Deseret News | Pres. Monson has 'Great Expectations'

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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!)

zulu | 11:18 p.m. Jan. 11, 2009

kellie--

daughter should dump both! Contradiction, double-speak and you are thanking this person? WOW!

ZULU Get a Clue | 12:15 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

Great talk. Thank you for your optimisim.

Comments continue below

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.

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

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

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....

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

sandy | 7:27 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

to What did he say... I am sorry you have lost or not gained a testimony

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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."

Re: what did he say.. | 8:49 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

"What did he say" protesteth too much.

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.

David | 8:59 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

Great Talk!!

President Monson has for years givien Great Motivational Talks of Encouragement. Another Great One!!

Thanks to BYU-tv for making it possible to particpate
by listening and viewing at home where we are many miles from the Marriott Center in Utah.

God Bless Pres. Monson!!

Peer Pressure | 8:57 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

The only peer pressure I feel is from the Holy Ghost and those angels round about me bearing me up.

Matthew | 9:04 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

People turn down callings all the time. You shouldn't accept a calling due to peer pressure, it should be based on a faith/belief that it is a call from God.

Youth aren't hounded. they are urged, inspired, and encouraged. Never compelled Waiting for them to fall!?!? That is just paranoia.

Hounding might result in fewer becoming wayward but they wouldn't achieve the growth that both God and the leaders of the Church want. So we are left to encourage, as Pres. Monson did in his talk. I encourage "what did he say" to find a way in life to choose to do what is right because you choose it. Don't do what is right because you feel compelled and don't do otherwise to avoid feeling compelled.

Bob | 9:07 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

Dear What did he say? Get an education, young man or woman who wrote this, and maybe you can spell correctly. And yes, I have turned down callings that were just too much for me at certain times, and have had absolutely no bad things said or done to me afterwards. I have NEVER, in my 59 years of attending church, heard or seen anyone put pressure on anyone else, just encouragement to do their best. Just like President Monson. Holy Cow! : ) Someone is actually encouraging someone else, and you have a problem with this. Too sad.

Regarding "Peer Pressure" | 9:15 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

The thing about peer pressure is that there are both positive and negative kinds. The LDS culture (like any culture) is of course going to have both. Obviously President Monson is advising against giving in to negative peer pressure--or pressure which will lead to compromised values, unfulfilled potential, poor self esteem, and much sorrow and regret. Missionaries who go on missions because of peer pressure WHEN THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PERSONAL VAULES AND TESTIMONY TO WANT TO GO OTHERWISE are yeilding to pressure that invalidates their true selves, and are thus unlikely to experience good results. Peer pressure is only positive when it gives you that extra little push to take the actions that your true self knew (deep down) would be best to take anyway.

That's my two-cents: now stop trying to "make a man an offender for a word"! You know what Monson meant.

Wow | 9:19 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

The whole church is founded on Peer Pressure? HAHA. How has your life been with that attitude? Accepting a calling isn't peer pressure it is called serving someone else beside yourself and it is not easy. Members trying to help you realize that in accepting callings and by serving others you find real happiness is what it is all about.

Anonymous | 9:17 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

Does anyone know if this will be rebroadcast on BYU tv sometime?

A Word of Hope | 9:23 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

These sorts of talks occassionally leave people that didn't do particularly well (or who made errors in judgment during their college years) feeling a little discouraged. It's never too late to feel successful or to haved a postive influence on those around you. Hard work and a charitable attitude will bring you much happiness and a feeling of self-worth at any stage of life and at any age.

Mike R. | 9:53 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

What can I say to "what can I say"? He must be one of those people who had all their friends go on missions but they didn't and now he's is reaping the guilt that comes from not serving. Especially when all the friends told him how great their missions were.

I've turned down callings in the past due to the curcumstances of my life at the time. I think that I slept really well. I have also served in many callings where I was greatly blessed for my service.

Beverly | 9:57 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

I was there to here this fabulous talk. I again received a witness that Pres Monson truly is our prophet. I came home inspired and eager to be a little better.

Future Missionary | 10:00 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

Hey all. I just wanted to input a little bit. I am nineteen and headed on a mission for the LDS Church, and I cannot wait to get out and serve. I love President Monson, and take what he has to say as truly inspiring, as well as sensible to any man. I have never felt pressured into anything, and I'm sure my other thirteen immediate family members would agree. We do things because we want to, and because we grow. President Monson's an amazing man, and I admire him for his example to not only the church, but to the world.

A peer, but no pressure | 10:21 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

Could All anti TROLLS take it else where? We don't need you here. Go find another newspaper to read if you have a problem.

How does President Monson deal with all you troublemakers?!?!

what did he say | 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

i am sorry, i have over reacted, i have learned something about myself. thank you

Vickie E. B. | 10:39 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

President Monson is a very dear prophet. Thank you for this great message and article.

Paul in MD | 10:54 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

For those non-LDS who may not be aware:

If church callings had anything to do with peer pressure, the calling would be extended in front of a large audience, or the calling would be announced over the pulpit before the person being called was asked about it. It doesn't work that way.

One person in leadership has a private chat with the person being called, and it is discussed privately. If an answer isn't given in that meeting, it is given soon after, again privately.

In my own experience, my wife and I discuss all big callings before giving an answer, to make sure we both support it, and that it won't impact our family in a way we aren't prepared to handle. I've only turned down one or two callings, but they were for very valid reasons.

