Everyone talked about how the teacher ran her class just like a college class, and that she would write feedback all over your essays. ⁣

But I was excited. ⁣

Because for years before this class, my English teachers had always passed back essays with: “Great writing, Cali!” written across the top, with a few “good!”s and “nice!”s sprinkled in the margins. ⁣

I mean, I knew I was pretty good at writing. ⁣

But I also knew I had room to improve, and I was ready for a teacher who could show me how instead of patting me on the back. ⁣

So when my new teacher passed back our first essays of the year, I was ecstatic to find her pen markings all over. ⁣

“What a fascinating thesis! Do you ALWAYS think this is true though? What about…”⁣

“This isn’t as strong of a reason as your others. Make sure you’ve got evidence to back it up.”⁣

“This concluding paragraph is FILLED with platitudes. Give more substance.”⁣

THIS was what I had been waiting for. ⁣

Someone who knew how to push me. ⁣

And I loved how each correction also gave me a way to get better next time. ⁣

In a much more serious and all-encompassing way, I am also grateful for a Savior who doesn’t let me coast. ⁣

One who calls me out with guilt or with promptings when I’m not at my best spiritually. ⁣

One who tells me how to get rid of things that don’t belong anymore. ⁣

But my favorite part?⁣

“Whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance”. (D&C 95:1⁣)

He always prepares a way for us to change. ⁣

Not just: “Hey, you’re doing this wrong, hope you can figure out how to fix it!”⁣

But He has PREPARED and PLANNED a way for us to improve. ⁣

He has already sweat and bled for the consequences, and now He invites us to get back on the right track. ⁣

I’m grateful for a writing teacher who helped completely prepare me for writing at the college level by teaching me how to be better.

And I’m even more grateful for a Savior who takes the time to chastise me, and prepares a way for me to become even more like Him.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post  AP English  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I’ve been praying for more personal discipline recently. ⁣

Being a stay-at-home mom and being self-employed have really tested the extreme boundaries of my personal discipline. ⁣

I’ve prayed a lot. I’ve cried. I’ve done research. I’ve listened to podcasts. ⁣

I’ve thought about it a whole lot. ⁣

And then finally, I just started making little changes. ⁣

I stopped trying to wait for the perfect strategy or the ideal calendar. ⁣

And when I would try something, I’d learn pretty quickly or not if it worked. ⁣

And all of a sudden, I’m realizing I’m doing a whoooole lot better than I used to. ⁣

It’s like a combination of the law of attraction, and the snowball principle. ⁣

The Lord teaches more about this skill in D&C 88: 40, and He actually gives a bunch of really cool examples: ⁣

“For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own”. ⁣

We attract what we already have. ⁣

And we grow what we put effort into. ⁣

Learn some truth, seek for it earnestly, and you’ll be given even more truth. ⁣

⁣Start studying the scriptures, put effort into learning more, and you’ll get even more knowledge about them. ⁣

Give some mercy, pray for an even softer heart, and soon you’ll have so much more mercy to give. ⁣

So what do you want more of in your life today? ⁣

Start with the basics.⁣

Put in some effort. ⁣

(Remember, the Lord LOVES effort.)⁣

And you’ll attract even more of it.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post What do you want more of? first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I was working so hard to just do the bare minimum that was required of me. ⁣

By my second year, I felt like I could handle the basics better. ⁣

And so I started figuring out how to be an even better, kinder, more involved, and more effective teacher. ⁣

It’s not like I was a bad teacher my first year. I was good. My students liked me, their test scores were good…⁣

But I improved SO much each year that I taught. ⁣

And by the time I quit my job, I was an awesome teacher.

But, I still could have been even better and certainly would have improved more if I had stayed in the classroom.

The phrase that the Lord uses in the beginning of D&C 59:9 has always been powerful to me:⁣

“That thou mayest MORE FULLY keep thyself unspotted from the world…”⁣

It’s not a yes or no thing. ⁣

Just like it wasn’t “good teacher” vs. “bad teacher”, this isn’t a cut and dry “totally unspotted” vs. “spotted”. ⁣

It’s a spectrum of cleanliness. ⁣

And the Lord is effectively saying:⁣

Hey, do you want to move the needle on the spectrum even closer to ‘purity’? Do you want to become even more clean?⁣

Do you want to rid yourself from all the worldly grime that’s darkening your spirit?⁣

Then try keeping the Sabbath day holy even better. ⁣

It’s not like you’ll do it “right” or “wrong”— I just know that you can do it even better than what you’ve been doing. ⁣

And it’s going to add cleanliness to your life if you choose to do it. ⁣

What a cool message, right?!⁣

We are constantly invited to do just a little better.

Not that we were necessarily doing it “wrong” before, but more that He knows the blessings and extra peace that await us when we move the dial on that purity spectrum just a little bit more. ⁣

Whether it’s Sabbath day observance, or a different commandment that you are feeling pulled toward focusing on right now—⁣

I love that we can always find ways to become just a little bit more unspotted.

