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a great time between serving Young Life at Woodleaf, mountain biking with friends (without breaking something), figuring out what can and cannot be juiced and listening to the newest Josh Ritter and anticipating the success of my Oakland Raiders.... Now I am chomping at the bit to get this Fall underway. Amy and I are off on a two week adventure to Kenya and Uganda with Compassion International where we will meet Zablon, a young man we have sponsored for 7 years. (Interesting fact: Kisumu City, Kenya is “sister city” to Roanoke, Virginia. This is why you so often hear people say: “If you’ve been to Roanoke, you’ve been to Kenya.”)
Returning home will mean the opportunity to share with you my experiences in Africa as well as continuing to share the heart of the new album; that much of what we have made central to faith is truly superfluous and that should we, in faith, tear away at the ways we have come to know God and one-another, we will find that what remains is more vital, more trustworthy and more true. I hope to see you soon. -justin
a Young Life camp in Northern California. I really value my relationship with Young Life and serving at a month-long camp is a way for me to serve the mission as well as stay connected. I came to faith through Young Life. Much of my understanding of God and Community has been deeply shaped by time spend as a volunteer leader, staff and now a supporter. It is an honor for me to serve Young Life whenever I can. So much about living and working here, particularly in the way YL does camping, is analogous to my understanding of Kingdom life; a job that is often more than one can handle on one’s own; a community of people who share one’s joys and burdens; and a common focus on the Person of Jesus that greatly diminishes the theological or cultural divisions among believers. Living this way gifts me with a picture of hope; that we can honestly live well together. Hope you are having a great summer too. -justinSpring 08 I've always sought to provide music that gives voice to those of us who live on the outside or on the fringes; Those of us who know what we believe and yet struggle to hold onto it because of all that culture tends to add on to faith; Those of us who have had few assurances in life but walk on in light of the choice we have made to believe nonetheless. I think we are the normal ones.
Unshakable faith is an anomaly and a rare gift. Those who posses it are lucky... I wrote this new record, DECONSTRUCTION, with the rest of us in mind. I hope that these songs can further instill a sense of regularity to what is often an irregular journey; that as you listen, you find the music gives shape and language to aspects of your journey that you may struggle to find in the assumed center of religious culture. -justin
Deconstruction is shaped by the classic "call from the desert" overtone that seems to pervade much of his story. Without becoming heady or overbearing, DECONSTRUCTION is a prescription for a healthy re-examination of established religious, consumer and scientific world views. The instrumentation on the record is as carefully chosen as Justin's lyrics. "We really wanted to limit the instrumentation to what was essential; let the songs breathe on their own." The record's feel supports its theme in limiting or even tearing down what is superfluous in order to more intimately engage with what is real. We really think you’re going to love it!
Last year, I kicked off 07 by running to the top of a 3,849 ft mountain peak on New Years Day. This year... er um, I slept in. But that is not to say I am being lazy. In fact, I recently finished a NEW RECORD, entitled "Deconstruction," that will be released this Spring! The songs took shape around the themes and questions that have become central to my heart over the past year and a half. Themes of Justice and Mercy; questions regarding just what it is that distinguishes us as having a likeness to God. In the process of writing the record, I was actually stuck by the fact that art itself is one of those distinguishing marks; that among all of the creatures of the earth, only we create for the sake of truth and beauty, like the One who made us. That recognition was part of what made this the most enjoyable and rewarding recording process yet.
I’m really excited about these songs and look forward to sharing them with you, even before releasing the record.... Cause I just cant wait. Stay tuned! -justin
Many of life’s most memorable moments are seasoned with some discomfort or trial. At the end of this most recent assignment, many of us on the assignment team found ourselves worn somewhat ragged, and yet, at the same time, more alive. I suppose this is part of what is meant in the Scriptures when we are told that we need to die in order to completely live the good life. Part of what I hope to do in songs and stories is to shed more light on the good life as well as the discomfort that seems to be part of it. I hope you will continue to join me as I do.
I am in the midst of working on a new album, and if I see you this fall, you will get to hear some new tunes... Im excited to share with you all... -justin
The writing aspect comes to fruition this summer as I AM RECORDING A NEW STUDIO ALBUM, and I am very excited about it! I will share more on that as time goes by… On the reading front, I have recently enjoyed The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard. He inspires me to do a better job of providing a reason to hope for change in the church…. Another book that has changed the landscape of my life is The Rest of God, by Mark Buchanan. This book exposes our culture of busyness and seeks to “restore our soul by restoring Sabbath.” I dare you to read it… I think you will be changed too… So, if you are like me and need a break from the heat, grab a book; something that inspires you to live better and more completely. Then share with someone about the ways the book has inspired you. Then, email me with suggestions of places to find shorts to fit hobbits….
