Jamin Rathbun & Superdink.com

Who is this Jamin guy anyway?
I am the husband of one and the homeschooling father of five. I am a singer, songwriter, and a worship leader who plays guitar and piano. I am the Executive Director of Trinity Arts Center, a small Christian Arts Academy in Eastern Tennessee. I'm also a guitar teacher and -- I spend about half my time building web sites and helping companies organize their thoughts, fine tune their products, and turn their customers into company evangelists. I've been involved with four music projects in my life -- Hot Pink Turtle, Spin Radio, Stand Like Stone, and of course, Jamin Rathbun. I'm also training to be an Ultimate Fighter (that's not true). = )

bible

Mark 12:28-31
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Easy to understand... Hard to live.

I'd like to come up with a memory trigger, game, trick, or maybe a tattoo = ) to help remind me that love gives, and desires to give more. It's so easy (for me) to serve myself and so hard (sometimes) to get up off the couch and serve others. How about these ideas?

Before I sit down to read a book or turn on the tv -- I will...
1. Make sure the dishwasher is either loaded, or emptied.
2. Offer water, juice, popcorn, or hot tea to anyone else in the room.
3. Look my wife and/or kids in the eye and ask if there's anything I can do.
Before I buy or do anything for myself -- I will...
1. Give God a tenth of what He's given to me.
2. Make sure my wife and kids have what they need.
3. Make sure that it doesn't interfere with my ability and opportunity to meet a spontaneous need.

Before I go to work, or to the gym, or to school -- I will...
1. Take time to read (and consider) a chapter of God's Word.
2. Ask God to help me, and guide me, and draw me to Him.
3. Kiss my wife and hug my kids.

I'm just throwing some thoughts out there but some of them (?) might be a good idea. How would things change if you consistently completed a chore around the house and offered to serve your family before you sat down to relax and be entertained? What would your finances look like if you gave to God first, then planned for your families needs, and built extra money into your budget to meet the needs of others?

I'm sad to say mine would look a lot different than it does now. The good news is... God has lit a bit of a fire under me this week and is teaching me how to do better. God is good... All the time!

stuff

22 Down Is Lethal.
As you may have noticed from my past links... I prefer games that require a bit of brain power. This week is no exception -- BestCrosswords.com.

There are puzzles for several skill levels so you're sure to find a way to get your flow on. Have a great weekend! = )