Saturday, December 24, 2005

Gulf County Genealogical Society Website

Gulf County Genealogical Society Website
Other than the snowflakes that are entirely too busy, I think that website is a wonderful effort at communicating the mission of the genealogy people in Gulf County.

Thursday, December 22, 2005

The Cyber Hymnal

The Cyber Hymnal This website has a host of (no pun intended) of options to explore. If you love music, you will want to check it out.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

ocplc_fwb: January 2006

ocplc_fwb: January 2006 For mothers with little ones still at home: why not plan an outing to the FWB Library? I noticed that "Carpet Surfers" sounds like it might be fun. Okay, well, maybe not f-u-n, but a break from the usual, perhaps?

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

family-reunion.com - Planning activities for your family reunion

family-reunion.com - Planning activities for your family reunion Some of you may think that I got my genealogy hat mixed up with my church member hat, but since "Redemption for the dead" (or is it "of the dead") is church doctrine, I'd like to relate an experience I had recently with telling stories, which is pertinent to this site's message.

This has happened twice to me: members of a group were asked to share a Christmas memory. Each time someone shared, they touched others with a familiar theme. One lady was telling about how they had to go out and get the turkey for dinner; that reminded me that it was at this time of the year that a "turkey shoot" was held in the community (then a rural place) of Wright. That was always an easy way to get the turkey!

So each time you share memories with other family members, they may hear some little tidbit that will stir them to remember something. This sharing of stories becomes the background on which our ancestors led their lives. It is a "group think" kind of idea. Two heads are better than one.

Monday, December 19, 2005

Salt Lake Tribune - Opinion

Salt Lake Tribune - Opinion Okay, in my humble opinion, this is an example of where religion and government combine to make history. In such instances, I believe that history should be preserved as it is, not as an image of what is politically correct in this day and age. If it were not for Mormons, there might not be a state of Utah. Well, that's what I think. The symbol of the beehive is not exclusively a symbol of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a symbol of industriousness, of unity, and perhaps other things--none of which are offensive to the responsible citizen.

I want someone to explain to me the argument for separating church and state. I understand the premise that one might desire that the Utah quarter reflect the broader view of Utah as it is now, not as it once was (a refuge and school for the young church and its people). I do not understand when it is appropriate to ignore history and high moral values for the sake of this principle.

ksl.com - Utah's Online Source for Local News & Information LDS Church Prepares for 200th Birthday of Joseph Smith

ksl.com - Utah's Online Source for Local News & Information LDS Church Prepares for 200th Birthday of Joseph Smith Birthday for a prophet requires preparation. The broadcast for our local (FWB) congregations will take place on Friday, December 23rd at 7p.m.

Friday, December 16, 2005

Teach the Children Christian Christmas Stories

Teach the Children Christian Christmas Stories We heard a version of this at Enrichment Meeting in December, but it's worth repeating. Thanks to my Hungarian friend, for the link.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

NewsandSentinel.com: Blizzard Boxes being delivered to those shut in - - The Parkersburg News & Sentinel

NewsandSentinel.com: Blizzard Boxes being delivered to those shut in - - The Parkersburg News & Sentinel

Best Christmas Books


Children's Books: Guide to Ten Best Christmas Picture Books.

Christmas Books featuring Folklore.

Children: The Twelve Books of Christmas

Recommendations from the UK: Guy Browning

Churches to close down for holiday

Another local headline, this one originating from AP's Religion writer, Rachel Zoll, "Closed on Christmas".

Christmas comes this year on a Sunday. Some large churches are cancelling Sunday worship services, but why? Partly because their pastors know that attendance will be low. Partly because they believe that Christmas is a family day. They rationalize this call by scheduling numerous services leading up to Christmas day, including Christmas Eve services.

There are others, however, that see this trend as alarming, as part of the whole mindset where individuals do their own thing. Roman Catholic parishes often see their largest crowds of the year on Christmas, however.

Speaking of family, how about our older Brother, Jesus Christ? It is His day, after all. Where would He have us be? And if partaking of the Sacrament were ever an opportunity for giving the gift of repentance, it must be especially significant I believe, to give that gift on Christmas. "To obey is better than sacrifice", (1 Samuel 15:22). But can't we do both? Sacrifice the world for the Word? Sacrifice tradition for covenant making?

"O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day." (Alma 22:18).

What wonderful blessings attend those who are willing to give away all their sins! Willingness is the key to appreciating those blessings. It means so much more if we give with the heart. And what day is more appropriate for doing that than the Sabbath upon which we celebrate the birth of Christ. Without Him, there would be no Christmas, no atonement, no salvation, no resurrection and no eternal life.

Torture is alright?

