Build A Fun Travelogue with Google Earth Pro
I am creating a series of maps that depict the travels of the Apostle Paul. This is Part One of the tutorials about how I created the first one, The Road to Damascus.
The 80/15 Principle
Many of you may be thinking that I’m referring to the book by the name, “The 80/20 Principle.” Possibly you are thinking of the Pareto Rule that asserts that 80% of outcomes (or outputs) result from 20% of all causes (or inputs) for any given event — whatever that means. More likely you believe that the 80/20 rule pertains to church congregations where it is said that 80% of the work of any congregation is done by 20% of the congregants.
There is much to be said about my last example above, most congregations can use more volunteer effort. The work of the Body of Christ is essential to the spread of the Gospel. Take a moment to review 1 Corinthians 12:12-22
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many.
15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.
16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?
18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.
19 If all were a single member, where would the body be?
20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Co 12:12–22). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
Especially, read verse 22. If you belong to a congregation (Gk. ἐκκλησία, or ecclesia), you are indispensable! So, think and pray about how you can help your ecclesia. Think outside the box, though. Perhaps you play guitar and sing Christian songs. Don’t volunteer for the Praise Team, learn some hymns, and go to a nearby nursing home to volunteer there. That is as much the work of the Body of Christ as working inside the building where His Body meets.
So, if you are thinking that the 80/20 principle got downgraded and now 15% of the ecclesia is doing 80% of the work, find your niche and get to work!
No, the 80/15 principle is from something our Pastor, Todd DuBord, mentioned in his sermon on March 10, 2024. His third from last message before he retires from pastoral ministry. Look back at 1 Corinthians 12 for a moment. To misquote Aristotle, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
This is especially true when the Holy Spirit is involved, He will help the Body do the work necessary. As Pastor Todd retires, many of the Body will step in; Elder Scott Cory will take the pulpit every Sunday in April and I am looking forward to his messages. Even a teeny part of the Body, like me, will pitch in due to the occasion of my thirtieth Re-Birthday (May 5, though I will be out of town that week so it will possibly happen some other Sunday in May).
No, 80/15 refers to the wattage of our light. Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said,
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Mt 5:14–16). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
What is the wattage of your lamp? If truth be told, my wattage is much closer to 15, and probably less if I’m being honest. Understand this; when and where your light shines can make a huge impact for the Gospel.
For instance, if things are going great for you and you are generating an 80-Watt light, that isn’t as great as you might think.
When things are going well, the sun is shining, and birds are singing that 80-Watts isn’t really that bright. Imagine that “city set on a hill” on a sunny day. 80-Watts doesn’t illuminate very much because the sun is far brighter.
But what if it’s Snoopy’s dark and stormy night? 80-Watts, indeed, even 15-Watts becomes a shining beacon. That barely 3-Watt light bulb that I can manage to generate when things are bleak might not be much, but it is a light that illuminates for someone else to see Christ.
Those are the times when the people around us can’t understand how we can still shine our light, weak as it is. When things are at their worst, that is when unbelievers wonder how we can have any kind of positive attitude. That is when they will ask the question that is inferred by Peter when he says in 1 Peter 3:15:
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
The Holy Bible: King James Version (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 1 Pe 3:15). (2009). Logos Research Systems, Inc.
80-Watts on a bright sunny day doesn’t exhibit that hope, but 2 or 3-Watts during a “Dark Night of the Soul” can do more for the Gospel than 1000-Watts when life is sunny.
A Seamless Loop
As a Boomer, I’m not supposed to be able to do these things, I’m supposed to be confused by tech, but I am not, which is what makes me an OK Boomer. In the end, I want to encourage people to try new things. What is the worst thing that can happen? besides, if I can do these things, anyone can.
In this video I reveal how I create seamless loops out of video footage. To get started, you don’t need a fancy camera, or high end software, and as you will see in the video, you don’t even need a tripod!
You can make one of these videos with a phone, a computer and the free version of Davinci Resolve, which you can download here: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve
Disclaimer: Davinci Resolve does require a computer that has a dedicated graphics card.
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What Does It Say?
Proverbs 22:17–21
17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Pr 22:17–21). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
I have a saying that I often use, and that is; “What does the Bible say?” No one seems to have an answer when I ask. This may be an American phenomenon, perhaps the Church in other Western countries as well, but it seems that Christians too often get their opinions from the world around them and not from the Bible.
Maybe it is in the way we read the Bible? To many people the Word of God is a collection of sayings by which to live their lives. And, as the Scripture above attests, it is, but it is more than that.
