Reader comments
LDS to download copy of blessings
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MarkS | 6:35 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
These are both great initiatives. I noticed when I went to download some sound
files from conference that the Priesthood session only has the text and the ASL
files--anyone know if there's a particular reason for this?
rita | 6:37 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
i think is wonderfull Enter comment
arc | 6:42 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
This is way cool.
Comments continue below
RockOn | 7:17 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Wonderful. Great to have such access. I lose everything and to have my PB easy
to retrieve is great. Glad the Church is doing such forward thinking. I will
also say as I approach 60 I am overwhelmed at times as I read my blessing at how
specific, detailed and precise the blessing is and how perfectly it has given me
insights beyond human understanding. Looking back it has been a specific roadmap
for my life. A very grateful recipient. PTL.
Debbie | 7:28 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
How I love to see technology at its finest, doing good in the world! It's
great that the Church wants to make life easier for us and the web-based
activities from genealogy to magazine subscriptions, lesson planning, and so
much more help so much.
Matthew | 7:45 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Conference over the internet is a great thing. But... I'd be more
interested in the number of people, like our family, that weren't able to
view conference over the internet this October because the servers, or
bandwidth, were overwhelmed. We had to settle for the audio stream for three of
the sessions. (only Saturday AM worked) I'm hoping that the Church is
aware of this problem, even if a fix isn't reasonnable or affordable.
Screen Age | 8:58 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Wow, welcome to the Screen Age, Saints.
I wish the church would provide a web-based way of tracking progress on Duty to God and Young Women goals... something that would allow parents, youth and leaders to collaborate.
And a better physical facility scheduler would be nice as well.
I wish the church would provide a web-based way of tracking progress on Duty to God and Young Women goals... something that would allow parents, youth and leaders to collaborate.
And a better physical facility scheduler would be nice as well.
Bill | 9:14 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
To MarkS -- it was always been church policy (for as long as I can remember at
least) to get Priesthood holders out to the live Priesthood session at their
Stake Centers. Because of this, Priesthood session is not broadcast on
television or streamed on the Internet. If however you are unable to attend the
Priesthood session, you can either read the talks online or in the Ensign, or
you can purchase the DVD set and watch the session (video and all) a few months
after conference is over. Yes, the only place to get video of the Priesthood
session is via the conference DVD set.
kathyn | 9:16 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Just last month I had requested a copy of my PB and it was such a joy to get it
after not having it for years. It was such an easy process at the time, but
this new way is even better!
lynn tn | 9:49 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
ditto: cool
A EQ Secretary | 9:49 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
@Screen Age
I agree there is a lot of potential for scheduling/tracking that the church could implement. I think there is a fine line that should be watched to make sure there is still accountability and personal contact for some things, but for building scheduling and the other things you mentioned it would work well. One thing I would love to be able to do is update/change home teaching companionships online because it is often hard to get on the ward computer to do so.
I agree there is a lot of potential for scheduling/tracking that the church could implement. I think there is a fine line that should be watched to make sure there is still accountability and personal contact for some things, but for building scheduling and the other things you mentioned it would work well. One thing I would love to be able to do is update/change home teaching companionships online because it is often hard to get on the ward computer to do so.
RV | 10:12 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
It will be interesting to read some of the PB blessing given to our pioneer
ancestors. I'm truly looking forward to this.
BH | 10:27 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Mark:
Because the Priesthood Session is broadcast only over the church satellite system (which I believe is still analog), it usually takes a little longer for the video to be made available on LDS.org. Check again in a few more weeks.
Because the Priesthood Session is broadcast only over the church satellite system (which I believe is still analog), it usually takes a little longer for the video to be made available on LDS.org. Check again in a few more weeks.
Ronnie Bray | 11:02 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
This is an excellent development.
In regard to local, ie, Ward or Stake scheduling, that can be done locally with very little effort and a modicum of willingness and know-how.
I should think it is well nigh impossible to find any unit of the church anywhere in the world without someone that could establish these programmes for local unit or stake use.
There has been exponential growth in websites dedicate to Wards, Branches, and Stakes' schedulinmg, tracking, etc.
