first snapshot

Wow! Countdown really is starting. 22 days left! Ahhhhhhh!

2011-03-08T18:33:00.000-08:00

Preparing for a Mission seems like a mission itself! The wait...The Rush...The Questions...The Feelings...The Anexiety...The Hecticness (if thats even a word)...

Trials trials trials. After so many trials you see soooo many blessings. When you encounter a trial while preparing you want to ask yourself. Okay. So what am I to learn from this? Who am I to be helping? One thing I have learnt is that although your trials may be doubled..as it may feel...your blessings will AND WILL BE TRIPLED! Blessings always will outweigh your trials! No doubt.

Trials + Faith + Application + No murmuring = 2FOLD Blessings.

I soon enter into the temple! What a feeling! How to feel! Why to feel! What to feel! When to feel! Soooo many thoughts and feelings enter into my mind and heart as I contemplate what I am about to do. Embark on a Journey where The Lord himself went. To feel as he did. To walk where he would walk. I will never ever feel how it felt for the Savior to feel as he atoned for our sins. However. I have felt abit of how he would of felt. But applying the atonement into my life. I have realized that its an accepting thing. Alguds we can say yes we know. Yes I know that already. But until we apply that into our lives we will never really know how it feels to accept. We need to accept and apply.

So my missionary cards arrived today! They are sooo awesome and funny! My photo is like soooo massive! lol. I feel vainish for doing so. But I will only be giving it because at the back is Mosiah 5:2....

Faith is such a huge applicator in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without Faith there will be no religion. We cannot do anything without particles of faith being exercised.

I have often wondered how would I approach door, How would I teach this certain principle, How do I introduce myself, How do I act, How do I greet someone, How bold should I be, How much will I learn about others, How much will I learn about myself? So many questions and feelings are felt.

Sometimes when thing like this happen...We need to step back. And get back to basics.
Daily Prayers, Daily Scripture Study, Daily Service to those around you, Daily Gratitude, Daily Repentance, Daily Meditation, Daily Exercise...

I have been constantly looking for a meditation method I can use while out on the Mission. I love the beaches. I love the water at the beaches. Not neccessary swimming in it. But I love the feeling it gives me. I love how it calms my soul. Calms my mind and heart. Everything is swept away and my mind is made empty to be able to simply re-prioritize my life. It calms my busy-self into a calm situated self who can see clearly again. Who can feel...It's like your back. When your back feels edgy all you have to do is to click it back into place and you get that soothing feeling and you feel relaxed. And so then you can redo everything. Looking at the sea and just being able to meditate and appreciate what God has given us gives me that feeling of just being....Me...I feel that much closer when I am able to speak with God through my heart and to feel the feelings of the Spirit + the Sea calm my soul! I love it...

So 3 more Sundays before I leave for the Mission. I have met Brother Nick White and also Brother Ezekiel Orro who will be leaving with me to the NZ MTC...Amazing! Elder White, Elder Orro, Sister Luatua...who else will be joining us? I wonder who. I cannot wait to help people feel the same happiness I feel. I cannot wait till they know the truth. I cannot wait till they know. Till they feel. Till they change their lives for God.

This is our Redcliffe Ward YSA @ Mission Prep, Brisbane Australia Temple.

God Did Not Put Us Here to Fail - Jon M Huntsman, Sr

2011-02-22T21:02:00.000-08:00

Good morning, beloved students, faculty, friends, family, and my esteemed brother in the gospel for over 35 years, President Cecil O. Samuelson. I have always treasured our close and respectful relationship, and I say to you, President Samuelson, that Brigham Young could not have selected a better leader than you, who has reached great heights in medicine, in life, and, above all, in integrity. Thank you for such a generous introduction, and thank you to the beautiful choir from whom we have just heard. I am so privileged to be invited to this world-class university. My wife, Karen, and I thank you.

I am truly honored to be here today. May I begin with this simple sentence: God did not put us here to fail. I would say to you, have faith in yourself—believe in what you are doing, and, most important, be a person of integrity. It is totally up to you, and no one else, how your life evolves. Many would like to think that our parents, our professors, or even our bishops are responsible for our future. What we become, who we are, and the footprint we will leave in life is based entirely on our own determination, hard work, education, and sacrifice. Our Heavenly Father expects the best from each of us. We must believe in ourselves. Don’t give in when the going gets rough. You are laying the foundation of a great work, and that great work is your life. Never cut corners, demean other people, or waste time “hanging out.” Decide who you are and what your goals entail—then go for the roses. Life has little regard for those who waste time.

My father and grandfather were rural schoolteachers in southern Idaho and Utah, and it was my hope to someday follow their example. But I refused to forsake my dreams, and each day my mind was filled with new ideas and hopes and aspirations. I would never listen to anyone who spoke negatively nor acknowledge that there were shortcomings that could not be overcome. I always thought that the key to life is finding happiness in any given place or time while remembering the great scriptural axiom “Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25).

People around us cheer when we are happy and positive. Self-pity is the most negative quality of the human spirit. Thus when one is happy and positive and truly believes in himself or herself, great achievements lie ahead.