In the Casting Crowns song, The Word is Alive the following words are spoken:
The Bible was inscribed over a period of 2000 years
In times of war and in days of peace
By kings, physicians, tax collectors, farmers
Fishermen, singers and shepherdsThe marvel is that a library so perfectly cohesive
Mark Hall, Steven Curtis Chapman; 2007 Primary Wave Brian (Chapman Sp Acct); Sparrow Song; Be Essential Songs; My Refuge Music
Could have been produced by such a diverse crowd
Over a period of time which staggers the imagination
Jesus is its grand subject, our good is designed
And the glory of God is its end
Do we get that God’s Word must be the source for our opinions? When we allow MSNBC, CNN, OANN, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox news, AP, Reuters or the myriad of todays “Influencers” (take your pick) to determine what opinion we should take on social issues, we do an injustice to what God has provided for us.
This morning, I read an article on Challies.com. (Link at the bottom, I’m afraid people will go there and not come back here. 😊)
Tim didn’t write much of the article, he merely allowed Theodore Cuyler’s words to take precedence. For those who don’t know him; Theodore Ledyard Cuyler (January 10, 1822 – February 26, 1909) was an American Presbyterian minister and writer. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_L._Cuyler).
If the words of Mark Hall & Steven Curtis Chapman above seem poetic to you then Cuyler’s are gonna knock your socks off. Here is the final paragraph:
Such is the wondrous volume which God has given to man, and which outweighs all the libraries on the globe. It contains many writings, yet is it but one book. It has many writers, yet it is all from one Author, the Almighty Spirit of God. The pure, white, spotless fleece hath throughout its connecting fibers; the fabric is divine in its origin, its unity, and its imperishable power and glory.
Link at the end
We must stop allowing the world to give us our opinions, God’s Word is “divine in its origin” the opinions of the world are not. People’s opinions change, for instance did you know that former President Clinton used MAGA long before former President Trump? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWHlLsUIG8E&ab_channel=GregChambers). The opinions of people who aren’t rooted in the Word will be one thing today and another tomorrow. A Christian who lets the world, these news networks or influencers, form their opinion is the double-minded person in James, who wrote:
James 1:5-8
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Jas 1:5–8). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
When we read the Word are we ever mindful that it is a cohesive whole, that it is complete and enough for every part of life? Wanna know what to think about social issues of today? How about immigration? Here is a taste; the Bible says to welcome the “sojourner,” but in Exodus chapter 12 it says that those sojourners are subject to the laws of their adopted country, see also Leviticus 24. Remember, circumcision was one of those laws when Exodus was written. No one is asking anything so drastic of those sojourners who wish to come here.
Lawbreakers should not be welcome in any society, on the other hand, perhaps immigration laws can be adjusted to make it easier for those who want to come here legally to make a better life for themselves and their families. It’s difficult to make the case that you are a law-abiding sojourner when your first act is to break the law of the country you want to call home.
Whatever the social issue, the answer is in the Word. We need to stop looking to news commentators or the influencers of today for our opinions. Pop Culture is a moving target, and many of its followers eventually find that they have become the target.
Do you want to know what to think about any of the issues facing our country today? Ask God, it is in His Word.
Please be sure to subscribe before you click the promised Challies link: https://www.challies.com/articles/right-to-the-point/
Remember Lot’s Wife
I stood in church yesterday giving announcements and telling people about the new Church App and Church Website that I am working on; 64 years old and I am the tech guy; I am an OK Boomer after all. During those announcements I told our Pastor, Todd DuBord, that we don’t want him to return.
Perhaps some explanation is in order. Our pastor is retiring from pastoral ministry, his last Sunday will be Easter Sunday. He feels a calling elsewhere — he just doesn’t know what this calling is or where this calling is going to take him. I imagine that it is a frightening prospect for him; the not knowing. If I recall correctly, except for a seven- or eight-year period, he has been a pastor since achieving his Master of Divinity degree in the 1980’s.
Part of me envies this call on his life, and part (most of me, if I’m being honest) is glad that I don’t have the same call.
When he first told me that he was retiring and that he feels that God wants him elsewhere, my first thought was the words of Jesus in Matthew, “Remember Lot’s wife.” This was an incorrect assumption on my part, that is a Scripture about eschatology, or the end times. The actual Scripture that fits the situation is in Luke:
Luke 9:61–62
61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.”
62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Lk 9:61–62). (2016). Crossway Bibles.
We at Mount Lassen Community Church (MLCC) want his new ministry to be fruitful. We will be praying for him and his new ministry, but if he looks back it may have a detrimental effect on both MLCC and Todd DuBord.
I’m also gonna miss the guy, a lot. I hope he is around regularly, visiting and encouraging those of us who remain at MLCC. We will have a very large void to fill, but allowing a window for his return could cause his ministry to falter, and possibly cause the ministry of MLCC to falter as well. That could be disastrous for both. Matthew Henry writes this about it:
Those who begin with the work of God, must resolve to go on, or they will make nothing of it. Looking back, leads to drawing back, and drawing back is to perdition. He only that endures to the end shall be saved.
Henry, M., & Scott, T. (1997). Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary (Lk 9:57). Logos Research Systems.
