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Pres. Monson has 'Great Expectations'

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Kellie Barnett | 11:00 p.m. Jan. 11, 2009
Thank you, President Monson! Now maybe my daughters missionary won't give her a hard time about getting her education! We love you! (Don't worry, she has another boyfriend who loves for her to have her education!)
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zulu | 11:18 p.m. Jan. 11, 2009
kellie--

daughter should dump both! Contradiction, double-speak and you are thanking this person? WOW!
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ZULU Get a Clue | 12:15 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Great talk. Thank you for your optimisim.
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Paulette | 12:13 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
I love President Monson. What a kind and gentle man. How lucky we are to have him.
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Vicky Nish | 3:34 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Thank you President Monson for your optimism and inspiring way. An educated woman means an educated family and I am truly grateful for gaining the education I have. I now plan to further my studies at 36 with 3 children and planning a 4th. What an example we set for our youth when we as their parents and mentors show them the value of education and the wealth it brings into our lives spiritually and temporarily. We are more able and equipped to do the Lord's work as we grow our minds and stretch our talents. God Bless you always
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what did he say | 6:07 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Right from the mouth of the person in charge. "avoid pit falls like PEER pressure." The whole foundation of the LDS church is based on PEER PRESSURE. They hound the youth like dogs chasing a racoon up a tree, and once they get you up the tree they sit and wait until you fall. Have you ever non someone in the ward to turn down a church calling! Guilt, Guilt and Peer Pressure, that is what neighobor hoods in the LDS community is all about.

AVOID THE PIT FALLS OF PEER PRESSURE...wholly cow!

Just how many missionaries are on missions that are there from Peer Pressure...Great speech
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Larry H. | 6:59 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
I am sure President Monson would not wish me to argue with "what did he say". However, I joined the LDS church at age 18 in 1967, of my own free will; peer pressure had nothing to do with my conversion, nor with my attendance and service to the Lord since. Three of my sons served missions, as did I; they were not pressured AT ALL, by anyone else; they went because they WANTED to and they loved every minute of it. Although "Mormons" are as human as anyone, and do make mistakes at times, including misunderstanding and thus misrepresenting the doctrine of the church, possibly causing the behaviors you describe, but I have never seen or known of anyone "hounded" or pressured in any way, out of the many hundreds I have known. I do recall that, prior to joining the Church, I, sadly, joined with my relatives to hound and ridicule LDS members, and I have been hounded by my relatives since joining, but I absolutely disagree with the statements you make. People serve the Lord in their callings; that is why they don't turn them down; they LOVE to serve! As do I....
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KM | 7:26 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
@what did he say? Why so critical?

The church is such a wonderful organization, that pushes one to excell and to lift others. An organization that is run by the members, therefore, each member needs to be prepared as President Monson admonishes. Prepared to do what? to serve others....Great speech
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sandy | 7:27 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
to What did he say... I am sorry you have lost or not gained a testimony
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Anonymous | 7:33 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
My daughter was part of the choir that performed at this fireside and she noted that this fireside was so inspiring she's a junior at Weber State.President Monson's counsel encourages her to do her best,thank you President Monson!!!
It's sad to see that some people feel that our "whole foundation of the LDS church is based on PEER PRESSURE"this is so misleading and sad,if they feel pressured it's only "you"that feel pressure not all LDS in general,everyone has there free agency to decide for themselves no one holds a gun to anyone's head and forces them to do anything they don't want to,thank goodness for the gospel in our lives to help us tolerate this kind of remarks.
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Peer pressure | 7:48 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
To "what did he say" at 6:07

Consider a 16 year old boy. Who are his peers?

a) Boys 15-17 who go to school with him
b) Married 29-45 year old men who may have a son his age?

You seem to think the answer is b. I was encouraged by my mentors to do well in school, avoid alcohol, avoid premarital sex, and serve others. These are all positive things. Or please point about the positives about being an out-of-work alcoholic with four children with four women who asks others for handouts. Negative peer pressure is usually what President Monson talks about.

