The Monday Memo from John Stanko

388: A Piano From Heaven

I got back last night from Nairobi and I had yet to finish up a lot of work for the class I began today in biblical counseling as part of my D. Min. program. I had a great trip along with the seven who went with me. If you want to check out my travel blog for our time in Kenya, you can go here and, once you register, find it using the search name CUBM.

Many people tell me they will do anything that God wants them to do, and that's certainly a good thing.  Yet when some tell me that, it isn't an expression of faith; it's a statement of unbelief.  How can saying, "God, I will do whatever You want" be a statement of unbelief?  For that answer, as you know by now, you will have to read on.

A PIANO FROM HEAVEN

When some say, "Lord, I'll do whatever You want," they are really saying, "Lord, I have no intention of doing anything unless you can prove to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is something you want me to do."  They are saying, "Lord, if a piano falls on me unexpectedly and pins me under its weight, then I will know You are trying to get my attention."  All the burden of proof and initiative are on God and you have no role in the transaction except to respond to circumstances just about forcing you to do something.

This of course is not faith. To assume that God must answer all your questions and soothe all your fears before you can be expected to take the first step is anything but faith; it is presumption.  You are presuming that God owes you a big, fat confirmation before He can ever expect you to move.  So unless something unusual happens, like being trapped under a falling piano that could only have been sent from God, you will carry on with business as usual, since the ball is in God's court.

SO WHAT'S A PERSON TO DO?

You are not to wait for the ultimate confirmation before you act. You must take faith steps today to prove whether or not your idea or plan began in the mind of God. If you aren't sure if God wants you to write a book, then you should write it!  If it's not His idea, you will know when you can't finish or publish it.  In most cases, however, once you start, you will see that He meets you more than half way.  The confirmation you need will not come to help you start, but to help you persevere. 

So what can you do today besides waiting for the piano to fall? You can make a trip, compose the song, write a letter or develop a plan to help prove that you have a valid idea. You can stop waiting for God to do what only you can do.  You can stop wallowing in presumption pretending that it's faith, that God owes you special treatment so you won't look foolish or fail.

A piano hitting you from on high isn't a good thing, so stop making that the sign before you go forward. Instead have faith and act today.  You will be glad you did, for being trapped under a piano sent by God isn't a good place to be.  Have a great week!

    Feel free to write your comments to this entry on the site where it is posted.

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THE SOPHIA FUND:  Even though I just returned from Africa, it doesn't mean that The Sophia Fund will be suspended. I will continue to receive contributions and send them to Africa through reliable sources. Therefore, if you haven't sent anything yet, you can still do so.  Every penny you send will go to feed the poor in Zimbabwe and Kenya. 

You can read about my rationale for The Fund here (named after my late mother) that will help feed widows and orphans in Kenya and Zimbabwe.  Please consider a contribution of at least $5 toward the fund and hopefully more.  You can use the "Chipin" widget on the Monday Memo site to contribute, or go directly to my website to contribute there through PayPal, or send a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA  15221.  Make sure you let me know it is for The Sophia Fund. Don't delay; give today and make a difference in the world.

The most recent posted entry about The Sophia Fund is here.

BIBLE STUDY:  Due to schoolwork and my travel blog writing while in Kenya, I am behind in getting the fourth installment of my Bible study from John's gospel to you. I will do my best to get it to you later this week.  If you would like to check out the first three or subscribe to receive them as they are published, you can do both here. 

As a peace offering for the delay, I am attaching my March collection from A Daily Dose of Proverbs below.

Download March

387: 50 Years Later at 39,000 Feet

I was thinking while flying over to Kenya the other day at 39,000 feet that if and when I need inspiration or a word from God, I must get on a plane going somewhere, anywhere.  I can't explain it, but it's a magical moment for me every time I fly, and I have logged 3.5 million miles since 1989! I can remember when it all started, however, and I was only ten years old, although I would not be on a plane for another nine years after that. If you want to know the whole story, you know the rules.  You will have to read on.

A FIFTY-YEAR OLD MEMORY

My family never traveled anywhere.  We never took a trip longer than 40 miles from our home and we never had a family holiday or vacation together.  I remember playing in my back yard as a child and looking up at the airplanes flying overhead and wondering where they were going without me.

Then one day my young life changed forever.

My father told me that he was taking me somewhere, but would not tell me where.  We got in our car and drove 32 miles to visit, not fly out of but just visit, the Greater Pittsburgh Airport.

When you drove into the old airport (they have since built a new one), they had elaborate fountains. We parked the car and went into the airport, which had shops, a movie theater, a game arcade and an observation deck.

Now keep in mind that this was probably in 1959.  Most of the planes were still of the propeller variety, but I remember standing on that observation deck and watching them start up, take off and land. I was fascinated. We got there in the early evening and then found out a jet plane was coming in from Chicago at 9 PM, which was the time of the summer sunset.  My dad said we could wait for the jet to come in and we did.

I will never, ever forget seeing that TWA jet approach and land while there was still some daylight.  I used the deck's binoculars to watch it come in and I was absolutely spellbound and speechless.  When we left that night after spending about three hours there, I said to myself as a nine-year old boy, "I will be on one of those planes one day."  I have fulfilled my vow over and over again.

WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORIES?

That story is part of who I am.  So who are you?  What experiences have shaped your life?  Are you being true to those experiences?  How so?  If not, how can you re-connect with those things that helped make you the person you are today?  Was it music, travel, art, business, medicine or entertainment?  It may not be too late to do something about what you once only dreamed of doing.

I am staying home more this year, so I have placed my love for travel in God's hands.  I am not anxious, but I know it won't go away.  I cannot distance myself from that 50-year-old memory, nor do I want to do so.  It would be great if you can share any similar experiences with my readers at the site where this entry is posted.  In the meantime, I hope you have a great, memory-filled week.

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THE SOPHIA FUND:  I am glad to report that I was able to bring $2,000 with me for The Sophia Fund, which I have already turned over to local workers (designated money has also been sent into Zimbabwe already as well).  If you haven't sent anything yet, you can still do so.  I have set up a secure and reliable transfer procedure with people who take no salary and will only use the money for its stated purpose, which is to feed widows and orphans. 

You can read about my rationale for The Fund here (named after my late mother) that will help feed widows and orphans in Kenya and Zimbabwe.  Please consider a contribution of at least $5 toward the fund and hopefully more.  You can use the "Chipin" widget on the Monday Memo site to contribute, or go directly to my website to contribute there through PayPal, or send a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA  15221.  Make sure you let me know it is for The Sophia Fund. Don't delay; give today and make a difference in the world.

The most recent posted entry about The Sophia Fund is here.

BIBLE STUDY:  I will send out the fourth installment from my John Bible study later this week.  If you would like to check out the first three or subscribe to receive them as they are published, you can do both here. 

FREE PURPOSEQUEST ASSESSMENT:  Don't forget about the free PurposeQuest assessment available on my website.  This is not a scientific survey, but something that is meant to stimulate your thought and direct your study on my site concerning where you stand in your PurposeQuest.  About 800 people have taken the survey so far.  I hope that every Monday Memo reader will eventually take the assessment and heed the follow up email from me on how you can be even more purposeful than you already are.

FACEBOOK:  I continue to update my personal page on Facebook.  Check it out and let's be friends when you have a chance.  Also you can find me on Twitter @johnstanko. Go there to sign up and follow me.

386: The Peanut Man

This month is Black History Month in the United States and I want to write about one of my favorite purpose heroes of color by the name of George Washington Carver. Carver was a botanist, agriculturist and scientist who lived in the deep South right after the American Civil War. Carver urged southern farmers to plant peanuts, but there was only one problem. There were no markets for peanuts.  What happened next is a testimony to the power of purpose. 

When faced with the dilemma of peanuts and no uses, David Collins tells this story about Carver in his book Man's Slave Becomes God's Scientist: George Washington Carver:

I retreated into my lab.  Only there could I avoid the faces of my students and friends.  Only there could I be alone.  But somehow I was not alone. Even in the silence and stillness, I felt another presence. Falling to my knees, I begged forgiveness and understanding from my Savior and Creator.

And as I prayed, i was drawn to my feet. Out of the lab I went, into the nearby woodlands and fields. The sun warned my skin; the soft breezes refreshed my body.

"Oh Mr. Creator," I asked softly, "why did you make this Universe?"

A wind stirred the trees a bit. "Your little mind asks too much, " came the answer. "Ask something more your size."

Confused, I rubbed my chin. "What was man made for?" I whispered.

Once more, I seemed to hear a voice on the wind. "You are still asking too much, little man.  Try once more."

I fell to my knees.  "Dear Mr. Creator, why did You make the peanut?"

Once more the breezes rustled through the trees. "Now you are asking questions your own size. Together we will find the answers."

When George Washington Carver got up from his knees, he went on to discover 300 uses for the peanut.  While he was at it, he found 119 uses for the sweet potato.

God hasn't unlocked all the secrets of His creation yet.  He is looking for other men and women who will know how to pray and then focus their efforts.  Are you one of those people?  If so, I urge you to pray and then partner with God to fulfill the purpose He assigned you.  As you do, I know you will have a great week!

    Feel free to post comments about this entry on the site where it is posted.

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THE SOPHIA FUND:  It's not too late to make a contribution to The Sophia Fund. I depart for Kenya this Wednesday (with a team of seven others) and will invest the firstfruits from The Sophia Fund when I go (some of the money is designated and will go to Zimbabwe).  You can read about The Fund here (named after my late mother) that will help feed widows and orphans in Kenya and Zimbabwe.  Please consider a contribution of at least $5 toward the fund and hopefully more.  You can use the "Chipin" widget on the Monday Memo site to contribute, or go directly to my website to contribute there through PayPal, or send a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA  15221.  Make sure you let me know it is for The Sophia Fund. Don't delay; give today and make a difference in the world.

The most recent posted entry about The Sophia Fund is here.

BIBLE STUDY:  I sent out the third installment from my John Bible study last week and another one should go out later this week. If you would like to check out the first two or subscribe to receive them as they are published, you can do both here. 