It is going to be emotional for me as the time draws near, he and I have worked closely for a decade. He sometimes thinks I am a magician. He has asked things like; “Can you add subtitles to this video?” or, “Can you remove part of this video?” or, “Make a video fit a song.” I’m an OK Boomer, so, yes, I can, because God has gifted me with a desire to learn this techy stuff.
I don’t know what a new pastor may want, but as long as I use those gifts that God has given me to for His purposes I will be in the place He has for me. Even if that place is telling our pastor not to return.
A Davinci Resolve Tutorial
I thought I would “up my game” as non-boomers would say. Here is a video I created that is a tutorial for using Davinci Resolve to create a countdown video. This would be of interest to nerds like myself who do multimedia for church. It was a lot of fun to make, but quite time consuming. I was not able to write an article this week but may write 500 words or so for my Freeform Writing page tomorrow.
Having a “face for radio,” I waffled back and forth for a while whether I would put my image in the intro, in the end I realized that it reflected what my blog, An OK Boomer was about. I’m 64 years old so I shouldn’t be a techy guy, but I am.
Lastly, please be kind, it was my first attempt.
My First Blog Post
Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.
Happy New Year!!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
As we step into a new year, I don’t come with bold predictions or sweeping resolutions. What I bring is simpler – and steadier – a quiet trust in the God who has already proven Himself faithful.
We recently spent a few days with our son, his wife, and their daughter, and the time together reminded me of a principle I’ve long tried to live by: to leave the world a little better than I found it. It’s not a dramatic calling, but it’s a faithful one, shaped by daily choices and small acts that add up over time.
I know my reach is limited. I don’t shape the world at large, but I can tend the piece of it God has placed in front of me. I can choose to trust Him with each step, acknowledge Him in the ordinary moments, and let Him straighten the path as I move forward.
This has been an aspiration of mine long before I became a Christian – and if I’m honest, I haven’t always lived it out well, even since coming to faith. But a new year reminds me that God is not finished with us yet. He continues His work, refining, correcting, and guiding us as we place our trust in Him.
My prayer for the year ahead is that these small, faithful efforts – mine and yours – might make the world incrementally better, and that together we would move into the days ahead trusting the One who watches over us from beginning to end.
Happy New Year.
New
As we step into a new year, we don’t do so empty-handed. We carry with us the memory of God’s faithfulness – how He has watched over us, guided our steps, and continued His work in us. This short video is a reminder that the same God who sustained us through the past year is already present in the year ahead. As the fireworks fade and ordinary days begin to unfold, we move forward trusting Him to lead us – and to use our small, faithful steps to make the world around us just a little better, from beginning to end.
Merry Christmas!!!
Nothing long to read today, just a heartfelt Merry Christmas and one new video.
Where Heaven Touched Earth
Advent
Hello all; as Christmas neared, I wanted to create videos for the Advent Candle lighting. One for each Sunday of Advent, plus an introductory video. I had great plans.
Those plans didn’t quite unfold the way I imagined. I was nearly a week late on the first candle, and by the time I finally sat down to work, the season was already moving faster than I was. Christmas has a way of doing that – slipping in quietly while life keeps us busy.
Maybe it’s just me, but I used to feel so prepared. I’d have everything ready by Thanksgiving. Now, with kids grown, grandkids running around, work pulling in every direction, and a calendar that never seems to slow down, Christmas tends to catch me off guard. Some years I feel like I’m scrambling all the way until December 24.
But even in the middle of it all, I try to keep one thing in focus: gratitude. God has given us the greatest gift – Jesus – and Advent is a chance to let that gratitude breathe again.
The first video in the series, an introduction to the candles themselves and the meaning behind each one.
The Candles of Advent (Introduction)
Advent has always invited God’s people to slow their pace and lift their eyes. It’s a season that helps us prepare room in our hearts for Christ – not just remembering His birth, but renewing our anticipation for His return.
For many churches, the Advent wreath becomes a simple weekly reminder of that journey. Each candle carries a theme drawn from Scripture, and with every Sunday the light grows brighter. By Christmas Eve, the center candle is lit, and the room is filled with the glow of the story coming to completion.
This introduction video is meant to help frame that journey. Before we step into each week’s theme individually, this first video looks at all five candles together – their colors, their meanings, and the message they proclaim as one.
1. Hope Candle – Intro
The first Candle of Advent is the Candle of Hope. It is purple, and this video is set to The Carol of the Bells.
The first candle reminds us of God’s promises and our hope in Christ.
Purple sets the tone of expectation – looking ahead with trust that God keeps His word.
2. Peace Candle – Intro
The second Candle of Advent is the Candle of Peace. It is purple, and this video is set to Silent Night.
The second candle points us to the peace Jesus brings into a restless world.
Purple reflects the calm, steady preparation of Advent – waiting with confidence that Christ brings true peace.
3. Joy Candle – Intro
The third Candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. It is pink, and this video is set to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.
The third candle celebrates the joy that broke into the night when Christ was announced.