And yes, I know someone who turned down a calling. My mother turned down the calling as the Stake Relief Society President. I'm also the ward clerk, so I hear in Bishopric meeting sometimes that so-and-so turned down a calling.

In my interview with my stake president for my mission, I told him I wasn't sure why I should go. He said, "go, and you will figure out why when you get there."

He was right. There isn't a day that doesn't go by that I don't use something I learned on my mission.
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Peer pressure | 7:50 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Not to put words in his mouth, like the previous poster, but I believe it is safe to assume from the small blurb in this article regarding Peer Pressure that Pres. Monson was referring to negative peer pressure as it was coupled with the term temptation in the article. Positive peer pressure, or encouraging everyone to choose the right or perform to their best ability is to be nurtured and cultivated (not forced). It sounds to me like the "what did he say" poster had a bad experience for which I sincerely hope they recover and heal from. President Monson like any good religious leader simply was saying that his congregation should avoid allowing the worldly influence to lead one into paths that end in destruction both physical and spiritual. FYI, the guilt aspect described is unfortunate if it takes place. A true LDS leader loves and cares for those who have fallen into pit falls and helps them repent. Guilt is a funny word, because those who have fallen and struggle to accept the consequences of their actions are tempted to use it as an excuse, while others find term it godly sorrrow and use it to repent.
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Get a life | 7:56 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
Hey, 'what did he say', perhaps you should get a life instead of trying to tear people down...just a thought
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Grateful | 8:11 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
I'm grateful for the Positive Peer Pressure I had as a youth, and our children have enjoyed.
Their Peers set good examples of moral lives, service to others, honesty and faith, lifting and encouraging our several children to rise above the many temptations of the world.
And they in turn prompted others to stay on the path, following Jesus, emulating His mortal followers.
Now they are raising our grandchildren, preparing them to face the Peer Pressures that would drag them downward.
I'm grateful for the example of President Monson, and that most of the mortals in this community focus on the positives and create Positive Peer Pressure.
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RR | 8:12 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
I'm beginning my Master's degree tomorrow after a 2 year break, and that was just what I needed to hear to give me more confidence beginning at a new school, new place, and many unknowns.
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If only | 8:20 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
If only more youth could hear President Monson. To: "what did he say". This article comes at a time I am mourning the loss of a former student who was gunned downed by a drug war shooting in Austin Texas Friday night. Peer pressure from the church? If only all youth could hear the promising words of a prophet, who would carefully guide them through the dark evils that prevail in the world. To "what did he say", I can only assume that you have had good guidance and live in a small little world where these violent acts do not occur regularly. That is nice for you. Yet, for the rest of all the searching youth out there, I want to shout: There is a God, Jesus Christ lives, and He has a prophet to help you find eternal joy in this life and the next.
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to: what did he say | 8:38 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
wow it is quite obvious you are not educated at all. LEARN HOW TO SPELL then you can dissect social/religious pitfalls!
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Mark | 8:44 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
@what did he say | 6:07 a.m.:

Sounds like you have a peer pressure problem still. I've told Mission Presidents, Bishops and Stake Presidents "No" several times, and done so with a clear conscience.

A calling is just a spiritual confirmation to a leader that you are worthy for the calling, not an evaluation on your current ability to do that calling.

I believe that men should protet their wives. If they are overburdened with family concerns and duties, the husband/priesthood holder should tell the Bishop "no."

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Re: what did he say.. | 8:49 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
"What did he say" protesteth too much.
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Seattle member | 8:48 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009
One of the main focuses of the LDS Church is to serve people as Jesus served. We encourage youth to be extraordinary. I have five teens and I have been blessed to be able to teach other teens and have found that setting a good example and sharing with them how good life is when you serve God and others is the best way to motivate them. In 43 years I have never been pressured to accept callings or serve. I do it because I am trying to emulate the Savior and because service uplifts me. There is no need for peer pressure when you serve God because the blessing just flow.
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No. Utah sees a major earthquake every 350 years. Last one? 350 years ago.