Caution must be exercised when posting personal data online in order not to infringe any part of the Data Protection Act, or put such information online that can be accessed - legally or illegally - by evil men and seducers as they wax worse and worse.
Sensitive material such as is spoken of in earlier posts can be maintained on a leader's personal PC, provided that safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information.
Ronnie
In regard to local, ie, Ward or Stake scheduling, that can be done locally with very little effort and a modicum of willingness and know-how.
I should think it is well nigh impossible to find any unit of the church anywhere in the world without someone that could establish these programmes for local unit or stake use.
There has been exponential growth in websites dedicate to Wards, Branches, and Stakes' schedulinmg, tracking, etc.
Caution must be exercised when posting personal data online in order not to infringe any part of the Data Protection Act, or put such information online that can be accessed - legally or illegally - by evil men and seducers as they wax worse and worse.
Sensitive material such as is spoken of in earlier posts can be maintained on a leader's personal PC, provided that safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information.
Ronnie
Ang | 11:05 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
I too, am excited to read my deceased ancestors' blessings. Especially my
grandparents' blessings! :D
Foreseeable Problems | 11:11 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
I can foresee huge problems with this. How long will it take for some
anti-Mormon to hack the system and download thousands of Patriarchal Blessings
to mock and publish to the world. My PB is personal. I will not be submitting
it to the database and I hope the church will not put it on the site without
asking permission.
Michigan Youth Leader | 11:25 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
TO ScreenAge:
For a system to track YM/YW programs, do a Google search for "YM YW Tracking". Even though the Church doesn't provide a web-based system, there already is a good way to track, collaborate, and report on progress towards Duty to God, Scouting, Personal Progress, Faith in God, etc.
For a system to track YM/YW programs, do a Google search for "YM YW Tracking". Even though the Church doesn't provide a web-based system, there already is a good way to track, collaborate, and report on progress towards Duty to God, Scouting, Personal Progress, Faith in God, etc.
Tia | 11:26 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
I'm just curious, total honest question here...aren't those blessings
supposed to be private unless you want to inform others of them? Being able to
access past and present pb's of your family seems somewhat invasive...
BTB | 11:38 a.m. Oct. 22, 2008
I am glad to have access PBs online, however I am not pleased with the fact that
other can access my PBs. My PB is my own. Who I choose to share that with
should be entirely up to me.
Concerned | 12:10 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Re Foreseeable Problems:
While I think it would be great to read my progenitors' blessings, I agree that there are potential problems with this. Being in the web business, and having been involoved with church-provided software over the years makes me even more concerned. The church needs to have absolutely top-notch security experts involved with this project, or they need to immediately reconsider its implementation.
While I think it would be great to read my progenitors' blessings, I agree that there are potential problems with this. Being in the web business, and having been involoved with church-provided software over the years makes me even more concerned. The church needs to have absolutely top-notch security experts involved with this project, or they need to immediately reconsider its implementation.
LeeAnn | 12:19 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Re- Tia, the church is constantly changing their stance on things, so It
doesn't really matter. We need to be able to go SNOOP if we please.
I'm looking forward to this. I love digging into records.
Re: Tia | 12:19 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
From what I understand, the Church is only making available the Patriarchal
Blessings for yourself, your spouse, direct descendants (ie: Children,
grandchildren, etc...) or deceased direct ancestors (ie: dead parents,
grandparents, great grandparents, etc) I won't have a problem with my
parents looking at my Patriarchal Blessing, as they were there when it was given
anyway... My wife won't mind if I look at hers, as we read each others on a
regular basis as well. What you can't do is go online and look up your
brother's blessing and uncles, best friends etc...
Anonymous | 12:30 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
BTB: I would agree with you but I think this decision was made by the First
Presidency and on that, I just accept what they say.
Interesting | 12:39 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Several years ago I went to the LDS Historical Department in SLC to get a copy
of patriarchal blessings given to several of mine and my wife's pioneer era
ancestors. I got the blessings, they were hand written and, I believe, were
given by John Smith.
In one of the blessings (this was one of Brigham Young's son in laws), the recipient was told he "would live to see all the doings of the Lord and would not taste of death". This individual died in the 1890's and was a very faithful Church member.
In two other blessings (pioneer era), the recipients were both told they would live to see the return of the 10 tribes.
