Chris Burkmenn's Blog

When I think of life and I think of the struggles that each of face everyday, I often feel discouraged. I am not sure why but lately has been more tough than ever before. I’ve had multiple conversations with my friends and they are full of encouragement, and there advice truly hold weight in my heart and in my mind. There is one place however that I need to address more attention and focus to and that it my spirit. What excites me, what motivates me, and what drives me? Much of my focus can tend to be on myself and I work really hard at putting it on others. In life I am learning that it is such a balance. We must commit energy to others, but we must also make time for ourselves. I often burn myself before I realize this notion and every time I do I think next time it will be different I will catch myself before I burn. I am still working on it, but I believe I am learning through it all. What has been inspiring me as of late is the story of Joseph and also the story of Peter ...

Falling back: Harold Lloyd in Safety Last   Photo: Rex I often put pressure on myself to get somewhere, using my own strength to reach these places that "I need to get to." I put a lot of effort into working hard and pressing on. It sometimes becomes a bit much. You can burn out quickly if you are constantly working and rarely enjoying the meaningful parts of life. I was having a conversation with a friend the other day. We were talking about how we work so hard and sometimes it feels as though you are running in circles trying to get somewhere.  We were chatting about how when the most life defining moments happen, they are often accomplished with using no force. It's as though the opportunity had been waiting for us forever and we just needed to wait for that perfect timing. I am learning in life that it's all about timing (and I know what you're thinking reading this yes you are exactly right it's all about timing.) Honestly, we often say it, but...

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...

So often we go through life and have ourselves almost convinced that God has somehow forgotten about us. We confuse our finances with the notion that God is neglecting us. As if we had done something wrong to deserve a setback. I was at McDonalds this evening drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper and watching the people around me. I saw this woman sobbing and apologizing to her husband for how sorry she was. How she wished she could have changed their current situation. She had major dental work done today and was still in shock with the bill. She was standing at the Coke station and telling her husband that this was not what she had wanted, and that she would have rather gone on a trip. She seemed so convinced that this situation was bigger than God and that he had forgotten about her. That she was alone with no one looking out for her. I wanted to touch her hand and let her know that God had not forgotten about her. I overheard her apologizing to the cashier saying, "I am sorry I am so...

Did you know that is ocean is blue because it’s the color that’s least absorbed by seawater. Most of the time the ocean appears to be blue because this is the color our eyes see. But the ocean can be many other colors depending upon particles in the water, the depth of the water, and the amount of skylight. As well as 71% of the Earth's surface is made up of water. This past weekend I was fortunate enough to spend my vacation at the beach. It inspired me because of it's beauty. There something about the ocean that is majestic. I could stare at the ocean for hours and not grow tired of the sound or the crashing waves. It became hypnotic. My entire visit I kept thinking how amazing it was that the Lord created it. How in awe I was when I sat there and tried to comprehend it. I couldn't help but think of the song "How He Loves us." If Gods grace is an ocean were all sinking. If we truly think deeper into that statement it can be quite intense to think of the ...

We often times go through life wondering if we matter to anyone. Hoping and yearning to be appreciated for the gifts we have or the talents that we have been given. Aimlessly wandering through this life praying that someone will give us the credit or the attention we desire. I have fallen victim to this mentality. Hoping that someone will tell me how great I am, and how much of a difference I make. Well today I am here to tell you that you matter. You make a difference and the world is a better place because you are in it. Don't fall victim into anyone telling you any differently. Today is your day to take the stand and allow this to be your time. You can impact the world one person at a time. If you give one person each day the attention that you feel you need. If you are craving it then think about the rest of the world feeling the same way. Tell someone you come into contact with today or tomorrow how great they are. How much they matter in this world. I guarantee you th...

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...

When I think of what I am trying to do with( CBEX ) the thought of Christopher Columbus comes to mind. "In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue." Think of the faith that took, people most certainly said that he was crazy to go and explore this unknown land. Not even knowing if he would get there or what it might take on the journey to the new land. He pioneered a journey to a place that had only been heard of before, but going to this new land taking only past experiences, and not having any knowledge of the new. Pushing past the negative opinions of others and having full confidence in who he reported to. Leading a team who trusted in Columbus because they had confidence in his leadership and who he reported to. I apply a lot of this logic on my current endeavors into pioneering the unknown. Webshows are a thing of the future, and CBEX is about all of that. We are walking into the unknown, and applying new strategies. Some think we are crazy, and many...

