Moses described Bezaleel by saying:

“And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship; And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass.” (Exodus 35:31-32)

Those sound like pretty cool gifts, right?!

Bezaleel was talented and had probably worked hard to hone in on his crafts over the years.

But the Lord had something extraordinary in mind.

Bezaleel’s specific talents and abilities were needed to help build and beautify the tabernacle.

And Bezaleel willingly used his gifts, all given from God in the first place, to serve the Lord in building His holy house. 

What are some of the talents and gifts you’ve been given from God?

What are skills you’ve worked hard to develop?

How have you been able to use those abilities to help give back and show thanks to the Lord?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post What is your talent?  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

When I looked at it, I thought, woah, I looked really different then.

Bodies are so interesting from an earthly perspective, because there is so much pressure, especially for women, to constantly be losing weight, “getting your body back”, or fitting into old jeans or dresses. ⁣

But from an eternal perspective, bodies take on a whole new meaning. ⁣

We agreed to come to earth, to deal with the terrible trials and heartaches we knew we would face, all to get a body (and everything that accompanies obtaining a body).⁣

And those spirits who chose Lucifer’s plan instead?⁣

Their PUNISHMENT was to never receive a body. ⁣

Your skin, your heart, your bones, your muscles, your blood… ⁣

They aren’t punishments.

Your body is one of the biggest blessings and gifts you’ve been given. ⁣

And when we have to leave this life and are separated from our bodies again? ⁣

I think we’ll miss them. ⁣

Until:⁣

“Their sleeping dust was to be restored unto its perfect frame, bone to his bone, and the sinews and the flesh upon them, the spirit and the body to be united never again to be divided, that they might receive a fulness of joy.” (D&C 138:17⁣)

Being reunited with our beautiful bodies will allow us to receive a fullness of joy. ⁣

Sure, bodies aren’t always totally awesome. ⁣They can cause us grief, or something can go terribly wrong.

But we can still feel gratitude for what’s going right.

And our bodies will be “perfected” when we are reunited with them again.⁣

But what our bodies look like or what size we wear is so far from the point in the eternal scheme of things. ⁣

What our bodies do, what our bodies allow us to experience, from emotions, to service, to fun, to breathing, to learning, to worship, and everything between…⁣

Getting the opportunity to do these things in a body, created by God, allows us to experience joy here on earth, and obtain a fullness of joy in the world to come.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Our bodies  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

And my favorite part? Each one of these gifts comes from a small business! AND each one will build faith in some way.

So whether you’re buying for kids, in-laws, ministering sisters, friends, a spouse, or even yourself (hey – you deserve it!) there’s something for everyone on this list!

One note: since these gifts are from some incredible, talented small businesses, order soon to make sure you have them in time for your Christmas celebration.

(Some of the links bellow may be affiliate links, meaning I get a small payment for each purchase with no extra cost to you! But all of these opinions are truly my own– I’ve really used and love them all!)

Before Christmas Gifts

25 Days of Christ Ornament Advent Calendar

This is one of those things that will become a Christmas tradition you’ll wish you started sooner. My family got one a few years ago and it is FANTASTIC! There are 25 unique, wooden ornaments that each tell a little bit about Christ’s life story. We used our small 4-foot-tall Christmas tree and turned this into a nightly devotional and scripture study each night throughout December. Truly a highlight of the spiritual season, and a simple way to bring the real spirit of Christmas into each day of the month! Use code CALIBLACK for 20% off your order (using this link will automatically apply the code).

Christ-Centered Christmas Advent Calendar

This simple but elegant advent calendar from Christ Was Love is one we’ve had for a few years now! Each day, we turn a card over to see the beautiful new Christ-centered artwork for the day, as well as a scripture to read. And since the backs of each card are so festive (there are a few different design options you can pick from, but the one in the photo here is the one we chose!), this really doubles as another Christmas decoration! I also appreciate that the kit is all ready to go, with the twine and the clothespins included– I didn’t have to buy a thing to make it work. Use the code CFMSTUDY10 for 10% off your order!

Think Celestial Ornament

What better reminder of what our prophet has asked us to do than with this adorable ornament hanging on your tree? This would make such a cute gift for ministering sisters, members of your Relief Society, or other people you serve with in the church. And I have a HUGE discount for you guys! Use the code CFMCELESTIAL for 30% off your order!

Church-y Christmas Gifts

One Minute Scripture Study in the Book of Mormon

Not to toot my own horn but… This book is a MUST BUY this year! My fabulous co-host of the One Minute Scripture Study podcast, Kristen Walker Smith, and I wrote an engaging and simple daily devotional book for the Book of Mormon! For 365 days, you’ll have a daily devotional focused on a scripture from the Book of Mormon that also includes lots of personal stories and easy-to-digest commentary. And of course, every entry includes our signature TAKEAWAY OF THE DAY in 5 words or less! This is absolutely the perfect gift for everyone, from teenagers to families to any individual looking to boost their scripture study next year.

