1Ch 16:12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
PRAYER -
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and
for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life
in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight
of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto
the knowledge of the truth. I Tim 2:1-4
- Pray for families of those who have lost loved ones in defense of freedom. Praise God for the sacrifices some Americans have made so the rest of us can enjoy the blessings of freedom. Praise God for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our eternal freedom.
- Pray for freedom in countries like Iraq where terrorists try to hinder democracy. Pray for the spread of the Gospel so unity is gained through Christian principles.
- Pray for Christian participation in the Jun primary by absentee ballot, early voting, or going to the polls on Jun 6. Pray for wisdom as voters discern which candidates will best serve the community. Pray for honesty in political campaigns and purity in the hearts of candidates. Pray for Christian character to replace corruption.
- Praise God for the abolition of slavery in America. For the sacrifices and commitment of many individuals and families to bring that about. For the continued effort around the world to eliminate racial and ethnic hatred.
- Praise God for the influence of Godly fathers. Pray for commitment to marriage and upholding the Biblical standards of traditional marriage in our communities.
- Pray for Marie who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her family loves her dearly and requested the Lord's help in going through this.
- Prayer Resources.
ENCOUNTER -
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Luk 19:13
Community Calendar (check for updates, links, future events, and regular meetings) We want to be a blessing to our community and support each event by avoiding scheduling conflicts.
- Jun 6 - NM Primary Election (see article below)
- Jun 10, 1pm - 2nd Annual Chile Dip Golf Classic sponsored by Intervarsity & Native American Christian Fellowship in the Rio Grande area, 710-4823
- Jun 14 - Flag Day, Honor the Flag and the Virtues it Represents by Candi Cushman
- Jun 18 - Father's Day, Focus on the Family resources
- Jun 19 - Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States
- Jun 20, 6pm - Special Lecture: Cracking the DaVinci Code by Prof. Rammage, TSU Library, Trinity Southwest Univ, 10110 Constitution NE Abq, 332-4253
- Jun 20, 7pm - CSFNM Meeting, Alameda Bible Church
UNDERSTANDING
- And of the children of Issachar, which were men
that had understanding of the time, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads
of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
I Chron 12:32
Contents:
Teen Pact 2006 by Jamie Armstrong
Memorial Day
NM Primary Election - Tue, Jun 6
Marriage Protection Amend, Senate Vote Jun 6
Goodmans Eye for the Good Guy
Experiences from TV Turn-off Week
DaVinci Code - Discuss or Ignore
Self Control - Abstinence or "Safer" Sex
Immigration - Amnesty or Enforcement
Juneteenth
New Catholic Radio Stations
Free HP Printer
Friends of the Family
Resources
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Teen Pact 2006 by Jamie Armstrong
Well, here we are. Another year's rolled around, another page in the book, another chapter in the legend, and another Teen Pact state class! That's why I'm writing to you. This year was kind of a repeat for me because I've already been to Teen Pact like, what, four years now I think. It was kind of a "refresher course" for me, but I got to go with my siblings and that was a lot of fun.
This year there were three "Armstrong students" at state class: my "little" brother Sean and my younger sister Jessica (not including my loving father who has been able to be with us every year). It was a lot of fun for me to help them and see them learning all kinds of new things about our government.
This year was different for me because I ran for Representative of the Teen Pact legislature. The number of positions varies from year to year. This year there were three Representatives and one governor. After a long hard race with deep, probing questions (not really), I and two other members were elected. It was really a lot of fun, and the fact that I won just made it better. Don't you love it when you try something new and then win the first time? Each person elected gives a speech. I chose to speak on a story from a book I read recently:
God really laid it on my heart to tell you about a book my fiancé recently gave me, The Barbarian Way by Erwin Raphael McManus. Now The Barbarian Way is one of my favorite books as well as the most challenging book I've ever read. I'd like to share a story from that book called "Crash the Future."
"A few years ago I took my kids to a wildlife animal park near San Diego. As we rode on a tram through the open terrain, a guide pointed out the unique features of the different species that we encountered. I supposed I always knew it in part, but I had not come to realize how most groups of animals have unique names or designations when they dwell together. With insects most of us know that bees are called swarms, and ants are called colonies. Among ocean life, I was aware that whales are pods, and fish are schools. Cattle are herds, birds are flocks, and if you saw The Lion King, you know that a tribe of lions is a pride. If you grew up in the country you might know that crows are called murders. Maybe the most unnerving one is an ambush of tigers."