On another note, I am honored to be representing Compassion International from Mainstage at Cornerstone Festival this week, as well as playing a set on Thurs (tmrw afternoon!). I will also be at Soulfest, my favorite social-justice orientated festival… For those who are festival goers, please come say hello!
And finally in August, my wife and I will be serving for 3 weeks on a Young LIfe assignment at Woodleaf in California… Im excited to nurture my long standing relationship with YL and an grateful to be able to give back to this ministry that gave me my first encounter with the person of Jesus… All in all, a busy and rewarding summer. I hope yours is too. -Justin McBaggins
Spring 07 It was great to see so many people at the March tour with Christopher Williams. Each night was a blast and I'm glad Christopher and I got to share the fun with you. For those who were unable to make it to the shows, i would highly recommend you check you Christopher's music. He's a very talented musician who is partnering with Blood:WaterMission to do something to help the 1 billion people in the world without access to clean drinking water.
Many of you have asked questions about new songs I've played this spring... the answer is yes - I'm working on a batch of new songs and recording a new album this summer! On the other hand, rumors that I am doing the album in French are distinctly untrue and completely out of line. Thanks for your support. -justin
New project: Amazing Grace EP
Help abolish slavery
Happy 2007 I look forward to seeing you on the road over the next few months and sharing more of what I’ve been up to. Very specifically, I am excited to share my rendition of AMAZING GRACE with you. In February, Walden Media will be releasing the movie Amazing Grace in theatres nation-wide. In conjunction with the movie release, the Amazing Change campaign has been launched in an effort to abolish modern day slavery. Did you know that there are roughly 1.5 MILLION people in slavery today? AND close to 40,000, predominately young girls, are shipped into the UNITED STATES each year for the express purpose of sexual exploitation? Just hearing these statistics makes me uncomfortable. I would hope that it would make any of us uncomfortable. The question now is whether or not that discomfort will motivate us to do something; to help bring justice to the world.
I have partneried with the Amazing Change campaign and released my own rendition of John Newton’s song, Amazing Grace (new ep coming soon, for now you can get it at
iTunes). The arrangement features a breathtaking performance by Oakland California’s own Lilly of the Valley Gospel Choir. It was an honor to work with them to put this song together. You can hear the song right now as well as read more about it’s back-story here.
You can learn more about The Amazing Change by visiting their website or myspace. Become an abolitionist; help set the world right. -justin
Winter 06 'Tis the season to say THANK YOU to all of you who support and encourage me to make music. With Thanksgiving just passed and Advent already upon us, I find myself reflecting on how grateful I am for my freedom, for my health, for the gift of knowing Christ and the opportunity to share my life – both through music and in friendship. It’s appropriate that Thanksgiving, a time of thankfulness, precedes Advent, a season marked by anticipation and hope.
Reflecting on God’s history of faithfulness generates that sense of expectancy for the future. Let’s do our best to remember that this holy time is a time of remembering that has God done the miraculous. I also hope we can see Him more clearly as we celebrate this season with our family and
friends.
God often communes with me through songs, which is why I write them. In light of my continued gratitude, we will to try our best to provide ways to share music with you that are convenient and affordable. My hope is that, by sharing my music with you, I can pass along something of what God has given to me. Merry Christmas. -justin
New project: 3 song Christmas EP
Fall 06 I will be home for much of the winter, spending a lot of time concentrated on creativity. Meanwhile I thought I would provide ways to make my music more accessible. Therefore, at Myspace I am consistently posting NEW tunes as well as FREE downloads. Also song synopsis to quell the questions, and I'm taking requests (at myspace) as well, so let me have it! ... Also we are continuing our "Ridiculously Big Sale" at the Store (2 for 1!) and we have permanently lowered the prices of CDs... Could there be more? You bet. Stay tuned. We're having fun.
