Jeff Meyer - Fear Not Dream Big & Execute: Tools to Spark Your Dream and Ignite Your Follow-Through

Most dreams die before they ever get a chance to grow.

Its not failure that kills them. It is fear. This could be one of the reasons why Fear not is one of the most common commands of God to His followers in the Bible.

Because fear is real, even for leaders (especially for leaders), our dreams are usually untapped. We dont dream BIG. We dream little.

God has created you to dream. He urges you to crave your own BIG dream. You were not created to merely carry out someone elses.

You were created to live a life of service, yes, but service can be weighty if we dont unearth our own, unique, God-given vision. Well soon be buried under expectations unless we uncover a simple rhythm that helps us implement OUR dream. In this book I want to explore these truths.

When I work with ministry professionals, Jesus-followers, and those in the help profession, I see a common two-fold pattern: 1) Christian leaders are hesitant to dream and even when they do, 2) they often fail to execute. Many have never envisioned their future with the clarity required to realize such a future. They struggle to identify and articulate a clear forward direction, and so, they adopt the expectations of others in place of their own. Eventually this hazy rudderlessness compromises their very identity. And no one can rest easy if they lack a basic foundation.

What I want to do here is spark unsettled leaders to envision their future with the clarity necessary for realization! And by giving them simple ideas they can put into practice, this book will encourage them to pursue their future with relentless determination.

This is my hope for you. And, not just for you, but for the many who will benefit from the realization of your dream.

Look, you are an influence on those around you already. As such, you may as well put in the effort to make that influence as positive as youd like it to be.

I invite you to join me in this worthy pursuit. The lessons contained in this book come from one who is with you on the journey. It is not that I have mastered these lessons, but I have felt the benefit of continued efforts to abide by them.

If I could borrow Pauls words to the Philippians for a moment: I dont mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But, I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me (New Living Translation, Philippians 3:12).

Yeah, its like that.

Once the dream is sparked, execution is imperative. There is no magic bullet. Resilience and mental fortitude are needed. You will need to learn how to overcome resistance and obstacles. This little book of lessons will aid you in doing that.

So, if you could stand to diminish fear in your life and you get excited about the notion of dreaming BIG. And, you would like to work on focusing your attention, utilizing your gifts, removing distractions, and increasing your productivity, then read on.

To be a co-creator with Him for the benefit of others is lifes most fulfilling purpose.

I have divided this book into two parts. One part is focused on discovering your dream ( Dream Sparks ). The other, on realizing the dream ( Realization Strategies ). Start wherever you find that you need the most support. If you are a discipline machine, but are not really sure where you are headed, start with Part 1. If you have a dream yet find it difficult to execute, go ahead and start with Part 2.

You may also find it more advantageous to pick and choose chapter titles that scratch an itch. These chapters are not sequential. To help with this method I have placed a checklist of chapters that you can use to mark off as you complete them.

Most importantly, take time with the contents. Sit and reflect with each lesson. Complete the exercises in the Try This sections. No, seriously. Commit to following through or this book could end up like every other book on your shelf. I want this book to facilitate real change in your life and that requires commitment on your part. Consider this a journal prompting, behavioral adjustment tool. We dont master something by reading it. We master by living it.

And, finally, please share your discoveries with me at [jeffmeyer.org] or drop me a note at jeff@jeffmeyer.org I would love to hear from you.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to...

my wife Amy for her eternal devotion and daily support,

my children Kyla, Jonathan, Kacie, Matt, Abbey and Alli for your interest and creativity,

my sweet Bailey, Emmersen, and Calington for your joy and steady love,

my teammates at the Church in Madison , for your patience, partnership, creativity, and commitment to our mission and vision,

the members of the Church in Madison for your patience and partnership in connecting people to life in Jesus,

my coach and friend Lynn Schoener, for her genuine interest in my life and contribution. There is no way I would be pursuing a dream like this book without her consistent encouragement,

the PLI family for your willingness to experiment and risk,

my colleagues at Auxano for your relentless commitment to clarity and the church,

my parents Ron and LouAnn Meyer, for your unconditional love and faithful witness through all my years,

Amys parents and my second set of parents Rich and Wendy Eckart for accepting me and welcoming me into your awesome family, including entrusting me with the best gift of all, your daughter, my dearest Amy,

my siblings (on both sides) Jenni, Andy, Janelle, Donald, Steve and Vicki, Liz, Scott and Elsa,

my Launch Team for your insight and confidence,

Dan, Dan, Dan, and Dan, (crazy number of Dans right?) Bob, Alan, Greg, Larry, Paul and Gerri for your friendship, accountability and undying support, and

the ONE and ONLY Dream-maker for allowing me to participate and share in His dream.

Part 1
Dream Sparks

Sparks
Divine triggers that elicit unrelenting pursuits of bold endeavors

Lesson 1
Sit for a Spell

Talking Rock doesnt actually talk, but you might hear something if you sit on it long enough.

On our way back to Atlanta, somewhere near Jasper in northern Georgia, my wife Amy and I noticed a sign inviting us to turn off to Talking Rock . We launched into a discussion about how amusing it would be if the rock actually talked, kept up conversation, made the occasional snide comment. We were in a playful mood. Pretty sure the rock doesnt talk. Unless, of course, God decided to make it talk. After all, He did make water pour out of one (see Exodus 17).

A quick search and I discovered that Talking Rock isnt a rock at all. Its a town. Talking Rocks history is rich with stories about the Trail of Tears, the Civil War, the railroad, and the Great Depression. The origination of our towns name is unclear and there are many interesting stories regarding its derivation. Some individuals believe that its from the noise of the water rolling over the rocks in our beautiful creek, while others like the story of folks sitting for a spell on a rock to have a talk with a neighbor. Still others believe that the name originated with the local Indians.