Pink marks the shift in Advent – a bright reminder that joy has come near.
4. Love Candle – Intro
The fourth Candle of Advent is the Candle of Love. It is purple, and this video is set to O Come All Ye Faithful.
The fourth candle reflects God’s unfailing love shown in sending His Son.
Purple reminds us of the depth and dignity of God’s love – a love that draws near to us in Christ.
5. Christ Candle – Intro
The final candle of Advent is the Christ Candle. It is white, and this video is set to the hymn Blessed Assurance.
The Christ Candle celebrates Jesus, the Light of the World.
White represents purity, fulfillment, and the brilliance of God’s promise completed in Christ.
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Falling
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.
Sweet Freedom
Why Do I Need to Be Reminded to Endure… When Our Dwelling Place Is So Peaceful?
It’s a fair question, isn’t it?
If God is our refuge – our dwelling place, our home – why do we still need reminders to endure?
You’d think that resting in His presence would silence all doubt. That knowing He holds us would make perseverance automatic. But life has a way of testing even the most peaceful hearts.
Endurance isn’t needed when everything feels calm; it’s needed when the rain starts to fall.
Even in the shelter of His hands, the storms still come – but so does His peace.
When we abide in Christ, endurance isn’t about gritting our teeth or bracing for impact. It’s about remembering where we live – and who holds us there.
Our strength to endure flows from knowing that we are safe, known, and never forgotten.
“The eternal God is your dwelling place.” (Deuteronomy 33:27)
So yes – we still need the reminder to endure. Not because He moves… but because we do.
And every reminder is really a gentle call home – back to rest, back to trust, back to Him.
Endure
It’s a small word that holds a lifetime of meaning.
When I first wrote the script for Endure, I wanted to capture the quiet strength that comes from staying close to Jesus – the kind of endurance that doesn’t shout but simply holds fast. That message became the voiceover version of Endure, spoken over imagery that (I hope) reminds us that He brings us through the crucible.
But endurance also has a visible side – the kind that glows through the fire.
That’s what inspired the text version of Endure, where words burn across the screen to contrast faith that perseveres with faith that fades.
Two perspectives.
One truth.
We endure because Christ abides.
Endure (Narrated Version)
Sometimes it simply abides – quietly, faithfully, in Christ.
Watch “Endure” – a reflection on the steady power of abiding.
Endure (Text Version)
Watch “Endure” – a visual contrast between faith that holds and faith that fades.
There’s a quiet kind of peace that only comes when we stop running and come home – home to the One who made us, knows us, and welcomes us.
In this short reflection, Our Dwelling Place, we’re reminded that the eternal God isn’t just our refuge – He’s our home. A place of safety, honesty, and rest for the weary heart.
Set against the simple sounds of a crackling fire and falling rain, this piece invites you to slow down and remember where your soul truly belongs.
Our Dwelling Place (no music)
A quiet reflection on finding rest, safety, and belonging in Him
Our Dwelling Place (w/Music)
A quiet reflection on finding rest, safety, and belonging in Him
There’s something powerful about knowing that endurance isn’t just about holding on – it’s about being held.
After reflecting on endurance through Endure and the peace of belonging in Our Dwelling Place, I was drawn to Isaiah 49:16 – “See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.”
That verse became the heart of my video, Engraved.
It’s a reminder that we are not forgotten in the struggle to endure, nor lost when life feels uncertain. Our names are permanently etched into the hands of the One who made us.
The fire may test us; the world may shake us – but we remain engraved. Secure. Remembered. Loved.
Engraved
You are not forgotten.
You are not lost.
You are engraved on His hands.
A quiet reminder that God’s love never fades.
Real growth begins where striving ends – in the quiet place of abiding. When we stay close to Christ, His life becomes our life, and growth happens naturally.
Real Growth is a simple, text-based reflection that reminds us that true maturity doesn’t come from doing more, but from remaining rooted in Him. It’s not about accomplishments, but about connection – allowing His Word to shape us, His Spirit to strengthen us, and His love to overflow through us.
In a world that measures success by results, this short piece calls us back to what matters most: staying in step with the One who makes growth possible.
Real Growth
Watch “Real Growth” – a quiet reminder of what it means to stay rooted in Christ.
The Church was never meant to be confined to walls, stages, or Sunday schedules. It’s a living body – people gathered in faith, scattered in love, and united by purpose.
More Than a Building is a visual reminder that the Church is not a place we go, but a people we are. It celebrates the simple beauty of connection: worshiping together, serving others, and living out the Gospel in daily life.
This short film calls us back to what matters most – being the Church wherever God has placed us.
More Than a Building
The Church isn’t where we gather.
It’s who we are.
Watch “More Than a Building” – a reminder of what the Church was always meant to be.
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The Five Solas – A Reformation Reminder for Today
Every October, the world lights up with pumpkins, costumes, and candy. But October 31 isn’t just Halloween – it’s also Reformation Day, the anniversary of a moment that changed the church and the world.
