LDS Freedom Forum

I approach this topic with great sensitivity because these things are very personal, but as I was reading my patriarchal blessing with thoughts about the "signs of the times" I found it curious that in my blessing there is only about a half sentence that mentions turmoil and strife among men and that's it. I'm 36 and hopefully have a full life ahead of me so I would have thought there would be much more in my future (concerning the last days) that would merit more than a half sentence. Anyone else willing to share how much their blessing speaks of these things? Again, I'm not encouraging you to reveal more than is prudent, just curious from the stand point of whether our blessings are a good indicator of what lays ahead or not. Maybe just your age (if you feel comfortable) and whether your blessing speaks much or little of such things. Anything beyond that I leave to your wise discretion.

the only thing that I will reveal to you is that on my patriarchal blessing is that if I honor the priesthood that I would be shielded from the calamity and judgements of the world. This to me tells me that things will transpire doing my time here on earth and that I will see calamities and ever since then I have been studying about the last days. The reason why I am studying about the last days is because I want to prepare my families during the crisis here in the USA.

Mine says nothing regarding this nor does my wife's.

However it states 2 things. Both are generic so I will state them.

1) I will be given opportunities to grow
2) RELY! on the Holy Ghost (ok not that boldly). Thats the entire focus almost. So I think I just made a new connection.

You can read past patriarchal blessings of deceased. I don't feel bad doing that anyways. 8-|

laronius wrote:I approach this topic with great sensitivity because these things are very personal, but as I was reading my patriarchal blessing with thoughts about the "signs of the times" I found it curious that in my blessing there is only about a half sentence that mentions turmoil and strife among men and that's it. I'm 36 and hopefully have a full life ahead of me so I would have thought there would be much more in my future (concerning the last days) that would merit more than a half sentence. Anyone else willing to share how much their blessing speaks of these things? Again, I'm not encouraging you to reveal more than is prudent, just curious from the stand point of whether our blessings are a good indicator of what lays ahead or not. Maybe just your age (if you feel comfortable) and whether your blessing speaks much or little of such things. Anything beyond that I leave to your wise discretion.

You are right about this being a sensitive topic. Thanks for the post though. I do believe that a patriarchal blessing is meant for personal instruction not necessarily meant for an overall prophecy for the world yet our blessings still say things to us because we are a part of that future. That alone is why I am not surprised that your blessing says a line or two. I am 32 and mine says about a line or two as well. Although the line it uses in mine could definitely imply an extended period of time or times of struggle. Keep in mind that there are pride cycles where things get worse and then better than repeated again. Also keep in mind where the saints gather can be places of refuge. Keep in mind that the next world war that is devastating is only 13 months long. If the economy collapses and my children and I need to eat food storage during the winter and farm during the summer, is that, that bad?
I'm sure patriarchal blessings focus more on spiritual things than temporal as well but keep in mind that all things are connected. If a nuclear blast hits, do you have the faith to lay hands on someone and assist the power of God to heal them? Before a bomb hits and you are about to head in harms way, would you listen to the spirit not to go into that area or would you ignore that prompting? Do you have the faith now that you are spending your extra money on food storage and not expensive man toys?
I can't remember the scripture but there is a scripture that warns against man who says that the Lord delays his coming. I believe it would be prudent for all of us to prepare.
On timelines on other blogs, Joel Skousen thinks we have 10 years or so before a major war comes. According to the GAS vision things are about 3.5 years out if that is accurate. I'm not going to take chances and I am going to prepare my family in all things.

Keep in mind that the next world war that is devastating is only 13 months long. If the economy collapses and my children and I need to eat food storage during the winter and farm during the summer,

That's the best scenario, Worst scenario War begins beginning of summer, tons of chaos so no-one can farm, than winter hits and still no food, than have to wait until the next summer for more food. Pushing the time period with no food 12-16 months. Whatever the case I think the Lord will be merciful and provides means for food. I personally hope our food storage will only be used for the first 3-6 months of it. After that we will be in larger refuges and miracles will happen for those worthy of it. Perhaps during that time the church will dive into their reserves. This will allow those with extra food to provide for their own families who are traveling from afar off, who have none, or lose everything.

