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Dream Big, Think Small: Living an Extraordinary Life One Day at a Time
How do you build a life of significance? As pastor and writer Jeff Manion shares in Dream Big, Think Small , truly great lives are built on the foundation of a holy redundancy--a persistence and determination to move faithfully in the right direction. Dream Big, Think Small will So many believers want their lives to count, but they are impatient with the slow pace at which goodness grows. Many of us struggle to embrace the faithfulness required to show up day after day after day. In Dream Big, Think Small Manion helps to reveal the joy in the small, seemingly inconsequential actions you take every day. Ultimately, you will learn how small persistent steps lead to tremendous and lasting results. Filled with Manion's trademark inspiring stories and insightful biblical teaching, Dream Big, Think Small challenges you to explore the spiritual prescription of steady faithfulness. Following the principles of perseverance, intentionality, and discipline outlined in this book, you will see lasting and astonishing results in your spiritual health, within your marriage and family, in the quality of your work, and in a more authentic ability to honor God with your life.
224 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2017
53 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 22, 2017
Manion's best book to date. I appreciated how the text was split into individual days. It made me contemplate each point and ponder how to apply it to my life. Each day has a space for note taking and further reflection, which I liked a good deal.
I recommend this book for those feeling overwhelmed by life, those who bite off more than they can chew, and those at the point of burnout. I also recommend this to those who haven't yet hit those stages. It's a good book to prepare us for what life has to bring.
I recommend this book for those feeling overwhelmed by life, those who bite off more than they can chew, and those at the point of burnout. I also recommend this to those who haven't yet hit those stages. It's a good book to prepare us for what life has to bring.
April 1, 2017
Jeff's style is relatable and practical. The book is broken down into small daily readings and reflections. Each reading is no more than 10 pages long followed by a reflection that can take anywhere from 5-30 minutes depending on how long you want to give it. The theme of daily faithfulness and foundational practices is one that could be profoundly impactful if applied. A great daily reading for self-leadership and personal growth.
December 17, 2023
This was a great book that really gets you to think about all aspects of life and how to slow down and live each day. I listened to this, so I'm going to have to go back through and answer all of the chapter reflections.
December 17, 2019
What a great book. Manion really helps one to grasp his or her priorities in this one and shows us the importance of living one day at a time.
December 8, 2017
Bigness is in the littleness.
This is the second book of the writer, Pastor Jeff Manion, I've read. Each one, including his words in this book, make me reflect on my own life. I want to do big things for God. But as the author points out, it's in doing the little things repetitively, that we will do the big things. I recommend this book to everyone on their journey to following God's path in their life.
This is the second book of the writer, Pastor Jeff Manion, I've read. Each one, including his words in this book, make me reflect on my own life. I want to do big things for God. But as the author points out, it's in doing the little things repetitively, that we will do the big things. I recommend this book to everyone on their journey to following God's path in their life.
December 26, 2019
This book offers an incredibly powerful message in an easy to digest, daily devotion-like format. Although I went through the whole thing in just a few sittings, it is one that is well worth re-reading in order to diligently do the work of answering the questions he poses and I plan on doing just that. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for something to help jumpstart the new year, or to make a new start right now, heedless of all the New Years fluffery. This one is well worth the time!
Favorite Quote: "When big dreams are finally realized, it is through the steady devotion of bringing ourselves again and again, day after day, year after year, to the little stuff. Success in the large things requires deep, abiding commitment to the small things."
Favorite Quote: "When big dreams are finally realized, it is through the steady devotion of bringing ourselves again and again, day after day, year after year, to the little stuff. Success in the large things requires deep, abiding commitment to the small things."
February 20, 2020
This is very savvy and sound book of advice for anyone with the (long-term) goals - not simply in the ministry, but even more valuable when you are in the ministry. Pastor Manion has been there, knows that - and he is a wise observer of the everyday journey for anyone with an aim. Because the immediate success is a very rare bird - mostly, you gain something slowly, maybe painfully and - steadily. And what of you are tired, demotivated, in temptation? These problems are very real.
So take the author's sage advice into account. He is a practical veteran of the field and is willing to share.
I have gained a lot here.
So take the author's sage advice into account. He is a practical veteran of the field and is willing to share.
I have gained a lot here.
September 1, 2020
This book has already been very helpful to me, although, as the author notes, it's not because of the book, but because of the little changes made that become good habits.
Short, concise chapters get the point across in short readings over 6 weeks, 5 days a week. The authors relates personal anecdotes to illustrate the principles he is discussing. Very personable and very readable. Loved it!