More than 500 years ago, a monk named Martin Luther took a hammer to a church door in Wittenberg, Germany. What followed wasn’t rebellion for rebellion’s sake – it was a rediscovery of the simple, powerful truths of the gospel. Those truths became known as The Five Solas – five “onlys” that still shape how we live and worship today.
That’s the heartbeat behind our new video, The Five Solas – a short, visual reminder of what the Reformation was all about, and why it still matters.
Why I Created This Video
If you’ve followed my work here or on AnOKBoomer.com, you know I love creating content that helps churches see truth in a fresh way. My video work is all about telling timeless stories through modern visuals – from seasonal openers that reflect God’s faithfulness to short reflections that center our hearts on Christ.
This project, The Five Solas, was born from the desire to give churches something meaningful to show on or around Reformation Day. It’s not flashy or argumentative – it’s reflective. It’s about pausing to remember the foundation of our faith and giving glory where it belongs.
The Five Solas – Simple Truths, Deep Roots
Here’s a quick refresher on what each “sola” means:
Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone
God’s Word stands above every tradition, opinion, or trend. It’s our anchor in an age of noise.
Solus Christus – Christ Alone
Salvation is through Jesus Christ – not through effort, reputation, or ritual. He’s enough.
Sola Fide – Faith Alone
We are made right with God by faith, not by works. It’s trust, not transaction.
Sola Gratia – Grace Alone
Everything we have in Christ is a gift – unearned, undeserved, and completely free.
Soli Deo Gloria – Glory to God Alone
All of life – every breath, every act of worship, every creative work – is for His glory, not ours.
These five short phrases flipped the world upside down in the 1500s – and they still turn hearts right-side up today.
Reformation Day vs. Halloween
I don’t have anything against a fun fall night, but it’s worth remembering that October 31 first meant something far richer than costumes and candy. Long before “All Hallows’ Eve” became Halloween, it was the day Luther’s hammer struck that Wittenberg door – a spark that lit the torch of biblical faith.
That’s why I see Reformation Day as a moment for reflection rather than fright. It’s a chance to thank God that the gospel isn’t hidden behind rituals or earned by performance – it’s proclaimed openly and received freely.
Why This Still Matters
For church creatives, pastors, or anyone who wants to help people worship with understanding – the five solas give us language and direction. They remind us that every sermon, every song, every video, and every ministry moment is rooted in God’s truth and grace.
That’s exactly what I wanted to capture visually in this video – the simplicity of faith, the clarity of grace, and the beauty of God’s glory woven through it all.
Watch The Five Solas
You can watch the full video below – it’s short enough to use as a church service opener, small group reflection, or personal meditation for Reformation Day.
The Five Solas
Closing Thought
The Reformation wasn’t just a historical event; it was a spiritual awakening. And that same awakening can still happen today – in every heart that returns to the simple truth of Scripture alone, Christ alone, faith alone, grace alone, for the glory of God alone.
May this video remind you – and your church – that what was true in 1517 is still true in 2025.
Here are a few more videos for your viewing pleasure:
Abide (Narrated Version)
Abide (Text Version)
Faultless
The Road Home
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Are You Happy, Now?
I recently created a short video called Are You Happy, Now? – and the truth is, it’s something I need to take to heart as much as anyone else. Happiness doesn’t come from an easy life; it comes from belonging to God. But there’s another layer to this that’s been on my mind: gratitude.
Psychologists and medical researchers have been studying thankfulness for years, and their findings all point in the same direction. People who practice gratitude – even simple habits like writing down a few blessings or pausing to thank someone – consistently report more happiness, less depression, and greater resilience in hard times. Gratitude even shows up in physical health: better sleep, lower stress, improved heart health, and stronger relationships. It seems that a thankful heart really does make for a healthier life.
But I don’t need a study to convince me. Who has more reason to be thankful than I do? God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, children who make me proud, and grandchildren who light up my world – even the ones I don’t get to see very often. Add to that the gift of belonging to Christ, forgiveness, adoption into God’s family, and the hope of eternity . . . I could spend a lifetime giving thanks and never run out of reasons.
Gratitude doesn’t erase difficulties. Life is still messy, and some days are heavy. But thankfulness reframes how I see the world. Instead of focusing only on what’s broken, I remember what God has done, what He is doing, and what He has promised. That alone brings joy.
So, as I think back on my own video about happiness – you can watch it below, I realize it’s not just a message for others – it’s a message for me. Gratitude fuels joy, and joy reminds me of the One who gave me every good gift. Let this encourage your heart today.
Happiness can feel slippery in a world that measures it by comfort, success, or circumstances. But for those in Christ, joy runs deeper. In Are You Happy, Now?, we look at what it means to be God’s own people—adopted into His family, secure in His promises, and carried by His Spirit. The truth is, Christians are not the most joyful because life is easy, but because we belong to God, and His love places eternity in our hearts.
