and other obstacles. The second part of the book relates the story to scripture and how to actively pursue a relationship with God. To trust God as you move through lif...more
This book, and this author, will challenge you to become all Christ has designed you to be. Don't read it unless you are eager and willing to dig deep and raise the bar! I've been to Bruce's Dream Giver workshop and I can tell you first hand that this is the real deal. If God has given you a dream, and you are locked in a "waiting" pattern, this book is definitely for you. I also recommend attending any workshop he hosts.
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A friend of mine borrowed this book to me, and I'm thankful that she chose to share it with me. It's an amazing book! One filled with life lessons, what life is all about, and about the roads we take. I totally believe in all that was said. I was so moved by this book, I've shared it with many people. My only wish would be to have the money to purchase a copy for everyone that matters in my life.
Mar 28, 2010
Daniel lackey
added it
This Book Was Absolutely Amazing...Its About A character named nobody
nobody wants to be a somebody and not just an anybody...the dream giver visits him and he decides he wants to go after the dream but nobody has to leave the land of the familiar and enter into unfamiliar territory such as the land of fear ....its really a life changing message in this book....enjoy
nobody wants to be a somebody and not just an anybody...the dream giver visits him and he decides he wants to go after the dream but nobody has to leave the land of the familiar and enter into unfamiliar territory such as the land of fear ....its really a life changing message in this book....enjoy
Feb 07, 2011
Shaquelware
added it
I love this book. This book was given to my adopted daughter but God told me that the book was meant for me to read. When I read the book OMG! Immediatley the book spoke to me! I left the land of familiar, left the only place I ever lived and relocated to a place I never even visited... The entire book was just for me!!! Confirmation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was a cheesy book and most other times in my life, I would have given it a lesser rating, but it actually related to where I am in life right now and was a bit inspiring, starting as a parable about a "Nobody" who leaves "Familiar" in search of something better. I liked that it pointed out the fact that the cycles of struggle and triumph repeat in our lives.. and that often the people who are closest to us will often be our opposition when it comes to dreams in our lives.
This was a great book on mission and the path of success/hero. I've learned that the path of the pilgrim/saint is different than the path of the hero in the addition of a period of "sanctuary" or communion with God. The story is in parable form, so it is a good one to read with children to introduce them to the idea of mission as well.
The most insightful 100 page book ever written. Easy to read. Entertaining. Inspired for sure. Read this book in a single sitting and immediately apply to life. Understand and identify with the characters. Use it as a guide. Become someone's Champion. And most of all, for the small price, buy two and share this treasure with someone who is important to you.
This is such a neat way of looking at life. It's a modern day parable and very inspiring. It helped me to really look at life and realize the dreams that I have and what is standing in my way and then what I need to do to get around them. I will read this again and again to keep it fresh in my mind.
This was a really quick read but worth the 2 hours. It makes you think. It's a parable of Ordinary who lives in the land of Familiar and goes to his Usual Job every day then comes home and sits in his recliner and watches the box. (Sound familiar??)
One night Ordinary has a dream and knows it's from the Dream Giver. He finally can't stand it any longer and must follow his dream. So, he must leave the land of familiar and confront Border Bullies and accept help from Champion and make it through a...more
One night Ordinary has a dream and knows it's from the Dream Giver. He finally can't stand it any longer and must follow his dream. So, he must leave the land of familiar and confront Border Bullies and accept help from Champion and make it through a...more
This book changed me. The parable allowed me to see my life from a different view point and gave me the strength and encouragement to keep going. Even to this day I use phrases from the book to keep me on my path. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, for daily use!
The first half of this book is an allegory, while the second half is a detailed explanation, chapter by chapter, of the allegory. That format lends itself to a certain level of corniness, but all in all, it was a helpful guide in understanding the challenges (the obstacles and their corresponding opportunities for growth) that lie in the way of pursuing God's Dream for our lives. My linear brain had a hard time dealing with the fact that in real life, the steps don't necessarily match the order...more
Jan 05, 2009
Sylva
added it
i don't really like parables, but this one was palatable. maybe because i'm thinking of making a break from Familiar??? some of his advice i've seen and experienced in other places and ways. random question: is he pro-Israel? he seems to really like the Hebrew plotline...
If you are feeling bored in your daily life and need a pick me up for finding your purpose on this earth, this book is amazing. God is awesome in how he has created each of us with dreams. This book will boost your confidence in pursuing the dreams God has put inside of you.
Quick and excellent read. A highly motivational tale about leaving what is familiar to venture on faith. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to take a leap of faith whether in your job or your personal life or running your own business.
I read this book because Nicole Bitchie (famous celeb blogger) started a book club and it was their first read. This was really good, I'm not really into inspirational books but this caught my attention because like everyone else I'm trying to plot how to achieve my dreams yet I let others (and myself) block me from from even getting started. This is one of those books I'd like to have a copy of so I can always reference it. Really great book.
This is a great book with wonderful ideas and biblical references. It is something I will definitely read again and refer to over and over again. This is a short very easy to read book that I think anyone could benefit from.
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Bruce Wilkinson is recognized as one of the world's foremost Christian teachers and speakers. But he is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller, The Prayer of Jabez, and other bestsellers including A Life God Rewards, Secrets of the Vine, and The Dream Giver. He is the founder of WorldTeach, a global initiative to train Bible teachers in every nation. Wilkinson also founded Dr...more
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“Not surprisingly, the place we're most likely to experience testing is exactly where we struggle most to trust God.”
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12 people liked it
“The single best way to develop leaders . . . is to take people out of their safe environment and away from the people they know, and throw them into a new arena they know little about. Way over their head, preferably. In fact, the more demanding their challenges, the more pressure and risk they face, the more likely a dynamic leader will emerge.”
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7 people liked it
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