Throughout my life, in my heart and soul, I wanted to explore the world—to reach into the unknown—to travel beyond my childhood boundaries. It is so important that we each live our own dream—not someone else’s dream. If what you are doing in your life is not your own dream, then whose is it?
Perhaps I can best explain this through a personal experience.
When I was the age of many of you and was attending college at the very challenging Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, things weren’t going great, at least not academically. It was a struggle for me simply because I didn’t apply myself to the rigorous studies. After my sophomore year I went home and visited with my father. He encouraged me to change my major and to attend a college that was not so difficult. I thought about taking an easier route and remembered the wise statement a radio commentator had recently made. He stated, “Difficulty is one excuse history has never accepted.”1

I returned to college my junior year a reinvigorated, new person. I applied myself. I studied diligently. My grades skyrocketed, and upon graduation two years later I was awarded the university’s highest honors. Thus I realized between my sophomore and junior years that it was my dream I must live and not my father’s, and that I must achieve it through adversity and hard work.

Making dreams become reality requires great sacrifice and determination. Most people are content to just coast along. Many don’t like to apply their talents and abilities or to put in long hours of work. But to achieve any dream and to make something truly remarkable happen in our lives, we must face adversity head-on, and we must overcome all of the obstacles in our pathway.

Today, obstacles are significant. They are everywhere. It is easy to become a prisoner to abusive behavior when we think there is no possible way out. Just think of the complex issues of attempted suicide, pornography, drug abuse, eating disorders, sexual identity, and addictions that come in various forms and disguises. These are very real challenges to many people. Every family feels at some point the heartache and pain of watching a loved one or friend falling prey to one of these life-altering demons. Once ensnared, most individuals believe they have little chance of escaping. But I say unto you: Your life’s dream can be achieved. These demons are momentary setbacks. Do not succumb to desperation. Don’t get down on yourself. You can create a pathway to success. There is a road to recovery, and many of us have traveled that road.

With regained balance and confidence in life we can make it. Our dreams can be fulfilled. We should never, never give up hope. We must follow the example of the Little Train That Could, trying to pull its load over the mountain: “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!”

Today the economy represents a challenge that we have never witnessed before. Some of our families have lost their homes. Some of us, or perhaps our relatives or friends, have lost their jobs. Almost everyone has lost something or has been diminished in some capacity. May I suggest to you that, contrary to public opinion, there is much to be learned from the lessons of our times.

Benjamin Disraeli, a former prime minister of England, stated, “There is no education like adversity.”2 And it was Sir Winston Churchill, another great British prime minister, who led that nation through the unrelenting struggles of World War II, who stated, “We receive our inspiration from the mountaintops but receive our maturity from the valleys of life.”3

Many of us here today are either going through one of the valleys of life or will someday experience one of these challenges or moments of adversity. Remember that adversity determines our character. During times of trial and tribulation, I often think of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the many adversities that afflicted his life. The Lord brought peace unto his heart during one of these times when He stated, “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment” (D&C 121:7).

It is always interesting to observe how people react during times of crisis. Indeed, our very own character is formed by the lessons of trial and challenge. Character, in turn, emerges within each of us in our hearts and minds to establish our own personal set of standards—or, as the outside world would refer to it, our personal integrity. Integrity is critical to our lives—and to our dreams of achievement. We must remember that without integrity nothing else matters and that with integrity nothing else matters. Thus personal integrity, shaped and fashioned and molded to a great extent by adversity and personal trials, determines the person or individual we represent to others.

Again, we must each remember that God did not put us on this earth to fail. We are His children. We are here to succeed. The obstacles placed before us will be many, and in certain cases we may falter or even fail. I love the scripture that states, “He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42).

I often recall the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Atonement, of course, is the entire purpose for the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It provides a means for eternal life. But there is another purpose as well. The Savior’s suffering and struggles in the Garden of Gethsemane and His ultimate Atonement allows each of us to heal from the sins or afflictions of which I spoke earlier. Through the Lord Jesus Christ we don’t have to carry guilt over our shoulders as if it were a 50-pound bag of rocks. We can and should repent and move on. The Lord has provided the way for us to heal and then use our adversities to great advantage in the future. Shakespeare said it best when he simply stated, “Sweet are the uses of adversity.”4 As we overcome many imposed limitations or challenges, the door is open for us to do anything in life that is honorable and good. We can follow our dreams and reach the stars and make a big difference in the lives of many.

When I started our company 40 years ago, I had no money. I had worked diligently as a young man to help my family make it through life financially. Although a scholarship had been awarded to me to attend one of America’s most prestigious universities, I worked through college to pay for those extra costs that scholarships don’t cover. Then for several years after graduation I worked for a small company to gain experience and wisdom. I went to graduate school at night and received a master of business administration while having young children at home and serving in a bishopric. Thus, after much preparation, when I decided to form my own company and asked the banks for a loan but was rejected, I said to myself, “No is only the beginning of the conversation.” Filled with confidence, I returned many times to the banker and finally wore him down. He granted me a meager loan, and I began a small business. Step-by-step and acquisition-by-acquisition we grew and expanded. On many occasions, as we built the business, various bankers, attorneys, and accountants would tell me it was impossible to proceed, but I forged ahead because I genuinely believed in myself and was adamant that no one else was going to determine my own personal destiny. And no one else but you will determine your personal destiny.

I thought often of my great-great-grandfather, apostle Parley P. Pratt, and his tribulations as a missionary in England, as the first missionary in South America, and as one of the first missionaries in the Pacific Isles. He was turned down repeatedly. He was mocked. He was jailed with the Prophet Joseph Smith, but he was never discouraged. So how could one of his grandsons possibly give up a great opportunity to open doors for others without trying repeatedly to accomplish the objective? Throughout these early years of my business, the thought came to me repeatedly that difficulties in life are intended to make us better—not bitter! Roadblocks always seemed to surface, but slowly, over the years, with determination and prayer, a great business evolved.