I was surprised to learn that a group of buzzards is called a committee. Just this one insight is worth the price of this whole book. This explains so much of what's going on in churches - a lot of committees waiting around to live off human carnage. Groups of flamingos are called flamboyants which for some reason reminds me of TV evangelists. And groups of the less glamorous owls are known as parliaments. They seem sort of British. But my favorite of all is the group designation for rhinos. Rhinos can run 30 mph, pretty fast when you consider how much weight they're pulling. They're actually faster than squirrels that can run at up to 26 mph. But who's going to live in fear of a charging squirrel? Running at 30 mph is faster than a used Pinto will go. Just one problem, rhinos can only see 30 feet in front of them. Can you imagine something that large, moving in concert as a group, plowing ahead at 30 mph with no idea what's at 31 feet? You would think they would be far too timid to pick up full steam, that their inability to see far enough ahead would paralyze them to immobility. But with that horn pointing the way, rhinos run forward full steam ahead without apprehension, which leads us to their name.
Rhinos moving together at full speed are known as a crash. Even when they're just hanging around enjoying the watershed, they're called a crash because of their potential. You've got to love that. I think that's what we're supposed to be like. That's what happens when we become barbarians and shake free of domestication and civility. The church becomes a crash. We become an "unstoppable force" (another book by McManus). We don't have to pretend we know the future. Who cares that we can see only 30 feet ahead? Whatever's at 31 feet needs to care that we're coming and better get out of the way. We need to move together as God's people, a barbarian tribe, and become the human version of the rhino crash.
That was just a small taste of what this books contains. There are so many more great stories in this book that all emphasize the importance of what McManus calls "the barbarian faith." I love this book. It totally changed my perspective of God and my whole view of life in general. I can see why I'm here so much clearer now. I'm here to follow Jesus, no matter where He leads me and fight for His glory and His kingdom until my dying breath. And I know I don't have to be afraid of anything because Jesus has conquered death and the grave! He has already won the battle. For me, that's a very comforting thought.
I've chosen to live for Jesus. I've chosen to live on the edge. I've chosen the "Barbarian Way." I want to leave you with a question. My question and challenge to you is, what will you choose? Whom will you serve? I encourage you to think and pray about that and read this book!
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Memorial Day
For many of us, Memorial Day is simply a day off from work and an opportunity to gather around the barbecue with friends and family to usher in summer. Of course, the true purpose of this observance is to honor the men and women in our Armed Forces who have given their lives in defense of the freedoms we hold so dear. This year, with the war on terror raging in the Middle East and elsewhere, it is especially important that we pause and remember. Join us as we pay tribute to America's heroes.
Memorial Day Reflections - Dr. Dobson encourages us to remember and honor those who have put their lives on the line to protect our nation.
An Open Letter to the American Military - Your work is not only noble, but it will leave a legacy long after any of us remain here on earth. We are praying for you daily, and you are making us proud in the process.
Hot Topics: Military Families - What can we do to reach out to the spouses, the parents, the sons and daughters who have put their lives on the line in the Middle East?
Hidden Heroes: Help for Military Families - As our military forces struggle against terrorism, there is a lot you can do for families on the home front.
Honoring America's Heroes - Dr. James Dobson shares a tribute to our Armed Forces.
How You Can Support Our Troops - Show your appreciation for our troops by considering these opportunities.
Hot Topics: September 11 - Much has happened since terrorists struck our nation on September 11, 2001, but those whose lives were lost will never be forgotten.
www.family.org/topics/A0031974.cfm
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NM Primary Election - Tue, Jun 6
Election day is Tue, Jun 6. If you are a registered voter in a major party, you may vote absentee, early, or at the polls on Jun 6. People in some countries die for the privilege to vote. Let us not take our political responsibility lightly. Be an informed voter. Please take some time to evaluate the candidates before voting.
Where can I vote early? Absentee Ballots can be obtained by calling the Clerk's office at 505-468-1290 and requesting a ballot by mail. Or, voters can take advantage of Absentee In-Person voting by visiting the Clerk's office located at One Civic Plaza, NW on the 6th floor between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. See www.lwvabc.org/election.html for early voting sites. Sample ballots available at early voting sites. Plan ahead if you will be out of town on Jun 6.
What will be on the ballot? Official statewide candidates. Abq Tribune voter guide. Website for JR Damron for Governor. Website for Bill Richardson for Governor. Personal Testimony by Mark Ortega on write-in candidate for Governor, George Bailey. Anyone with information on write-in candidate for Governor, Anselmo A. Chavez, please contact principles@integrity.com (the same Anselmo A. Chavez from CA? - Chavez' bio). www.politics1.com/nm.htm is a complete directory of NM candidates for Governor, United State Senator, and Congress in the current election cycle (including state political parties, the official state election office, and state news sources). Rio Rancho Observer candidate review. CQPolitics.com report on NM: money makes the candidate [unfortunately from this editor's perspective].
