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Let's explore the Christmas season in Spain, a celebration shaped by faith, family, and a sense of continuity that feels both ancient and vibrant. While American Christmas traditions tend to revolve around a burst of excitement on December 25, the Spanish holiday season stretches across weeks, layered with rituals that wind through Advent, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Epiphany. In many ways, Spanish families see Christmas not as a single day but as a long path of reflection and joy, filled with moments that bring communities together and call back to centuries of tradition. For readers whose ancestors came from Spain, these customs offer a glimpse into the rhythms their families once lived by—rhythms that often endured even after crossing the Atlantic. Spain's Christmas roots run deep into its Catholic heritage. Churches glow with candlelight and echo with hymns that have carried through generations. Families gather for quiet meals on Christmas Eve, attend midnight services, and continue celebrating into January. Yet the season is not solemn from beginning to end. It bursts with color and festivity when the Three Kings arrive, turning Epiphany into a joyous event centered on children. The mix of devotion and delight creates a holiday that is uniquely Spanish, where the story of the Nativity shapes the season just as strongly as local customs and regional identity. Across Spain's diverse regions—from the rugged hills of Galicia to the coastal villages of Catalonia, from the plains of Castile to the streets of Andalusia—Christmas feels slightly different in each place. These local variations hold clues to ancestry. Everything from the foods served at Christmas Eve dinner to the style of Nativity scenes displayed in homes reflects regional history. When families emigrated from Spain, they often carried these traditions with them, adapting them gently to new cultures while quietly preserving the memory of their homeland. The Spanish Christmas season unfolds slowly, drawing people into its meaning step by step. Let's follow this path from Advent to Epiphany and see how faith, folklore, and family come together to shape a celebration that has endured for centuries. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/christmas-traditions-in-spain/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Let's explore the richness of Italian Christmas, a season that unfolds with a sense of reverence, warmth, and continuity that has carried families through centuries. In Italy, Christmastime is not compressed into a single day, nor is it built around swift gift exchanges. It begins early in December and extends deep into January, stretching across Advent, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the Epiphany. Devotion, family gatherings, local rituals, regional flavor, and the enduring story of the Nativity shape this long season. For many people in the United States whose ancestors came from Italy, these customs represent a living connection to the towns and villages their relatives once called home. Whether your family roots trace to the hills of Tuscany, the crowded streets of Naples, the valleys of Lombardy, or the sunlit shores of Sicily, Italian Christmas traditions preserve memories that reveal both place and identity. Italian Christmas is anchored in a profound sense of spiritual meaning. The Nativity is not simply a decorative theme; it is the heart of the season. Families build elaborate presepi—Nativity scenes that may include not just the Holy Family but entire villages crafted with details reflecting local landscapes, trades, and customs. In some homes, making the presepe becomes a weeks-long project, with children and adults adding figures day by day. These scenes are treated with care and are often passed down for generations, carrying regional craftsmanship and family history. Understanding how Italian families constructed and displayed their presepi can even offer genealogical clues, since the materials, styles, and figures often correspond to distinct regions. But Christmas in Italy is not only devotional; it is deeply communal. Streets fill with music during Advent as shepherd musicians known as zampognari wander into towns playing flutes and bagpipes. Their melodies echo folk traditions that stretch back centuries, particularly in rural areas of central and southern Italy. For immigrants who carried these memories across the ocean, recalling the sound of these musicians often became a way to remember their childhood towns long after they had settled in new countries. This blend of village life, seasonal music, and Christian anticipation gives Advent a distinctive Italian feeling—one of quiet excitement that grows day by day. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/christmas-traditions-in-ireland/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Ireland celebrates Christmas differently from anywhere else in Europe. The season is gentle and warm, shaped by faith, storytelling, and a sense of home that runs far deeper than decorations or gifts. Many Irish traditions were formed under hardship — centuries of poverty, political turmoil, and emigration — yet the Irish Christmas never lost its sense of light. It carries a tone of quiet welcome, a belief in hospitality, and the feeling that Christmas should gather everyone, living and gone, around the same hearth. For many families in the United States with Irish roots, pieces of these traditions survived immigration: a candle glowing in a window on Christmas Eve, a special loaf of bread, a midnight walk to church, or even a song older than the towns their ancestors left. To understand Irish Christmas customs is to understand something tender and resilient about the Irish people themselves... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/christmas-traditions-in-ireland/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Christmas calls up images of Santa Claus in a red suit, reindeer gliding across snowy rooftops, and gifts opened on Christmas morning. But in the Netherlands, the Christmas season unfolds in a way that feels both familiar and strikingly different. Dutch families do celebrate Christmas, but the heart of their gift-giving and childhood wonder arrives weeks earlier — with the arrival of Sinterklaas, one of the oldest gift-bringers in Europe. If your ancestors came from the Netherlands — or New York back when it was still New Amsterdam — their December rituals looked very different from what we now see in the United States. The Dutch customs that survived immigration left deep marks on early American culture, and they remain some of the clearest examples of how a tradition can travel, settle, and transform. Here, we'll walk through the history, the folklore, the religious practices, and the genealogical clues carried within the Dutch December season. Along the way, you will discover how the story of Sinterklaas grew into the modern Santa Claus — and why Dutch families continue to observe both spiritual reverence and playful traditions throughout winter... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/christmas-traditions-in-the-netherlands/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Christmas in Germany carries a depth and detail that shaped many of the world's most familiar holiday customs. From Advent wreaths glowing on winter evenings to the aroma of spiced markets and the gentle presence of Christkind, German Christmas traditions reflect centuries of Christian devotion, regional identity, and storytelling. Many of the images that Americans and other nations now consider "classic Christmas" took root in German homes long before crossing the Atlantic through immigrant families. For genealogists, these customs are especially revealing. The German-speaking world is not a single cultural block; it is a set of regions with their own rituals, dialects, and gift-bringers. Whether an ancestor came from Bavaria, the Rhineland, Saxony, or one of the historic kingdoms or principalities, their Christmas practices offer clues to where they lived, what they believed, and how they observed the Nativity. Germany's Christmas traditions did not emerge suddenly. They formed through centuries of Christian worship, household customs, artistic craft, and local practice. In this article, we explore these traditions with attention to the Nativity story, the gift-givers who visit German homes, the importance of Advent, and the genealogical hints preserved in these cultural details... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/christmas-traditions-in-germany/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Christmas in England is a holiday defined by contrasts — sacred hymns drifting through ancient stone cathedrals while mischievous spirits lurk in old folktales; roaring hearth fires glowing against midnight frost while wassailers roam the village lanes singing for warmth and blessing; feasts that echo medieval banquet halls side-by-side with quiet, candlelit reflections on the Nativity. English Christmas is both solemn and lively, reverent and hearty, holy and haunted. And for millions of American families, its echoes pulse through recipes, carols, and customs handed down across generations. To understand Christmas in England is to understand the root system that fed much of the English-speaking world's celebration — including the United States, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Yet the English Christmas we know today was not shaped all at once. It evolved through Roman influence, medieval pageantry, Puritan suppression, Victorian reinvention, and twentieth-century nostalgia. Each era left traces in family traditions, many of which migrated wherever English-speaking people carried their memories. For genealogists, England's Christmas traditions offer a rare window into family identity. The style of worship, the foods served during the Twelve Days of Christmas, the songs sung on Christmas Eve, and the presence or absence of certain rituals can reveal an ancestor's place, class, denomination, or even the region they called home. Christmas in England is not a monolith — it is a mosaic built from centuries of theological debates, seasonal folklore, local customs, and literary imagination.This entry explores the origins, folklore, Biblical meaning, and genealogical insights of Christmas in England — a land where holly crowns pagans and Christians alike, where spirits are said to wander at Christmastime, and where a humble manger story birthed some of the world's most enduring holiday traditions. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/christmas-traditions-in-england/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Understanding white balance is one of those topics that gets talked about so much that the meaning starts to blur. In simple terms, white balance is about making sure the colors in your photograph look true. When the white areas in a photo actually look white, your color is accurate... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/determination-in-photography/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