Has it been a challenge? Of course it has. Almost every day is a struggle for many of us. But we must remain positive. Nothing comes easy. Next year our company celebrates 40 years as a reputable, global enterprise with a respected name. We have fought every day honorably and with fairness to forge ahead. Challenges will affect us every day. We refuse to fall for pyramid schemes or get-rich-quick gimmicks. They are all guaranteed to backfire. We have never been sidetracked by the lure of easy money. That doesn’t exist either.

People of integrity balance their lives. Successful people follow President Hinckley’s prioritization schedule. He listed our priorities in this order:

1. Our Eternal Spouse

2. Our Eternal Children

3. Loyalty to Our Employer/Profession

4. Commitment to Our Church Calling

5. Attention to One’s Personal Fitness and Health5

One might ask, why is it is so important to strive for excellence as a son or daughter of God? Or, if we succeed, will it really make a difference in the lives of others? We need only look to Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind. He often spoke about our need to be our brother’s keeper and to watch over those less fortunate and those who are underserved:

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. . . .

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. [Matthew 25:35–36, 40]

On the wall behind my desk, as a daily reminder, hangs the great industrialist Andrew Carnegie’s declaration of the law of accumulation of wealth. He stated:

The duty of the man of wealth [is] to consider all surplus revenues which come to him simply as trust funds, which he is called upon to administer . . . in the manner which, in his judgment, is best calculated to produce the most beneficial results for the community—the man of wealth thus becoming the mere agent and trustee for his poorer brethren.6

My heart is deeply touched every time I embrace patients at the Huntsman Cancer Institute or greet one of the thousands of students who have received our scholarships or embrace the homeless in many countries who have given up on themselves. Wealth, if utilized wisely as the Savior advocated, is indeed a blessing to all involved. On the other hand, an unwise servant can create chaos, misery, and unhappiness if wealth is misdirected or not used for the upliftment and betterment of mankind. Thus our charity will become our legacy.

In your studies you have been taught correct principles with which you must now govern yourselves. Have the courage to be true to what you know is right. Have faith in yourself. You have great power within your human soul—each and every one of you—to accomplish something great. The accumulation and use of wealth for the betterment of others is only one form of greatness. A righteous mother and father stand above all others. Obedient children are a blessing to a family, and a humble soul who loves the Lord can achieve great goodness.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. [Proverbs 3:5]

Our paths will be as plentiful as there are separate individuals in this great Marriott Center today. Never deny yourself the right to reach your individual dreams. You and the Lord, working together, can accomplish anything. Never forget—God did not put us here to fail.

I shall always remember how the precepts of the gospel of Jesus Christ dramatically changed my life. Although my parents were not active in the Church, I always was inspired by the law of tithing. It was a great honor as a young boy to make an appointment with my bishop to pay 50 cents or $1 or $2 tithing—earnings from delivering newspapers, mowing lawns, or cleaning out grocery stores. Little did I know that this simple habit would affect my life’s work.

In 1970, at the age of 32, I was appointed by the president of the United States to oversee the Welfare, Social Services, and Medicaid Program for the entire United States. It was an enormous task for a young man, but I thrived on my new appointment in Washington, D.C., as part of the presidential administration. Several months into that appointment, I received a call from the White House chief of staff, who asked me if I would immediately come to a meeting in his West Wing office. Nervously, I was interviewed for the next two days to determine if I was the proper candidate to become special assistant to the president of the United States and also serve as White House staff secretary. I had to pinch myself several times to realize that here I was, a young man born and raised in southern Idaho, now one of 14 candidates to possibly become one of the president’s right-hand men.

Near the end of the second day, the White House chief of staff looked me squarely in the eyes and asked a most improbable and unexpected question. He asked, “Are you a full-tithe payer in your church?” Yes, he injected the word full.

Without hesitation I said, “Yes, sir, I am. I always have been. It is an honor for me to pay a full tithing to my church.”

He said, “No one here in the White House is a member of your faith, but I know enough about your religion to know if you are a full-tithe payer, you are a person of integrity. Thus I am recommending you to the president to become his next assistant.”

The very next day I moved my offices into the White House. It was a humbling but joyful experience to know that the result of honoring the priesthood and paying a full tithing not only brings the joys of heaven but also, at times like this, can bring the honors of men.

I have always remembered the wise counsel of President Harold B. Lee. He, like the prophets of the Lord before and after him, helps guide and direct our lives during this mortal journey. I loved President Lee. He quoted a profound statement on one occasion that I have always remembered and that applies to many situations. Quoting Dr. Alfred C. Lane of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, he said, “Faith keeps one true in the dark and humble in the spotlight.”7 President Lee was simply telling us what we have been discussing today: that if we are men and women of integrity, we don’t need to wonder what happens when the lights go out. We have predetermined our course of action of becoming a person of honor and integrity.

One might question the survival of integrity in today’s marketplace of deceit and dishonesty. Let me share this personal story with you, which I hope will show that this is possible. Some 24 years ago my young business was struggling. I needed a partner. A recent economic recession had been devastating to our earnings. I decided to sell 40 percent of our company; we would retain the other 60 percent. We found a willing and able buyer. After much discussion we arrived at a price for the 40 percent valuation. We shook hands on the deal. Then it painfully took more than six months for the buyer to write the contracts that provided a legally binding agreement between us.