Headline in local paper reads "Torture is alright, AP poll finds". Since when did a poll define what is right and what is wrong, or in this case, what is alright? Torturing terrorism suspects is justified in rare instances, according to this AP source. 61 percent of Americans surveyed agreed that torture is justified on rare occasions.

From the Deseret News:
The church "condemns inhumane treatment of any person under any circumstances," said church spokesman Dale Bills. "The church has not taken a position on any proposed legislative or administrative actions regarding torture." (Thursday, November 24, 2005)...

War is hell, indeed and the type of wars being waged in these latter-days are especially hellish. All is fair in the book of terroism. How do you wage war against people who can justify any action to accomplish their purposes? Where does interrogation cross the line into torture? Hard questions. When in the interests of many are the rights of the individual abrogated? These are decisions that belong to an omnipotent judge, but ones that our soldiers and their leaders may face on a battlefield unlike any that has before existed.

See also ksl.com for further information.

Happy Birthday on Dec. 23rd

Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Last Dispensation, born 1805 in Sharon, Vermont, was one of ten children eventually born to Lucy Mack Smith. He was a charismatic and influential leader, according to PBS.

To view quilts that showcase parts of his life, click on the Deseret News link.

For a Tongan celebration of his life, click on this link.

Meridian Magazine :: Articles : Our Troops Need Your Christmas Gift of Love

Meridian Magazine :: Articles : Our Troops Need Your Christmas Gift of Love Scroll down to the bottom of this article for the addresses of chaplains willing to pass your Christmas greetings along to a defender of freedom.

Meridian Magazine : Family Leader Network:?Twelve Rules of Christmas? Guidelines for Public Holiday Celebrations

Meridian Magazine : Family Leader Network:?Twelve Rules of Christmas? Guidelines for Public Holiday Celebrations Meridian is such a wonderful source of information, and since there seems to be so much confusion about this subject, it is really helpful to have guidelines of what can and cannot be done to celebrate Christmas in the public eye.

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Free Book of Mormon

Free Book of Mormon

deseretnews.com | Utah scam led to LDS faith and a new life for Mafioso

deseretnews.com | Utah scam led to LDS faith and a new life for Mafioso
A story, a book, and a movie stranger than fiction.

ksl.com - Utah's Online Source for Local News & Information LDS Missionary Killed in Train Accident

ksl.com - Utah's Online Source for Local News & Information LDS Missionary Killed in Train Accident

Fallen warrior wore the armor of God and gave his life for freedom's cause...Spiritual freedom is the best gift that can be given. At this Christmas time, we feel for the Ellsworth family, but know that they are comforted by the knowledge that their son was fighting the good fight, spreading the good news of the Gospel, and will continue serving the true Captain of his soul.

Christmas Holiday Printables & Crafts

Christmas Holiday Printables & Crafts I found this really neat site and those of you with children will certainly agree.

Monday, December 05, 2005

S&H greenpoints

S&H greenpoints S&H Stamps live again in the form of points! Provident living includes getting the most out of our bucks, doesn't it?

deseretnews.com | Christ's mission is affirmed in Book of Mormon, LDS told

deseretnews.com | Christ's mission is affirmed in Book of Mormon, LDS told I sang, last night, with the Tabernacle Choir, as many of you did. What a privilege to rejoice in the birth of our Savior! How important it is to be reminded that the greatest gift was the gift of the atonement as personified and accomplished by the Redeemer.

Salt Lake Tribune - Utah

Salt Lake Tribune - Utah
Church's Family Services a model for other adoption agencies.

Beginning the Beehive Buzz



I needed a place to post all of the links I stumble across from time to time--Links that relate to the Church in some way or other. So that is what Beehive Buzz is all about. There will also be postings of news items, events, or whatever I discover that I believe is newsworthy.

In addition, I may do a few movie reviews, talk about family traditions, and in general post uplifting and encouraging stuff. What good news can we rejoice about in these latter-days? On the flip side of the coin, are there issues we need to be concerned about? Issues which are troubling or challenging, but beg for resolutions and strong minds and bodies?

I hope you will feel free to treat this blog as best suits your needs. If you life is too busy to have even one more thing in it, then just totally ignore this blog! If, on the other hand, you find it informative, make it one of your "favorites" or book mark it.

We live in exciting times, brothers and sisters. There will be dreadful days, dreadful events, and sorrow. But there will also be knowledge, joy, light and growth. May we strengthen each other and stand together for that which is lovely, praiseworthy or of good report. May we find the courage to stand together against that which is evil.

Each bee in the hive has a job, but it takes all the bees working together to make the hive buzz with productivity! Please give me some feedback about my postings. E-mail me with your own ideas, links, and suggestions.