Short, concise chapters get the point across in short readings over 6 weeks, 5 days a week. The authors relates personal anecdotes to illustrate the principles he is discussing. Very personable and very readable. Loved it!
May 16, 2022
I think this book was definitely 5 stars worthy. This is because it helps you put using God into the real world. He uses real experiences from his life and other people he knows life and he reflects on how he used God to help him through situations. I also really enjoy how he sectioned the book up into days. He made it so it's supposed to be read in days instead of all at once.
December 24, 2020
A good philosophy with solid foundation and clarity of presentation. Good basis in biblical principles and Christian practice. Mature believers will be reminded and affirmed, new believers or non-believers will be educated or enlightened.
July 22, 2024
This book is full of profound wisdom on every page! I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be challenged into daily, habitual goodness and faithfulness rather than the overnight success story.
March 15, 2018
Very good ideas in many parts of the book.
April 2, 2018
Practical help for the rushed
A really useful read that helps the reader slow down, reflect on what matters and begin to do what counts
A really useful read that helps the reader slow down, reflect on what matters and begin to do what counts
November 24, 2018
Did this as a devotional, and it was excellent. The message is simple, yet profound: A worthy life of service consists not of big moments so much as faithfulness in the small things.
February 13, 2019
Well written, deep wisdom in a concise package. Especially helpful for those in ministry.
February 12, 2021
This is a book worth reading each year. It encourages small ordinary work to create a faithful, fulfilling life.
December 30, 2023
Written by a local pastor in the Grand Rapids Area, it's a really great read. Motivating and inspirational.
March 18, 2017
Like Live Teaching
Jeff's weekend message is put into five week day chapters. The material is pastoral and practical. The material can be life changing if you apply it.
Jeff's weekend message is put into five week day chapters. The material is pastoral and practical. The material can be life changing if you apply it.
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March 1, 2020Jeff Manion teaches consistency and slow and steady faithfulness. He shows us that over time, the steady goodness in our life can have extraordinary impact.
This was a very good book that not only convicted me, but also gave me a few good practices that I plan on sticking with!
This was a very good book that not only convicted me, but also gave me a few good practices that I plan on sticking with!
March 31, 2017
Six-week study for the church congregation. Excellent book
April 3, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it provides a Christian view of steadfastly being faithful in the little things to yield great outcomes.
Jeff explains how important it is to embrace consistent discipline in daily activities that overtime yield great results in the long run. Just show up.
Additionally, he challenges the reader to understand themselves and learn to be proactive. Here, he uses the example of drinking before one becomes thirsty.
Rating: 4/5
Favourite Quote: "Greatness is rarely achieved by doing great things but instead by doing good things repetitively.
The tragedy is that, while waiting for great opportunities to come along, we miss out on a parade of good opportunities that march steadily by."
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it provides a Christian view of steadfastly being faithful in the little things to yield great outcomes.
Jeff explains how important it is to embrace consistent discipline in daily activities that overtime yield great results in the long run. Just show up.
Additionally, he challenges the reader to understand themselves and learn to be proactive. Here, he uses the example of drinking before one becomes thirsty.
Rating: 4/5
Favourite Quote: "Greatness is rarely achieved by doing great things but instead by doing good things repetitively.
The tragedy is that, while waiting for great opportunities to come along, we miss out on a parade of good opportunities that march steadily by."
April 6, 2017
This book was written by the senior teaching Pastor at my church. It accompanied a six week sermon series of the same name. I found it a good accompaniment to the sermons Pastor Jeff gave each week.
The book is also a study in long term faithfulness. How does one go about building a life of greatness? It's done one day at a time doing small acts of goodness over and over. Rather than go for instant gratification, rewards for goodness will often far off in the future. It's a change from what culture may tell us.
The book is also a study in long term faithfulness. How does one go about building a life of greatness? It's done one day at a time doing small acts of goodness over and over. Rather than go for instant gratification, rewards for goodness will often far off in the future. It's a change from what culture may tell us.
April 8, 2017
I really liked the premise of the big: That extraordinary things are done through small acts everyday. Great athletes become great during daily training, not during championships. Great scientists become great during years of study, not during a moment of inspiration. You get the picture.
Unfortunately, I wasn't as keen on the format. It's broken in two six weeks of five daily readings. I would have preferred unbroken writing.
Unfortunately, I wasn't as keen on the format. It's broken in two six weeks of five daily readings. I would have preferred unbroken writing.
November 6, 2017
Great book with concrete, practical, wise advice. Consistent faithfulness matters! And can have such a huge impact! Don't give up. Planting and harvest do not occur in the same season.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews