We are so thrilled to be able to showcase this debut devotional album from the exceptionally talented Jamey Heath. His soulful melodies and exquisite production have graced numerous albums on the radio charts, but to hear him bring the sacred word to life is to be transported. The spirit flows through him and into his music creating something so powerful, so inspiring, you can’t help but be touched.

The album is on constant rotation in our homes and cars. Our children (2 & 3.5 years) have memorized the entire record! In fact the response to this album has been so positive that we are receiving requests for it from around the globe every day. This album does something magical and we couldn’t wait for you to hear it.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
& ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

In addition, you may know that Jamey was recently involved in a very serious accident which left his ankle shattered. He was transported back from Costa Rica for emergency surgery, has been hospitalized for the last week, and is facing multiple surgeries and an extended recovery/rehabilitation period (if the surgeries go as planned.)

With that in mind, from now till the end of January, 9StarMedia will be sending 100% of the profits from sales of “I Have Returned To Thee” directly to Jamey to help cover his mounting medical bills as well as the future work he will surely miss while recovering.

Though it is only a small part to play in such a large ordeal, our hope is that together with your assistance we can offer a little support to Jamey and his family in this challenging time.. and in the process encourage him, through our support, to keep creating such powerful devotional albums.

Take a moment to listen to the record, and order your copy today, you definitely wont be disappointed and your purchase will go a long way to help his family.

Please share this post with your friends, family and community.

Sincerely,

Jon Rezin

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

The post Jamey Heath’s Remarkable New Devotional Album first appeared on 9 Star Media.

BADASHT VOL. III – VISIONARIES

This third album in a series of phenomenal records is focused on one thing: Youth. Together with youth artists from around the world, The Badasht Project has created a soundtrack for the movement. Composed of the sacred word as well as original songs, this album is a collaboration of mentors and the youth on the front lines… and the results are stunning. From the soulful voice of Bella Blue to the Searing lyrics of Karim Rushdy. From the smooth sounds of Trevor Jackson to the twang of the Bosch Bluegrass Band. From the passionate performance of Devon Gundry to the powerful voice of Ana Bridges… and many many more! This genre blending album delivers on all fronts. With this musical tapestry totaling out at nearly 1.5 hours in length, Badasht Vol. III – Visionaries will fast become one of your favorite albums of 2013. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

THE DESCENDANTS – A DIVINE COLLABORATION

This debut album from The Descendants is the result of three exceptionally talented youth coming together to pay homage to their spiritual lineage. Each with their own solo artist careers (Gia Sky, Bella Blue, and Aubrey Wood) these artists have created a singularly powerful devotional album. The description “Pop + Prayer = Awesome!” seems appropriate here. These youth take an unapologentic look at the writings and deliver an album unlike any other. For the youth, by the youth. If you have been looking for a devotional album that speaks to the younger generation, A Divine Collaboration is the answer. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

SARAH PERCEVAL- ILLUMINED YOUTH

The power of example. One thing which has always been an inspiration for us is hearing the stories of the heros and heroines of the early days of the Faith. Their stories of struggle and triumph over great obstacles provide a powerful example as we seek to overcome our own struggles to serve the Cause. This unique collection of stories focuses on the journey of several youthful heroes and heroines of the Faith. Their examples not only demonstrate the triumph of the human spirit but, more importantly, the unquestionable existence of the Divine assistance which will rush to the aid of those in need. Told by the incredible Sarah Perceval with musical score by Rosanna Lee and Caeli Lohr, these stories will inspire you. During those times when you need just a little more courage, a little more strength, or a little more momentum, these stories will help propel you forward.. and, perhaps, assist you to become modern day heroes for the Cause. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

[quote] Wherefore, O ye illumined youth, strive by night and by day to unravel the mysteries of the mind and spirit, and to grasp the secrets of the Day of God. Inform yourselves of the evidences that the Most Great Name hath dawned. Open your lips in praise. Adduce convincing arguments and proofs. Lead those who thirst to the fountain of life; grant ye true health to the ailing. Be ye apprentices of God; be ye physicians directed by God, and heal ye the sick among humankind. Bring those who have been excluded into the circle of intimate friends. Make the despairing to be filled with hope. Waken them that slumber; make the heedless mindful.

