Pioneers in the Bloggernacle

A pioneering spirit prevails in the posts this week. So in honor of yesterday's Pioneer Day holiday, we honor the pioneers, those first pioneers for the sacrifices they made, and those modern pioneers who bravely step out to blaze new trails, including blogging trails!Western Pioneers: I just still can't get over the awesomeness of Charles Harper's blog The Way West, with the diary entries meticulously entered in by his great granddaughter. Click on over to see his first moments in the Salt Lake Valley.Spiritual Pioneers: What do "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "Ye Elders of Israel" have in common? To find out, click over to this fascinating musical comparison of "African American Spirituals and the Mormon Pioneers" with included links to lyrics. One great point: "The Mormon Pioneer songs also expressed the connection to the spirituals, of a suffering, yet optimistic people who expected God's judgment on its persecutors."  Wow!Musical Pioneers: Enjoy the "Mormon Tabernacle Choir Pioneer Concert" slated for tonight and tomorrow. If you can't attend in person, Mormon Soprano provides a handy list of rebroadcasts.Prophetic Pioneers: For a sweet clip about President Monson, click on over to this post on "For Pioneer Day, A Prophet of Peace."Ancestral Pioneers: A wonderful and surprising "wholly unexpected spine-tingling unbelievable fantastic" genealogical story of "Carl and Mathilda." Definitely worth the long length, this awesome pioneer story should inspire you!Oxen Pioneers: "How to Handle Your Oxen When You Cross the Plains" is a intriguing excerpt from a pioneer's autobiography and provides useful advice for selecting and then treating an oxen team. For example: "A good teamster will make his cattle love him. This can be done only by constant kind treatment; such as carding; stroking their faces, and occasionally breathing in their nostrils." Interesting!Disciple Pioneers: What can we learn from the pioneers? How can we honor their sacrifice, hard work and faith? "Mostly the pioneers were just doing what they had to for two reasons — to survive and to serve God… Pioneer day is for all of us. It's about sacrifices and actively following Christ, no matter where the path leads."