We need hands that are virtually always doing something. ⁣

We need flashy white teeth to help eat and enjoy yummy treats. ⁣

We need super smart brains that are always planning and learning. ⁣

We need legs that actually get us going to different places. ⁣

We need elbows to remind us that even when we feel pain, it’s okay to still laugh and be funny. ⁣

We need every body part. ⁣

Some body parts are strange shapes.

Some get all dolled up with makeup. ⁣

Some body parts have hundreds of different uses. Some do the same thing with consistency. ⁣

My nose would be of no use to me if it wanted to walk like my feet. I prefer my nose to be really awesome at being a nose. ⁣

“Also the body hath need of every member, that all may be edified together, that the system may be kept perfect.” (D&C 84:110⁣)

But right before that verse, a warning. ⁣

“Let every man stand in his own office, and labor in his own calling; ⁣

“and let not the head say unto the feet it hath no need of the feet; for without the feet how shall the body be able to stand?” (D&C 84:109⁣)

The warning is to each of us and it is serious. ⁣

Do we, whatever part we may play, think that we have no need of someone who is different than us?⁣

That we need to make friends with people who are super similar to us? ⁣

That if everyone were a little more like us, the church would be even better?⁣

That is not true. ⁣

We need everyone. We need everyone exactly how they are right now. ⁣

Every strength. Every weakness. Every quirk. Every struggle. Every personality. Every background. ⁣

Not just to make a nice church cuz diversity is cool. ⁣

But to make a PERFECT church. ⁣

Perfect is often synonymous with “whole”, “complete”, or “mature”.⁣

We aren’t broken if we differ from “the norm”. ⁣

We are needed exactly the way that we are in order to make a small part of a complete body. ⁣

We are needed to perform a function that only we can. ⁣

We are needed to edify each other in ways we don’t even realize. ⁣

We need everyone, and our biggest downfall will be if we start thinking we don’t.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Pinky toes first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

If the problem can be solved, there is no use worrying about it. ⁣

If it can’t be solved, worrying will do no good. ⁣

We had this phrase everywhere in our house growing up, and I remember a copy of it always being on our fridge. ⁣

I have thought about this quote a lot. ⁣

To me, it’s the most beautiful and practical way to say, “Don’t worry”.⁣

If the problem can be solved, get to work and do what you can. ⁣

And then give the rest to God. ⁣

And if it can’t be solved?⁣

Give it all to God anyway, too. ⁣

I’ve been grateful for the peace and perspective this saying has brought into my heart. ⁣

When I couldn’t find a job right out of college. ⁣

When we bought a house. ⁣

When my little baby boy received an unexpected diagnosis. ⁣

My mind wanted to go into full-on panic mode. But I was able to pretty quickly turn to prayer and get rid of that worry for the unknowns of the future. ⁣

I’ll humbly but candidly admit that this is an area that has proved easier for me. ⁣

In a world filled with anxiety about the never ending problems of tomorrow, I’ve been able to find peace today and give the rest to God. ⁣

Not giving up my pursuits to solve what I can, but also not letting them overgrow my life. ⁣

And I think that’s what the Lord would want, too. To have a little less worry and a lot more faith and trust. ⁣

In D&C 84:84, the Lord advised the saints, especially those heading out on missions with no living arrangements, mission president, or even established congregations:⁣

“Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself.”⁣

Tomorrow, we will handle the things that need to be handled tomorrow. ⁣

Plan what you can, prepare what you can, problem-solve however you can, and then give the rest to God. ⁣

Because either way, worrying will do no good.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Worrying will do no good  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Looking back at every podcast episode, every Instagram post, every email on my email list… ⁣

I’ve shared hundreds and hundreds of personal stories over the past few years.

But for this post, I’m not going to.⁣

Because I want you to know that for every story I share, there are stories that I purposefully do not share. ⁣

In D&C 84:73, the Lord reminds the church, and specifically the apostles, that: ⁣

“They shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world; for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation.”⁣

God gives us sweet, spiritual experiences that are for our own personal benefit. ⁣

Sometimes, we share those experiences with others to help lift and inspire and connect. ⁣

But there are other experiences that are just for us. ⁣

They are purely to help strengthen our own testimony and to help us gain salvation. ⁣

For me? I just know. ⁣

There are some experiences that I know will make cute, or funny, or poignant spiritual messages to share with others.⁣⁣

And there are other experiences that I just know I want to keep to myself. ⁣

They are either difficult to describe, too nuanced to write down, too personal in nature, or even, on occasion, too miraculous to speak.⁣

It can be a little strange when everyone starts sharing stories, and you know that your story would fit right in, but you just know that’s it a little too sacred to share. ⁣

It’s okay. ⁣

Not everything needs to be shared. ⁣

It’s okay to keep some things in your heart.

The post No personal story today  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Who’s with me?⁣

Having a really solid night’s sleep is my favorite kind of rest. ⁣

But I’m pretty shocked at how often I DON’T feel rejuvenated after taking a “rest”. ⁣

I lounge on my phone for a while, or turn on a show…⁣

But afterwards, the tough demand of life don’t really seem any more appealing. ⁣

I am SO glad that the Lord has a much better definition of rest. ⁣

Here’s what He taught in D&C 84:24. ⁣

He starts by talking about unrighteous people, but He teaches an important truth in it: ⁣

“They hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.”⁣

Did you catch that last line? ⁣

WHICH REST IS THE FULNESS OF HIS GLORY. ⁣

True rest is being in the presence of God. ⁣

Isn’t that amazing? ⁣

True rest, in the ways our souls really crave it, isn’t reading that book. It isn’t that kid-free day. It isn’t quitting that job. ⁣

Don’t get me wrong, those can feel great and be rejuvenating. ⁣(Do it!!!)

But there’s a higher and a holier way to rest. ⁣⁣

And that is by entering into the presence of God. ⁣

I can’t currently fully enter into God’s presence on a daily basis. ⁣

But I can do some things that get me close. ⁣

Some things that get me symbolically there. ⁣

Some things that bring God’s spirit into my life so that I am still in the presence of a member of the Godhead, who are one in purpose. ⁣

I can take a rest however I want, and I love resting with fun and enjoyable things. ⁣

But when I know that my soul needs a rest,

When I need solace and comfort and peace to my spirit,

Then I know it only truly comes by getting as close as I can to being in the presence of God. ⁣

How do you give your spirit rest?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post I need some rest!  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.