Such are the fruits of this earthly life. Such is the station of resplendent glory. Upon you be Bahá’u’l-Abha.

~ Abdu’l-Bahá (Compilation of Compilations, Vol. 2, page 415-440)
[/quote]

The post Youth Can Move The World: Media To Empower The Movement first appeared on 9 Star Media.

Naw-Rúz marks the end of the Bahá’í month of fasting. During those 19 days, Bahá’ís fast from sunrise to sunset as an outward symbol of their inward fast. Bahá’u’lláh describes it as:

“This material fast is an outer token of the spiritual fast; it is a symbol of self-restraint, the withholding of oneself from all appetites of the self, taking on the characteristics of the spirit, being carried away by the breathings of heaven and catching fire from the love of God.”

Shoghi Effendi expounds on the underlying purpose of the fast and indicates:

“It is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make the necessary readjustments in his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its significance and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires.”

Naw-Rúz marks both the end of the Bahá’í period of fasting and the start of a new Bahá’í year. Bahá’u’lláh likens this celebration, which falls on the spring equinox, like unto a spiritual springtime… A period of rejuvenation and renewal.

It is in the spirit of rejuvenation and spiritual springtime that we offer you this prayer from Bahá’u’lláh to celebrate the start of this most glorious new year:

“Praised be Thou, O my God, that Thou hast ordained Naw-Rúz as a festival unto those who have observed the fast for love of Thee and abstained from all that is abhorrent unto Thee. Grant, O my Lord, that the fire of Thy love and the heat produced by the fast enjoined by Thee may inflame them in Thy Cause, and make them to be occupied with Thy praise and with remembrance of Thee.

Since Thou hast adorned them, O my Lord, with the ornament of the fast prescribed by Thee, do Thou adorn them also with the ornament of Thine acceptance, through Thy grace and bountiful favor. For the doings of men are all dependent upon Thy good pleasure, and are conditioned by Thy behest. Shouldst Thou regard him who hath broken the fast as one who hath observed it, such a man would be reckoned among them who from eternity had been keeping the fast. And shouldst Thou decree that he who hath observed the fast hath broken it, that person would be numbered with such as have caused the Robe of Thy Revelation to be stained with dust, and been far removed from the crystal waters of this living Fountain.

Thou art He through Whom the ensign “Praiseworthy art Thou in Thy works” hath been lifted up, and the standard “Obeyed art Thou in Thy behest” hath been unfurled. Make known this Thy station, O my God, unto Thy servants, that they may be made aware that the excellence of all things is dependent upon Thy bidding and Thy word, and the virtue of every act is conditioned by Thy leave and the good pleasure of Thy will, and may recognize that the reins of men’s doings are within the grasp of Thine acceptance and Thy commandment. Make this known unto them, that nothing whatsoever may shut them out from Thy Beauty, in these days whereon the Christ exclaimeth: “All dominion is Thine, O Thou the Begetter of the Spirit (Jesus)”; and Thy Friend (Muḥammad) crieth out: “Glory be to Thee, O Thou the Best-Beloved, for that Thou hast uncovered Thy Beauty, and written down for Thy chosen ones what will cause them to attain unto the seat of the revelation of Thy Most Great Name, through which all the peoples have lamented except such as have detached themselves from all else except Thee, and set themselves towards Him Who is the Revealer of Thyself and the Manifestation of Thine attributes.”