Hmm...
In one of the blessings (this was one of Brigham Young's son in laws), the recipient was told he "would live to see all the doings of the Lord and would not taste of death". This individual died in the 1890's and was a very faithful Church member.
In two other blessings (pioneer era), the recipients were both told they would live to see the return of the 10 tribes.
Hmm...
McBush | 12:41 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
You have to have a PB record number to access your PB as well as those of
spouses and other loved ones. I think the church knows and respects the private
matters very well.
MSM | 12:46 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
BTB,
As I read the policy, you will be able to access your children's blessings, but they will not be able to access yours until after your death. This is the way it has always been - the electronic access method just streamlines the process and makes it easier.
As I read the policy, you will be able to access your children's blessings, but they will not be able to access yours until after your death. This is the way it has always been - the electronic access method just streamlines the process and makes it easier.
What a Crock | 12:57 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
What a crock of nonsense.
Michael B | 1:02 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Tia and BTB,
In my conversations with people working on the project, there will be the same restrictions in accessing these blessings online as there are in requesting a copy of blessings through the mail. That is, you may only view blessings for yourself, your spouse, a direct line descendant, and a deceased direct line ancestor.
In my conversations with people working on the project, there will be the same restrictions in accessing these blessings online as there are in requesting a copy of blessings through the mail. That is, you may only view blessings for yourself, your spouse, a direct line descendant, and a deceased direct line ancestor.
To BTB | 1:06 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
BTB you have it wrong. No one will be able to access your blessing except you.
However, after you die, your direct lineal descendants will be able to.
Anonymous | 1:13 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
we have books about our ancestors where their blessings are printed. it is neat
to see what things were told them and how we as their posterity have benefitted
from their blessings. my parents have copies of my blessing (they were present
when the blessing was given). you will only be able to download direct-line
blessings, not siblings or friends.
Tia | 1:24 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Ok, I understand all of that, but it's still a privacy issue. Just because
your family would be fine with it doesn't mean EVERY family would.
Take mine for example. I'm no longer LDS, but my parents are. They hold their blessings as sacred, and I respect that, so I never tried to look at them. They told me snippets they were comfortable telling, but that's all. I don't think it's a good idea.
Take mine for example. I'm no longer LDS, but my parents are. They hold their blessings as sacred, and I respect that, so I never tried to look at them. They told me snippets they were comfortable telling, but that's all. I don't think it's a good idea.
Jared | 1:35 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
BH
The Church does not ever put audio or video (other than ASL) copies of the Priesthood Session online. You can buy the CDs or DVDs and get it that way but it has never been available online.
The Church does not ever put audio or video (other than ASL) copies of the Priesthood Session online. You can buy the CDs or DVDs and get it that way but it has never been available online.
re12:19 | 1:44 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
What is you say you are related to someone and you really aren't? Can
snoops like LeeAnn still dig around?
Anonymous | 1:45 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
I'm thrilled with this new program. Now if we could get live sessiona of
General Conference broadcast to the guys in Iraq, now that would be something!!!
My husband is in Iraq and they never get the chance to hear any of General
Conference until about 6 months to a year later than originally broadcast, via
church magazine or on a church published DVD.
Oh my Heck!!! | 1:52 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Some of you poor people need some help. I mean REALLY!
ONE- YOU will only be able to look at your PB. Even if you want your BFF to see your PB. . . sorry.
TWO- If they are dead, I think your ancestors won't mind pretty much anyone looking at their PB.
THREE- And this is a big one for some of you people to understand. NO ONE WILL BE HACKING INTO THIS SYSTEM - THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO. Some of the safest data sites on the planet are managed by the Church. I was on the ground floor of FamilySearch when I was with the Family History Dept. (18 yrs.), and believe you me, there is maximum effort put into security for these sites.
FOUR- I know there will be some who say, "I don't want my blessing on this site!" Once again, SORRY! Presidents Hinkley and Monson were on the approval part of this. So, get over it.
ONE- YOU will only be able to look at your PB. Even if you want your BFF to see your PB. . . sorry.
TWO- If they are dead, I think your ancestors won't mind pretty much anyone looking at their PB.
