There are so many people with wisdom and education and training that have helped me to become a better mom by teaching through social media!

It’s awesome.

I used to look up to a lot of these “parenting influencers” with the idea that I agreed with everything they said.

If they suggested this way to deal with a tantrum, then yup I’m all on board. If they suggested we try this new twist on a chore chart, then yup we are doing it.

There’s been one issue with parenting that I’ve been looking for some more support with recently, and so I looked to what many of these parenting experts were saying.

Their advice seemed to all be pretty much the same for how to deal with my situation. But I heard that still small voice whisper:

“This is not what your kid needs.”

And I felt peace.

The gift of discernment is more important on social media now than ever before.

Advice and ideas are everywhere.

Good advice and ideas even! Many of these parenting accounts have brought blessings into my life for how I interact with my children.

But I don’t just “follow” blindly.

I’ve learned that I can take each new idea to the Lord. He’s the best parenting expert out there and He can point me the right way.

Life coaches, health experts, news commentators, finance coaches, psychologists, and yes, even religious accounts (the irony is not lost on me!) are everywhere.

“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad”. (1 Kings 3:9)

Like Solomon, I’m learning I have to plead with God daily to be able to discern what is right and what is wrong.

For some things, I need to know what is right or wrong for my situation. (Like my parenting example! The Lord clearly told me it’s not what my kid needs, even though it works for others.)

But for other things, I’m having to literally decide whether it is truth OR truth twisted until it’s no longer pointing me toward God.

Understanding hearts, righteous judgments and discernments, we’ve gotta be asking for and claiming these privileges now more than ever!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Wisdom on social media first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Even if I practice a piano piece for hours on end, I still might make a giant mistake in a performance.

Even if I do everything that I’m supposed to do and more, I still might not get that promotion at work.

Not much in this life is guaranteed.

It’s a tough life lesson to learn.

But what WILL always be guaranteed?

Covenants.

Any covenants that we make with God will be honored 100%.

Have you ever thought about what a blessing that is before?

We don’t have to wonder if God will be in a good mood that day, or if we will get the chance of possibly having a promise fulfilled– we can be TOTALLY sure that God will hold up His end of the bargain every single time.

Solomon wisely prayed before an altar of the Lord, saying:

“Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart.” (1 Kings 8:23)

I am so grateful for a covenant-keeping God!

It’s so calming to know I don’t have to worry about the things that I’ve been promised being taken away, or given to too many other people.

It’s always in reach.

So what I can focus on is being the best covenant-keeping saint that I can be, repenting every single time that I fall short, and recommitting again.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Not much is guaranteed first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Do you think he ever drove his parents crazy and made big messes?

Oh, I’m sure.

Did you know his parents weren’t active in the Church? He wasn’t baptized until he was 16 years old.

I think it can be tempting to look at our beloved prophet, Russell M. Nelson, and think, “Wow, he is different. His gospel knowledge and spiritual strength are unparalleled.”

Now of course, President Nelson has received gifts of the spirit and powerful abilities from his mantle and priesthood keys.

But… he also had to grow and develop like anyone else!

He had to figure out his relationship with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He had to decide if he thought it was true.

He had to study the scriptures and pray and learn how he best receives personal revelation.

He had to endure heartbreaking trials and devastating setbacks.

He had to practice serving others and communicating well.

He learned how to teach and speak with the priesthood authority.

We aren’t all aspiring to become the prophet, but we can still grow in the Lord!

David was the king of all Israel… who started out as a sheep herder.

“And David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him.” (2 Samuel 5:10)

David had to learn to be great, too!

Knowing how to study the scriptures isn’t just for the old guy in your gospel doctrine class.

Loving and understanding the temple isn’t just for that sister who’s been serving for 20 years.

We can all grow great!

What are the next steps for you? How do you want to “grow great” next?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Growing great first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.