The Rockalot Blog

Last Post.....New Ministry....New Blog

Justin Adams — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 21:33:38 -0700

For a while now, I have been praying about and burdened for the "Professional Christian." As I have written about in previous blogs, I'm concerned at the expectation and pressure that is placed on church leaders to maintain a spotless, or at least a "better-than" image. The problem is, no one is perfect...no one is spotless...no one is "better-than". Left unchecked, an environment of hiding and denial can be created where the leadership becomes a group of people who have signed an unwritten pact to avoid the shame of confessing their sin.....and at worst... buy into the illusion that they don't have any. While honesty and authenticity are said to be encouraged by the leadership, they are seldom valued. We say we want the truth....but the truth is....to quote Jack Nicholson..."We can't handle the truth." To which I would add, "out of the light of God's grace." Grace among leaders isn't given much of a chance.

I believe there is hope for restoration and healing.

In response to this burden, Mary Beth and I feel the Lord has called us to start a ministry to ministry leaders. We're calling it "Restore Worship" and God is already directing us and laying the foundation for this new journey. I'd love for you to check it out at www.restoreworshiponline.com.

As a result, this is my final entry here at The Rockalot Blog. I'll continue blogging through the new ministry at www.restoreworshipblog.com. Please RSS the new blogsite and stay in touch.

It's been a great ride....see you on the other side. :)>

What A Night!

Justin Adams — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:47:17 -0700

Not that I ever worry that the Lord won't show up, but it never ceases to humble and bless me when He does. The concert was amazing. After months of praying, writing, recording, mixing, and preparing, it was incredible to get up on that stage and offer it all to Him. So many people offered their time and efforts, and about 900 people showed up to share in the worship. It was an incredible night. I am blessed. I am humbled. I am encouraged. Thank You God for nights like this. And thank You for the hope of more to come.

CD Release Concert!!!!

Justin Adams — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:22:55 -0700

We are having our first CD release concert here in Kansas! All the information is listed on the poster above. If you're in town come ROCK with us! We are so excited to celebrate all that God has done in our lives and what we pray He will do through this CD.

CD Officially Released

Justin Adams — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 11:19:38 -0700

The new cd is finally here......and not just the digital copies.....the REAL DEAL is here. For those of you who have to have a physical copy to hold in your hand you can send $19 (that includes the cd, tax, shipping, and handling) to:

Justin Adams
PO Box 444
Bonner Springs, KS 66012-9998

and I'll get one out to you pronto.

NEW CD "Less Like Me" NOW ON iTUNES!!

Justin Adams — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:35:21 -0700

Yep....it made it today! I'm not sure how to do the link to iTunes (I would love some help from my blogmasters) but I'm going to give it a try. Click here and it should take you to the new album page. WOOHOO!! YEA GOD!!

The New CD is FINALLY Here!

Justin Adams — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:06:25 -0700

The new CD "Less Like Me" is finally here and will be released this Friday, June 29th! YEA GOD!! But if you don't want to wait until then you can download the entire album RIGHT NOW on my myspace. Just click here to go get it. It will also be available on iTunes in about 2 weeks.

We are doing a NEW CD Release Concert at Westside Family Church on Friday, July 27th at 7p. It's free and open to the public so if you are in the KC area (or can get here) we would love to see you there!!

We are also planning a CD realease concert out in California but the details are not yet final so stay tuned for more on that.

If you want to order an actual copy (not a digital download) then you can email me at justinrockalot@gmail.com and I'll send it to you pronto! The cost is $15 plus $2 shipping and handling.

Thanks for all your support and I hope this CD blesses you and speaks to your heart in a very special way.

I'm Going to be in the Guiness Book of World Records

Justin Adams — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:58:56 -0700

True dat..Double True!! I WILL be in the Guiness Book of World Records with thousands of other guitars players who will be meeting in The Community America Ballpark to play "Smoke On The Water" (ironically the very first song I ever learned on guitar) all at the same time to set a new record for most guitar players gathered together to play a song at one time. It should be a blast...if you are in the KC area and play guitar you should register to go and ROCK OUT with everyone! Click Here if you want to register and participate in setting a world record in ROCK!!