With the holidays coming up, now is the perfect time to think of the genealogy projects you want to complete in December. With so much going on this month, such as parties, family get-togethers, holiday celebrations, religious celebrations, and more, it may seem like there isn't much room for genealogy work in the middle of all of that busyness. Yet, December is, surprisingly, the ideal time to tackle some essential genealogy projects, and you can work them into your otherwise busy end-of-the-year schedule. You'll be glad you did. Here are ten "must-do" genealogy projects for December. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/10-must-do-genealogy-projects-for-december/  Genealogy Clips Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Christmas in the United States is often described as familiar: twinkling lights, evergreen trees, stockings hung by the mantel, gifts wrapped in glossy paper, and Santa Claus smiling from every corner of commerce. Yet beneath these recognizable images lies a far older, stranger, and far more diverse story — one stitched together over centuries by immigrants, enslaved peoples, Indigenous nations, settlers, soldiers, missionaries, and merchants. American Christmas is not one tradition but hundreds, layered like sediment, each describing a different ancestor's hope, longing, belief, and memory. The United States has a reputation for materialism at Christmastime. It is a reputation earned through decades of marketing, consumer culture, and the economic engine that grew around the holiday after the 19th century. But the heart of American Christmas, in its origins, is not shopping: it is the ancient story of Bethlehem. And even more than that, it is the story of how families — your ancestors and mine — carried their own customs across oceans and over borders, blending them into the uniquely American mosaic. This first entry sets the stage for the rest of the series. We begin not because the United States invented Christmas (it didn't), nor because its customs are the most ancient (they aren't), but because its holiday practices reflect what happens when countless traditions collide. In this way, to understand American Christmas is to know how Christmas transforms whenever it migrates. That's the genealogical key: Christmas is a cultural fingerprint. It reveals where a family came from, what it valued, and how it adapted. For the genealogist, American Christmas is a treasure map. Gifts, songs, recipes, décor, and even the date a family opened presents can hint at ethnic origins. And as we go country by country this month, you'll see how the United States absorbed practices from almost every place we explore. But before we wander outward, we begin at home — in a land where Christmas was once banned, later revived, commercialized, sanctified, reinvented, and constantly reborn through the eyes of new arrivals... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/christmas-traditions-united-states-history-folklore/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