During that six-month period our earnings had increased dramatically, and the business was in a rapid growth mode. Sales were the highest ever. Financial consultants on Wall Street told me that the value of the 40 percent of our company the buyer and I had agreed to six months prior was now worth five times the original amount. Things had changed! Moreover, the first oral agreement, our lawyers told me, was not binding because no legal papers had been signed. Since nothing had been signed in the beginning and since our agreement was based on only a handshake, the buyers felt an obligation to pay a higher price. I admired them for that, and our business desperately needed capital. We were expanding aggressively throughout the United States and some foreign countries, and I had many bills to pay. But I informed the buyers that we must stay with the original agreement. I would not increase their cost! My behavior shocked the entire industry. They could not understand why I would not take hundreds of millions of dollars more. But I was confident that this was the honorable thing to do and explained to them, “A deal is a deal, and a handshake is your bond, and I will not vary therefrom.”

When the president of this large, international company that had purchased the 40 percent passed away, though I didn’t know him well, his family asked me to speak at his funeral. It was truly a great honor.

I mention this story to you, brothers and sisters, with gratitude for the power and spirit of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost acts within each of us as a moral compass. It tells us what is right and what is wrong. We always know when we are not doing the right thing. Patterns of integrity for life should be formed in our youth; then we never have to struggle with the answers. The Holy Ghost is there to prompt us, and we never have to reason through those promptings. Acting on them can have a positive and powerful and remarkable impact on our lives. Remember, God did not put us here to fail.

Always keep in mind that nothing meaningful can come your way without integrity, and integrity is often challenged by adversity. Never let the accumulation of wealth in itself be a goal. Be creative, work hard, and surround yourself with bright, honest people. Be a straight shooter and follow your dreams. But, above all else, believe in yourself, and between you and the Lord your dreams can and will come true, and in your pursuit of your dream, never, never forget others. It is a privilege to serve others, and I thus close with these lyrics paraphrasing the poem by John Donne:

No man is an island,
No man stands alone,
Each man’s joy is joy to me,
Each man’s grief is my own.
We need one another,
So I will defend
Each man as my brother,
Each man as my friend.8

I love the Lord. It is a great honor to bear the holy priesthood. I revere and sustain our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and I leave with you my testimony that God lives. He is my Savior and Redeemer. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is restored upon the earth as a blessing to each one of us. I also testify that God will not place adversity in our path without giving us the strength to rise above it. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Notes
1. Edward R. Murrow, Nominations of Edward R. Murrow and Donald M. Wilson (United States Information Agency) Hearing Before the Committee of Foreign Relations, United States Senate, Eighty-Seventh Congress, First Session, on the Nominations of Edward R. Murrow to Be Director, and Donald M. Wilson to Be Deputy Director, of the United States Information Agency, March 14, 1961 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1961), 3; see also last newscast, 22 January 1961, In Search of Light: The Broadcasts of Edward R. Murrow, 1938–1961, ed. Edward Bliss, Jr. (New York: Knopf, 1967), 346.
2. Said by the character Sidney Wilton in Disraeli’s novel Endymion (1880).
3. Attributed to Winston Churchill; also “Mountaintops inspire leaders but valleys mature them.”
4. William Shakespeare, As You Like It, act 2, scene 1, line 12.
5. See Gordon B. Hinckley, “First Presidency Message: Life’s Obligations,” Ensign, February 1999, 2–5; also, Hinckley, “Rejoicing in the Privilege to Serve,” Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, 21 June 2003 (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2003), 22–24.
6. “Wealth,” North American Review 148, no. 391 (June 1889): 661–62; see also Carnegie, The Gospel of Wealth, and Other Timely Essays (Cambridge: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1962), 25.
7. Alfred C. Lane in The Faith of Great Scientists [a collection of “My Faith” articles from the American Weekly] (New York: Hearst Publishing, 1948), 39; quoted by Harold B. Lee in “Sweet Are the Uses of Adversity,” BYU devotional address, 7 February 1962; see also Daniel L. Marsh, “The Inaugural Address,” Inauguration of Daniel L. Marsh, D.D., LL.D., as Fourth President of Boston University, May 15, 1926, in Bostonia 26, no. 4 (July 1926): 77–78: “We stand for the promotion of character, which is what one is in the dark or in the spotlight—that keeps one true in the dark and humble in the spotlight.”
8. “No Man Is an Island,” words and music by Joan Whitney and Alex Kramer, 1950; lyrics adapted from John Donne, Devotions upon Emergent Occasions (1624), no. 17.

My Purpose as a Missionary

2011-02-20T03:46:00.000-08:00

My purpose is to Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them recieve the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, recieving the gift of the holy ghost and enduring to the end.

1st Pack ATTEMPT

2011-02-16T06:49:00.000-08:00

So today I attempted to try putting all my mission clothes into my Bag! I didnt even get to put in my scriptures and stuff and it seemed to weight a TONNN! oh dear! I am gonna have to get the essentials!? I didnt even have normal clothes in there! So im thinking, going to the New Zealand MTC with just the 1 bag and sending my big bag down to Sydney to the Mission Home!? lol. I am not going to like travelling with all these bags. lol. Anywho! I totally need to learn how to pack this bag! lol. I wonder if there are restrictions to bag types and that sort of thing?

46 days to go!!!

2011-02-12T15:12:00.000-08:00

Life seems like a blurr! Life is sooo hectic! Yesterday we had Stake Conference. What an amazing sight! and Feeling. Oh so I'm apart of the Redcliffe Choir! We sang magnificantly! Goodness there is power in music! So as I sat there listening to the Leadership Training thinking about my calling. How I can help my YSA feel of the spirit more. Near end of the Broadcast it hit me! It finally hit me! This is why I have my calling. To help me prepare for my Mission. I love my YSA. Last night after the session our YSA decided to have a JAM SESH here at Suttons Beach, Redcliffe. I will totally miss them. My uttermost desire for them is to be happy in living the principles of the Gospel. I want them to feel of the Love that the Savior has for them. I want them to better their lives so they can feel the full effects of the blessings that we recieve when we strive to live the gospel.

