Book Reading update..

Forgot to update this weekend with all that was happening...
The book reading update is - I finished Community of Kindness!! I don't have to pay anyone a $5 Starbucks gift card. I still have to get Pastor Scott his from last week.
I didn't bring any books other than my Bible with me to Portland. Therefore it will be hard for me to finish a book. I won't have much time anyway as we are at a conference in Beaverton, OR and not coming home until Wednesday.

I'll try and update from the conference tonight.

There's going to be a party!

Well, the work to get elected is beginning to roll. I worked with Adam today on getting some photos. Actually, Adam worked and I was the subject! I'm usually on the other side of the camera so that was different.

I bought my domain name today http://www.craigmillar.ca/ It isn't active yet, but I hope to roll out a website in the next week or two.

Someone is working on a press release to go out on Monday or Tuesday.

Tuesday is the earliest that I can file my papers, but it will have to wait until Thursday as I'm out of town S - W.

There will be lots of work to do. Some of the practical ways you can support are:

• prayer


• Promotional material (flyers, brochures)


• Promotional material design


• canvassing (door knocking and getting the message out, hearing what the issues are)


• researching


• getting money (need about $3000)


• putting out signs (after Halloween)


• phoning


• showing up at any all-candidates meetings. We'll advise when those dates are.


• Talking up our campaign up with friends and work associates

We will be organizing a 'launch party' next Friday. At that time, I'll take some time to explain why I'm running and what I want to see happen in Courtenay. This will not be exclusively for people from Courtenay. This will be a party for people that want to help in ANY way - big or small. If you want to come to the party or know someone that does, send me an email at craig@ngate.ca or us5millars@telus.net and I'll pass on the details.

I'll keep you posted as to when the website rolls out...

Does it Really Matter?

In our last federal election, 8.5 million people eligible to vote didn't even bother! I believe it is clearly a responsibility of all Canadians to participate in this important process. But what do you think? Why don't people bother? One person's opinion on the top five reasons:

1. There isn't enough difference between the candidates/parties to make it worthwhile


2. The outcome is a foregone conclusion/one vote won't change it


3. The candidates can't be trusted to do what they say


4. Voters don't know enough about the candidates to differentiate


5. Voters don't know enough about the issues to make an informed choice

Have you ever used these reasons to not vote? Are you registered to vote in your town or riding? Why or why not? Let's have a discussion..

The Big Announcement

Here's the surprise. Is it a baby? Are we adopting? Are we moving to foreign lands? No, no and no. In fact, this is something that has taken me about 22 years to do.

The Big Announcement is... I am running for city council (Courtenay) this November. It is time. The baby buggy hint wasn't dishonest! As all politicians are known for kissing babies to get votes - that was it. :-) So there you have it. I welcome your thoughts and prayers and support! feel free to comment in the comments section. Thanks again! I'll blog on it later, but am going to a political meeting right now!

Here's a Hint...

Some people are asking for hints about the big announcement . Here's a hint then:

You know your pig is too big when?

I grew up in the country and had pigs, but we never had this problem! - A huge pig called Bruce has trapped a terrified woman in her home in Australia.
Crazy - read it here.

She needs to do what this 11 year old boy did to this 9 foot, 1000 pound plus boar. Jason is a mighty hunter, but I don't think he's gotten anything this big...

Watch the clock!

Do you drink these things?

I've never been able to get into the new craze around energy drinks. Most of them taste like cough syrup to me. When I was in college we made our own energy drink - Coke Classic and strong black coffee mixed together - yech! But it worked! This new energy drink might be over the top...


Cocaine energy drink that claims to have a kick similar to that of the illegal drug by the same name. Redux Beverages says it contains more caffeine than any other energy drink.


Cans of energy drinks can contain about as much as or sometimes considerably more caffeine than a cup of coffee, in a sugary, chilled form that appeals to children who are unlikely to savour a bitter-tasting mug of coffee. Teenagers often down two or three of the drinks in quick succession.
On top of such well-known side effects as jittery, anxious behaviour and insomnia, large volumes of caffeine can lead to vomiting and headaches. And for the minority of people with cardiac-rhythm problems, it can also cause the heart to beat erratically, with potentially dangerous consequences.


Be careful what you're drinking. Methinks I'll be sticking with my decaf Americano...

A Big Announcement

There'll be a big announcement on this page in the next couple of days. It is a HUGE step in my life. Stay tuned...

Got $10 million?

A huge diamond was found in Lesotho in Africa. It weighs more than 500 carats and is a near flawless white diamond. Considering the engagement ring that I bought Shanda was .38 of a carat, that is hard to fathom. Read up on it here. Amazing...

Who'll be the winner?

Well, Alison, Heather and Scott signed in...Here's how it works...I say I'm going to read a certain amount and if I make it, I get a $5 starbucks card. If I don't, whomever has registered to compete has an opportunity to win the $5 starbucks card. Read it here for the complete story.