Well said though.

TZONE wrote:

Keep in mind that the next world war that is devastating is only 13 months long. If the economy collapses and my children and I need to eat food storage during the winter and farm during the summer,

That's the best scenario, Worst scenario War begins beginning of summer, tons of chaos so no-one can farm, than winter hits and still no food, than have to wait until the next summer for more food. Pushing the time period with no food 12-16 months. Whatever the case I think the Lord will be merciful and provides means for food. I personally hope our food storage will only be used for the first 3-6 months of it. After that we will be in larger refuges and miracles will happen for those worthy of it. Perhaps during that time the church will dive into their reserves. This will allow those with extra food to provide for their own families who are traveling from afar off, who have none, or lose everything.

Well said though.

That's actually a good point you made about when the war could start and how it could greatly effect us depending on when. One of the person's that quoted GAS's vision said something about after an election on a Holiday morning. I try not to assume but according to your points it might not be too bad taking our hit on Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years. I would also add that I believe a depression would last longer than the war. It is possible that the war might end due to all nations taking too much damage and falling apart from within. My 2 year plan is to start being less dependent on others and start growing food on my own anyways. I'm working on buying some property so I can start this. In my opinion we shouldn't just be looking at food storage but renewable food as well.

Mine doesn't say anything about the end days, but it does say I will not die until I am full of years.

mes5464 wrote:Mine doesn't say anything about the end days, but it does say I will not die until I am full of years.

So how old are you?

Nothing about end of days but it does say I will remain here upon this Earth as long as I am satisfied with life.

AGStacker wrote:Nothing about end of days but it does say I will remain here upon this Earth as long as I am satisfied with life.

No offense but have you thought of suicide?

Sheol27 wrote:

AGStacker wrote:Nothing about end of days but it does say I will remain here upon this Earth as long as I am satisfied with life.

No offense but have you thought of suicide?

No. This is one of the reasons blessings should mostly be kept private because the interpretations are purely private as well. No offense taken.

AGStacker wrote:
No. This is one of the reasons blessings should mostly be kept private because the interpretations are purely private as well. No offense taken.

Yes, you are right. The Lord blesses me with the spirit while I read my blessing and things may click and as you read your blessing you are guided to your interpretation of your blessing. Obviously the spirit doesn't guide me to understand your blessing. Thanks, for not taking offense.

I'm 23 and mine eludes to me being part of the end of times. It also says that, "...you will assist in their happening..." regarding the events that will occur prior to the Saviors return.

My Patriarchal Blessing says that I will be shielded and protected from great destruction, but does not dwell on it. Our future may not be quite as grim as we think. For example God is supposed to fight Zion’s battles in the last-days. Many of the wicked will avoid the cities of Zion because they will be covered by smoke in the daytime and a pillar of fire by night. The Lord was pretty clear:

D&C 105:14 For behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil—I will fight your battles.

Because the presence of the Lord will be with the inhabitants of Zion, the terror of the Lord will be there as well. When an evil person feels the Lord’s presence they also feel the “terror of the Lord” as they call it because they feel very guilty and uncomfortable in His presence. In many cases the Lord won’t have to actually fight for his people, his presence will be enough to scare evil people away.

After the initial struggle, after the city of Zion is built, and after the Council of Adam-Ondi-Ahman takes place where “judgment is given to the Saints” life will pretty nice for those living in America. Wars will rage all over the world with warfare reaching a climax in old Jerusalem, but for the Saints in America life will pretty good in the cities of Zion.

In his book "The Cleansing of America" Cleon Skousen was of the opinion that the events of the last-days might not be as horrible for us as we think. There are certainly many grim prophecies, but the Lord loves us and He said that He will take care of us.

All we can do is stand in holy places, keep the commandments, do what the Lord’s prophet asks us to do, and hope for the best.

I'm 32. Mine speaks a great deal about the last days and taking part in the preparations of the earth for the Lords return...and goes past His return.

letsjet wrote:All we can do is stand in holy places, keep the commandments, do what the Lord’s prophet asks us to do, and hope for the best.