THREE- And this is a big one for some of you people to understand. NO ONE WILL BE HACKING INTO THIS SYSTEM - THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO. Some of the safest data sites on the planet are managed by the Church. I was on the ground floor of FamilySearch when I was with the Family History Dept. (18 yrs.), and believe you me, there is maximum effort put into security for these sites.
FOUR- I know there will be some who say, "I don't want my blessing on this site!" Once again, SORRY! Presidents Hinkley and Monson were on the approval part of this. So, get over it.
same policy | 1:54 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
To those who are concerned about the direct descendants/ deceased ancestors,
that is not a change. You could already request copies of those. It just
required somebody physically looking for it in the files and making a copy for
you (considerable time and effort). Now it will be much easier to access what
you were already allowed to access.
lynn | 2:16 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
This is scary. My sister went through a SEVERE domestic violence divorce. Her ex
was a ward clerk. He knows her membership number. She is freaked he may be able
to get anything of hers. How is something like that supposed to be prevented?
Sarah | 2:35 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
I am excited to read my great grandma's PB because we both have the same
illness and I am interested to see what her's says.
Anonymous | 2:50 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
I wish you could pay tithing on line. That would be way easier than using a
check.
Tim B. | 2:50 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Re: Interesting
My pioneer ancestors blessings were similar to yours. My Mormon ancestors never lived long enough to see their first crop of corn pop up. I say, patriarch blessings are not always true. My sister who is living today, who is as well in her sixties, who is also a devout member of the LDS church, was told in her PB that she would be blessed with MANY son's and daughters here on earth before she died. She has never seen or had one single child of her own..... hummmm? She's way too old now for child bearing. So that won't ever happen.
My pioneer ancestors blessings were similar to yours. My Mormon ancestors never lived long enough to see their first crop of corn pop up. I say, patriarch blessings are not always true. My sister who is living today, who is as well in her sixties, who is also a devout member of the LDS church, was told in her PB that she would be blessed with MANY son's and daughters here on earth before she died. She has never seen or had one single child of her own..... hummmm? She's way too old now for child bearing. So that won't ever happen.
to what a crock... | 3:12 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
There is always one of you out there to enter into the church dialogue with
stupid and negative comments on subjects you know nothing about. That is a
"crock of nonsense and more". It is simple stupidity.
Jed Merrill | 3:19 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
I am really looking forward to this. I hope eventually Priesthood lines of
authority will be published like this!
Chuck | 3:36 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Stake Presidents will be able to view the "activities in their
stake"?! I sure hope that means they'll only be able to see who
has/has not received a PB, if so when they received it and from whom, and NOT
the contents. I have enormous respect for my SP but I do NOT want him reading my
patriarchal blessing!
To Anonymous @ 2:50 | 3:54 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
LOL!
That's actually a really cool idea. :)
That's actually a really cool idea. :)
David | 5:01 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
A EQ Secretary,
"One thing I would love to be able to do is update/change home teaching companionships online because it is often hard to get on the ward computer to do so."
The Church is already working on a program that will allow you to do this. For more information about it visit the LDS Tech Wiki and find the Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching Application. This program is probably going to come out within the year so you should continue looking forward to it appearing on lds.org sometime in the near future.
"One thing I would love to be able to do is update/change home teaching companionships online because it is often hard to get on the ward computer to do so."
The Church is already working on a program that will allow you to do this. For more information about it visit the LDS Tech Wiki and find the Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching Application. This program is probably going to come out within the year so you should continue looking forward to it appearing on lds.org sometime in the near future.
BigMG | 5:25 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Mixed feelings about this one. Very personal information in that stuff. Security
not fully examined. Can see celebrities getting hacked and published.
What's next? Certain names? Think this one over Joe.
Jim | 5:44 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
maybe we can get temple recommends on-line too.
How RUDE | 6:15 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Everyones business is everyones business in the church
Anonymous | 6:28 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
What about virtual church services? I would like to send my Avatar to church
while I'm out golfing.
Dorothy | 6:58 p.m. Oct. 22, 2008
Patriarchal blessings are given and the blessings are based on faithfulness.
Just because things are said in the blessing it doesn't mean they are going
to come to pass. You have to do your part to receive the blessings.
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