The other day I went running outside. I ran a major highway I live right next to. I started strong, running down the hill at full speed. My tunes blasting in my ear. Grooving to the beat, and I was happy with myself. I then reached my local Kroger and decided it was time to turn around and head back. I was walking to cool down from the first leg of my journey. I then convinced myself at a certain point I would begin running again. I finally reached that point and Wrecking Ball came across my Google player. I remember thinking I am going to run this race. I started gaining speed when all of a sudden from out of no where, this older gentleman came running past me. I thought what the heck, this should not be happening. I am younger and I should be able run faster than him. So I start trying to race this man, thinking I have something to prove. I then, started increasing my speed. Thinking I am going to beat this man. When I started thinking that this often applies to life. We run at...

As I look behind with 26 years behind me and 9,497 days that have passed by. Today is a day that I reflect on the many things that I have in my life, and passed circumstances. This is my life as I have lived it. A view from the journey. My life has been a great ride, and it has been a difficult ride at the same time. I have learned so many valuable life lessons along the way. Live every minute as it was the last one that you have. No one can ever stop you, only you can stop yourself. If it's worth it chase it. Work was not made for the faint at heart. Every time you get knocked down you get back up. When going gets tough the tough get going. When life gets tough remember you are tougher. My life has been a chase, the chasing of my dreams. When I was a young boy I had dreams placed on my heart and I have been going after them ever since. When I turned 21 years old I was able to move to Nashville in the beginning of my ventures. My past has prepared me for this time....

It's amazing to think that the problems of the world effect us so much. We often cannot see anything past our current situation. It sometimes it can take over every good thing that we have. No matter what we have we focus more on what we lack. Today I want to encourage you that God says you are capable and that he has placed you where you are. So when the enemy says to you about your weakness. God says that we are powerful truth in Ephesians 1 and so many other places in the Bible. Say to the enemy "my father thinks I am amazing, my father loves me." The enemy may say: Do you really think you're capable of fulfilling what God has call you to do? "My Father says I am. I don't know how I'm going to do it but the power if the Resurrection is in me. I don't feel capable. But my Father says I am." Do you really think you're going to make it through this trail? "My Father says I am." God has great plans for you, It...

Today in a world where superman does not exist, except in movies. Where hard work gets you everywhere and laziness get you no where.  Today's hero many of you do not know. You may never even have heard his name until now. But the impact his has made on my life goes far beyond anyone that I have ever met. The hero for Heroic Thursday is my father, Michael Menn. Why you ask is he my hero, for obvious reasons of He is my dad, or he gave life to me. Those are both very obvious for him to be my hero. However; I honor him as a hero because he is one of the hardest workers I have ever met in my life. He works all day everyday doing so much in the world around him. He is an active member of Faith Family church in Shiloh, IL. He has about 12 jobs working more than 80 hours a week. Contributing to the community around him for the good of everyone in it. He has always had a special connection the elderly in the community, and he serves several in his area. As a child he always pushed ...

My favorite day! Music Monday is back and I am so excited to bring you one of my favorite tracks of the year. Lately my life has become this journey, where I am searching for myself and chasing my dreams. Yearning for more than just the normal life that some settle for. Through this time I have found songs that bring me much encouragement for the road ahead. So it is a pure treat for me to bring you this song!! "I Lived" by OneRepublic, the song has enough power in it for you to chase whatever passion you have in life. It's sending us a charge, to live everyday to it's fullest. Never settling for the status quo but rising to the challenge of living a life worth feeling accomplished with. Ryan Tedder is no stranger to writing quality songs, after penning such tracks in the past for powerhouses: "Bleeding Love,"(Leona Lewis) Rumor Has it,"(Adele) and "Already Gone."(Kelly Clarkson.) Tedder delivers another song that will receive just as ...