I've also been a ward clerk, and know that people do turn callings down from time to time. Those are not made public, and no one in that council has ever, in my experience, let any details of those instances go beyond the bishop's office.

I hope someone found this useful.

the real speech | 11:06 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

Make sure you acquire as much wordly wealth as possible, that is the purpose of our church. Don't believe me? When was the last time a truck driver became a general authority, or even a bishop? Why are the temples always built in the wealthier neighborhoods? Either God prefers wealthy people, or it's not God making these decisions. I know which one I believe

John | 11:16 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

Re: THE REAL SPEECH,
What a good POINT YOU HAVE MADE. I'm not poor but I have noticed those in big houses are first to become leaders. It may be because they can afford to be leaders and the church realizes that they are #1 tithe payers.

Anonymous | 11:34 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

John,

So money talks in the Church? God IS a respector of persons because he has more respect for the rich than the poor?

Re: the real speech | 11:49 a.m. Jan. 12, 2009

I am not sure where you live, but I know plenty of blue collar bishops, stake presidents, general authorities. I have known steel workers, farmers, and even truck drivers to hold these callings. There are many general authorities with college degrees and professional careers, but just as many that have worked for railroads (Pres. Hinkley). I know of a man that was just called to be a patriarch who has been a bishop, stake president, temple president, and mission president. He also served in primary and such and he is a pepper farmer that makes enough to make ends meet for the year, but only if the crop doesn't freeze. Look around a little more than your own ward, stake, region.

He has a point... | 12:01 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009

The earlier poster has a point about "peer pressure" and joining the LDS church. Although what President Monson referred to was, I am sure, the teenage peer pressure that can entice some to bad actions.

In regards to "peer pressure" WITHIN the LDS church, there are some negatives. There is pressure to "conform" to certain behaviours that not all people can conform too...like paying 10% of ones income in order to enter the temple. Peer pressure is also used by missionaries, the "committment pattern" approach. So yes, he had a point, peer pressure is employed within our church. (PS---I pay tithing, always have)

Those who leave the Church.... | 12:35 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009

Will never leave it alone.

-Joseph Smith

Guess maybe he was a Prophet after all.
It's never too late to come back.

William | 1:01 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009

I have a son who smokes, drinks and basically had premarital sex. All of the things that he was taught as a youth not to do. His reasoning was that the Church was too restrictive. Today he is addicted to cigarettes. Where is the freedom he thought he had. He drinks in binges which at times can be a case of a bigger problem. Again where is the freedom. Many youth feel it is too restrictive but fail to see that the other is a total loss of freedom. You no longer have the choice to not to because the body itself rebels against it. The way back from this addiction is hard and very painful. Maybe someday he will understand that what he was taught by his family, friends at church and his leaders was the correct way. That the peer pressure he caved into and the friends that pressured him really aren't his friends.

Huh? | 1:08 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009

"A self-described ardent sports fan, President Monson recalled a football game in which the quarterback appeared to be sacked and the game appeared lost. Then the quarterback emerged from a sea of opponents and threw a touchdown pass."

And?

What a weird ending to this report.

John...the real speech | 1:24 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009

I understand why you may feel that way.
However, I've known plenty of leader's with small houses. In my ward it was the teacher that lives in the townhome that was called Bishop not the someone from the more well to do portion of the ward. There may be a CORRELATION in your neighbor with wealthy individuals becoming leaders. This does not mean having money or a big home was the CAUSE of the calling or even had any influence. Worthiness, talents, abilities, willingness to serve and spiritual preparation all go into what is pondered when choosing a leader.
The thought of how much someone contributes to the church doesn't even have place in the discussion and thought processes. If you have ever been involved with this kind of selection process you would you sense that it isn't even an issue. It is always prayerfully done and many times leaders feel a spiritual affirmation that the calling is right. Then they check with the individual. Some of personal qualities that have prepared someone to take a leadership position may help them succeed in other endeavors. But no one would even think of checking who were the top tithe payers.

Get a life you old grumps! | 1:45 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009

Why do the same people repeat the same old blah, blah, blah on each of these blogs?

And for your information, I will read whatever Deseret news articles, blog etc. that I PLEASE! thank you very much, rather any of you people like it or not! Grumble away, I'm ready!

Soul | 4:04 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009

I know of dedicated responsible students who dropped out of college simply because of economic reasons. They were hardworking students, without scholarships or neede financial help. They were not lazy, indifferent, or losers at all. Their path for leaving school were different than those mentioned in this story.

Jason | 4:23 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009

That QB throwing a touchdown pass, I'm sure he was referring to a BYU QB against the Utes.

Re-Broadcast | 4:43 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009

To Anonymous @ 9:17:

According to the BYU-tv website, President Monson's
Fireide address of Jan 11, 2009 will repeat
(be re-broadcasted 2 times) Next Sunday, Jan 18 at 4 PM and 10 PM (Mountain Time) over the BYU-tv channel.

Danelle | 4:45 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009

There is peer pressure to join snobby, gossiping and cliquish groups. Unfortunately, there are those who do this at church as well. I find it happpens mostly with those who have low self image problems. I enjoy church but hate the cliques.

President Monson is a wonderful person and he's working hard to help all people.

Kitenoa | 4:49 p.m. Jan. 12, 2009

Like a rock, peer pressure exists naturally everywhere. Peer pressure can be a stepping stone or a stumbling stone, depending on how you choose to use it. However, donï¿½t hit your head against it?

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