Since the abovementioned people signed in by 10 PM on Monday they are eligible. To win, the first one of them to say so in the comment to this post will win the starbucks card - cause I didn't finish my goal again! I got through First Impressions but not Community of Kindness. Having someone at our house or being out for 5 of 7 nights might have something to do with it...but i've made it through (and enjoyed) 4 books in 3 weeks so that's a big improvement.

Anyhow, if you want to try to win next week, just post "I'm in" or something to that effect in the comments to this post BEFORE Monday at 10 PM and you'll be in the running. I'll be starting and finishing Community of Kindness.

So - Alison, Heather, Scott - who'll be the winner?

What's it For?

I'm going through Isaiah in my devos right now. I was reading in chapter 11 where it talks prophetically about Jesus. Before I get into it, I recently read a quote in a book by Leonard Sweet, who challenged me with a thought "Whatever the Bible applies to Jesus applies to me". Not sure how far to take that but it was in my thoughts as I read.

Back to it... v.2-4 say how He was given the spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel, might, knowledge and respect (fear) of the Lord. He was given all that why? So that he wouldn't make life decisions or judgements based on what he sees or hears, but with a 'rightness' that only God can lead us into. His life decisions would be based on how he could be (v.4) giving justice for the poor and the needy.

Sooo, if that is what God gave Jesus all those resources for, what about me? Everything that God gives me is to be stewarded to help bring justice and speak up for the poor and needy. As I heard someone say recently, "I'm going to ruthlessly do the thing i do to help those in need."

As I look at making decisions that are life impacting and directing, I have to ask myself how can this decision, my gifts, my talents help me bring justice to and speak up for the poor and needy?

We're Adding Another Service

Well - we are looking at adding another service in the next few months at our church. We are looking at various models. Here is my personal favourite.... I see new ministry possibilities for Pastor Scott.

Gardening...

We made a garden patch in late May and planted various vegetables. We were a little late getting stuff in, but all in all it was a good experience. Swiss Chard, peas, carrots, beets, beans, cukes, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, herbs, etc. The before and after picture shows it. It was a great experience doing this with the kids. They saw the whole process of making the garden plot, picking the rocks, planting, weeding, watering and finally eating! It was interesting to see them even try some new veggies (and like them) simply because they saw how they grew and seemed to experience the pride of 'farming' :-)

Anyhow - here's the pics...apparently we are going to make the garden bigger next year. We shall see.

Starbucks Winner!

Well, there is no way that I'm going to make my reading goal. Too much going on this week! I finished Beyond The First Visit, but was unable to get through First Impressions. Thus, the winner of the Starbucks Card is Alison Bean. She was the only person to register this week and I'll be sending her a card - all the way to Texas. Send me your address, Alison!

If you didn't register cause you thought I was a reading machine and unstoppable, you see now it isn't so. :-) So, here is my goal for this week - register in the comments section by Monday at 10 PM - finish First Impressions and Community of Kindness.

If I don't make it - you win $5. If I do - I win $5! Register now!

Dumb Crook

Baldness Pays?!

I've been bemoaning the fact that my head is growing out of my hair, but perhaps it will be a money maker as I age! Click to read the rest of the story to find out how I might make!

Air New Zealand is offering to pay bald travelers to stand in lines in three airports — while wearing temporary tattoos on the back of their heads so the displays can be seen by people lining up behind them.

Pray for Joel

You might have heard about Joel Corbin who was hit by a truck inside of a sushi restaurant, by an apparently drunk driver, in Maple Ridge, BC. His grandma is my mom's cousin. It's a terrible situation. This little 9 year old boy needs a miracle. Joel is in a coma right now and he needs our prayers. Please pray for complete healing. If you want to help the family financially - the info is in the story. If you're part of a church, please put it on your prayer chain.

Thanks.

Political Predictions...

If you're a political junkie - this is your time!

We have the US Presidential election on with new candidates. What looked like a slam dunk for Obama is now very close. Gov. Sarah Palin has injected new life into the McCain campaign. The McCain/Palin ticket is pro-life and aims for smaller government. We'll see what happens on the Iraq front. It looks like it is moving towards victory. The economy seems to be the major issue - the win will go to the one that seems to have the best answers. PREDICTION: McCain in a squeaker. (hanging chads anyone?)

Canadian election - Prime Minister Harper has had one of the longest serving minority governments in Canadian history. This campaign is probably going to hinge around the economy as well. The Cons want it to be about leadership. The Libs want it to be about the economy. The NDP want it to be about social spending. The Greens just want to be a player. The BQ is irrelevant. Prediction: larger minority government for the Cons. (135-140 seats). Liberals will lose a couple. The BQ will go down to around 40 seats. The NDP will pick up a couple. The Green will actually elect one. All bets are off if the Liberal campaign implodes...

Courtenay election: Starr Winchester is going to run again as mayor. I think all the current councillors are running as well (except Phelps to run for Mayor). Prediction: Phelps will win mayoralty. 2-3 of current council to go as well?