How do I come alongside a loved one who is deconstructing their faith? Is breaking down a faith system all bad, or always bad? Is there hope through it all?The sermon today is titled "Deconstructing Faith." This sermon is the fifth installment in our recurring series "The Struggles We Face." The Scripture reading is from Jude 21-22. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on November 30, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Dealing with Struggles and Suffering.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):Ian Harber, Walking Through Deconstruction (InterVarsity 2025).I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Have you ever pondered who invented the beloved pumpkin pie? Contrary to what one might think, this iconic dessert wasn't the creation of a single individual. Instead, its rich history spans continents and centuries, weaving together the culinary traditions of Native Americans and European settlers. Let's delve into the fascinating tale of how pumpkin pie became a staple on our holiday tables. No food is as closely associated with autumn in the United States as the pumpkin. As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, we eagerly embrace pumpkin-flavored everything. There's the now-essential pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin bread, muffins, cookies, soups, and even pumpkin-infused pastas and beers. Yet among all these seasonal delights, one stands out as the most cherished and time-honored: the pumpkin pie. This quintessential holiday dessert graces tables at both Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. With its smooth, spiced filling nestled in a flaky crust and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, pumpkin pie holds a place of honor alongside the turkey itself. But did you know that the pumpkin's journey to becoming a pie has deep roots in American soil? Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/genefoods-the-pumpkin-pie/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

The Quiet Strengths That Carried Them Forward Family history usually arrives in the form of records. Birth dates written in aging ink. Marriage lines in county books. Census entries that capture a single moment in time. Yet when you look past the documents, when you imagine the real lives behind them, you discover something far more meaningful. You learn the quiet positives your ancestors found in life that helped them keep going through hope, hardship, joy, uncertainty, and everything in between. These strengths rarely appear in written form, but they shaped your family line as profoundly as any legal document. They reveal that people in every generation searched for light, even when life was difficult. They looked for meaning in ordinary days. They found joy where others might not see it. They carried love through seasons that challenged them. Because they found these positives and held tightly to them, you are here today. This article is an invitation to reflect on that truth and to see your ancestors not just as names on paper, but as human beings who lived with heart... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/what-did-your-ancestors-find-in-life/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

There are all kinds of things we can talk about when it comes to photography. Multitudes of techniques, basic to advanced camera controls, compositional rules, lighting, gear and even the artistic eye. There is post-processing, software, file storage and all of the other technical details. You can boil it down further and talk about papers and inks. There are many different elements and all of them work together to create works of art in much the same way that a jigsaw puzzle's pieces work together to form a whole. Without one element, one piece, the whole picture loses something. But there is one part of photography that is very rarely talked about even though this piece of the puzzle is the key to everything. That element is determination. Gear, techniques, knowledge – these aren't the things that get you out and learning, thinking and creating. In fact, you could have the gear of your dreams along with an entire library of knowledge at your fingertips but without determination, it would all be for nothing. Determination is the driving force behind everything that we do. Let me show you how determination is key to a long and successful photographic career... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/determination-in-photography/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

I've talked a lot about composition and landscape photography because it's such a rewarding genre. There's a lot to learn, and everyone who spends time with it comes away better for it. Today, I want to go a little deeper and look at some advanced ideas, the kinds of things that really make your landscapes stand out. Some of these ideas bend the usual rules a bit, but sometimes that's exactly what creates something unique... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/advanced-concepts-landscape-photography/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

There are all kinds of things we can talk about when it comes to photography. Multitudes of techniques, basic to advanced camera controls, compositional rules, lighting, gear and even the artistic eye. There is post-processing, software, file storage and all of the other technical details. You can boil it down further and talk about papers and inks. There are many different elements and all of them work together to create works of art in much the same way that a jigsaw puzzle's pieces work together to form a whole. Without one element, one piece, the whole picture loses something. But there is one part of photography that is very rarely talked about even though this piece of the puzzle is the key to everything. That element is determination. Gear, techniques, knowledge – these aren't the things that get you out and learning, thinking and creating. In fact, you could have the gear of your dreams along with an entire library of knowledge at your fingertips but without determination, it would all be for nothing. Determination is the driving force behind everything that we do. Let me show you how determination is key to a long and successful photographic career... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/determination-in-photography/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