As always, thank you for your support. I love to make music and I’m grateful that there are people who find value in what I create. I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes by Anne Lamott, who writes "I can't imagine anything but music that could have brought about this alchemy.... it somehow lets us meet in places we couldn't get to any other way." Thanks for listening. -justin
On a more personal note, I am steadily recovering from a separated shoulder injury I suffered early last month (which you can read about in the blog link below) and enjoying the newest Jonny Lang release - a great record by one of my favorite artists and I highly recommend it! -justin
Summer 06 I hope the summer is treating you well. Here at camp McRoberts we have had a fulfilling season of rest and creativity. I am writing a lot, both musically as well as in prose, which is a life giving discipline for me. I am finding myself rather inspired recently and let me briefly share a
glimpse of why that is.
My pastor, along with another friend of mine, recently returned from Monrovia, Liberia where they were partnering with AHEAD ministries for the development and redemption of Liberia. The stories they brought back have served as just one more inspiring reminder of what makes my heart beat and why I write songs. It is my sincere desire to see the blessing bestowed upon America multiplied in the nations. Most of us have been given so much and live so comfortably. Yet we seldom if ever ask why it is we have been given so much. I believe that we have been given more than we need so that we can provide for those who don’t have the basic necessities for life. Being the wealthiest people on the planet, simply by nature of being Americans, affords us a wonderful opportunity to usher in the kind of justice characteristic of God’s Kingdom: A kingdom in which people live in hope of a better future no matter where they are born.
I hope that, through songs and stories, I can be an encouragement to you that you are blessed in order that you might become a blessing. That, as His blessing flows through you, the world would know that God is good and His Kingdom is at hand. -justin
Summer 06 It is always a great joy to work with friends in other states or even other countries, but there is also something important about working with those in my own community. Being away from home as much as I often am, I am learning to cherish the opportunity to share in what God is doing here. The last few weeks have afforded me exactly these kinds of opportunities. In fact, the next few weeks do as well. In a way, it is a discipline of sorts to see God at home the same way I do elsewhere.
I should point out that our time at home is not all music related. In fact, Amy and I have made a conscious choice to learn the discipline or rest during this season. We enjoy what we do, both of us, and that can make it harder to disengage from work. But the Sabbath was offered and even commanded for a reason. I really want to offer myself to my community and my world. But what good is it to offer only as much of myself as is left when I am worn out? I have the following Elton Trueblood quote posted in my workspace at home: “A public man, though he is necessarily available at many times, must also learn to hide. If he is always available, he is not worth enough when he is available.“ That’s a lesson I’m just now starting to learn. -justin
Spring 06 In photography, white balance is the process of removing unrealistic color casts, so that objects which appear white in reality are rendered white in a photo. Without a proper white balance, a camera does not read color correctly. My recent trip to Ecuador with Compassion international served as a kind of white balancing for my soul.
During our trip we were encouraged to take “mental snapshots” of our time there. One of my mental snapshots was the opportunity Amy and I had to meet Roberto, a child we sponsor through Compassion. Meeting Roberto, and seeing the way God’s hand is using Compassion to change his life, his family’s life, his village and his country afforded us a poignant look at the Kingdom of God. I deeply appreciate these short glimpses God grants us of His Goodness. They sustain my heart and give my spirit a foundation for hope during the stretches of time when life is just life, work is just work and the colors are less realistic.
I hope that through songs and stories I can pass along something of the snapshots God provides me with, so that listeners can share in the great joy I have been given, knowing that God is good and that His Kingdom is coming. I hope that what I do can sometimes provide a white balance for listeners. -justin
The transitions between seasons always inspire me more so than the seasons themselves. Winter’s darkness and cold to gives meaning to Spring’s newness. The life Spring brings gives the Winter’s long cold purpose. This kind of relationship between dark and light, sadness and joy, need and grace is also the heartbeat of the new album. Life is best understood, or perhaps only understood in context. We have to be a people of need if we are going to be a people of Grace. In what ways do we need Him? Or in what ways does our world need Him? In both cases, I pray that His Grace remains the source of our lives. –justin
Winter 05 I have often wondered how to best celebrate the Christmas season without either giving in to the consumer madness or becoming so disenchanted as to become the McScrooge. In light of the way much of our world uses Christmas as an excuse for material indulgence, I would like invite you to share in changing the way we celebrate the Incarnation.
At the top of JustinMcRoberts.com, you see a banner that links to Compassion International Child Sponsorship page. Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, releasing them from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enabling them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. For only $32 each month you can help to provide a child with his or her daily needs of food, water and education.
Perhaps supporting a child through Compassion is a way you can celebrate the Incarnation by saying to the world that you see them in their present condition and that you will aid them should they be willing to receive His hand extended through you.
Please give this some prayerful consideration and have a Merry Christmas. –justin
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