Do You Have Room?

by Charleen Burghardt In Spain, people developed the tradition of celebrating Las Posadas, which later spread to other Spanish-speaking countries. This celebration commemorates Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Mexican immigrants introduced Las Posadas to San Antonio, where the community reenacts the journey each year in the downtown plaza. For nine nights, participants… Continue reading Do You Have Room?

The Traditon of Remembering

Charleen and Walt wishing you are Merry Christmas

By Charleen Burghardt Christmas abounds with meaningful and pleasurable traditions interwoven into the fabric of every household. These customs offer predictable rituals, like putting up a Christmas tree or attending a choir cantata. We associate the holidays with all the expected activities that connect us to our families uniquely. We associate the holiday with traditions.… Continue reading The Traditon of Remembering

God Meets Us in Anger

man expressing anger

by Charleen Burghardt “God is big enough to handle your anger.” “God is big enough to handle your anger.” When I first heard those words during my chaplain training, they made me reconsider my perspective on anger. Can God meet us in anger? Previously, I thought God would be offended if I told him my… Continue reading God Meets Us in Anger

The Tradition of Remembering

by Charleen Burghardt They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer (Psalm 78:35 NIV). Christmas abounds with meaningful and fun traditions interwoven into the fabric of every household. These traditions offer predictable rituals, like putting up a Christmas tree or attending a choir cantata. During my childhood, there was a unique… Continue reading The Tradition of Remembering

Youth Group? You’ve Got to be Kidding

Old bus being remodeled

by Charleen Burghardt I will never forget a warm evening with the moon barely visible in the sky when we walked into an 1893 wooden dance hall. A flickering neon Coors beer sign greeted us as we entered. We noticed only one guitarist and one vocalist occupying a stage surrounded by small twinkling lights. As… Continue reading Youth Group? You’ve Got to be Kidding