OK...I have something to say...you ready??

Justin Adams — Tue, 08 May 2007 20:46:46 -0700

Professional Christianity

What is it? It's the addiction to self righteousness and judgement. What does it mean to be Professional about your sin? It means to hide it. Professional Chrisitanity means you have a reputation to maintain at all cost, even if that cost is dishonesty. You want to go back to being an amateur, but you're too experienced for that. You have to search to find your sin. You have hidden your sin so well for so long you have to search to discover where you put it. [from the book Confessions of a Caffienated Christian by John Fischer]

I believe this to be a big problem among church leadership. The underlying pressure to "always have it together" and the unwritten code of "you better not mess up, the cost is too great" feeds this need to hide sin. But, "We encourage our leaders to be real people and honest about their struggles", you say. Well, I hate to tell you this, but, Christians are sometimes the FIRST to shoot their wounded. Somehow we get it backwards and protect the 99 while abandoning the 1. We know we are hypocrites. We just like to only admit the hypocrisy that's acceptable to us. The longer we hide our sin the more numb we become to it taking place in our life and it's effect on us and those around us. Further fueling pride and the addiction to self-righteousness and judgement. And all the while Satan is strengthening his grip around our life and taking us deeper and deeper into bondage and further into sin. We must confess our sin, bring it into the open, ["confess your sins, ONE TO ANOTHER"....not just to God in your head] and into the light where God can heal it and bring restoration. The consequences may be great but there are consequences to sin unconfessed or not. Amen? "...You may be sure that your sin will find you out", Numbers 32:23. Bringing our sin into the light allows God to heal it and free us from Satan's grip. And the life experienced on the other side (not hiding, ignoring, denying, lying, or pretending everything is fine) after confessing our sin, is SO MUCH greater than that spent in the tormoil and bondage of hiding and lying about it and "playing church." Don't we want Christian leaders who are willing to stand up and confess their sin, be real about their humanity, and allow God to heal them in front of us and not just talk about it? Aren't these the kind of people that we want to follow, we can relate to best, and admire most for having courage and integrity?? Unfortunately, giving grace is more complicated for us than that. It seems to me that our congregations understand what it is to "be the church" more than the leadership does. Example: The body gives grace to the body....The body gives grace to the leadership....The leadership gives grace to the body....BUT the leadership doesn't give grace to other leadership. Therefore releasing and hurting a lot of good leaders when they could have chosen (at very least) to give them grace and restore them.

For a long time I equated being a Christian with being good. That meant as a Christian leader I not only had to be good. I had to be better. Now I realize being good is the least important thing about being a Chrisitian. I'm a Christian because I'm NOT GOOD. I'm a Christian because I found out the fantastic news that God loves me anyway. [same book]

The Perfect Night

Justin Adams — Mon, 07 May 2007 07:44:40 -0700

Last night was the perfect night. My wife and I sat out on the front porch with a good friend and watched an incredible lightning storm, listened to amazing thunder, and enjoyed the rain pouring down around us. It was like a meteorological rock concert! I like thunderstorms as much as I like the ocean. It makes me feel closer to God because of the awesome power on display. So I got my guitar and amp out on the porch and we played and sang while it poured. Spontaneous worship moments like that don't come around too often. Wish you were here to enjoy it.

Pour it out

Justin Adams — Sat, 05 May 2007 09:36:39 -0700

Living Water come and fill us
Living Water come and heal us
Open doors pour in life
To a heart that's dry
Restore us
To a soul that's tired bring more

Pour it out 'til it's more than I can hold
Wash over and make me whole
our it out 'til it's more than I can hold
Wash over and make me whole

Pour out Your living water Lord to fill, heal, and restore us. Pour it out until we can't hold anymore and it overflows and spills out of us onto those around us. Wash over us and make us whole again like only you can Lord.