How do I face bitterness and resentment? Can bitterness be replaced with blessing? The author of Hebrews answers "yes," and points us to the grace of God.The sermon today is titled "Bitterness & Resentment." This sermon is the fourth installment in our recurring series "The Struggles We Face." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 12:14-15. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on November 23, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Dealing with Struggles and Suffering.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):Adrian Rogers, "Root of Bitterness." Video and outline.Rick Atchley, "Forgiveness Is A Must." The Hills Church.David Jeremiah, "Slaying the Giant of Resentment."Chris Beall, "When Bitterness Takes Over." Life Church.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

When gift-giving season comes around, photographers always get the same idea. Birthdays, Christmas, any big occasion, it seems perfect to give someone one of our photographs. It feels personal and meaningful. It feels like you're giving someone a piece of your creative vision, something you spent hours shaping. And since photographs can be customized, it feels more thoughtful than grabbing something off a store shelf. In our minds, the person opens the gift, loves it, hangs it on the wall, and keeps it there for years. That's the hope. The reality is usually a little different... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/give-photographs-gifts/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

As photographers, everything we do is tied to perspective. We think about it every day as we work on our images, but we don't always think about all the meanings packed into that one word. When you hear "perspective," you probably think about the angle you shoot from. That angle is part of it, but there's much more. There is the angle itself, there is your own personal viewpoint, and there is the subject's point of view, their thoughts, feelings, or experiences. All three of these perspectives matter if you want to create images that feel meaningful. So let's look at each one a little more closely... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/many-meanings-perspective/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

What is the real path to artistic success? Some people say it is nothing more than practice. Not just practice in general, but practice in one single area of photography, always working on that one slice of the craft. I see it differently. I think success grows out of diversity. Different styles, different techniques, and even different genres. Even the genres that might not be your favorites. Let me walk you through why I think this matters... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/should-you-stick-to-one-genre-or-should-you-diversify/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

When you've been a photographer for as long as I have, you start to realize that not only does this art give you joy, but it also comes with its own share of frustrations. It seems strange at times to be so frustrated with something that you enjoy so much, but it definitely isn't an uncommon feeling. Let me share some of my frustrations so that you can see that you aren't alone!.. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/a-photographers-frustrations/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

What is "artspeak," precisely? It's a kind of blanket term, one you've probably seen used to refer to other activities, the type of term where the prefix is interchangeable. You'll sometimes hear the terms "computer-speak" or "techspeak." In a nutshell, these terms mean that people involved in the conversation are using language - technical terms and jargon - related to the field or area that the conversation is about. "Artspeak" refers to the types of conversations in which people talk about their education, their achievements, technical items like cameras, and the mechanical operation of their equipment. These are all things that pertain to art-making but such conversations tend to be incomprehensible to outsiders not well versed in artspeak and these conversations also tend to only scratch the surface of art itself, rarely delving into deeper concepts like meaning, symbolism or other abstract things... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/artspeak-vs-meaningful-conversation/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

We've long made the assumption that photography is, in itself, an art. And in a general sense, that is true, the same way that painting is an art or that writing is an art. But I think we need a bit more specificity about precisely what the art of photography is. Surveys from 2014 showed that 1.8 billion photographs were uploaded online each day. Now imagine how many photos are taken every day, most of which will never be uploaded. Are all of these images art? Of course not —just as not every written word is considered art, either. Even within my own collection of images, the external hard drives with gigabytes upon gigabytes of image files. Is each and every one of those files something that should be considered art? I don't think so. To me, those files are simply assets. They are a tool that I could use to create art but in and of themselves, they are not actually art. It is similar to the painter who goes to the art store to buy the paints, brushes, and canvas they will need. These three things are the assets that the painter will use, not the art itself. In that same way, image files are not necessarily art. Just an element that can become art. I realize that this must sound confusing, so let me explain my thought process a little more. Photographs, photography, is potential. I'll show you some of the things I think need to be done for those assets to realize their potential... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/photography-is-potential/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

A reflection on preparation, perception, and what really matters when the shutter clicks. There's a familiar ritual before every photography trip. The suitcase waits open, half filled with clothes and cables, but the real challenge sits beside it—the camera gear. I start stacking lenses, checking chargers, counting batteries, and convincing myself that this time I'll finally pack smart. Then the second-guessing begins. Will I need the long lens? Maybe. What if I see wildlife? Better take it. The macro? Could come in handy. The tripod? Probably too heavy, but what if the light calls for it? Soon, the table's covered in carefully chosen possibilities. I know I can't take everything, but each piece whispers its own argument. That quiet debate becomes a strange kind of comfort. There's reassurance in the act of preparing, in the illusion that the right combination of tools will keep me from missing the perfect shot. I've spent more hours planning what to take than actually shooting—and somewhere in that planning, a lesson hides... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-gear-we-bring-and-never-use/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Every once in a while, I come across a story that reminds me how connected all the creative fields really are — photography, design, printing, art. They all share one foundation: color. That's what drew me to Pantone's story. It's not just a company that makes color charts. It's the reason we can all talk about color in the same language. Pantone began as a small printing business in New Jersey in the 1950s. Back then, the world of printing and design had a major problem: color consistency. What one printer called red might come out as pink or orange somewhere else. There was no universal system. The industry was full of guesswork and frustration.. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/pantones-color-of-the-year/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