Ways to evaluate a candidate. Project Vote Smart evaluates candidates in five categories: issue positions, interest group ratings (endorsements), biographical information, campaign finances, and public statements. Vote Smart only covers limited candidates but they do an excellent job, especially on conservative questions for the issue positions. You can encourage candidates to respond to the Vote Smart survey so voters will be better informed. Ask candidates about surveys they have answered. Candidates answer many surveys and much can be learned by their answers on any survey. Calling candidates on your ballot is time consuming but beneficial. You can also ask what groups are endorsing a candidate.
Bernalillo County, County Clerk
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Marriage Protection Amend, Senate Vote Jun 6
Senator Jeff Bingaman is expected to vote against the Marriage Protection Amendment which comes up for a vote in the Senate on June 6. This means he would prefer that a single activist judge have the authority to wipe out state laws and constitutions that define marriage as only between one man and one woman. A vote for the Marriage Protection Amendment is a vote for traditional marriage. A vote against the MPA (which Bingaman has indicated he will do) is a vote for homosexual marriage.
Washington: 202-224-5521
Albuquerque 505-346-6601
Las Cruces 505-523-6561
Las Vegas 505-454-8824
Roswell 505-622-7113
Santa Fe 505-988-6647
AFA Action Alert
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Goodmans Eye for the Good Guy
Goodmans Interior Structures and New Mexico Business Weekly are sponsoring a program called Goodmans Eye for the Good Guy. The winner will receive a $20,000 office remodel from Goodmans and be featured in a fall issue of New Mexico Business Weekly. Wings Ministry has been selected as a finalist in this program and I am asking for your continued support. Now through June 12, you may cast a daily vote for Wings at http://www.goodmansgoodguy.com/albuquerque/voting.php.
Your support in voting for Wings Ministry will have a direct effect on the results of this contest, as public voting accounts for half of the total score. The other half comes from the panel of local judges who will meet to discuss each of the 10 finalists' individual merits and assign scores based on business practices and community impact. In fact if you have a sentence or two that you would like to send me that I can forward on to Goodmans about why the Wings Ministry is so important, please do so. This might make the difference in us winning or not.
Please support Wings Ministry in this important program that is creating publicity for our organization and could ultimately provide new tools to help us accomplish even more.
Ann Edenfield Sweet
Wings Ministry Executive Director/Founder
2226 B Wyoming Blvd. NE #130
Albuquerque, NM 87112
1-505-291-6412, 1-740-507-1508 cell
www.wingsministry.org
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Experiences from TV Turn-off Week
What did your family do instead of watch TV? Maybe you don't even have a TV. Share your stories and insights with principles@integrity.com.
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DaVinci Code - Discuss or Ignore
Let's "Othercott" Da Vinci
By Barbara Nicolosi | posted 05/03/06
Many Christians see The Da Vinci Code as an opportunity for evangelism; others say it's a chance to engage the culture. Rubbish. Da Vinci is dangerous, so I'd like to suggest a better alternative. This film is based on a book that wears its heresy and blasphemy as a badge of honor, and I intend to stay far away from it. I get lots of calls to do interviews about The Da Vinci Code, but I duck as many of them as I can. Basically, I hate talking about DVC because I have a personal relationship with Jesus-and he isn't a proto-feminist goddess-cultic with a weak personality that could have been simply co-opted by power-hungry misogynists.
I love Jesus. It makes me physically sick to entertain discussion about the ways in which the defining acts of his life-his Passion, Resurrection and establishment of the Church-could be a diabolical scam that he never anticipated nor experienced. It would make me sick to hear salacious lies about anyone I love; how much more my Savior? Besides that, I don't think we should encourage people in the terrible sin against the Holy Spirit of speculating that things that are holy are evil, and that things that are evil are holy. Isn't that what is going on here? How is that not painful for anyone who knows the Lord?
Read the rest of the article at: http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/commentaries/othercott.html
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--One out of every five Americans has read "The Da Vinci Code," and 2 million of them have changed their religious beliefs because of it, a new Barna Group poll indicates. [Probably weak faith to start with.] www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=23245
Jun 20, 6pm - Special Lecture: Cracking the DaVinci Code by Prof. Rammage, TSU Library, Trinity Southwest Univ, 10110 Constitution NE Abq, 332-4253.
Westminster Theological Seminary has launched a straightforward website -- www.theTruthAboutDaVinci.com -- that focuses on six major questions (such as, "Was Jesus married?). The website includes information and video clips from conservative scholars.
