Comments about ‘David Archuleta: the Eagle, the temple and the music’

This really is a terrific young lad. I've been thrilled with his music and the example for the young folks.

Loved the article about David Archuleta! He is such a beautiful person inside and out!!

I met David art the Ogden Temple a couple years ago when he arrived to do some baptisms. What fine humble young man. I wish him well.

Great article. :)

This story brings much needed light to an impotant issue: too often, our society settles for mediocrity, when greatness is possible.

We were not placed on this Earth merely to get by with the least amount of effort possible. Indeed those who put forth little effort inevitably acheive little. The Creator expects much more of his children than this. We serve Him by always giving our greatest effort to acheive greatness.

We must, however, not lose sight of what greatness really is. Greatness cannot be obtained by cheating or disregarding one's values. Greatness can only be obtained through integrity, sacrifice, and moral ecellence.

This story brings much needed light to an important issue: too often, our society settles for mediocrity, when greatness is possible.

We were not placed on this Earth merely to get by with the least amount of effort possible. Indeed those who put forth little effort inevitably acheive little. The Creator expects much more of his children than this. We serve Him by always giving our greatest effort to acheive greatness.

We must, however, not lose sight of what greatness really is. Greatness cannot be obtained by cheating or disregarding one's values. Greatness can only be obtained through integrity, sacrifice, and moral ecellence.

David is such a kind, sweet young man. I am so glad he lives the gospel and is such an inspiration to so many young people. Many more young men will go on to earn their Eagle Scout Awards because of David. Even us older people admire him and love to listen to his music.

One more reason to like you, David. I'm my son's Wolf Cub Scout den leader here (2nd year for us in Scouts). He says he wants his Eagle someday. I will tell him about how you got yours despite your career, education, etc. Love your music, especially the Christmas music. Good stuff! Keep it up.

I am simply amazed by this young man! There are many things I regret from my youth, but not obtaining my Eagle Award is easily one of them. If you were a scouter yourself or know of one, you know how difficult this award is. Well done, David Archuleta! I'm even more of a fan of yours than I was before!

Does anyone know whether he is planning on serving a full-time mission for the Church? I have long wondered what it would be like to have 'Elder Archuleta' in our ward.

That's great that David Archuleta earned his eagle ... but was it him that earned it? Part of the requirements are for the scout to take the initiative and set up the Eagle project, and to do the contacting for the different merit badges yet in his case this was all done by his Scout leader (at least according to the article). This may seem minor to many people, and many will say that he is so busy he needed the exception, but the honor of the Eagle award shouldn't change because of celebrity status.

Our family has been friends with the Madsens (his scout master) for years. Cal and Sherry are wonderful people and have influenced many not so famous young men with their service.

David has maintained himself so well with all his fame. I am very pleased with how grounded he is. I'm so happy he received his Eagle Scout award. It cracks me up that his name burst through so many bureaucratic processes in getting support for his merit badges and his Eagle project. We have had met much red tape for our boys getting their paperwork and projects done. It isn't easy.

Good job, David!

I thought marriage or mission is when you start going to temple?

I'm so glad that David is setting an example for the youth that to be cool you don't have to be bad, as a matter of fact that wears out quickly and you burn through a lot of relationship and get nothing accomplished. Being true to your self also doesn't mean rebelling, it means finding that inner voice that speaks to you and if you are really honest it is probably going to be something that resembles music. Beautiful Music! Thanks David for standing tall!

@ K

Youth in the LDS Church can obtain a "limited use" temple recommend which allows them to be baptized on behalf of deceased individuals who did not have the opportunity to hear about the need for baptism while on this earth and may desire it now. The youth must be at least 12 years old and deemed worthy by their ecclesiastical leader.

It is wonderful to find someone so talented and seen on a worldwide scale, stick to the high standards and morals of the church. I am very happy that he has stayed active and continues to share his talents with others.

@K in Mchenry, IL - going through the temple does happen before you get married or go on a mission. But a person goes through for the purpose of getting the endowment. I know young women who have gone through and never gone on a mission and still are not married, but they go to the temple to do the work regardless. I didn't go through till I was in my late 40's. In other words you must go through before you go on a mission or have a temple marriage, but you don't have to be going on a mission or getting married to go through the temple and partake of those sacred ordinances. Hope that answers your question.

I agree with WJMom. I got taken to task for calling for my son to see about doing a project. I agree with the other posts how wonderful it is that he got his eagle and seems to be an exceptional kid and still humble and nice so it's not to take away from him. I just feel all kids should be treated the same. Also it was awesome that they allowed him to get his project done on time but disappointing that people only help celebrities. Again shouldn't all of our kids have the same respect given to them. Sad that his name had to be mentioned to get things moving.

@LeAnn in Saint George, UT and @K in Mchenry, IL - he must have gone to the temple to perform baptisms for the dead and not to receive his own endowment:
Single members in their late teens or early twenties who have not received a mission call or who are not engaged to be married in the temple should not be recommended to the temple for their own endowment. They can, however, receive a Limited-Use Recommend to perform baptisms for the dead. The desire to witness temple marriages of siblings or friends is not sufficient reason for a young adult to be endowed (Nov. 12, 2002; see also First Presidency letter, June 21, 2005).
(Quoted in Young Adults and the Temple, Elder Nelson, Church Educational System satellite broadcast address given on May 4, 2003, in Salt Lake City, Utah.)