How do I face pain and suffering? What does a Christian say when confronted with the problem of evil? It seems to me that the problem of pain, evil, and suffering is a problem for everyone; but the Christian has a story that allows the glory of God to be revealed through it all. It is called the cross.The sermon today is titled "Pain & Suffering." This sermon is the third installment in our recurring series "The Struggles We Face." (Part 1 and Part 2 deal with estranged children). The Scripture reading is from 1 Peter 4:12-13 and Hebrews 9:14. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on November 2, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Dealing with Struggles and Suffering.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):C. S. Lewis, A Grief ObservedC. S. Lewis, Screwtape LettersAlvin Plantinga's "Free Will Defense"Tim Keller, "Evil and Suffering." Sermon. Feb 4, 2001.William Lane Craig. "The Problem of Evil." Defenders Podcast.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Michael Kosir and Kerim Satirli (developer advocates at HashiCorp, an IBM Company) discuss what's new in Terraform and Vault, including Terraform Stacks, Terraform Search, Terraform Actions as well as the future of agentic infrastructure automation with Project Infragraph. Podcast Notes: - https://www.hashicorp.com/en/blog/day-2-infrastructure-management-with-terraform-actions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P8MrvrHia4 - https://www.hashicorp.com/en/blog/building-intelligent-infrastructure-automation-with-hashicorp - https://developer.hashicorp.com/vault/docs/updates/release-notes

Capturing a photograph is much more than just pressing a camera's shutter button. It's an intricate dance of thoughts, emotions, and technical considerations that come together to capture a moment in time. When I prepare to take a photograph, I go through a detailed mental checklist, each step bringing me closer to the perfect shot. Here's an in-depth look at what goes through my mind before taking a photograph. Every photograph starts with a story. I think about what I want to convey through the image. Is it the serenity of a sunset, the bustling energy of a city street, or the quiet moments of reflection in nature? The story I want to tell guides my approach, the angle I choose, and the timing of my shot. For instance, when I photographed a recent baseball game, I wasn't just looking for the action shots. I wanted to capture the atmosphere, the anticipation, and the passion of the fans. I focused on the details—the weathered mitts, the scoreboard lights, and the intense expressions on the players' faces... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/capturing-the-moment-the-thought-process-behind-every-photograph/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Ever found yourself wondering, "Do I love photography or do I love photographs?" It might seem like a subtle distinction, but there's a significant difference between the two. Photography is the process – the act of capturing moments, exploring locations, and crafting images. Photographs, on the other hand, are the final product – the tangible results that we share and connect over. Understanding where your true passion lies can help you clarify your focus and how you approach your activities in this art form... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/photography-vs-photographs-where-does-your-passion-lie/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Every year on October 31, children walk door to door collecting candy while wearing costumes. The custom feels old and familiar, but it has a real history. Trick or treat did not appear overnight. It grew slowly, shaped by the lives and traditions of many families who came to America from other countries. For genealogists, this story adds useful background to family history. It helps date family photos, record memories, and understand how communities changed over time. This article follows trick or treat from its earliest roots to the way families still enjoy it today... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-power-of-photographic-metaphor-reflections-pathways-and-doors/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Podcast Notes   Episode 488 Your First Conversation with AI, w/ Douglas Foltz Host: Brian Miller, PCC Guest: Doug Foltz Date: October 23, 2025 In this episode, Brian and return guest Douglas (Doug) Foltz, Head of Product at Church.tech, discuss practical steps for beginning to use artificial intelligence in your work or organization. They explore how to choose a reliable AI platform, protect your data privacy, and start experimenting with prompts. The conversation offers an accessible entry point for those curious about AI, breaking down complex concepts into simple, actionable advice for everyday users. Key Highlights The best first step with AI is to choose a paid platform to ensure data privacy and better functionality. Free AI tools often make you the product, collecting and using your data for training purposes. Start by experimenting conversationally—you don't need to understand technical jargon to use AI effectively. Learn to refine prompts over time, just as you would adjust your communication when getting to know someone. Understanding AI memory and context helps you manage how your conversations and data are stored or remembered. Takeaways Investing a small amount monthly in a paid AI subscription offers greater security and performance. You can use AI to simplify complex information—ask it to explain topics at your level of understanding. Don't overthink prompts; start with natural conversation and refine as you learn. Approach AI as a helpful conversation partner, not a technical system you must master immediately.   Stay Connected: Website: coachapproachministries.org Email: info@coachapproachministries.org LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Follow us on social media for updates and resources!