Just to add to this thought. Through the Savior, we can become a holy place....a holy temple.

I am 62 years old. While not be specific, the blessing I received does not mention the "troubles" but does talk about my witness to the return of the City of Enoch, the return of the Lost Tribes and that I would be instrumental in giving them their temple blessings. Goes on to talk about the 2nd coming and my role in it.

Now after saying that, I don't know how much will change, due to my record here on earth. It also mentions my wife who passed away a few years ago, and that we would go through this together. Well, that isn't possible now, and so I face this alone. The future could be quite interesting or rather sad.

Have you guys read "The Triumph of Zion" by Pontius? Don't forget that Zion will be filled with translated and resurrected beings...so Zowieink, the possibility is still there, and many righteous will die durring the calamities, but that doesn't mean they cannot be a part of building Zion or the work that will be done when Zion is completed.

CB

katmr wrote:

letsjet wrote:All we can do is stand in holy places, keep the commandments, do what the Lord’s prophet asks us to do, and hope for the best.

Just to add to this thought. Through the Savior, we can become a holy place....a holy temple.

Excellent thought. DC 93:35 The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple.

Zowieink wrote:I am 62 years old. While not be specific, the blessing I received does not mention the "troubles" but does talk about my witness to the return of the City of Enoch, the return of the Lost Tribes and that I would be instrumental in giving them their temple blessings. Goes on to talk about the 2nd coming and my role in it.

Now after saying that, I don't know how much will change, due to my record here on earth. It also mentions my wife who passed away a few years ago, and that we would go through this together. Well, that isn't possible now, and so I face this alone. The future could be quite interesting or rather sad.

Zow, I am sorry for your separation from your other half. I am sure you have thought of it, but in case you haven't; even though you are not aware of her, are you sure she won't be right with you, going through all of this with her? Or maybe you will go join her and work with her on the other side to see to it that these things are fulfilled.

Rand wrote:

Zowieink wrote:I am 62 years old. While not be specific, the blessing I received does not mention the "troubles" but does talk about my witness to the return of the City of Enoch, the return of the Lost Tribes and that I would be instrumental in giving them their temple blessings. Goes on to talk about the 2nd coming and my role in it.

Now after saying that, I don't know how much will change, due to my record here on earth. It also mentions my wife who passed away a few years ago, and that we would go through this together. Well, that isn't possible now, and so I face this alone. The future could be quite interesting or rather sad.

Zow, I am sorry for your separation from your other half. I am sure you have thought of it, but in case you haven't; even though you are not aware of her, are you sure she won't be right with you, going through all of this with her? Or maybe you will go join her and work with her on the other side to see to it that these things are fulfilled.

Rand, you bring up a great point. When looking forward to events such as the returning of the City of Enoch, the building of the New Jerusalem etc, it would seem that there will be a lot of coordination between the two sides of the veil required. It would only make sense that those doing the communicating would already have some type of relationship in place to facilitate the process. Elder Scott refers to this closeness between spouses on either side of the veil quite a bit. I would imagine that learning to communicate through the veil (as with God) would be of vital importance to preparing for such a time.

I believe as mentioned before that God will fight the battles to the extent, but we must go through the intital tirals OURSELF to prove ourselves that we will be a wheat and not a tare. Than after that the lord will bless us with communications beyond the veil, greater power in the priesthood, a great refugee camp for all to go to, etc... Though this will apply to just some others will be prepared before as well. Than they will all come together over the course of a few months of great afflictions than the Lord will begin to take over. We won't be exempted from all trials but they will be minimal compared to the wicked. IMO

In mine, it is mentioned, but mostly as a comfort. "Hey, this will happen, but it's okay, because I'm over all" sort of thing.

I grew up in California in fear of "the Big One." After I got my PB, I haven't really been all that scared of earthquakes since. God really does tell you what you personally need to hear. It's a little awesome.

Not a single word in my PB about end-times events or that sort of thing - nor in my husband's - nor in any of our children's blessings. I'm 48; my husband is 58; and our children are teens and young adults. Lots about the future pertaining to us, personally, and our family - but nothing in relation to signs of the times, last days, etc...