Are You Happy, Now
We often hear Jesus’ words in Matthew 17:20 explained as a call to have even the smallest amount of faith – “faith the size of a mustard seed.” And that’s true, but there may be more to the picture than we usually imagine. Mustard plants weren’t admired in Israel; they were considered invasive. Once they took root, they spread wildly and were nearly impossible to control. That may be exactly the kind of image Jesus had in mind: not fragile faith, but faith that refuses to stay contained. In this video, I explore what it might mean to have faith that grows, spreads, and multiplies until even mountains must move.
Mustard Seed Faith
Sometimes the best lessons come from the simplest stories. Gideon’s army didn’t win with strength or numbers—they won by breaking pitchers, letting their light shine, and sounding the trumpet. That picture still speaks to us today. I recently created the video, “Breaking Pitchers, Sharing Light” set against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset at Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City, CA. My hope is that these visuals and words remind us to let Christ’s light shine in our lives and to share His good news with clarity and courage.
Breaking Pitchers, Sharing Light
Bad news seems to dominate our world. Headlines scream fear, conversations spiral into worry, and our own hearts can feel the weight of uncertainty. Yet Scripture reminds us, “He will not be afraid of evil news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in Yahweh” (Psalm 112:7). As Christians, we’re called to a different response – one rooted in trust, steadiness, and the confidence that God is always at work.
I created two versions of this message – one text-based and one narrated. Both explore what it means to face life’s hardest moments with unshaken faith, remembering that in Christ, even the darkest headline never has the final word.
Bad News? (Text Ver)
Bad News? (Narr ver)
What does true freedom look like? For many, freedom means living without limits or restraints. But the Bible shows us something deeper: freedom in Christ is not fragile, temporary, or based on circumstances – it’s permanent, abundant, and secure. In Him, we are free from guilt, free to rest in God’s promises, and free to come boldly to the throne of grace. This video, True Freedom, is a visual reminder that the liberty Christ gives is unlike anything the world can offer – it is rooted in His love and guaranteed by His Word.
Real Freedom
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Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker
On Wednesday evening, September 10, 2025, I began praying for a woman and her children – people I have never met and probably never will. Every night since, I’ve gone to bed praying for them, and every morning I’ve woken up doing the same. Their lives were shattered when an assassin’s bullet took away a husband and a father.
The news was so jarring I wanted to write immediately, but anger clouded my thoughts. How could someone murder another human being simply for holding different beliefs? So instead of writing, I prayed. I prayed for Erika and her children. I prayed for the assassin. I prayed that justice would be done. I prayed.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I, VT) was one of the first to respond. And on this, he was absolutely right: “Political violence, in fact, is political cowardice.” I couldn’t agree more. There was a time when Americans could argue passionately and, if no agreement was reached, still walk away agreeing to disagree. My only concern is with some of the other terms he used in his statement, which I believe miss the mark.
But words matter. And this is where the senator, and many others, go wrong – usually purposely. He used the words “democracy” or “democratic” six times when anyone who has ever said the flag salute knows; this nation is a “Republic.” He labeled January 6th an “attack,” when what actually happened was a riot – had it been an attack they wouldn’t have left their firearms at home. I don’t excuse vandalism or violence, but exaggerating or twisting language feeds the very problem we face.
That’s what I call the “long enough and loudly enough” strategy. Say something often enough and loudly enough, and people start to believe it. Call a man like Charlie Kirk – a man who gave the opposition a microphone – a fascist, and sooner or later, some unstable person will believe it – and believe that killing a human being is a public service. On one of the bullet casings left behind, the assassin had etched: “Here fascist, catch.”
That is the danger of mislabeling. Fascists silence opposition; Charlie Kirk gave the opposition a platform. But journalism, like one of many hit pieces from The New York Times, painted him as a fascist, a misogynist or an antisemite, later adding a correction only after the damage was done. (https://dailycaller.com/2025/09/12/nyt-correction-false-claim-charlie-kirk/). By then, people had already formed their opinions.
So yes, I am thankful for (most of) the Senator’s words, his final sentence especially, “Political violence, regardless of ideology, is not the answer and must be condemned.”
Even more troubling than the mislabeling were the celebrations of his murder. Screenshots circulated online of people rejoicing that a man had been shot dead. Butchers, bakers, candlestick makers – HVAC repair people. Some brushed it off: “It’s just regular people online. They don’t matter.” But if the butcher, the baker, or the candlestick maker is gleeful over murder, do you want them serving your family? If an HVAC repairman cheers at an assassination, do you want him in your home?
And what about the gatekeepers – teachers, professors, judges, politicians? These are people in positions of trust and have now proven themselves to be untrustworthy. If they celebrate violence, they should be reminded that there is no place in society for people who cheer for murder. Civilization cannot survive if those entrusted with influence display such callousness.
So, what is our response? Not more violence. Never that. Our greatest weapon is prayer.
