With the holidays closing in, I’ve fallen a bit behind. I actually had a blog post ready to go and then completely forgot to publish it. I know – classic Boomer move. But I am an OK Boomer, so that one shouldn’t have happened. You can read that post here:
Speaking of Boomer life, I managed to hurt my back last Saturday – there, I said it. I wasn’t doing anything differently than I would have ten years ago, but one small twinge turned into not being able to stand up straight by Sunday morning. That meant missing church, but the tech team handled everything flawlessly. As I get ready to be out of town more often on weekends, that’s especially encouraging. We’re hoping to spend more time in Chico with our granddaughter – and her little brother, who’s set to arrive in April!
There’s plenty to be thankful for here in the mountains. Heating pads, for example, feel like a gift from above. I spent most of Monday and all of Tuesday at home, unable to make it to work. Thankfully, I had already scheduled Wednesday through Friday off, and Lord willing, I’ll be moving around normally again soon.
I’m grateful for so much: a wonderful wife, kids who make me proud, and grandkids – most of whom will be here in the mountains for Thanksgiving.
And as the holidays approach, I’m thankful for the simple joy of doing something I love: bringing photographs to life. With Christmas coming that means turning mountain cabin photos into warm, festive “Christmas Cabins.” I know – it’s quirky. I start with a cozy cabin interior, then add elements, like a fire in the fireplace, snowfall outside the windows, and Christmas décor. It’s not just dropping in elements; I have to think about reflections in windows and on hardwood floors. Here’s one below – tell me what you think in the comments.
2025 Christmas Cabin Countdown
With all the family gathering, I asked one of them what her favorite Psalm was. Psalm 51 was her answer, she thought that a narration of Psalm 51 set to a background of Lake Almanor. I thought it would be a great video, so I prepared both a narrated and a text version of Psalm 51.
Psalm 51 – narrated version
Set to the stillness of Lake Almanor, this reading invites you to pause and let the words sink in.
Psalm 51 – text version
Set to the stillness of Lake Almanor, this reading invites you to pause and let the words sink in.
Some days we feel the weight of things we can’t name, like chains we never meant to carry. But Jesus speaks a different Word—one of healing, release, and steady, unshakable freedom. Paired with a quiet forest river and the gentle movement of The Swan, this video is a reminder that the One who frees us also holds us. Sit with it for a moment. Let the peace settle in.
Steven Stoops -- TUCOR Five One Seven Productions 
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