Social Justice

Our church lead a fundraising 5k on Saturday to raise funds to enable children in Haiti and Ghana to go to school. Not wanting to potentially embarrass my senior pastor with my prowess as a runner, I chose to run with my daughters.

I was so proud of the effort that they put in! Anika was the first girl (age 10-13) to cross the finish line in around 23 minutes. Alexandra was third place. She and her friends had gotten lost in the woods following the wrong tape markers off the trail! :) Alaina competed in a 400 metre race for the kids and was the first girl to cross! Great job girls!

Actually - if the truth be known - P Scott ran an amazing race. He wasn't whining about this, but his knees have been giving him severe trouble the last couple years. He can really only run on an elliptical trainer. He ran that race on willpower (and probably some ibuprofen) and did awesome. Great example!

I'll post the amount raised as soon as I know it.

Great God, Great Day

What a great day! Sunday is always one of my favourite days of the week, but particularly so when we launch a new season of ministry each fall. here are my highlights of today:

1. 2 HOT new worship songs written by our worship leaders! The songs were powerful and really expressed God's heart. Great job!

2. An awesome sermon! Pastor Scott talked about our theme for the year, "Restore". Isaiah 58:6-8. Scott did a great job of challenging us, yet not condemning or guilting. 'compassion based activism'. Yea Scott! Yea God!

3. I had 3 hour nap today. This is not me, but I really needed one! Ordinarily, I don't like naps as they leave me feeling groggy for an hour after i wake up. I was so tired because I got up at 3 am this morning - couldn't sleep after one of the kids woke me to tell me she'd had a bad dream. I really don't mind waking up for those. It was something that happened regularly to me as a child

4.I just came from an Alpha leaders training meeting. Truthfully, as I was driving there I was still feeling groggy from my nap. As we talked afterwards, it was invigorating to hear some testimonies of people now leading Alpha:

"When I first came to Alpha, i was afraid to pray out loud. Now, I'm much
bolder." "I remember the joy of bringing a friend who had never heard of the
death and resurrection of Jesus. She is not a christian yet, but she is now
coming to church occasionally." "I was so discouraged as the people in my
group hardly spoke the first 6 weeks. Then 2 of them gave their lives to Jesus
at the Holy Spirit weekend." "I saw a lady that came to my group is now part of
another church - she's given her life to Jesus!" What a great way to end the
evening...but there's more!

5. I got a text that one of our former Master's Commission students, Victoria Katongo, got engaged tonight to her beau, Kato!

Thank you God for a great church and family to be a part of!

Book Reading Update

Leaders are Readers - I LOVE to read, but I've been distracted by sooo many good books.

Well - last Friday i made the $5 Starbucks challenge to get my reading streamlined. See here for details...Anyhow, I said that I'd finish Heart of a Father and Search to Belong. Well - I did it! I finished them both PLUS I also finished Fresh Ideas! 3 in one week! I was pretty tired a couple of evenings, but I focused and enjoyed it!

So here's this weeks goal - I will finish First Impressions and Beyond The First Visit. If you want to try and win a Starbucks card...

Here's how it works - I'm going to set a goal each Friday. If I don't make (I'll post it)the goal for the week, the first reader to alert me to that fact after 10 PM Friday (in the comments section) will win a prize. If I make my goal, I get the prize. Deal? But here's the catch, you have to register in the comments section of this post by Monday @ 10 PM!

Register in the comments section of this post to be eligible for the Starbucks card

Are You Rich?

The post title is a question I've been pondering lately. Many times I find myself wanting this or wanting that. I remember when I was 18 and lived on room and board for $350 a month and had enough money to put gas in the car. It was great. I thought how easy it was going to be when i had a 'career' and could finally arrive. Yet, our society continually pushes us to want more, more, more. So - back to the question - if you are living in Canada / USA, the poorest among us is rich compared to the rest of the world in which many survive on less than 2$ per day.

Which brings me to my devotions today - it was about rich people.
James 5:1-6 CHALLENGING
Here's the highlights of what we do:
1. hoard wealth
2. fail to pay wages of those that provide our stuff
3. live in luxury
4. live in self -indulgence
5. fattened ourselves in day or time of slaughter
6. condemned and murdered the innocent.

At first, I was thinking this is a good verse for real rich people. i started to think about it a bit more and here are some thoughts rolling around my head.
- There are more slaves in the world now than at any other point in history. Most of them are working providing stuff for the west. (some sugar, some tires, some coffee) Am I contributing to workers not getting their wages by the choices I make in buying things?
- luxury and self-indulgent - Am I intentionally living to help and be generous to others?
- fattened myself - Am I eating 'more than enough' when others don't have enough to eat?
- condemned and murdered the innocent - Am I contributing (by my inaction) to the issues of injustice - sex and child slavery, slavery, environmental degradation, AIDS orphans (40 million in Africa), child soldiers, etc.

Whew - That is some heavy duty thinking... good thing it was only for me and doesn't apply to you, eh? :-)