No Mo Faux

Justin Adams — Sat, 05 May 2007 09:28:20 -0700

Yes, it's true. I have (almost) shaved my head. There is no longer a rockalot faux hawk. It's now the rockalot shaves-a-lot. (:)> formerly known as ~:)>

New Myspace

Justin Adams — Fri, 04 May 2007 15:33:12 -0700

check out my new myspace. click here

Be careful what you ask for...

Justin Adams — Fri, 04 May 2007 15:19:19 -0700

My life in places is twisted and overgrown
I am bruised and dirty and wander on my own
You stop and turn Your attention to me
Reaching down from heaven to tend to me
I trust You

Cut away, cut away all you see
Cut away, cut away the sin in me
Cut away so I can see
I can be free
Cut away

My choices have left me ragged and scarred
I trust you to heal me remind me I'm yours
Your life flows in me as I remain in You
Your faithful to finish Your work in me

Cut away, cut away all you see
Cut away, cut away the sin in me
Cut away so I can see
I can be free
Cut away

You bend, You mend, You mold, You break
Lord do with me whatever in takes
You bend, You mend, You mold, You break
To seperate me from this world

Cut away, cut away all you see
Cut away, cut away the sin in me
Cut away so I can see
I can be free
Cut away

Thank you Lord for cutting away the things in my life that don't belong and have gone astray. Thank You for also pruning back those things that you want to keep but are overgrown. I feel true growth for the first time in a long time.

Only Grace

Justin Adams — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:34:10 -0700

These are words to one of my favorite songs right now. It's also on the new album set to be released May 25. Thank you Lord for your grace that is sufficient for us and that is made perfect in our weakness. Help us boast about our weakness that the power of Christ may dwell in us.

ONLY GRACE

There is no guilt here
There is no shame
No pointing fingers
There is no blame
What happened yesterday has disappeared
The dirt has washed away
And now it's clear

There's only grace there's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone without a trace
There's nothing left now
There's only grace

You're starting over now
Under the sun
You're stepping forward now
Your new life has begun

There's only grace there's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone without a trace
There's nothing left now
There's only grace

If you should fall again
Get back up, get back up
Reach out and take my hand
Get back up, get back up
Get back up again

Deep Thoughts from Spencer (and Booba)

Justin Adams — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 15:30:03 -0700

I overheard this conversation between two of my boys yesterday and laughed until I almost threw up.

Spencer, "Hey Booba, did you know that God owns everything in the whole wide world?" Booba said "Yep, He sure does." Spencer, "Yep, He has the whole world in his pants." To which Booba replied, "I thought it was in His mouth."

I love my kids. It feels good to blog again.

Link Love

Justin Adams — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:15:11 -0800

I want to introduce you to anutha brutha from Re:Create. His name is Chad Jarnigan. Check out his blog at TheBlogstar.com.

Day 4 Re:Create

Justin Adams — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:09:17 -0800

Bub and I got some good rest last night. Rick Dempsey the VP of Disney spoke at this mornings session. We had sushi today at lunch so it's already been an incredible day. We are in the afternoon session right now....

Day 3.....again

Justin Adams — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 13:58:56 -0800

This is my new bro Matt from Carmel, IN. We are hanging together about to listen to Lou Markos, a literal genius. I think I just convinced Matt to switch over to Mac. ~:)>

Day 3 Re:Create

Justin Adams — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 09:13:15 -0800

So far this morning we had breakfast and then Mac Powell from Third Day led us in worship. It was great. I'm looking forward to the rest of the day. Here is a pic of Bub and I when we first got up. They are wearing us out here! (but it's good)

Day 2 at Re:Create

Justin Adams — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 09:09:02 -0800

Let me first update the end of Day 1. The surprise guest artist concert was Amy Grant. She was great. Just knowing what she has been through and listening to her share so openly and honestly was awesome. We also had a "writers in the round" time where artists from Myryh label gathered around in a semi-circle with acoustic guitars and debuted some of their new music. The artists that were there were David - singer for BIG DADDY WEAVE, Mike - singer from POCKET FULL OF ROCKS, Jason - singer from BUILDING 429, Adam - singer from STELLAR KART, and a new guy Mark Roach. It was a fun time.