Focus on the Family's Da Vinci website -- http://go.family.org/davinci/ -- includes a link to a recent radio broadcast that included a discussion between James Dobson, Strobel and Lutzer. Focus' website also includes articles refuting the movie's major claims, as well as a discussion guide for parents.
Radio Bible Class Da Vinci Code website www.rbcdavincicode.org.
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Self Control - Abstinence or "Safer Sex"
In an age where self control is valued through the teaching of "character counts," "stop smoking," and "don't do drugs," abstinence seems to be the odd man out. While the NM DOH has banned the teaching of abstinence in NM public schools above grade six, debate between liberals and conservatives revolve around choice (self gratification) and responsibility (self control). You can tell this is a leading edge issue when liberals use legal force to keep information about abstinence from students. While Planned Parenthood freely uses explicit terminology in public schools, the Christian community tends to shut it out (justifiably so) but thereby reducing awareness and severity of the problem. Liberals have even renamed their pet phrase from "safe sex" to "safer sex" in recognition of the risk in anything but abstinence until marriage. We have a dual responsibility - to our own children and to the children of the community. If your children are in public school, the responsibilities are one and the same. If you're not familiar with the debate, please consider these articles. The future of our children is at stake.
Abstinence is the main reason for decline in teen birth and pregnancy rates for teenage girls from 1991-1995. http://www.physconsortium.com/pages/issues/afh_journal.shtml
A nation divided, America continues to have opposing attitudes about sex
By Jeffry Gardner, Tribune Columnist, 18 Feb 06 (Christian perspective)
"You don't have to be born again to recognize that abstinence among teens might not be such a bad idea. In fact, three of NARAL-Washington's board members resigned over the event. One, Michele Cotner, felt NARAL had become too focused on abortion instead of preventing unwanted pregnancies and said the Washington chapter had become 'flippant' about too important a matter."
Christian websites are available upon request that discuss the problems with Planned Parenthood programs.
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Immigration - Amnesty or Enforcement
Senate passes immigration bill beginning debate with House. As local border issues loom ever closer, federal legislative action narrows to a conclusion. Is it ethical for immigrants to enter the country illegally? Is it ethical for American citizens to exploit illegal aliens by hiring them at less than minimum wage? Is it right to expect American citizens to pay for benefits and a dual-language system? Enforce or change the law? This issue will likely stay at the forefront for some time. Does your worldview on immigration include Biblical principles?
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Senate approved a wide-ranging overhaul of immigration laws Thursday (May 25), voting 62-36 to bolster security at the Mexican border and to grant many illegal immigrants a path toward citizenship. But the inclusion of that path sets the stage for a battle with the House of Representatives, which passed a stricter bill in December. Several senators said after the vote that President Bush's participation in the political maneuvering will be key to crafting a compromise.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/05/25/immigration/
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Juneteenth
Juneteenth (June 19th) is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.
www.juneteenth.com
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New Catholic Radio Stations
Here's a list of new radio stations submitted by Vince Rem. "I have just gotten in the habit to listening to it whenever I am near a radio - and in a short few months have learned so much about the Bible and the 2000 year old history of the Church."
104.5 FM in Santa Fe
95.3 FM in Farmington
100.7 FM Gallup
98.9 FM Albuquerque
88.7 FM Portales/Clovis
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Free HP Printer
Christian owned local business listed in The Shepherd's Guide.
See May and June Specials at www.compuaces.com/Yearend.htm.
Free Printer offer ends June 30, 2006. Limit five free printers per invoice.
Angelo Winfield
Computer Network Designs
Your One Stop Computer Shop
www.compuaces.com
505-352-6645
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Friends of the Family is a group of key supporters who invest monthly in family ministry. Their commitment is key to the ongoing effectiveness of Focus on the Family and enables us to extend the ministry to many who cannot afford the resources and services they need. They also enable our radio programs, our efforts to defend family values, and our outreaches to special groups like teens, unwed mothers, and non-Christians. For more information, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
You can send tax-deductible donations to Foothills Fellowship for direct support of Principles Community Impact Ministry in NM.
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RESOURCES
This section has been updated with a link to resource organizations. Anyone finding these organizations helpful, please consider mentioning the Principles Newsletter when contacting them. Thank you.
Principles Newsletter Archives
Roster of NM Govt Officials
Resource Organizations
Principles Community Impact News (CINews) is edited by
Mark Burton,
Foothills Fellowship, 294-0016, pager 971-2053
Many thanks to contributing authors and businesses.
Please forward events/articles/resources to principles@integrity.com.
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If anyone you know would like to receive this newsletter directly
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If you are reading this from outside NM, please locate and support
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