The Dream Giver
Read: April 16-17, 2022

"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. Wilkinson gives readers practical, biblical keys to fulfilling their own dream, revealing that there's no limit to what God can accomplish when we choose to pursue the dreams He gives us for His honor.

Are you living your dream— or just living your life?

Welcome to a little story about a very big idea. This compelling modern-day parable tells the story of Ordinary, who dares to leave the Land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream.

You, too, have been given a Big Dream. One that can change your life. One that the Dream Giver wants you to achieve. Does your Big Dream seem hopelessly out of reach? Are you waiting for something or someone to make your dream happen?

Then you’re ready for The Dream Giver.

Let Bruce Wilkinson show you how to rise above the ordinary, conquer your fears, and overcome the obstacles that keep you from living your Big Dream.

You were made for this. Now it’s time to begin your journey."


Rated: 3.0/5.0-It was an interesting read, but it missed the mark for me. Instead of feeling inspired, I felt depressed after finishing it.

What an inspiring little book! Another one for the reference library! I am so encouraged to go forward with the first step towards my dream... now! How big is your dream? How big is the need your dream would fulfill? The answer to the second question is the answer to the first!
Oh Lord, bless me indeed and enlarge my territory. Amen!

So good and well with the time.

There are some interesting things to glean from this book but beware of the "Prosperity Gospel" intuitions of its author. It gets pretty focused on accomplishing "big things" in the here and now and has little interest in salvation and the cross. So it's hard to call this an actual "Christian" book, though that's how it's marketed. I do think there are some salient ideas in it, though, from a worldly sense.

Simple and profound. My all time favorite little book. Given to me by a friend....

This book is divided in two sections: the parable, and the coaching guide. It is clearly written to be an inspirational object lesson of biblical principles about trusting God. The story focuses on an everyday character personified as 'Ordinary,' who perceives he has a purpose in his life and seeks to discover it but is beset by personal doubts and difficulties. Along the way 'Ordinary' finds out where his desires and strength comes from, why he's tested, and what is possible by believing. The parable isn't great prose but for those willing to read on the second half provides personal coaching about living life believing in potential guided by God.

Excellent allegory portraying how God wants us to pursue our dreams despite our own fears and perceived limitations. Great lesson I took to heart.

3.5 stars — Very encouraging, and a great way to start my reading year! I’m in a career transition, so it was nice to think positive thoughts as I consider what my goals might be for 2018. 3.5 stars because the parable was a little silly, though it did get the point across, and the message felt a little simplistic, but it was encouraging and I can’t wait to see what fears I push past this year.

I loved the story I went on with the Dream Giver. I loved how it opened my eyes to my own dreams and the ways that God had provided. I loved the lyrical way that the audiobook was read. I just really loved this book. It filled my cup!

This book is nothing short of awesome sauce! This is another spiritual fill-up! Loved this book mainly because I could see so much of myself through the lens of the protagonist Ordinary. Now I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone but basically this book talks about Ordinary who lives an "ordinary" life until one day he is moved to go after his calling. Although Ordinary is fired up and ready to take on this challenge, it is hard for Ordinary to do this because he knows that it requires him to move out of his comfort zone. Though Ordinary faces some obstacles like fear and doubt from within he also faces some these adversities from those closest to him, he is able to ultimately push through all of the adversity and understand his "big dream"/ calling.

Now this was a church wide study at my church "Impact" where my Pastor's broke down the book to make us understand the importance of this book right here! I have put together some basic conclusions/connections from my pastor's mouth and directly from the book:

-God has a way of showing up in the familiar
-God has a way of showing up when we think we've got it all together
-If nothing is broken, than you do not believe in faith
-Not only does God show up but he also shows up with a word
-The word disturbs your unfamiliar
-Do you want to be ordinary or extraordinary? When you choose extraordinary, you have to be willing to be set apart.
-God wants to take you new places but we still carry old luggage?
-There is more that God requires of us
-Remember, return and reset
-Where God gives vision God will also give provision
-Your familiar is your comfort zone is what you know
-Comfort zones are temporary --> careers, emotions, friendships, homes etc.,
-What have here won't get you there
-What blessed you to make it to level A will be a hinderance at level B
-When you disturb your comfort zone, it disturbs others as well
-The borderland is a place of transition & decision
- Transitions --> Not everyone that starts with you will finish with you
-Along the way expect to have a couple of funerals but don't get stuck at the cemetery (Come on SOMEBODY!!)
-Decisions-->Be strong, be courageous, listen to God and he will give you what you need
-Expect at your boarder to have boarder bullies aka doubters
-Some of the hardest arguments and some of your biggest bullies are the people closest to you
-The promise land is at hand.. The closer the promise is the more difficult your journey will become
-In order to reach your dream, you need to show up to claim your blessing. God says wherever your feet touches, I'm going to give it to you
-When you become comfortable, God starts to work w/in you again

Again, because I don't want to spoil the book, I'll just leave this right here: ENJOY!

On my yearly to-read list. Great book!

God has blessed you with a Big Dream that you are uniquely qualified to fulfill. He has entrusted you with a sacred duty to glorify Him through how you brighten the world with the light He has planted within you. Serve Him by serving those you can influence by living your Dream. This book will help you get started.