14 December, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized
Today I wrapped up my last final for the Fall Semester. The grand total so far is 25.5 hours out of 69 hours needed for my dual degree (MACE/MBA) from DBU. I am only 3 semesters into the program, but this has definitely been the hardest so far. I don’t know if it was the coursework, driving schedule, or some other unknown cause, but I am worn out and weary from school.
When I decided to pursue a degree 18 months ago, I don’t think I had much of a plan. I was assuming that somehow things would work out, and I’d get through the program with a degree aka proof-of-intelligence certificate aka union card. If I had actually sat down and looked at my schedule, though, it would have been obvious just how crazy this pursuit would be. Before I was in school, like anyone reading this, my time was already full. I didn’t sit around for long periods of time wondering, “What is going to fill this block of time on Mondays?” Life was busy, and then I added a huge chunk of extra business to the mix. Somedays it’s all a tad overwhelming, and other days I’m glad that I decided to jump in the educational pool.
No real point to this post. Just wanted to document the occasion. Done with the semester…yahoo.
25 August, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized
The Altitude Ski Trip with First Baptist Church returns in 2009 with an unbelievable trip to Winter Park, Colorado.
Imagine this: as soon as you finish your finals, you are immediately whisked away to Winter Park's premier ski-in/ski-out condominiums on a bus with your closest friends. Amid the fresh snow and brand-new trails, could there be a better way to start Christmas break?
A $100 Deposit is due by OCTOBER 1. We need at least 30 deposits paid by OCTOER 1 for the trip to make so reserve your spot today!
The total trip price is $540 and includes:
- Roundtrip Bus Ride
- 3 Nights of Lodging at Iron Horse Resort
- 3 Days of Skiing
- Ski Rentals (Snowboards are $30 extra)
- All Meals on the Mountain
- Altitude 2009 Hoodie
- Other Surprises!
Sign up HERE.
23 August, 2009
· Filed under Uncategorized
Tomorrow is a cataclysmic day in the life of the Stapper household. Emma turns 5 and I start another semester in grad school. I can't believe that Emma is that old, and I also can't believe I'm starting another year of school. I wish I could push pause on the little girl growing up, while I fast forward on this education process.
When I was younger, the best part of the new school year pretty much revolved around buying 2 things: a new backpack and new shoes. Both items set the tone for your school year. If you picked the right Jansport pack and the perfect Nikes, then life would be good. Unfortunately, the newness of both purchases wore off rather quickly. Soon enough you were just in the boring rhythm of school.
I'm doing my best to be optimistic about another school year beginning. There's stuff to be learned, people to meet, and hopefully a chance to connect with God in some new way. What are you looking forward to this year?
28 October, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized
I recently renewed my love for taco bell when I discovered the 12 quarter meal. The 12 quarter meal consists of two 99cent items and one 79cent item…this all equals three dollars even.
Tomorrow, taco bell is giving away a free taco between 2pm and 6pm. Taco bell, how I love you.
13 September, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized
7 September, 2008
· Filed under Uncategorized
Tomorrow morning, we launch The Quarry class for parents. The short story is that we are asking parents to come with their 7-12 grade students on sunday mornings so that they can be more involved in the discipleship process of their children. It’s going to be an interesting day.
3 December, 2007
· Filed under movies · Tagged License to Wed, movies
Erin and I rented License to Wed from our local Redbox DVD rental mechanism last night, and I have to admit that i only rented it because they didn’t have Ocean’s 13 and I couldn’t convince myself to get Barbie and The Magical Marshmallow Land.
The movie turned out to be a pleasant surprise…we thouroughly enjoyed it. You could see the ending coming a mile away(I called the sand part before it happened). But there were plenty of funny parts, plus you get to see all of the characters from The Office throughout the movie. I doubt I would buy it, but License To Wed is definitely worth the rental.
27 November, 2007
· Filed under links · Tagged Out of Ur, Rob Bell, the god's aren't angry
That’s a misleading title. I don’t want to review a person; rather, I promised a few notes from my recent visit to Dallas to hear Rob speak. I enjoyed the talk, and Rob held my interest, but I found the entire thing a bit like Bell’s book “Sex God” in that Rob seemed to suffer a little from the sophomore slump. ”Velvet Elvis” was an amazing book that was fun and different and helped to reform my beliefs; Rob’s first speaking tour “Everything is Spiritual” was likewise fun and different and radically changed some long-held beliefs. ”The God’s Aren’t Angry” certainly had plenty of facts and great stories and the message (God loves you and He’s not angry with you) was well-stated, but I can’t say I enjoyed it as much.
For another review, read this entry on the Out of Ur blog at Christianity Today.
27 November, 2007
· Filed under Uncategorized
Paste magazine has posted their top 100 albums from 2007. You can find the list here.
I’m somewhat amazed by how many of these artists and albums I have never heard of. This is the first year I haven’t had a subscription to Rolling Stone or Spin in a long time, and it has definitely skewed my music knowledge. However, I do have 5 of the top 50 including Ryan Adams, The Perishers, Arcade Fire, Band of Horses, and Derek Webb.
31 October, 2007
· Filed under Uncategorized
Rick Warren made a great observation during his address to the BGCT convention in Amarillo. (I’m trying to quote him verbatim, but i make no guarantees)
The Church is the only thing that will last. In 500 years, there won’t be any Microsoft or United States of America…but there will still be the Church.
Wrap your head around that. If you follow Jesus, then you are part of something that has endured and will continue to endure. How do we leverage that? How do we operate in that reality instead of trying to fight for what is ours?