Have you ever looked at a photograph and felt a surge of memories or emotions, as if the image before you opened a door to another time or place? This is one of the most magical aspects of photography – its ability to act as a metaphor, connecting us to deeper meanings and experiences beyond the frame. When we look at a photograph, it's not just a snapshot of a moment. It becomes a mirror, reflecting our own stories and memories. This metaphorical power is what elevates photography from mere documentation to an art form... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-power-of-photographic-metaphor-reflections-pathways-and-doors/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

If your religious heritage is associated with the American Restoration Movement, have you ever wondered what makes us who we are? Our DNA betrays us. In this second of a 3-part series, we examine the purity stream of the restoration movement, as expressed in Churches of Christ.The sermon today is titled "The Purity Stream." This sermon is the second installment in our series "Churches of Christ: Understanding Our Story." Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on April 6, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under LEARN: Christian History.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):Walter Scott, The Gospel Restored (1836)J W Shepherd, The Church, The Falling Away, and the Restoration.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

If your religious heritage is associated with the American Restoration Movement, have you ever wondered what makes us who we are? Our DNA betrays us. In this first of a 3-part series, we examine the unity stream of the restoration movement, as expressed in Churches of Christ.The sermon today is titled "The Unity Stream." This sermon is the first installment in our series "Churches of Christ: Understanding Our Story." Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on March 30, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under LEARN: Christian History.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):Last Will & Testament of the Springfield Presbytery (1804).T. B. Larimore, quoted in Larimore & His Boys.F. D. Srygley, Gospel Advocate (1890's).G. C. Brewer, Foundation Facts and Primary Principles (1949).I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Cameras are truly marvelous devices, capable of capturing moments and turning them into lasting memories. They can freeze time, tell stories, and evoke powerful emotions. But here's the catch – a camera can only do these incredible things if you have it with you when the perfect photographic opportunity arises. Mark Twain once said, “The person who does not read has no advantage over the one who cannot read.” The same goes for photography: if you leave your camera at home, you're no better off than someone who doesn't own one. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-importance-of-always-carrying-your-camera-seizing-every-photographic-opportunity/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Unity. It was the prayer of Jesus. It is the sign of our identity. It is the proof of our Savior's presence. All will know we are Christ's disciples by how we treat one another. For we are one in Christ Jesus. In this three-part series, we explore the blessings, basis, and barriers to maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.The sermon today is titled "Barriers To Unity." This sermon is the third and last installment in our series "One In Christ." The Scripture reading is from Galatians 3:26-28 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on October 12, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under SERVE: Announcing The Kingdom.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):Alan Jacobs, How To Think (Currency, 2017).Susan Harding, "Representing Fundamentalism: The Problem of the Repugnant Cultural Other." Social Research 58/2 (Summer 1991): 373-93.Scott Alexander, "I Can Tolerate Anything Except The Outgroup." Sep 30, 2014.On "Conscience Fellowship," See F. LaGard Smith, Who Is My Brother?, Chapter 8.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Integrating the principles of effective communication with the realm of photography offers a unique and compelling perspective, particularly for a blog centered on this art form. Here's how the Three Rules of Communication can be beautifully paralleled with the process and presentation of photography, enriching the content for your blog.. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-three-pillars-of-communication/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Have you ever flipped through an old family album or browsed antique photos online and noticed that hardly anyone is smiling? It almost looks like people from the past never had much fun. But the truth is, the story behind those solemn faces is a mix of technology, culture, and changing ideas of what a photo should capture. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/why-people-didnt-smile-in-old-photos/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

What If Color Had Come First? Let's imagine something wild for a second: what if color photography had been invented first? Would we have ever created black and white photography at all? Or would we have dismissed it as incomplete, a technological limitation, an odd artistic experiment? The fact that we even ask this question says something about black and white photography—it's not just a holdover from history. It's not a fallback or a filter. It's a language. A philosophy. And despite the endless tools and possibilities available to us today, photographers still return to black and white with reverence, as if it holds a kind of truth that color sometimes hides. So let's explore why. Why do we keep stripping away the color? Why does this ancient, “outdated” format still have such a tight grip on our imaginations? Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/black-and-white-photography-importance/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Unity. It was the prayer of Jesus. It is the sign of our identity. It is the proof of our Savior's presence. All will know we are Christ's disciples by how we treat one another. For we are one in Christ Jesus. In this three-part series, we explore the blessings, basis, and barriers to maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.The sermon today is titled "The Basis For Unity." This sermon is the second installment in our series "One In Christ." The Scripture reading is from Galatians 3:2-28 (NIV) and Ephesians 4:1-6 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on October 5, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under SERVE: Announcing The Kingdom.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):Aaron Earls, "Most Americans Want Their Church to Share Their Politics," Christianity Today (Nov 1, 2022).Kevin Brown, "The Call to John 17 Unity." Mere Orthodoxy (Oct 4, 2023).1974 article "How Sound Are You?" Referenced by Mark Henderson, "People Need The Unity-Committed Church," ACU Lectureship 1996.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