FREE PURPOSEQUEST ASSESSMENT:  Don't forget about the free PurposeQuest assessment available on my website.  This is not a scientific survey, but something that is meant to stimulate your thought and direct your study on my site concerning where you stand in your PurposeQuest.  About 800 people have taken the survey so far.  I hope that every Monday Memo reader will eventually take the assessment and heed the follow up email from me on how you can be even more purposeful than you already are.

FACEBOOK:  I continue to update my personal page on Facebook.  Check it out and let's be friends when you have a chance.  Also you can find me on Twitter @johnstanko. Go there to sign up and follow me.

385: Someone Celebrates a Failure

I'm sorry I didn't get a Memo out to you yesterday, but I was still emotionally drained from watching the Pittsburgh Steelers (dare I say my Pittsburgh Steelers?) win Super Bowl XLIII.  The Steelers won with 35 seconds left in the game, and I lost my voice on several occasions. I needed a day to heal and recover.

As you may know, every year or so I declare a week to be what I have come to call Celebrate a Failure Week.  I try to help you think differently about failure leading up to the celebration and then urge you to examine your failures and celebrate them for what they are - great learning and growing experiences.

The other day I got a great email from someone who wrote me during the last failure celebration and I thought I would share with you (with her permission) the results of her celebration. Let's call our writer Tracy:

TRACY WROTE:

Dear Dr. John,
 
I just wanted to say how wonderful it is to be having a failure week! And how much it has helped me. I have been stressed senseless about exams I have coming up and more stressed about what a total and utter loser I would be if I failed them! I was petrified I would be in a dark deep hole for eternity hiding in shame. That's drastic I realize, but still how I felt until I realized that doing my exams was actually a result of something I had learned from a past failure.
 
I decided not to do my A Levels at the end of my O level year and go onto a college instead. To cut a long story short, I never got to finish the course and could not go onto University as I had never done my A Levels. I always kicked myself for it, and on my gap year here in England when I saw the opportunity to do my A Levels, I jumped at the chance and have been studying them at night. I have exams in 5 weeks and felt stressed witless, more out of the fear of failing than actually doing the exams. It was so bad at one stage that I actually thought I'd just give up while I was ahead and go home and not sit the exams. At least then I would have just given up but would not have to face the chance of failing.
 
Your failure week and writing on failure has really encouraged me, I'm now happy that I at least took the chance and can write my A Levels, regardless of whether I fail or not. Now at least I know I tried and I can stop asking myself, 'What if I had?'
 
So thank you and enjoy sunny Africa, I'll see you again soon, hopefully having passed my A Level exams! In the meantime, I'm really learning from failure week preparation!

PURPOSEQUEST WROTE:

Thanks, Tracy, for taking the time to write in the midst of exam prep. You won't fail.  Have faith, stay positive and go for it.  You're a smart girl.

TRACY WROTE BACK:

I am not sure if you remember me writing to you about your article on Failure week and how it encouraged me...and it still does!  I just wanted to update you on what happened with my exams. I passed them and applied to study Fine Art at the local university, which has one of the leading Fine Art degrees in Africa. They accept 35 students a year and had just under 1,000 applicants this year! I had to send them my portfolio, sit for two very long exams and attend two interviews, but I am happy to say that I will be starting my first day of lectures tomorrow!
 
I am very grateful to you for taking the time to write your thoughts for people to read, and am really appreciative for the encouragement it gave me when I was ready to pack it all in. I am now well on my way to living my dream and praise the Lord....I actually made it!

So what could you do if fear of failure wasn't paralyzing or hindering you?  Have a great week!

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THE SOPHIA FUND:  This past week saw almost $1,000 come in for The Sophia  Fund. I depart for Kenya on February 11 (with a team of seven others) and want to invest the firstfruits from The Sophia Fund when I go (some of the money is designated and will go to Zimbabwe).  You can read about The Fund here (named after my late mother) that will help feed widows and orphans in Kenya and Zimbabwe.  Please consider a contribution of at least $5 toward the fund and hopefully more.  You can use the "Chipin" widget on the Monday Memo site to contribute, or go directly to my website to contribute there through PayPal, or send a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA  15221.  Make sure you let me know it is for The Sophia Fund. Don't delay; give today!

The most recent posted entry about The Sophia Fund is here.

BIBLE STUDY:  I promise to send out the third installment from my John Bible study tomorrow. It's been ready but I just haven't had a chance to sit down and send it! If you would like to check out the first two or subscribe to receive them as they are published, you can do both here. 

FREE PURPOSEQUEST ASSESSMENT:  Don't forget about the free PurposeQuest assessment available on my website.  This is not a scientific survey, but something that is meant to stimulate your thought and direct your study on my site concerning where you stand in your PurposeQuest.  About 750 people have taken the survey so far.  I hope that every Monday Memo reader will eventually take the assessment and heed the follow up email from me on how you can be even more purposeful than you already are.

FACEBOOK:  I continue to update my personal page on Facebook.  Check it out and let's be friends when you have a chance.  Also you can find me on Twitter @johnstanko. Go there to sign up and follow me.