He Who is Thy Branch and all Thy company, O my Lord, have broken this day their fast, after having observed it within the precincts of Thy court, and in their eagerness to please Thee. Do Thou ordain for Him, and for them, and for all such as have entered Thy presence in those days all the good Thou didst destine in Thy Book. Supply them, then, with that which will profit them, in both this life and in the life beyond.

Thou, in truth, art the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.”

~ Bahá’u’lláh

So… What are your Bahá’í new year’s resolutions?

The post A Joyous Naw-Ruz!!!! first appeared on 9 Star Media.

The Purpose:
Bahá’í inspired devotional music has been a mainstay of conferences and devotional meetings around the globe… but something always seemed to be missing front the overall picture. As it happens, many of the same Bahá’ís who created devotional albums are exerting superhuman effort to develop their musical careers in the ‘Secular’ world as well… but these albums, which are so often regarded as ‘secular’ or ‘commercial’, are actually exceptional expressions of Faith, the struggle to “live the life” and of testimonies of deep spiritual consciousness. The spiritual influence, though not necessarily expressed in direct terms, is felt in the creation itself. Positive media which uplifts the spirit yet does not belong solely to moments of prayer.

9 Star is an effort to join these two sometimes seemingly distinct facets of artistic expression under one umbrella and showcase ‘The Best in Bahá’í Inspired Media’. This effort has been a long time coming. Having taken shape over the last decade in late night conversations at conferences and finding inspiration at arts driven teaching endeavors. We realized that the world needs a resource to find the best in Bahá’í inspired media… One place where everything exists. That place is 9 Star Media.

For Art Lovers:
When confronted with the noise and moral degradation so often expressed in contemporary media, it can seem a daunting challenge to find a source for spiritually uplifting and positive media… 9 Star aims to be a resource for individuals, communities, and families who have a strong desire for uplifting, positive, and inspiring media to find the best the Bahá’í community has to offer.

Finding that old bootleg recording of that Bahá’í group that you never got the name of when you were on that teaching project in uzbekistan… or was is Kuala Lampur? Either way… that music, that video, that inspiring media is now all in one place. Here! If you can’t find it here… send us a note and give us some details. We are expanding our catalog daily.. no really… and we want to include whatever inspires you. Whether it is a classic Bahá’í recording that is no longer available or something you heard/saw that is brand new… we will be adding it to our catalog. We will be adding new content as fast as it can come in.

Join the newsletter if you want to get monthly updates about the newest releases with some insightful background on the artists who are creating it. You will not be disappointed! And.. for those who are asking… no, we will never spam you… but you will receive special subscriber only content, discounts, and early access to the latest and greatest content on 9 Star.

In addition 9 Star’s blog will be regularly updated with content that will help you more deeply integrate the arts into your community life. Check back often!

For The Creators:
As an artist and creator, 9 Star gives you the opportunity to focus on your creation rather than the mind-numbing promotion of your material to the Bahá’í community. Every time an artist releases a project they have to re-invent the wheel with regard to promotion, marketing, distribution and generating community awareness. Now 9 Star does all of that. We let the community know and make sure all the Bahá’í communities, bookstores, schools, regional and seasonal conferences all have access to purchase your content wholesale. We even handle the fulfillment (orders, shipping etc.) so you can keep focused on creating. Click ARTIST SIGN UP to find out more.

In addition to helping you get your music out there we will be posting blogs from the pro’s in our community offering guidance, assistance, and gems of wisdom on how you can more effectively focus on your art and find new ways to serve the Faith through it.

For the Community Bookstores:
As a bookstore or Bahá’í center coordinator, knowing what the latest and greatest media is can be a challenge especially when you are so focused on making your business thrive. 9 Star takes out the pain in searching out that content. We aggregate the best media and present it in a way that is both easy to access, audition, and digest. We make it easy to purchase from our site at wholesale pricing… all you need to do is send us a message indicating that you want information on wholesale pricing. We will set up your access and you can get started.

The post Welcome to 9 Star Media! first appeared on 9 Star Media.