Redcliffe YSA is amazing!

Redcliffe Choir is magnificent!

Sister Missionaries Rock!

My Family is awesome!

These days have gone by sooo quickly, next thing you know I'll be gone already! Finally is all I can say. It has been soooo long! And now its all happening. I am grateful for this opportunity I have to serve the Lord.

John 13: 34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my desciples, if ye have love one to another"

Mission Call Recieved!!

2011-02-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

So it didnt take long till I actually recieved my mission call. Well news of it anyway on the 2nd FebruaryI, Sister Amilaina Luatua have been reinstated to labor in the Australia Sydney Mission. I report to the New Zealand Missionary Training Center 31 March 2011. I only have 50 days left! Argh!! I have sooo much to plan and to do, in such little time.

We shall see how it all goes I know in the end. I can do this. I am going to be a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The Church is True!

And the waiting starts all over again! =)

2011-01-30T07:16:00.001-08:00

And now the waiting starts again! Im still assigned to Australia Sydney Mission. Now im waiting on a date to send me out! =) Exciting times! 2011 is sooooooo my year! =)

2011

2011-01-01T06:18:00.000-08:00

What an end to last year, 2010!
Who would of thought everything that could go wrong could possibly go wrong!

My name is Sister Luatua. I recieved my Mission Call on June 3rd 2010. I have been assigned to labor in the Australia Sydney South Mission ( This mission has now been merged into the one Mission, Australia Sydney Mission). I was meant to report to the Missionary Training Center in Hamilton New Zealand on July 22 2010.

One week before I was meant to depart I had made a sound decision to delay my call. Today is the 1st of January 2011. I am living in Brisbane now, getting ready to leave again. Whether or not I am still assigned to Sydney. I dont know. All I know is that I am ready to get out there! This time has really tested my inner strength as a person and faith as a saint!

Do I regret delaying my call?

No =)

Why?

I have had so many great and dreadful experiences over the past few months I know without them I wouldnt be the person I am today. I have learnt so much, grown so much, been chastised so much, and loved so much these past few months I am excited to see what 2011 has in store for me.

What am I looking forward to?

I am stepping foward in faith and hope that things will be amazing this year!
I am looking forward at stepping outside my door knowing that I am a servant of the Lord on His errand doing what Jesus would do, saying what Jesus would say, and just thinking what Jesus would think...

Ultimate goal...

Happiness! I am my own person! I create my own destiny! 2011? Bring it ON!!

So are you curious?

2010-08-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

As the wait draws to an END...

2010-05-23T07:07:00.000-07:00

As I feel my wait draws to an end I cannot help but contemplate the wait period has to be I SAY HANDS DOWN the hardest of the Missionary Preparation for myself. I have witnessed many different situations where I just dont know have come from. From New Job Role stresses, to unexpected Family Decisions to Mission Call Reassignments, to Work Staff Issues. All have been but a learning curve for me and my journey. It has been tough, it has been hard, it has been heart ache, it has been a JOURNEY! I am grateful for my trials! Why? Because I know if I wouldnt face them now and deal with them now I wouldnt be able to deal with them in the future. I believe and know without a doubt that these trials have been preparing steps for me for My Service to the Lord. I have to admit. I have not handled some of my trials the best I could of. I could of made alot more simple and wiser decisions to deal with them. However that is where the learning comes in. I have learnt from my mistakes, I have to move on. As it comes to an end, I feel the urgency to become more prepared! I feel the need to bury myself into the scriptures, to pour my heart out in prayer, to give everything I have to the Lord and to Be the Best I can Be! I feel that that sour chapter is drawing to a close and a new one opens as I prepare more intensly for my Service to the Lord.

Changes:

My Brother Henry Paul Luatua has been reassigned. He is no longer serving in the Australia Brisbane Mission. Elder Henry Luatua has been reassigned to labor in the Australia Perth Mission. He reports to the New Zealand Missionary Training Center on June 10th 2010.

My Friend Bronson Ta'ala has received his Mission Call. Elder Bronson Ta'ala is hereby called to serve in teh Fiji Suva Mission. He reports to the MTC on July 1st 2010! Congratulations my Friend! Who I now owe a Dinner to after our Missions.

My new Friend Sister Crystal Jelley is currently waiting for her Mission Call. She speed tracked her Papers to Head Quaters in no time! Talk about connections!

My friend Thomo Gosney has just had his Missionary Reccomendation Interview today! He will soon submit his papers and will be waiting aswell for His Mission Call! Give it up for the Cairns District!

It has been an amazing Chapter "Waiting" and as it draws to an END I wish to open the next chapter with fresh eyes, fresh feel, fresh fresh fresh oh yeah!!

Bring it on! Oh by the way. 28th of this month it would have been officially 2 months waiting. Who would of thought the wait would of been any longer! lol. I've been soooo impatient! I've slowly accepted not getting what I wanted. But I know when I receive my Mission Call! I know that is where the Lord needs me to serve His Children! I know that is where My oh so limited talents are needed! I know...

I'll go where you want me to go Dear Lord
Over mountains or plains or sea
I'll say what you want me to say dear Lord
I'll be what you want me to be...

So the Waiting begins...

