Chris Burkmenn's Blog

In life I think back on my journey, and I think about the things that truly matter along the road thus far. I remember people along the way that have encouraged me and supported me. I think most of us in life would agree that encouragement is so important. Most us crave the cheerleaders in life that root for us along the way. Many of us have our parents that have been a source of encouragement, our siblings can often offer support. Hopefully each of you have had a teacher or boss that have encouraged you as well. Looking back on my life I have had some great support in chasing my dreams. I remember I was in the 8th grade at Mascoutah Middle School when I auditioned to host our talent show. I was truly nervous and I had some people that told me I’d never get it. I remember walking into the audition and being so nervous, filled with doubt and fear that it would be impossible to get. I remember auditioning for two grade school teachers, Mrs. Furgeson and Mrs. Bower, I remember wal...

In a time where social media is at the tip of our fingers. A culture that has been groomed to broadcast their successes, dreams, and experiences; we are given a glimpse into the lives of our peers.  So easily scrolling through someone meeting their favorite celebrity, reaching the finish line(race, cancer, graduation,) achieving a dream(music, acting, modeling.) As friends we share in each others achievements and grieve in their setbacks. We are the first to wish a congratulations, liking a photo, sharing a post. We respond, "That is incredible." Supporting them as a good friend should.  What we don't realize is that while we are seeing our friends broadcast their lives, we don't know the full story. We don't understand what went into those achievements, and sometimes we gain resentment for them. We don't know what people go through in their walk of life. We can't take everything posted on Facebook as their complete success. Perception is everyt...

Dear God, First of all I just want to say that I don't envy your job. I think it is the hardest job ever created. Watching the ones you love make terrible mistakes and still finding it in your heart to love them. Loving them Not for the mistakes they have made, but for who you created them to be. It's amazing to me, thinking of how far you went to show your love, sending your one and only son to die for the sins of the world. That is an incredible sacrifice that I know I don't thank you enough for. Today I am writing you because I like everyone else, just wanted to spend sometime with you and hope you we can talk about your word and how it applies to my life. As you know you have blessed me with so much, and given me the ability to chase my dreams and encourage others along the way. I often think about the people that you have placed in my life, and am in awe at the great gifts they are. My questions is, why do I place my value in what people think of me and not...

The vision of this website. Thank you all for your support! Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law. -Proverbs 29:18

In life, we have the choice to conform to the world or help change it. Nothing can be done in our own strength, we must first realize this. From there, everything else is by faith.   How many of you would say the world is kind of in a mess right now? I think we can all agree. But here are some simple steps on how to be the change you wish to see. Have you ever asked yourself, "What kind of impact do I want to make on this world?" I know most of us have, most of us in vain. "How can I get people to know me" or "How can I live forever?" Even I have been in those situations. I remember when I first started seat filling in 2009 for the CMA’s. I really thought “this is my time to be a star this is it!!” Well, my heart was wrong and so was my attitude. The honest answer is: life isn’t about you and you can't live forever. However, you can be a part of something that is bigger than you and that will outlast you.  How?  By helping to...

We often underestimate the need for a hero. One person impacting the world. Jesus was our hero. He saved us for more than we can ever know or comprehend.  We read in John 3:16 For God so loved  the world that he gave  his one and only Son,  that whoever believes  in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Today the world is crying for boldness, heroes. The truth is that we can help rescue those in bondage we can help break the chains of addiction.  Love conquers all.  And now abide faith, hope, love, these three;  but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13 Today I wanted to find a hero that I could honor. Someone that impacted lives beyond themselves. Selflessly and something could have not been done in their own strength, but in the duty to love others. I want to honor Doreen Winkler, she saved two men who were in their own minds on, deaths fingers. They were on the brink of getting hit by a subwa...

Have you lived dreaming for something that you thought was meant to be. Lived your whole life wishing, hoping, believing and realized that it was empty. Realizing that everything you thought was going to bring happiness held no weight. Disappointed in the emptiness that you felt. Praying that God would reveal to you your purpose, and why you were sent to this world.  What function you were meant to fulfill. Trusting and listening to what He says, so that everything would come together and make sense. Then you realize what you were born to do has nothing to do with the dreams you had in the past. To the world you may seem crazy because they can't explain why you would leave all that, to go where you feel better than you ever have before in your life. Words cannot explain the joy that you have while you are fulfilling that call. To be honest the world cannot explain what they don't understand, and they don't think like we think. To them what is based on purpose is somethi...