bstone

Just an update... A year and a half later after my original post, I received the information that I was seeking. Thanks.

Sorry in advance for the long article, but it probably is the best answer to your question. It is an article posted in the Deseret News last year: Priesthood session is a chance to strengthen ties Trent Toone Published: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 12:22 a.m. MDT Brotherhood. Duty. Spirit. Tradition. No, it's not a marketing slogan for BYU football. They are words that describe the purpose of attending general priesthood meeting, a semiannual event for male members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In "The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball," President Kimball says the purpose of general conference is to strengthen the members: "We meet together often in the church in conferences to worship the Lord, to feast upon the words of Christ, and to be built up in faith and testimony." The priesthood session — broadcast to holders of the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthood (ages 12 and older) all over the world on Saturday at 6 p.m. (Mountain Daylight Time) — is no different. But there is an added element of bonding and brotherhood that should exist, according to Brad Wilcox, a former seminary teacher, mission president, popular speaker and LDS author. "Part of the reason we go to priesthood isn't just to listen to the speakers. It is also to connect with the people sitting around us," Wilcox said. "If (priesthood holders) come in late, sit in the back, listen and leave early to beat the traffic, then they are kind of missing the point of the meeting." Wilcox said most young men are dragged to the priesthood session by family members or local church leaders, sit with their heads down the whole time and can't wait to get out. "If they could recognize there is more to it than that," Wilcox said. Wilcox shared two ideas that might help young men prepare for a more engaging experience at general priesthood meeting. First, he said, priesthood session is a great opportunity to find true heroes. "Young men can find heroes among the prophets, but they can also find touchable heroes among the leaders attending the priesthood session," Wilcox said. "We don't talk during the meeting, but before and after the meeting, take a few minutes to talk with the people around you, to greet friends and people, and talk about a part you enjoyed or something you heard that was good." One interesting question raised by Wilcox for young men to ponder is why general authorities travel from all over the world to gather at conference time. "Why do they go to that expense? Why don't they just use a live video feed or connect by phone or computer? Why spend the money to travel all the way to Salt Lake City and be together?" Wilcox said. "Obviously there is something to be gained as they get together, fellowship and strengthen each other, as well as listen to talks. Maybe that is what is missing in priesthood meeting among young men." The second idea suggested by Wilcox is to have a priesthood session tradition. Whether it is getting together for dinner, pie, ice cream sundaes or root beer floats, a simple tradition can make going to priesthood more fun. For example, while the men in Elder Russell M. Nelson's family attend priesthood session, the Nelson women make doughnuts in preparation for their return. Then as everyone chomps, licks fingers and wipes mouths, the men share what they learned at priesthood meeting. "It's a nice family tradition, symbolic of the fact that everything we learn and do as priesthood bearers should bless our families," Elder Nelson said in his April 1999 talk "Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women." If you don't have a priesthood tradition, Wilcox encourages starting one. "If you aren't part of a tradition, instead of feeling left out, start something yourself," he said. "Get together with friends, leaders or quorum members, and decide you are going to start something. Don't hesitate." Anthony Sweat, another seminary teacher and LDS author, likes to challenge young men to listen to the messages and identify ways to better perform their priesthood duties. "In priesthood session, a lot of the talks generally have a theme connected to duty," he said. "When I debrief with my seminary students about priesthood session, I usually ask them, 'What insights did you gain about your duty as a priesthood holder?' Or, 'As a result of going to priesthood session, what do you feel like you learned about how to be a better priesthood bearer?'"

It's great that you have those stirring feelings. Bottom line... the Church is true, you have felt it and know it. The Spirit is prompting you back. Just follow those feelings and show up. Probably a good idea to talk to the Bishop or fellow ward member before to let them know you are coming, to find out the time and where you need to go. Having a good friend or Bishop know you are coming, you should be treated like the Parodical Son (See Luke 15:11-32), and treated like royalty. Enjoy the journey and never look back.

I have been an ordinance worker for going on 9 years. I started out in the baptistry and then a full ordinance worker. When you work in the temple there are no limitations. You are supported by a full staff of temple personnel on both sides of the veil that will help you. It is an amazing spiritual work with amazing experiences. It is the most important work you can be involved in. It will change and mold your life and bring you closer to God. Good Luck and welcome to the work!

As far as doctrine of the Church, it has been established that the Spirit World is here on this earth, as we as mortals and departed spirits, are assigned to this earth and none else. It is also established that worthy spirits (those in paradise) are allowed from time to time to see and communicate with earthly mortals. Moroni 10:14, in addressing the gifts of the spirit, indicates that one of the gifts is "...the beholding of angels and ministering spirits." President Woodruff said, "The living cannot see the departed spirits, but the latter can see and administer to those in the flesh, even though the latter know it not." And Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught, "The ministering of angels can also be unseen. Angelic messages can be delivered by a voice or merely by thoughts or feelings communicated to the mind. President John Taylor described 'the action of the angels, or messengers of God, upon our minds, so that the heart can conceive . . . revelations from the eternal world." Joseph F. Smith said, "When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred, friends, and fellow-beings and fellow-servants. The ancient prophets who died were those who came to visit their fellow creatures upon the earth. . . . In like manner our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divine Presence messages of love, of warning, or reproof and instruction, to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh." It is comforting to know that we have many, even hundreds or thousands, that are personally interested in us and our work on the earth. What I'm interested in, is if there are any talks, quotes or papers written on the organization and order of this work on the other side. Reason seems to say so, but it would be nice to review some authoritative comments on the subject. Thanks for the comments thus far. I look forward to additional input.

Hello: New here. I've studied a lot recently on the topic of ministering angels. We know that the Spirit World is here on this earth in a finer dimension. There are thousands of examples of near death experiences of those who have conversed with loved ones beyond the grave. There are also many recorded instances where Joseph Smith and others have appeared to earthly individuals and have indicated that the work beyond the veil is very busy. My question is this: Are there documented statements from General Authorities who have outlined the organization of the work beyond the veil? We do have some insight from D&C 138 of the organization of missionary work going on. I am interested to learn more of the structure and organization of the work that spirits are assigned to. My theory is that there is a very structured organization for the work to go forward beyond the veil. I feel that our kindred spirits have callings and assignments to work with us in our family history work, or temple work, and even our callings. I have also heard it expressed from members of temple presidencies that there is a spiritual structure and organization that is set up beyond the veil to assist us in temple work. I just wanted to see if anyone had additional documented sources on this interesting topic. Thanks!

Thanks for the hello. Looks like you are the head moderator. I have a couple of questions. First off, I never received a confirmation email to respond to. The fact that I was able to post, does that mean I'm confirmed? Second question: I would like to share with this forum news about Yeah Samake, who very well could be the first Mormon President of a country, beating out Mitt Romney, if he wins next year. Brother Samake is running for the President of Mali, West Africa. His situation is a great story. But, I read in your terms of service that we cannot promote political candidates. Does this fall into that category? Thanks,

Just wanted to introduce myself. Hope to learn and share.