The Dream Giver

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View books by Bruce Wilkinson.

a trilogy in two parts... - Rated
This book is three masterpieces wrapped into one. Part one is the Parable of the Dream Giver, the story of a Nobody named Ordinary who leaves the Land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream. We all have been born with a Big Dream, a gift from the Dream Giver. Often we lose sight of that Big Dream, or crumble under obstacles that seem insurmountable.

Through this parable, Wilkinson walks us through the stages of living that Big Dream: embracing the Dream, leaving our Comfort Zone to pursue it, meeting discouraging Bullies along the way, entering a Wasteland of delays and disappointment that test our faith, finding Sanctuary where we solidify the purpose of our Big Dream, warring with Giants for the Dream Giver's honor, and finally thriving in the Land of Promise.

Part two is the Journey to Your Big Dream, and is much more than an explanation of part one. Wilkinson acts as our "Dream Coach", supplying a solid foundation for applying the lessons learned through the parable. He relates personal experiences and answers questions from real readers. With the turn of every page I was able to identify and address my own personal obstacles that have held me back from my Big Dream.

The Dream Giver will help you identify where you have been, where you are today, and where you are headed. It will equip you for part three, which is beyond the covers of this book. Part three is where your personal adventure begins, as you take up your quill and pursue your own Big Dream for God's glory. If you are ready to begin your quest, then you are ready for the Dream Giver.

Larry Hehn, author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory

the Journey towards the Dream - Rated
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.