One armed Judo Fighter

  Sometimes your biggest weakness can become your strength. Take, for example, the story of one 10-year-old boy who who decided to study judo despite the fact that he lost his left arm in a car accident. This boy began lessons with a old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move.

 "Sensei." the boy finally said, "shouldn't I be learning more moves?"
"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know." the sensei replied.
 Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.

 Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals.

  This time, the opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared over matched. Concerned the the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened.
  "No." the sensei insisted "let him continue."
Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his one move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.

  On the way home, the boy and the sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind.
  "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"
  "You won for two reasons," the sensei answered, "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."
The boys biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.*

  Jesus Christ once said "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27) Everyone has a weakness, but if we trust in our Master, or our Savior, that weakness can become a strength. Who knows what we can accomplish when our weak things become strong! I know that personal challenges have strengthened me, and made me better than I have ever been. And I know Jesus Christ loves all of you just as much as he loves me. Trust in him, and see what you can achieve!

*I got this story from Mike Alford

Jurassichastity!

  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it. (Gen 1:27-28)

  We have a powerful and sacred gift to create life, and it was entrusted to us by our loving Father in Heaven. In whose image we were created. One of the very first commandments given to us was to have children, to multiply and replenish the earth. This is a big deal, this is Gods very power of creation given to us. When used properly it can bring so much joy into our lives, but when used improperly it can lead to so much sorrow.

  In the movie Jurassic Park a group of scientists try to create their own life. They clone dinosaurs for a theme park they are making and try to play God. They abuse the power of creation and it quickly leads to a dangerous situation that they were not prepared for. As a result of their toying with things they did not fully understand several scientists were killed by the dinosaurs they themselves made. While our choices may not lead to velociraptors eating Samuel L, Jackson, they may have serious consequences of their own.

 "I was overwhelmed by the power of this place; but I made a mistake, too. I didn't have enough respect for that power and it's out now. The only thing that matters now are the people we love: Alan and Lex and Tim. John, they're out there where people are dying."  -Dr. Ellie Sattler

  This privilege that God gave to man is not something to be taken lightly, but that isn't to say that it's bad! Within the bonds of marriage and with a full understanding of the importance it has, the ability to bring souls into this life is a beautiful and holy thing. But outside the bonds of marriage and with no thought of the consequences of our actions it can ruin relationships and even lives.

   Just don't forget whose power it is, and to treat sacred things like sacred things. Be chaste, and have a nice valentines day.