In other words, don’t be jealous.

Why?

Why would this make the Lord’s Top Ten List for basic commandments that He wanted the children of Israel to follow, and that He still asks us to follow today?

I think I’ve realized that jealousy is one of the biggest signs of where our heart is.

If I’m over here spending all my time jealous of my friend’s beautiful new backyard, or that trip that they just went on, or the bonus I know that they got…

Then I’m not spending my time loving them.

I’m probably a lot less likely to want to serve them.

I probably am not praying for them.

And it also means my heart isn’t showing gratitude.

I’m probably not overwhelmed and grateful with how dependent I am on the Lord.

I might not be as willing to pay tithing.

My heart starts to worry about the wrong things.

This is a tough one in today’s super materialistic world, and it’s not a commandment I’ve conquered yet.

But I think it is worth every effort to try and root out that pride and jealousy.

Because then we make a little bit more room to love.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Jealousy and charity  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I spent time reviewing previous talks.

I prayed with very specific purposes beforehand.

I did a lot of work so that I wouldn’t have to do that much during the weekend.

And guess what happened when General Conference weekend arrived?!

I felt so immersed in every talk that I heard!

It truly was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life, and I felt like I was hearing the Lord speak, quite literally.

Although I’ve always loved General Conference, there was something powerful about REALLY preparing for a spiritual experience.

The Lord even warned Moses to “Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.” (Exodus 19:10-11)

The Lord wanted the Israelites to prepare for the amazing spiritual experience that awaited them.

He didn’t want to just spring it on them.

He gave them three days to prepare.

Preparation takes work. It takes effort to do things ahead of time.

But Bonnie Oscarson put it perfectly when she said:

“Where much is required, much more will be given.”

We choose how much to prepare.

How much to ponder about our covenants BEFORE sacrament meeting starts.

How much to do physically and mentally BEFORE walking through the temple doors.

How much to do BEFORE we open our scriptures to study.

How much to search for intention BEFORE serving or loving someone.

But I have found that the more that I choose to prepare before what I anticipate to be a spiritual experience, the more that the Spirit is poured out upon me.

Preparation is for me.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Benefits of preparation  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I hear this constantly from my kids.

Sometimes they can do something by themselves and I get to see them grow in their development.

Buuuuut a lot of times they can’t really do it by themselves.

Or it would be so much easier or faster if they let me help.

Don’t we feel that same pressure as adults?

“Oh no, I can do it all by myself.”

Whether or not we actually can.

Or whether or not it would be easier or faster if we let someone help.

We don’t want to bother anyone.

“The thing that thou doest is not good.

“Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee:

“for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.” (Exodus 18:17-18)

I’ve recently watched my ward family rally around someone in need in truly epic ways.

I think that’s one of the real purposes of small, local congregations.

To see the immediate, too heavy burdens, and to step in and mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort.

I’ve had friends, family members, and ward members help to bear my burdens in too many ways for me to number.

There have been some beautiful experiences where the Lord has helped me release my pride and ask for or accept help that others selflessly give.

But even when others fail.

When people don’t help or support in the ways we wish.

The Savior is always there.

Saying, “You will wear away if you keep trying to do this all.

“It’s too heavy for you alone.

“Let me help bear the burden with you.

“Because I’ve already been through it alone.”

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post I can do it all by myself! first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.