In the arts, practice is everything. I know this because I lived it. In college, I was a woodwind major, playing the saxophone. My life revolved around practice rooms. Hours of scales. Long tones until my lips were buzzing. Etudes, arpeggios, and drills over and over until the notes weren't just learned, they were built into muscle memory. At first, it felt tedious. Repetition can wear you down. But eventually, the practice did what it was supposed to do: it freed me. My fingers no longer stumbled. My breathing fell into rhythm. I didn't have to think about the mechanics anymore—I could focus entirely on the music itself. That's what practice does. It clears away the clutter between you and the art. And photography, though it might not seem obvious at first, works the very same way... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/more-than-just-clicking-a-button/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

If you've been researching family history for any length of time, you've probably heard someone say, “Well, the trail stops with the immigrant ancestor. Once you hit the ocean, you can't go any further.” This idea is one of the most persistent myths in genealogy. Many people stop at the ancestor who stepped off the ship, resigned to the belief that records from “the old country” are too hard to find, inaccessible, or simply don't exist. At first glance, the myth makes sense. Immigration records can be patchy. Language barriers are intimidating. Foreign archives may seem distant and mysterious. For years, genealogists accepted the idea that you could trace your family back to the arrival in America, Canada, or Australia, and no further. But here's the truth: genealogy doesn't end at the ocean. The ocean is not a wall — it's a bridge. With patience, persistence, and the right tools, you can cross it. Today, countless records from Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America are available in digital form. Archives are more accessible than ever. And local experts around the world are helping researchers trace their families across borders... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/genealogy-ends-at-the-ocean/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Unity. It was the prayer of Jesus. It is the sign of our identity. It is the proof of our Savior's presence. All will know we are Christ's disciples by how we treat one another. For we are one in Christ Jesus. In this three-part series, we explore the blessings, basis, and barriers to maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.The sermon today is titled "The Blessings Of Unity." This sermon is the first installment in our series "One In Christ." The Scripture reading is from Galatians 3:2-28 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on September 28, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under SERVE: Announcing The Kingdom.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):Two Coal Piles. Taken from Ken Weilander, "Oneness," Fishers Church of Christ webpage. Oct 31, 2021.Two words for Peace. Taken from Sam Wells, "He Is Our Peace." Sermon at Duke University Chapel, July 19, 2009.Practical atheist. See Ken Weilander, "Are you a practical atheist?" The Preachers Word. Sep 29, 2019.It takes preachers to keep us apart. See Marvin Phillips, "Continuing Jesus' Prayer for Unity." Tulsa Soul Winning Workshop, 2000.Barton W. Stone, "Remarks," Christian Messenger, August 1835, p.180.Unity creates belief. See Rick Ezell, "Sermon: Unified in Purpose--Acts 4."God's presence, Christ's practice, Spirit's priority. Taken from Jeff Walling, "Let's Accept One Another." Tulsa Soul Winning Workshop, 1998.Thomas Campbell, Declaration and Address [1809]God won't have an aisle in heaven. See John Duncum, "The Creed of Unity: John 17." Pepperdine University Bible Lectureship, 1996.I drew a circle that took him in. Edwin Markham (1852-1940), "Outwitted."I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

In recent years, DNA testing has become one of the hottest tools in genealogy. It promises quick answers to old questions, colorful charts that tell you your ethnic breakdown, and even lists of genetic cousins you never knew you had. For many researchers, DNA has been a game-changer. It has reunited families, broken through long-standing mysteries, and added a powerful new dimension to traditional research. But with all that excitement comes a myth: the belief that DNA testing will solve every brick wall. Many people assume that if you just spit in a tube, all of your genealogical puzzles will untangle themselves. That simply isn't true. DNA is powerful, but it is not magic. It has limits, and those limits matter. In this essay, we'll look at why this myth exists, where DNA really shines, where it struggles, and how you can use it wisely as one tool in a larger toolkit... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/dna-testing-genealogy-brick-wall/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Many of us grow up hearing stories about our family's background. Maybe your grandmother insisted her side of the family was “pure Irish.” Or perhaps your grandfather proudly declared that his ancestors were “completely German, no mixture at all.” In some households, there is even the belief that one particular ancestor was “full-blooded Cherokee,” “100 percent Scottish,” or “pure Italian.” These stories are often told with pride. They give families a sense of identity and belonging. But when we hold them up to the light of history and genealogy, a different picture emerges. The idea that an ancestor was “100 percent” one ethnicity is rarely true, and it is almost never as simple as the stories make it sound. The myth of pure ethnicity is powerful because it speaks to human longing. People like neat boxes and clear categories. We want to know where we come from. We want to say, with confidence, “My ancestors were entirely Irish,” or “We have nothing but German blood.” The problem is, history is messy, borders change, and people have always moved, married, and mixed. This time, we are going to explore why the myth of pure ethnicity exists, where it came from, how DNA testing complicates it, and what the records really show. By the end, you'll see that your ancestors, like everyone else's, were part of a long story of blending, migration, and mixing. And that makes your family history far more interesting than the myth of “100 percent” purity. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/pure-ethnicity-ancestor-myth/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