Yesterday we had Dean Batali one of the writers for THAT 70'S SHOW, and BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. He talked very powerfully about being a christian in such a secular place as Hollywood and his calling to write on such crude and demonic shows. It was very compelling.

Then last night at dinner we heard new music from a guy name John Abel and Bebo Norman. Both did a good job.

First Day At Re:Create

Justin Adams — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 15:39:08 -0800

We are half way through day 1 and it's been cool. Registration wasn't until noon (thank God somebody understands artists need for sleep) and our first session was, oddly enough, on blogging t 2p. We have a very short break and we all leave for dinner after which we are going to a concert with a "surprise" artist. Should be great.

Heading to Tennessee

Justin Adams — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 08:39:44 -0800

Bub (yes that's his name) and I are flying to Nashville, TN today for the Re:Create conference. Bub is the Associate Pastor of Worship Arts at Coast Hills and one of my closet friends in the world. The conference is incredible and I can't wait see what they have in store for us this year. I will be blogging about it this week because they always have very inspiring events that we attend and people shceduled to speak. But for now it's a plane ride for the next 5 hours or so.

Deep Thoughts From Booba

Justin Adams — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 21:21:16 -0800

My 4 year old son Harrison, a.k.a - "Booba", is known for his out of the blue very funny sayings. Here are a few:

One evening after praying with him before going to bed he asked if he could pray. This is what he prayed, "Thank you, Lord, for my friends, my toys, my family, all the stuff in the world...and...thanks for getting the party started."
One morning while eating his cereal he got down from the table, walked over to me and MB and asked, "Am I in childhood?"
One afternoon sitting on the couch with MB he said, "Mom, when I was in your tummy I was screaming, 'Get me outta here!' cause it was really hot in there!"

Some of his mis-sayings are:

Princels = Pretzels
Walisa = Loisa
Basketti = Spaghetti
Cold Cuts = Cool Cuts (place where he gets his hair cut)
Smarshsmellows = Marshmallows
Wenis = Penis
Buzz Likeyear = Buzz Lightyear

Here's to you Mr. Deep Thought Misprouncer Boy. Mom and I love you.

Re-Entry

Justin Adams — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 07:16:59 -0800

Ok, so this is my re-entry into the blog world. I got several emails worried that I had dropped off of the face of the planet. Thanks for staying in touch and caring about the Rockalot Blog. So here is the skinny on why I have been too busy to blog......I have been working on my new album. I have 5 songs already tracked (that's half the album) and it should be released around the first to the middle of April. Drew Hester and Gannin Arnold are producing the album with me. You may remember Drew from the "Foo Fighters Show" blog I did some time ago. He was touring with them on their acoustic show from the "In Your Honor" album. He is now engineering/recording with the Foo Fighters for their next record. I have been playing with Drew off and on for almost 3 years now (he plays drums) and he is a very close personal friend (and he's freakin' talented). Gannin Arnold is currently on tour with Taylor Hawkins and the Coat Tail Riders. Taylor is the drummer for the Foo Fighters but released a solo album (that Drew produced and Gannin played on) this past year. I have known (and played) with Gannin also over the past 3 years (Gannin plays guitar). Gannin is probably one of the best guitar players I have ever heard. He is ridiculous! I am very excited how the album is turning out. I would appreciate any prayers for God to continue to bless the process and use it once it's finished for His glory alone. It's good to be back. ~:)>

Day One Of Skiing

Justin Adams — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 18:24:39 -0800

The first day of skiing was AWESOME!! All of the kids did great. Meagan and JB were in the same ski school class and caught on very fast. Spencer was in a different ski school and also did extremely well. They said he is a "natural." Booba took a private lesson and skiied with no fear. He is also a "natural." I skiied a little bit after finally getting everyone fitted for boots, skis, hats, gloves, goggles, etc.....whew....skiiing requires a bunch of gear with 4 kids, but I loved every minute of it. ~:)>