- Pray for Erika Kirk and her children.
- Pray for the assassin – it isn’t easy, but it’s necessary.
- Pray for leaders who condemn violence in one breath but carelessly fuel it in another.
- Pray for those people who were in the audience and were forced to witness this horrific act.
- Pray for all who hold influence, that they would repent of celebrating death.
- Pray for our nation – and our world – that we would see violence for what it is: a false and destructive answer.
Because in the end, only God can heal hearts that celebrate death. And only God can turn us back toward life.
I’m praying; please pray with me.
Here is Senator Sanders (mostly) great response:
Lastly, I want to link to this article by Duane Patterson (the link is below the videos), “That’s just five examples. I could share thousands posted on X alone. God is moving right now in people’s hearts. It’s awesome and incredible to watch. And it’s transcending ideological politics, as one would hope and expect.”
Originally, I had decided to not share any videos, but realized that my videos are my praises to God. So, in the end, here are three that I created over the last couple of weeks.
Creative Faith is a short inspirational video based on Mark 2:4, where four friends refused to let obstacles stop them from bringing a paralyzed man to Jesus. Their determination—even breaking through a roof—shows us that true faith is bold, inventive, and willing to risk discomfort for the sake of others. In the same way, God calls us today to use creativity in prayer, service, and love to reach people who need Christ. Whether through simple acts of kindness or fresh ideas for ministry, this video invites us to consider how we might step out in daring, creative faith.
Creative Faith
Life can feel like a maze of choices, twists, and wrong turns. But Psalm 73:24 assures us that we’re not left to figure it out alone. God’s Word is more than advice—it’s a compass pointing us in the right direction and reminding us of His steady hand guiding us home.
God’s Guidance (Text Version)
When life feels uncertain, God’s Word is our compass. Psalm 73:24 reminds us that His guidance is steady and trustworthy, leading us step by step until the day He receives us in glory. This short reflection reminds us that we are never left to wander—God’s hand is over us now and always.
God’s Guidance
https://hotair.com/generalissimo/2025/09/15/this-is-what-spiritual-revival-looks-like-n3806799
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The Importance of Arrows
Psalm 127:4-5 “As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won’t be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.”
There’s a lot of debate online about what “quiver full” means. Some argue it means large families. Others try to figure out exactly how many arrows an ancient quiver could hold. I know many large families raising their children in “the fear and admonition of the Lord,” and that is a wonderful thing. But even an only child, raised in that same way, still fits the picture.
The real answer, I think, is in the purpose of arrows. What are arrows for? They’re not defensive – they’re offensive weapons. That’s worth repeating: arrows are for offense, not defense. When we raise children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4b WEB), we are preparing and sending arrows into the future – offensive weapons for God’s kingdom.
Picture an ancient battlefield. If you’ve seen movies like Braveheart or The Lord of the Rings, you can imagine it. The arrows go first. They strike from a distance. Then the close combat begins – swords drawn, shields raised. But you’ll never see a warrior swing a gate in battle. Gates are for defense. Arrows, like our children, are for offense. And our sword (and, Lord willing, the swords of our children) is the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).
That makes Jesus’ words to Peter even more striking:
“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
(Matthew 16:17–18 ESV, emphasis mine)
Gates are defensive. The Church – our children, grandchildren, and future generations—are on the offense. They are the arrows shot forward into God’s future work.
This thought came to me last Sunday as we set up for church in the park. I shared it with someone on the praise team while talking about the importance of arrows. Later that day, we headed out on a short trip – my wife and I, our daughter, her 4-year-old daughter, and her 6-month-old son.
On the drive, our granddaughter asked her mom to play some music. The first song was Praise by Elevation Worship (link below if you’d like to hear it). As I drove, I heard her little 4-year-old voice singing along – every word.
Twenty years from now, I may well be with the Lord, but she will still be here – an arrow, sent ahead, a weapon for God’s work in her generation. That thought gives me hope!
Here are some of my recent video creations:
Cedar trees stand tall and unshaken through every season, a living picture of God’s work in the life of a believer. Just as He planted and sustains the cedars of Lebanon, so He plants, nourishes, and protects us. Our strength, our endurance, even our flourishing in hard times, is not from ourselves but from Him. This short reflection reminds us that everything in our lives – from beginning to end – rests in God’s faithful hands.
The Planting of the Lord
We live differently when we remember the cross. Forgiveness frees us, gratitude grounds us, and love overflows from us. Love Lived Out is a short reflection on what it means to respond to Christ’s sacrifice — not only with joy in our hearts, but with love in action. Set to the soft strains of Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing and the quiet beauty of sunrise at the cross, it’s an invitation to pause and let grace shape your day.
Love Lived Out
When life feels fragile, it’s easy to forget just how steady God’s love really is. Scripture tells us His mercy never runs dry, and we can see evidence of it everywhere – in the healing of our wounds, the forgiveness of our sins, and the daily grace that sustains us. Like a flower that unfolds in the light, His steadfast love continues to bloom in our lives, no matter the season.