Hymn Necklaces and More Faith-Centered Jewelry

This incredible small businesses makes the most BEAUTIFUL and meaningful jewelry. This is seriously one of my favorite gifts of all time. My personal favorite are the reversible hymn necklaces (hymns have so much power!), but there are so many simple, beautiful pieces of faith-centered jewelry on this Etsy shop. Whether you’re shopping for someone who loves music or just loves the Savior, there’s something for any woman of faith. But hurry! She closes up shop in December, so get those orders in this month. Use the code CFM20 for 20% off your entire order!

Dear Divine Daughter: Inspiring Women in Latter-Day Scripture

This inspiring book focuses on the women of faith in Latter-Day Scripture (the Book of Mormon, D&C, and the Pearl of Great Price). It’s written as a story-book, so it’s easy and fun to read. You can read stories about 27 incredible faithful women, including the mothers of the stripling warriors, Polly Knight, the Queen of the Lamanites, and Vienna Jacque. This is such a fun and unique book that would be a great gift for any faithful woman in your life AND it’s great for young kids!

Amber Oil Vial

When was the last time the men in your life got a new oil vial? Well, let me tell you why this one is a big upgrade! First, it’s made of amber, which means no more rancid-smelling oil when giving a blessing. Second, it actually has a dropper, which means you can’t accidentally pour too much oil! Plus, you can add a little sleeve with a keychain attachment when purchasing so that he can always be prepared to minister to others. Use code CALIB at checkout for 10% off your order.

How I Became Friends with God by Becky Childs

I’m not kidding when I say the first time I read this book, tears were streaming down my face. This is the SWEETEST picture book with the most gorgeous illustrations and heart-warming story. It tells the story of a mother teaching her children about how she began noticing God’s hand in the world, and became friends with Him. Reading this with your kids or grandkids can help prompt discussions with them about your own relationship with God, and how they can notice God more in their lives.

Aquabrush Reusable Activity Books

IF YOU HAVE LITTLE KIDS, BUY THESE RIGHT NOW. I seriously have sold all my friends on these, because they are our lifesavers during Sacrament meeting. My 5, 3, and 1 year olds all reach for these in our church bag as soon as it starts and it keeps them focused and occupied on scripture stories while Dad is sitting on the stand, so I call that a win! If you aren’t familiar with Aqua Brush books, they are completely reusable, and kids LOVE “painting” with the water brush. I love these ones from Kanga Toys so much because my kids are becoming familiar with scripture stories as they “reveal” the colorful picture on each page. I can’t overstate how much I love these! 

Come Follow Me Co

This is a fun way to keep each week’s Come, Follow Me lesson at the front of your mind all year long! (Which makes it the PERFECT gift for friends, neighbors, or even members of a church class!) Each week, you’ll change to the next card, which has a featured scripture (with the cutest designs!). You can spend the week memorizing or pondering on the scripture, and it can remind the whole family to stay focused on Christ. It even comes with a wooden block to display the pictures anywhere you’d like! Plus, there’s both an English and Spanish version! Use the code CFMStudy2024 for 15% off your entire order.

2024 Book of Mormon Come Follow Me Calendar

This calendar features gorgeous photography by Scot Facer Proctor from real-life locations related to events we’ll be studying in the Book of Mormon. It makes a FANTASTIC gift for neighbors and friends because 1) EVERYONE needs a new calendar for 2024, and 2) It has images from the Book of Mormon and reminds you to follow along with the CFM curriculum for next year! Let’s be honest, you’ll probably want to grab one for yourself, too… 

Nephi and the Broken Bow Stacker Set

Scripture story LEGOs?! Yes, please! If you’ve got LEGO-loving kids, these perfectly attach onto any pre-existing sets you have. This set can be used to tell the story of Nephi and the Broken Bow, so it’s perfect for the upcoming Come, Follow Me content in the Book of Mormon. Plus, there’s an adorable little Liahona included! While you’re on the site, check out the adorable diamond nativity art that your creative kids can do as a fun Christ-centered craft this Christmas season. Use code CFMSTICKERS to receive a FREE set of diamond nativity art with any purchase!

A New Approach to Studying the Book of Mormon

I’ve been singing this book’s praises for years now! It’s the unchanged text of the Book of Mormon, but split up by events and paragraphs instead of chapters and verses. It highlights who is speaking and at what dates these events take place, and even has extra wide margins for easy note-taking. Trust me – this is a great purchase for yourself or someone in your life for the coming year.

Norman Books

These books are going to be the new staple in your household! My favorite thing about these books is that Norman, the mouse-y main character, is really a normal kid. In the Sabbath Day book, he’s complaining about not being able to go to the circus with a friend on Sunday; in the Holy Ghost book, he’s concerned that he can’t actually feel the Holy Ghost, even after receiving the gift; in the Temple Marriage book, his friend tells him all about weddings, only for Norman to learn that temple weddings don’t match what we see on TV… I could go on and on! Each topic is covered in doctrinally sound ways, and they are the perfect way to start important conversations with your kids! And try the board books for younger kiddos – Norman learns about everything from going to nursery to taking the sacrament! Use the code CFMS10 for 10% off of your picture book bundle purchase on Etsy! (Or you can find these books in English OR SPANISH sold separately, too!) 

The post Church-y Christmas Gift Guide 2023 first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.