Mobile Ministry Magazine

In the last two sections, Bob talks about a couple aspects of using Bible software on PC and mobile devices. In this third and final section, we learn a bit more about the Olive Tree solution, and some things to consider when using and purchasing Bible software for your desktop, laptop or mobile device.

Read Part 1
Read Part 2

Using Olive Tree Desktop Assistant (DA)

We noted earlier that one of the features of Olive Tree Desktop Assistant (DA) was the ability to export notes to a text (.txt) or web page (.html) format. Depending on how your PC Bible software stores its note information, one of these two options will be right for you.

The basic procedure is as follows:
   1. Perform a HotSync to get the latest note file information from your handheld to your PC.
   2. Start Desktop Assistant
   3. From the list of available note files, select the one you want to work with
   4. Click on the “Export” button, select the destination for your exported file, then enter the note file name
   5. From the “Save as Type” box, select the option you need for your PC Bible software: save to a text file (.txt) or web (.html) format
   6. Click the save to start the exporting process

Here is an example of notes imported in text (.txt) format. Note that the line containing “ref=” has the Bible reference where the note should be stored:


Here is an example of the same four notes exported in .html format:


As you can see, exporting a great deal of information would be no problem for DA. If you are using PC programs like Libronix and E-Sword, that create notes in a proprietary format, then export your handheld notes as a text (.txt) file and then use the Windows copy/paste function to transfer the information, verse-by-verse, into your PC software.

For applications like WORDsearch 7 that use html-based notes, then export the handheld note file in .html format and make sure this exported file is located in the folder your PC software uses to store such pages. (Check your user manual if you are not sure where this is.)


Download Olive Tree Desktop Assistant

Workaround: What If I Don’t Have Olive Tree On My Handheld?
If you use some other handheld Bible software other than Olive Tree, there is a partial workaround (at least on Palm devices):

   1. Launch your handheld’s Bible software
   2. Navigate to the Bible location where the desired note is located
   3. Select the note text and copy it to your handheld clipboard
   4. Exit your handheld Bible application
   5. Launch your “memos” application
   6. Create a new (blank) memo – on the first line put the Bible reference
   7. Copy the handheld note text into this memo
   8. Close the memo application and do a HotSync of your handheld
   9. On your PC, open your Bible software
   10. Create a blank Bible study note on your referenced verse at the appropriate location
   11. Open the desktop application for your handheld (PalmOne or other) where you can view memos created on your handheld
   12. Copy the note information from the memo and paste into your PC Bible software

While lacking the functionality of an application like Desktop Assistant this workaround will at least let you copy and paste the notes – although one at a time – so that they can be viewed on your PC and transferred to your Bible software there.

Note: you could also reverse this process: PC- memo – handheld, and copy PC notes to your handheld instead.

Some Practical Ideas for Your Consideration
   1. My first recommendation: if you are still waiting to purchase software for your handheld, then consider the benefits of an application like DA with Olive Tree.
   2. When you have your daily time of Bible reading/Bible study, always launch your handheld Bible application and have it next to you as you read from your print Bible. Any thoughts or insights can be recorded as a note to the appropriate verse, and then later be transferred to your PC software. Remember: information not captured may be lost – forever!
   3. When you are listening to your Pastor’s sermon, once again launch your handheld app and attach a note to the beginning verse of the principal passage (do not try to create separate notes on every passage mentioned – break them out as necessary later). You will not even need your print Bible in this situation, and won’t have to juggle it on your lap.
   4. If you follow teaching/preaching programs on TV or radio, you can likewise launch your handheld and record notes and insights as your hear them. No more fumbling to find a paper and pen – and no worries about loosing paper notes! This is great for commuters (perhaps listening with earphones), sales professionals and others on the go.
   5. Likewise, consider bringing your handheld to your small-group Bible study, and record any useful insights – or perhaps questions to research later.
   6. If you are preaching/teaching (especially if you can use an application like DA) you can create some brief notes or reminders on each verse in your selected passage, transfer them back to your handheld, and then refer to your handheld as you deliver the message. You will have greater freedom of movement and never have to worry about your notes blowing away! (see the Paperless Pulpit for a great example of this)
   7. Those blogging about the Scriptures can capture their thoughts on the fly and then later transfer and edit these comments for their blog pages.

I think you will agree: the future looks truly bright for those trying to achieve an integration of all their Scripture studies. Truly, God has blessed us with wonderful advances in technology! Let’s be creative and push that technology (as well as ourselves) to the limit in His service.