2010-04-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

Okay so i admit! today i checked the Mailbox. Its been 2 long weeks since I've submitted my papers and well Nothing. No BIG WHITE ENVELOPE squashed into our small lil space of a letterbox. Then it dawned on me. Hold ON! My Mission call is getting sent to my home address. haha. Not my Residential address. lol. DURR! talk about a blonde moment there! well. so the wait begins. another 4 weeks of waiting. If still nothing. Then im going to have to make some phone calls! lol.

I wonder where it is the Lord wants me to work,

I wonder where the Lord requires my talents (BTW they are only few),

I wonder when the Lord needs me to be ready,

I wonder if I have enough time to be ready,
I know that I have been called to serve Him.

I know my preparations have already begun!
And with that...

The Waiting Continues...

Big Shout out to:

2010-03-28T01:02:00.000-07:00

Wow just amazing how the Lord sends out his missionaries...but calls them first...

Big shout out to:

Elder Siosefa Palu - Called to serve in the New York NY Mission, leaves 17th May 2010

Sister Fine Fafai - Called to serve in the New Zealand Wellington Mission, leaves 20th May 2010

Elder Henry Luatua - Called to serve in the Australia Brisbane Mission, leaves 20th May 2010

Elder Helaman Fafai - Called to serve in the New Zealand Auckland Mission, leaves 10th June, 2010

Sister Leah Lawrence - Called to serve in the Fiji, Suva Mission, leaves 1st July 2010

Awwww and by the way!...Believe it or not! I had my last interview today! Woot Woot! So am now OFFICIALLY joining the Waiting List...with many others...A few of my friends are waiting...Some are finishing their missions, some of my friends have served missions, some are still considering...no matter what the STATUS QUO...Without doubt this is the Lords work. And it shall go forth unto every nation until every single soul has had an opportunity to hear the Gospel.

Now the waiting begins...lol

My brother got his call today!!

2010-03-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Like wow! today my brother got his call! BTW had an amazing day! woke up at about 8.30am. Had an excellent breakfast, Facebooked for a while, read a few talks. Actually did something physical! went for a run. Did RED ARROW! Oh dear how unfit i was. But anyway came home, went for a shower got ready for work. On my way to work i pull up outside our company driveway, and i hear my phone going off. For some good reason I felt like I needed to pick up this call. I thought. OMG! Mission Call! so I pulled over in the middle of the driveway, pulled out my phone (By the way i was on my brothers scooter with a helmet on) and picked it up put it on speakerphone. Heard pauls voice and was like Heeeeyyy Brother!! Then he told me had got his call. And he'd tried calling everyone but no one picked up the phone...Man did i get excited. One of the drivers were looking at me like EW! But i didnt care...So like i could tell he was anxious...anyways i told him i was gonna call mum and dad and tell them the news so they could make the plan and i'll do whatever...So like yeah...i called mum mum was like super super excited...and dad was like wheres he going...i was like dad he hasnt opened yet...lol...and then tried texting emma..bout ran outta credit...so i called using the landline..WooHoo...

Long Story cut short...I left work early to go mums house. Emma came to pick me up on the way. And yeah Emma was just as excited as I was. I've never seen emma speed in the Car legally and well...We made it home in pretty good time! lol.

Called Paul, and Tali and My mum were there with him! haha. Was awesome! Thenit began...

We could here him ripping (hopefully nicely opening) his BIG WHITE ENVELOPE!!...

Then we're like Read it from the beginning, and he's like I cant find the beginning...lol...Can he not know where the beginning is....lol...

Then he starts laughing...(At this point i wonder if he saw where he was going before he even started the letter)

But then the experience began...He read...

"Dear Elder Luatua,

You are hereby called to serve as a Missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You are assigned to labour in the Australia Brisbane Mission. (We scream and laugh at the same time, Mum Luatua yells "Are you sure?") It is anticipated you will serve for a period of 24 months. You should report to the New Zealand Missionary Training Center on Thursday May 20, 2010. You will prepare to preach the Gospel in the English Language."

My goodness brother...all I can say is that I know without a doubt that Heavenly Father has called you here for a reason. He has called you as a Missionary of the restored Gospel to invite others to come unto christ and helping them recieve the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement...He has called you to the Work...So in that I leave...Brother if you ever get to read this...Serve with everything that you have. Remember who you are, why you are here and what it is that you are supposed to do.

Funny how my family is moving back to New Zealand near end of this year and well with me? Hopefully Im out on a Mission Somewhere serving the Lord! And ELder Luatua is coming back to where we stay in the Brisbane Mission and yeah maybe to finish off some unfinished business...Man is Heavenly Father amazing!! Love Him!!

There's no place like home

2010-03-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

It's been 7 months since I last stepped foot on HOMELAND (Good Ol New Zealand) and saw close family and friends...Gosh I miss HOME!

This is Tropical Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia. Also known as Paradise. This is where I reside at the moment. We have Coconut Trees, Mango Trees, Awesome Lagoon flooding with Backpackers. Nobody owns any piece of winter clothing here except for Raincoats. As it is technically Summer all year round. The last count of population up here was 122,000 people! In Cairns, The Church has a District of 4 Branches. We have maybe 20+ Active Young Single Adults which amazing for a branch in the Middle of nowhere pretty much. Cairns District covers the rest of Far North Queensland all the way up to Papa New Guinea. Isn't that something for yah!

Then we have Auckland City, New Zealand. This is where I spent all of my 20 years of my life in. I was born here, learned to walk and talk here and pretty much. All my friends and family are here. Population last count was 1.4 Million people. This is more of the hectic busy lifestyle. You have soooo many more options around you. I went to 5 different high schools and all located in completely different areas. The temperature is freezing compared to here. Your average summer is 21 degrees. And coldest winter morning is 4 degrees. You need shoes, socks, beanies, and everything under the Sun. I miss the many functions they had going all in the one night. One thing for sure you're never BORED!! There's always something to do.

Church Wise. I was baptized into the Avondale Ward, Waterview Stake of Zion. We have 6 Wards in our Stake and 3 Chapels. 2 Located in Central Auckland and 1 Located in Central West of Auckland. Even though it was a big Ward the number of Active Young Single Adults were smaller. Probably 10+ not even 10 if I recall.

But all up I love Cairns. It truely is an amazing place. A Prophet of the Lord stepped into Cairns many years ago and gave a prophetic sermon at the Cairns Convention Center. Over 2000 people filled the seats to hear Him speak. He prophesied of a Temple being built here in lil ol Cairns. He attached with that blessing this message. "But it is up to the Saints". If we want a temple we will get one. I did not see the prophet speak. I was not here to witness this magnificent occassion. But I testify of the growth in this small area. I testify of the many strong members we have here that will in future build many mighty generations. I stand behind the Prophet when he councilled there would be a Temple here in Cairns, Qld, Australia.

I testify that prophets are mouth pieces to Our Heavenly Father. I know He lives and reveals his secrets to his servents, the prophets. I know without a doubt Cairns is an amazing place to be at this point of time.

This I say in the Sacred Name of our Savior. Even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 4

2010-03-20T04:51:00.000-07:00

Doctrine and Covenants, Section 4

"Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth, among the children of men. Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work; For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, and diligence. Ask, and ye shall recieve; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen"

The Ultimate Missionary Scripture! Underlining the most important words that stick out to me! What an eye opener for a scripture! This is what its all about. This is what Preparing Missionaries all over the Earth read over, ponder about, learn, they cut this scripture up study and analyze word for word therefore unravelling the Greatness of the Message that lies within this scripture.

The Definition of the word "Support"

2010-03-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

The definition of the Word "SUPPORT" is to bear the weight of, especially from below. To hold in position so as to keep from falling, sinking or slipping. To keep form weakening, or failing; strenghthen"

Young Single Adults was practially my family in the Church. As I only spent but a few months in Young Womans after my Baptism. Young Single Adults gave me a clean social life. Always fun. Will always know YSA for all the late nights, early mornings, after every dance you'll all somehow congregate outside Mcdonalds, all the Activities, Meeting heaps and heaps of cool people. The spiritual side to this was Institute, Conventions, Firesides, Broadcasts and many more especially enjoy everyday conversation about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Relief Society (imagine you get a whole 30+ Ladies in one room) was practically my high council support group of mothers. Constantly councilling me left, right center Everyday of the week including Sundays! And the Priesthood. The Bishopric and Branch Presidency have helped alot with the confirmation of alot of things. Inspired council from ON HIGH.

Outside of the Church. There too was a high number of support groups. My non member family in New Zealand. I love my Uncle very much! He and my grandpa growing up has had a MAJOR part in the person I am today. Although I am a member. Growing up alot of the qualities I already had joining the Church was inspired and instilled in me from these 2 GREAT MEN in my life! I love my uncle. He has taught me alot about Sacrifice! My grandpa. Was an amazing man no matter what other people tell me. He taught me alot about Respect for others and Respect for self. To serve those around you. To be the best you can be!

My uncle had a choice many years ago. Two Children ended up at his doorstep. Me and my younger brother. He was only in his early 20s and the time. He had a choice to go and live his life the way he wanted to. He had a choice to choose his life or ours. As young as he was then, and as free he was. Because he loved his Father sooooo much (My grandpa) he chose to love us. Because our Grandpa loved us and didnt want us to be elsewhere! My uncle followed and learned to love us the same way our grandpa loved us. I will forever remember his example. Through the years he constantly taught us principles that were only ever Magnified in the Church. Sacrifice being a big part, Being Honest, Learning to take others burdens. Although not going to church he taught me true Christian Values.

My Grandpa was a Great Man! I would remember everytime I'd finish school me and my bro would walk home and always without miss find him sitting at the table waiting for us. He'd tell us to go wash up get changed and come have some Cocoa Rice! without fail! He would serve us everyday. He would wash our clothes, He would make sure we were always with him no matter what. At school he would pride in us achieving the best that we could. I loved school because Him and my Uncle had a passion for it too. Grandpa would always encourage us to Be The Best! The day he passed away was a very low point in my life. He was my EVERYTHING! He was my apple of my eye! He was the very reason I would respect myself and people around me. He taught me that. He constantly supported us when it came to sports. Me and my bro practically joined all the sports teams.

When he died in 2003 I questioned the very purpose of life. I questioned where is he now. I looked up into the skies in hopes that hes up there somewhere as everyone would say. How can I have all these feelings of love for such a being and then for something to happen and that would just perish and go away. Stop at the very point! I remember saying "if there was a God! Take me in his place! Bring him back and Take me instead" I would die just to hear his voice again. I would do anything just to feel the warmth of his hands. I would do anything just so he can live and be with me again.

Since joining the Church. I have had these questions answered. I know without a doubt where he is. There is a reason why we are here on Earth. There is a purpose. And that is to prepare to meet God our Eternal Father. I know that Death is just apart of the process. He is not lost. He is there. Waiting for me to do my part. I know without a doubt that The Plan of Salvation is true! I know when we die there is a place prepared for us.

My Grandpas name is Isakara Penia Fata Seuseu. He now rests in the Heavens and will soon be reunited with my grandma Mama Leitu. His sweetheart and companion.
My Uncle Tills Seuseu still resides in Glen Eden with a lovely new wife Barbara and they have 4 Children. Silao, Isakara Jnr, Steven and Baby girl Loretta Seuseu.

2010-03-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

WOOHOO! Papers Completed!!
Recommendation SUBMITTED TO BRANCH PRESIDENT...

few more steps to take then SUBMIT TO CHURCH HEADQUARTERS! SLC!!
Can't stop smiling...Wow This is the Furtherest I have ever gone...How this Journey has just begun...

I finished work late tonight being a Thursday you have Late Night Shopping (Boy these days are tough) and finished at 10.30pm. Was anxious to get home and to upload my photo properly and submit...I opened up the Netbook straight away...Got Online...Signed into the Missionary Recommendation System...Checked everything...I started getting all figity just double checking, starting to make noises and get all excited, My roomate threw me funny stares and she was on her Laptop across from me...the feelings of the weight of this sacred calling kept flashing in my mind...Checked everything and like YES! ALL CORRECT! then read the privacy statement...and then the unavailable SUBMIT BUTTON came available...I checked the list up and down...Then...clicked submit!...:)

Funny how the first few words that come out of my mouth after that was..."It's done!" amazing..I just recalled atonement and the crucifixtion...and how the Savior said in John 19: 29 "It is finished; and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost"

For a few good seconds perhaps minutes My body relaxed, My mind pulled back abit and My mind cleared the Stage of Thoughts...Just for a minute...I thought "It's done!"

Then I realized...HOLD UP! I havent even gone yet...I havent even started...no time to rest...time to get back onto it!...Time to make things happen...Time to auto focus on those Important Priorities...The fight isn't over yet...
It just upped another Level...

The Long Journey...

2010-03-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

Who knew preparing for a mission would be a Mission in itself!

What a journey...

I tell you...

When I started to prepare for a Mission...I thought it would be so easy...BOI! Was I hella wrong! From the time of Confirmation which was Mid June/July last year 2010, I have never come across soooo many trials and tribulations...Who knew Satan was that eager to try and stop every preparing Missionary to serve a Mission. Im talking about ME!! It truely does testify of the Greatness in the Work and The Truthfulness of The Message that we have (I will soon) to deliver to who knows how many people...tens of hundreds, maybe even hundreds of thousands of people.

Early November last year I had a date with my Aussie Mum. And I was pretty bummed because it had just passed my birthday and that was the supposed date I was meant to hand in my papers. But hadn't and was still floating in the world like I am today. I recalled a Meeting I had with President Fa'aoso (He's our BP aka Branch President) a few months earlier...I think it was around August...after my confirmation...I had told him I had asked Heavenly Father for a good date to put in my papers. And he presented to me My birthday last year. President then counsilled me to maybe consider a Better or Best date. While with Mum talking over some awesome Chicken and Avocado Sumo Salad at Cairns Central we discussed dates. I popped out with April 4th! Just had a good feeling about it. Mum jumped at the date aswell. She had a good feeling too. Those feelings were an answer to a heart said prayer.

Quote from My Journal, Entry 22nd November 2009 "I really need to be gone by August next year...although thats 9 months away...I feel end or beginning of March or even April is the best date...April 4th...2010...yes I will pray about this date...so thats 19 weeks away..."

So January this year, I have made video posts of myself and have been saving them onto my Netbook. So will put a few up.

So like Sunday just gone I had My LAST TEMPLE PREP Class. Amazing Course I tell you. Helped me prepare even more for higher covenants and also has been an EYE OPENER to what Im getting myself into. We were in discussion about Sarah and Delina (2 other class mates who are preparing to enter into the Temple) meeting with the Mission President, President Richards. Because we're in a District Pres Mahler (District Pres) cannot complete my interview. Anywho. Pres Richards wont be up again after 28th of March until May sometime. Keep this story in mind.

Okay so like Everything has been going into that date! I have 17 days left!! Till I hand them in. And just yesterday. a whole NEW Revelation come to me. As I was cruising the websites like I do. (Lately I've become very fond of Mission Blogs and LDS Blogs) Hence why I started up my own. Anywho. I come across MormonMissionPrep.com. Just on the front page I read the Mission Application Time and realised. HOLD ON! Once I submit my papers they only get sent to Branch President. I still have to meet with the Mission President and he ultimately submits my papers. But then I realised that Mission President is only coming up next week and after that not coming until May sometime. Then I got even more anxious. I knew I was preparing for a Mission. But to be that close Oh Wow! Time really is moving alot faster maybe faster than my mind can keep up with.

Which means. My scheduled Interview with Pres this week will have to be The Interview. already?? Shux! and next weekend on the 28th which is next Sunday. Will have to be The Ultimate Interview! FReaKY!! just thinking about it!

This is Me

2010-03-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

Amazing how time works...

Nearly 5 years ago, I found Truth. Or shall I say Truth found me? I found out there was a God. There was a Jesus Christ. He really did walk the earth. He atoned for me. He organized his Church while on the earth. Thousands of years later that Church was restored. With that the Windows of Heaven were reopened to the boy Joseph Smith. Who later became one of the Lords Prophets. We have the Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It compliments the Bible as the Bible compliments the Book of Mormon...

Later that year, I decided I was going to serve a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...

Only mid last year was it confirmed to me that I was meant to serve a Mission...

Since then everything has been put into that thought...

Today I have never felt so close to putting in my papers than ever before...