At first, I seemed very popular as everyone got excited that they could play with a children’s toy during this lesson.

However, I quickly lost my popularity when I told them they had one minute to think up an analogy for how the toy they were playing with somehow represented Jesus Christ.

Despite their groans, the youth did a fantastic job!

They giggled about stretchy toys that reminded them to “spread the gospel”.

They shared drawing boards that allowed them to erase their mistakes.

They modeled how a play abacus reminded them to “count their blessings.”

We then talked about how Jesus is the root of everything.

Jesus is everywhere and everything.

We can make silly analogies about Him with toys…

But much more importantly, He is the reason for everything we have in this church.

“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ. . . .” (2 Nephi 25:26)

Do we mistakenly attend the temple, go to sacrament meeting, or even perform missionary service while losing focus of the true goal of becoming like Jesus?

Jesus is the reason for everything we do.

Everything!

We worship our Savior in His holy house, we partake of His sacrament to renew covenants, and we bring other people to the remembrance of their loving Savior.

So let’s do better at talking of Christ.

Rejoicing in Christ.

Preaching of Christ.

The more we can do this, the more we can be reminded that Jesus is at the center of our lives!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Toys and Jesus first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

This has been a question on my mind for years now.

When well-intentioned people say, “You don’t have to be perfect, just try your best!”

It’s a little confusing because every day looks drastically different for me.

And so how do I know if I’ve actually done my best, or if I’ve fallen short with a mediocre effort for the day?

Most of us are familiar with this famous scripture in 2 Nephi 25:23:

“For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”

Initially, it’s easy to think that we have to do ALL we can do first, and then Christ steps in with grace to fill the gap.

But the more I have studied and learned and pondered about grace, I’ve realized—

Christ’s grace is what enables us to even try to “do our best” each day.

Sure— my mental capacities, busy schedule, attitude, health… they all affect what my “best” could possibly look like each day from the outside.

But I think that our outward results don’t really always convey where our hearts are at.

I think doing “my best” or “all I can do” each day actually means that my heart is turned to my Savior.

The dishes may or may not get done, my scripture study may or may not be meaningful, I may or may not have time to serve someone else…

That stuff changes all the time.

But Jesus asks that we always remember Him.

He’s invited us to covenant to do that, in fact.

And if we turn our minds to Jesus over and over again, if we are spiritually-minded, if we repent constantly, if we praise God…

Then our Savior’s grace is with us all day (and all night) long.

“We must do our best, which includes repentance, but it is only through the Lord’s grace that we can realize our divine potential.” – Clark G. Gilbert

We will never earn grace.

“Our best” from an outside viewpoint will never be enough.

But crafting a covenant relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ will create the best and most grace-filled days imaginable!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Did you really do your best? first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

STRENGTH

There are probably many times each day when I feel I could use extra strength or support.

For example, when my toddler needs me to open the same toy for the millionth time, when I’ve got a work deadline to hit, or when a friend tells me of a new heartbreaking trial.

Jesus can be my strength in these difficult moments.

When I remember to call out to Him for help!

SONG

But what about Jesus being my song?

Let me tell you that I always have a song stuck in my head.

Always.

Whether I’m doing the dishes, driving in the car, or trying to fall asleep at night, I’ve got a song repeating over and over in my head.

What if we could be like this with Jesus?

What if Jesus was always “stuck” in our minds?

He can be my strength and He can be the song in my heart.

I’ve learned that Jesus can be my strength and my song when I call on Him for help, and I do my best to always remember Him.

What does it mean to you that Jesus is your STRENGTH and your SONG?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Strength and song first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.