One of the most tempting shortcuts in genealogy is the idea of the “master family tree.” A single, giant, authoritative tree where everyone is already linked, all the names and dates are correct, and all you have to do is plug your family into the right spot. You'll hear this myth from new researchers, see it implied in online ads, and sometimes even find it in casual conversations: “Isn't there one big tree somewhere that already has all of this figured out?” It's a nice idea. Imagine logging in, clicking a few buttons, and instantly tracing your family back ten generations. But here's the truth: a flawless, universal master tree does not exist, and probably never will. That doesn't mean there aren't shared trees online. It just means they are often riddled with errors, duplications, and contradictions. Today, we'll dig into where the myth came from, how shared trees can be both helpful and dangerous, and what you should do instead to build a reliable family history. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/master-family-tree-genealogy-myth/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

The internet has changed genealogy forever. A few clicks can uncover census records, passenger lists, or even digitized newspapers that once took months of travel and library time to access. Companies like Ancestry, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage have built enormous databases. Google can even surface obscure family references. With so much at our fingertips, it's easy to believe the myth: “All of genealogy is online now.” But here's the truth: while the internet is an incredible tool, the majority of genealogical records are still not online. Many live in courthouse basements, small-town libraries, church archives, or dusty boxes in county offices. Some will never be digitized. If you rely only on online databases, you'll miss out on huge parts of your family story. Let's explore why this myth is so common, what's really available online, and how to push your research further by going offline... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/genealogy-records-online-myth/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Then a kingdom of love will be set up, and someone from David's family will rule with fairness. He will do what is right and quickly bring justice” (Isaiah 16:5 CEV).The final lesson in our series of discipleship is the final word on what it means to apprentice under a cross-carrying Messiah. This is how all will know that we are His disciples. Doing rightly, acting justly, and living as ambassadors of the kingdom of love.The sermon today is titled "A Kingdom of Love." This sermon is the twenty-sixth installment in our series "Follow Me." The Scripture reading is from Isaiah 16:5 and John 13:34-35 (CEV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on September 21, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Spiritual Formation.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):For the call to worship, I am grateful for the reflections of John N. Oswalt, Isaiah, The NIV Application Commentary on Isaiah 16.For the first half of this lesson, I am indebted to Sam Wells, “Love Your Enemies,” Sermon at Duke University Chapel, November 4, 2007.For the second half of this lesson, I am indebted to Martin Luther King, Jr. “Loving Your Enemies,” Sermon delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Nov 17, 1957.On peacemakers, not peacekeepers, see Wes McAdams, “The Peacemakers,” Sermon, Edmond Church of Christ, July 30, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/live/n48kfDI7wjk?t=981sOn our first instinct to destroy the destroyers, see Helen Prejean, “Loving Enemies: Is It Possible for Ordinary People?,” Sermon delivered at Duke University Chapel on Dec 4, 2011 For the line "if your king isn't about love and goodness, your life needs another king," I got this from Ben Hayes, minister at Highland Park Church of Christ in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

For genealogists, the census is like a treasure chest. Those big sheets of names, ages, occupations, and birthplaces are often the first stop when we start tracing a family tree. They feel official, stamped with the authority of the government, and that makes them seem ironclad. But here's the myth we need to bust: the census is not always correct. Yes, census records are invaluable. They offer details you won't find anywhere else. But they are also full of quirks, errors, contradictions, and missing information. If you take every line at face value, you could easily chase the wrong ancestor or miss the right one altogether. The good news? Once you understand why the census is imperfect—and how to work with those imperfections—you'll unlock its real power as a genealogical tool. Let's dive deep into this myth, explore why mistakes happened, and discover how to read between the lines. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/census-record-accuracy-myth/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Have you ever heard a family story that sounds just a little too good to be true? Maybe it's the tale of a “Cherokee princess” somewhere in your tree. Or maybe a great-aunt swore that your family is connected to European royalty. These are two of the most popular legends in genealogy, and they've been told so many times that they start to feel like fact. Here's the truth: Native tribes didn't have “princesses,” and most family lines don't secretly lead back to kings and queens. Still, these stories stick around because they're exciting, a little glamorous, and they give us a sense of pride. That doesn't mean your family history isn't fascinating—it just means the real story might be very different than the legend. And honestly, that's where the fun begins. In this article, we'll look at where these myths came from, why they've lasted so long, and how you can check the facts for yourself... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/cherokee-princess-royal-ancestor-myth/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Family stories have a way of becoming family legends, and one of the most common you'll hear in genealogical circles is this: “Our ancestor came through Ellis Island, and the clerks changed the family name because they couldn't spell it.” It's dramatic, almost cinematic. Imagine the scene—ships crowding New York Harbor, weary travelers clutching suitcases, and an impatient official scribbling down a “new” surname that forever altered the family's story. But here's the reality: Ellis Island clerks did not change names. The truth is both less theatrical and more interesting, because it says something important about how myths form, how families adapt, and where the real records are hiding... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/ellis-island-name-change-myth/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips