Hi, I'm Stu

I'm a father. I'm also a full-time mature age uni student. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I ride motorbikes and play rugby union. I'm currently studying Medicine at James Cook University. I've had many different jobs over the years ranging from sales rep to nightclub bouncer. I drove trucks interstate, and worked construction. Ultimately though while I've worked hard physically, it's the mental challenge I crave. I'm a father of 5 kids and love it. I'd have 15 if I could! As much as the apprentice humans may drive me crazy with some of the stuff they do, I take my role as a father seriously. I love them and try to guide them the right way. Like Christ guided those he came into contact with - through love and compassionate counsel.

Why I am a Mormon

This question is one which is a long answer. I was born into the church. I never realised what a gift that was though and never wanted to be there as a youth. I left home and subsequently the church at 15 and spent time in a few of her Majesties finer houses for those who follow the wrong path. I realised something was missing in my life around the time I was 28 or 29 but couldn't put a finger on what it was. When I was 30 I was dozing one day in between running a changeover (where you drive 6 hours change trucks and drive home again) and Oprah was on the tv in the room. I distinctly remember the show was on her rewarding people who had given selflessly of themselves and asked nothing in return. It got me thinking - why wasn't I like that? Why was I the kind of person who would only help a "friend" move house if there was a direct pay-off for me? What was so badly lacking in my life that I was a narcissistic scum bag? And the thought popped into my head "Maybe it's church?" My immediate thought following that was "Church? I don't need church." And again the thought came - "Maybe it's church?" I again immediately countered with - "I haven't been to church in 15 or so years. I don't need any church and church certainly doesn't need the likes of me." but it stuck. I emailed a friend of mine who was active the whole time I was absent and his reply of "So you've finally woken up to yourself have you?" kind of reinforced the fact I was missing church in my life. It still took me another 2 months to return to church, but I knew the second I walked in there through the witness of the Holy Ghost that it was indeed what was missing in my life. I am honestly grateful everyday for a loving Heavenly Father who calls his children home through the spirit and through those of his children brave enough to say what needs saying. Even to prodigal children like I was. I know without a shadow of a doubt that heavenly Father loves all of us unconditionally

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons go on missions?

I guess the best way to explain it is this - When you are in the service of your fellow man, you are in the service of your God. We have something in our lives which makes us truly happy. Why would we not then wish to share this with others? the 2 year (18months for Sisters and married couples) mission which we serve is a chance to truly spend our time in the service of the Lord and our fellow man. It builds our testimony and helps us to learn principles and habits which help us to become righteous Husbands and Priesthood holders throughout our lives.

Please explain the part prayer plays in your life?

My Prayers each day are a daily dialogue between myself and my Heavenly Father. I speak to him openly and honestly. The same way my sons speak to me. It gives me a chance to offload some of the stuff which is bugging me, and to ask for help and guidance when required. I love being able to pray. No matter where I am, or what I'm doing, I have the opportunity to pray and receive answers to my prayers. I know heavenly Father answers my prayers. I may not always get the answer I want (just like my sons requests), but I always get exactly what I need from my Heavenly Father.

The constant comfort I'm able to derive just from being able to pray and know that my Father in Heaven is listening and answering is wonderful. It's the same type of comfort my 6 month old daughter gets from feeling my arms encircling her when she's scared or upset or received a fright from a loud bang. I know in my times of crisis and need my Father in Heaven wraps his arms around me too. This is the greatest blessing in my life other than the wonderful family I've been blessed with. Nothing compares to knowing that someone is always there to listen to me and care for and comfort me when I need it most.

What has helped develop greater harmony in your home?

Family Home Evening. Being together one night of the week with no tv, internet, radio, stereo, movies or music and sitting around as a family spending time together with each other.

We also have a family meeting where we all get to talk about our week just gone by, our upcoming week and generally connect. We also have a "gripe session" where the things done by someone else which were upsetting are allowed to come out. The condition on this however is that following the gripe, a hug and an I love you must be said and done. The opportunity to become more aware of each other this way has really helped strengthen the love and unity of our family. the kids are more in tune with not upsetting their brothers and sister and we as parents also get the chance to spend time with our kids and strengthen our relationship with them.

How I live my faith

I attend church each week. I follow the teachings of the church (which are the teachings of Jesus during his ministry here on earth) and I am happy doing so. I also have regular discussions with my friends about how our religions differ and what we learn each week at our different churches. I love discussing my faith with those from other faiths as I find it cements our friendship.

How can faith in Jesus Christ influence us in our marriages and family relationships? in our friendships?

Stu answered...

As we strive to become more like Christ, the natural progression of this will be to become more loving and supportive of our families and our fellow man. Marriage is hard, but nothing worthwhile ever came easily. As we strive to implement the gospel principles of faith, repentance, both personal and family prayer, and studying the scriptures both personally and as a family, we will find that our love towards our fellow family members will grow, as will our desire to serve them. When we serve others we place them above our own worldly needs and desires. This is exactly what Christ did for us through his ministry and the atonement. It is also the only way we can truly become as he was. A marriage based upon selfishness will disintegrate. A marriage based upon service and love will thrive. Coupled with faith, a rock solid foundation which can withstand the strongest storms will be forged and lead to a truly happy satisfying loving marriage and family life. Now and throughout eternity.
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Brennan answered...

Jesus of Nazareth was, and still is, the great healer. It is our faith in Him which enables Him to perform miracles in our lives. Often that miracle is a change of heart which allows us to forgive, see others in a new light, or feel an increased measure of love. Having faith in Jesus as our divine redeemer enables Him to bless our marriage and family relationships with an increased measure of unity and love.

Are all Mormons required to serve a mission?

Austin. answered...

No. Every worthy young man is expected to serve a mission, though there is no punishment for not doing so. Also, not every young man is physically or mentally capable, so there are circumstances where a young man may be excused from service. Young women may also serve missions, but are not expected to do so.

Serving a mission means a full-time commitment, leaving family and friends to preach the gospel in a place assigned by the Church.

I served my mission in Los Angeles, California.

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