The youth service last night was INCREDIBLE!! God showed up in a HUGE way. I know that sounds cliche"ish" but it's true and I can't think of a better way to describe it. I can't wait to see what He has in store for us tonight since we started off so great last night. I am really enjoying spending quality time with the students and my family and the views from the lifts are abosolutely breathtaking. (yes I said breathtaking Debra....only you and Elaine know what I mean by that.) They really are amazing.

Here are some pics of the kids on the slopes....Love to all......J

We Are Going Skiing!!

Justin Adams — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 09:33:13 -0800

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope everyone has a very relaxing and restful day today. ~:)>

I have the incredible opportunity to lead worship at our Youth Summit this week up in Utah. We leave tomorrow and get back on New Year's Eve and the whole family is coming with me! We are going to be skiing all week!! I haven't been in about 5 years, and none of my kids have EVER been. I can't wait for them to experience it for the first time. Spencer and Harrison have never even seen or felt snow!!! This is going to be soooooo much fun! I am really looking forward to connecting with the high school group and seeing what life changing moments God has in store for us. But I'm equally looking forward to spending time with my kids, teaching them to ski, building snow men (yes multiple), and having snowball fights. Utah here we come!!

I'm Praying For You

Justin Adams — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 07:30:15 -0800

Well....I'm in my office (very early this morning) before our slew of Christmas Eve services and I find myself praying for all my Worship Pastor and Senior Pastor friends out there who are sacrificing there Christmas eves at home with there families to minister and serve their congregations. I pray that all your tech issues would go smoothly, all your teams be healthy, that you would have much stamina and energy throughout all of your services, and that God's Spirit would consume your church and it's people today bringing many people to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus (I'm also praying that for Coast Hills). To God be the glory for the great things He is going to do today within our services.

Setzer NOT Seltzer!

Justin Adams — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 10:17:25 -0800

I saw the Brian Setzer Orchestra last night at the Gibson Theatre in Universal City in Holly wood. IT WAS AMAZING!! A good friend of mine (Steve) got tickets for us and we watched the show from 4th row. His orchestra is a jazz big band consisting of 6 saxes, 5 bones, 5 trumpets, drums, stand-up bass, two incredible back-up singers, and of course Brian Setzer on guitar. I have heard a lot of big bands in my time (Count Basie Orchestra, Woody Herman Orchestra, etc.) and this was definitely in the top 3. I also had no idea that Brian was such an incredible guitar player. He was ridiculous! And yes, I forgot my camera. Dang.....I never do that. So, this time no cool pics. You will just have to use your imagination. ~:)> If you get the chance to see this show DON'T MISS IT! Thanks Steve!

Justin "Sinatra" and the Blue Note Trio

Justin Adams — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:54:55 -0800

This is the middle part of the show where we did a jazz trio with Christmas classics "Rat Pack" style. This is definitely a different sound then the normal "Rockalot" style. I hope you enjoy hearing it as much as I did singing it. ~:)>

I had to split it in two videos because the file was too large. Here they are:

Nothing Says Christmas Like "Cuban Pete!"

Justin Adams — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 19:16:07 -0800

We just got finished doing a week of set-up and rehearsals for our 5 Christmas concerts this past weekend. It was an original program set in the 1940's. The concept was a 40's radio show broadcast LIVE from a dinner club called "The Blue Note." We put together a big band for all the music, had church actors do actual radio commercials broadcast back in the 40's, and was complete with all the sights and sounds of a 1940's dinner club. IT WAS AMAZING!! Today is the first of several video posts helping you get in the Christmas spirit and to experience a small taste of what we did. So this is the song originally written by Desi Arnaz and then later updated by Jim Carrey in the movie "The Mask." The one that I did was somewhere in the middle. ~:)>