Forever and Ever
This video, Ascribe All Glory to God, invites us to humility, worship, and gratitude. Through Scripture and reflection, it reminds us that life is not about our strength or accomplishments, but about Christ in us. As Paul writes, “Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). May we daily live in that truth, giving Him the honor His name deserves.
Ascribe All Glory to God
Every gift, every victory, every moment of strength comes from Him. This video is a call to humility and worship, reminding us that all glory belongs to God alone.
I didn’t forget, here is the song that my beautiful granddaughter was singing:
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Lifting Differently
How faith and wisdom lighten life’s heaviest burdens
Since August 2 I’ve been helping my sister-in-law and her husband move. Thankfully, as an Okay Boomer, I dealt with a lot of tech stuff – like setting up the WIFI and following after the satellite TV installer and fixing what he got wrong – I mean, seriously, the guy should have known his own tech and stopped trying to upsell things to them. People with hearing aids don’t need sound bars; sound bars tend to muddle the center channel (where the dialog usually is) and dialog is the most difficult part to pick up for people with hearing loss.
I still did a lot of heavy lifting. Things felt heavier than I remembered, furniture was awkward to carry, and my muscles have been reminding me that I’m not as young as I used to be. Maybe it’s just that my body thinks that everything’s heavier now.
But the physical weight wasn’t the only burden. Beneath the soreness, there’s a heaviness in my heart – the loss of my brother still feels fresh. That kind of weight can’t be packed up or moved; it lingers in quiet moments, even when the day is busy. It reminds me of the fragility of life.
I’ve been thinking about how life loads us down in two ways. There’s the kind of weight we can see and touch – like lifting and moving furniture. Then there’s the weight we carry in our hearts: grief, uncertainty, the kinds of struggles that don’t show on the surface but press down just the same.
The good news? We’re not meant to carry those loads alone.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28–30, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Sometimes, we choose to carry heavy things out of love or responsibility. Other times, hardship lands on us unexpectedly. Either way, those heavy seasons can shape us – they stretch our patience, deepen our compassion, and remind us to rely on God’s strength instead of our own.
I’m learning that as I get older, lifting isn’t always about brute strength. It’s about knowing my limits and asking for help when I need it. Spiritually, it means bringing my burdens to God sooner rather than waiting until I’m worn out.
Sometimes God strengthens our backs to carry the load; other times, He lightens it so we can stand a little taller.
Isaiah 46:4 says, “Even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. Yes, I will carry, and will deliver.” Whether your burden today is a heavy box or a heavy heart, you don’t have to carry it alone.
Let God share the load.
I still found time for a few new videos.
Life can be unpredictable. Storms rise, plans fall apart, and sometimes the path ahead is hidden in shadow. Yet as followers of Christ, we stand on a solid truth: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God.” (Romans 8:28)
My latest video, We Know, is a reflection on that promise. It’s a journey through the certainty we have in God’s control, even when the seas are rough and the way is unclear. With a cinematic tone and Scripture at its heart, this piece is meant to encourage weary believers to rest in the fact that nothing in their life is random or wasted — not even pain.
We Know
Sometimes, the most dangerous traps aren’t the ones we see coming. In A Spider’s Web, we explore the fragile nature of self-made faith, the hidden snares of deception, and the unshakable safety found only in Christ. With abstract imagery, subtle spider web patterns, and a touch of whimsy in a minor key, this short piece draws from Isaiah 59:5 –
“They … weave the spider’s web.”
It’s a visual reminder that while false hopes and empty religion can look convincing, they will not hold when life’s storms come. Our true refuge is not something we spin ourselves, but Someone who shelters us completely.
A Spider’s Web
There are days when it’s hard to put our prayers into words. For moments like that, Scripture gives us short, steady truths to hold onto—truths that keep our hearts anchored.
Psalm 73:23 is one of those verses: “Nevertheless, I am continually with you.” Just one word—Nevertheless—is a bridge between our failures and God’s faithfulness, a truth too steady to be drowned out by doubt.
This text-based video pairs that verse with short, simple statements, set to soaring cinematic music. The music lifts the words, and the words anchor the heart—reminding us that even when our grip on God feels weak, His grip on us never loosens.
Nevertheless (Text version)
Sometimes our walk with God feels anything but steady. We know our weaknesses all too well—our doubts, distractions, and failures seem like enough to push Him away. But Psalm 73:23 gives us a word that changes everything: “Nevertheless.”
This short but powerful declaration reminds us that God’s presence doesn’t depend on our perfection. He holds us, thinks of us, watches over us, and carries us close to His heart—not because we deserve it, but because His grace is unshakable.
This video is a reflection on that truth. As you watch and listen, let the words sink deep into your spirit: Even when I fail, God never lets me go.
Steven Stoops -- TUCOR Five One Seven Productions 
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