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

John 16:33
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Youv'e got to love the matter-of-factness in that statement... You will have trouble but -- I have overcome the world.

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

music

The old man is missing. The new man is free!
The folks over at Inpop Records have released a new disc from Jimmy Needham called For Freedom.

Jimmy's put together a solid debut effort that, although sometimes a bit forced, includes a soulful vocal delivery and simple style that carry a promise of great things to come as he matures. With that said, there are plenty of offerings on this disc that are worth a second listen, in particular, the quieter moments in the title track, "For Freedom", and the worshipful "The Gospel."

"Oh to be delighted by you and to see the colors of your train and to be free by you. It will be my claim to fame." - For Freedom

"The Gospel. The Gospel... My freedom explained. No more shall these garments I'm wearing be stained. The old man is missing. The new man is free. May the Gospel of Jesus wash over me." - The Gospel

I'll close with this -- the text from "Benediction", a sort of poem that Jimmy closes the CD with:

"No one is good. There is not even one. The front pages of all the papers of children raped by rapists and Iraqi torture chambers -- and we the blamed claim we're blameless. Wrong all. And swelling up inside of us there's this pride in us. This arrogance. And our only line of defense is the sense that I'm not half as bad as this friend of mine, so I must be fine. We mean well don't we? Yet I've never seen good intentions set a man free from hurt. All this poor unfortunate soul filling a single void with toy after toy, girl after boy. How boring! This wasn't meant to be humanity's life story. Warring with God saying "What have you done for me?" Bought all. Hanging out for six hours. Marred beyond recognition in complete submission to the Father's will. Still. A proclamation was made, louder than the loudest temptation, with more beauty than all his creation. More eternal than eternity. More angelic than the heavenlies. It is done. You are bought with blood. Accept. Rejoice. For freedom has come!"

You really have to hear it to appreciate the passion behind it. Pretty good stuff from the heart and mouth of a college student. I'm looking forward to hearing more. = )