The post More fully unspotted  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

What doesn’t edify you?⁣

I found the definition of “edify” to be very intriguing:⁣

“To instruct or improve (someone) morally or intellectually.”⁣

What a perfect test, huh?!⁣

The things that aren’t instructing me or helping me improve in some way, are not from God. ⁣

Which means… the opposite is true, too!⁣

I LOVE reading my scriptures. Like, those totally are edifying in my life. ⁣

But there are also a ton of non-church-y things that edify me. ⁣

In fact, I love using the marker of “edify” to draw my firm line in the ever-shifting sand. ⁣

If a podcast is fascinating and it leaves me feeling edified, I am ALL for it!⁣

And if a podcast doesn’t leave me feeling like a better person for having listened, then it’s probably one to work out of my regular listening schedule. ⁣

I don’t have to worry so much about ratings or count the bad words when it comes to media. ⁣

I just… know if I’m edified or not. ⁣

I know if I’m learning something useful. Or if I’m enjoying myself in an uplifting way. ⁣Or if I’m connecting to other people in meaningful ways.

Sometimes though, I’ve learned I have to take a much more mature approach to judging “edification”. ⁣

Because I don’t know about you, but trying to parent little kids all day doesn’t always leave me feeling “instructed and improved”. ⁣

…in the moment. ⁣

While I’m actually scrubbing the toilet or folding that shirt for the millionth time, I don’t usually feel awesome about it. ⁣

But I know God is looking for spiritual maturity. ⁣

What is edifying me in the long-run? What is making me a better human being? A more Christlike woman? ⁣

Am I developing skills and qualities that will improve and instruct me when it comes to the big picture?⁣

Or am I helping to improve and instruct others, thus chipping away at my own selfish tendencies?⁣

Sometimes, judging “edification” is black and white.

But other times, I have to take a step back and lean into my spiritual maturity to see what is really going to edify me. ⁣

Because if it edifies me, it is given to me of God.

“And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.” (D&C 50:23)

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Edify or not?  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I had just explained how I read my scriptures, prayed, attended church, and was kind to my siblings.

My bishop told me how great I was doing!

(Yes, 100% perfect in the church stuff, I thought.)

But then my bishop asked, “So, what are you working on to improve how you live the gospel?”

My mind froze.

I mean, I had just told him I was doing everything right.

I finally muttered…

“Uh. . . I don’t know. Nothing right now.”

My bishop smiled kindly at me and said:

“Well, maybe the next time we meet, you can think about an answer for that.”

Looking back, I chuckle in slight embarrassment but also so much love for teenager Cali who thought “checking all the boxes” was good enough.

The scriptures warn, though, “. . . wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!” (2 Nephi 28:24)

I have learned since that day that there is SO much more to being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

And I am also now very aware of the long list of qualities I still need to work on to improve.

Very, very, very aware.

Now, I think it’s important to find a balance, because we don’t want the pendulum to swing too far from over-confident-teenager to never-good-enough-adult.

For example, we can go to a temple recommend interview and respond confidently AND fully recognize that we still need to improve.

We can confidently teach a class at church while relying on the Spirit AND fully recognize that we have so much more to learn.

We can belong and feel happy in Zion without feeling complacent.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post My perfect interview  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

“What have you learned from trials in your life?”

People were sharing some really powerful and beautiful responses.

But… I noticed that everyone who commented was sharing the “big trials” in their lives.

The dramatic, heart-breaking, life-altering trials that taught them dramatic and life-altering lessons.

Now while I’ve had my fair share of “big trials”…

Most of my life is made up of “small” afflictions.

Monday mornings. Lack of sleep. Bad attitudes. Lists of things to do. Small miscommunications with friends. Frustrating situations with a kid.

We are promised that God “. . . shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.” (2 Nephi 2:2)

Of course, the big trials can be so transformative.

But can God consecrate the small (but many) afflictions for my gain, too?⁣

Am I going to use my kid having a meltdown as fuel for my frustration OR as a way for me to practice my patience and love?⁣

Am I going to let my to-do list add to me feeling overwhelmed OR use it to practice prioritizing what matters most? ⁣

Am I going to let my miscommunication frustrate me and fester OR use it to practice love and forgiveness?

I’ve learned that a lot of it has to do with my decision whether or not to accept that my Heavenly Father will dedicate these mundane trials for my ultimate benefit!

I am in control of how much I let God into my life.

“Whatever the cause of your sufferings, your loving Heavenly Father can direct them to refine your soul.” -Anthony D. Perkins, Oct 2021

Yes, the big stuff.

But also the really normal, messy, frustrating, repetitive, draining little stuff, too.

When I choose to consecrate and dedicate it all to Him, I start to realize He is ready to help me learn and benefit from anything.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Monday mornings for my good?  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I had to memorize the names of the notes.

Then I had to practice the same tricky measure over and over.

And then I had to put in nuanced effort to make my pieces sound beautiful and expressive.

But let’s be honest…

Many people start piano lessons and then stop at some point!

Besides just not enjoying it, I think it’s pretty difficult to want to continue with lots of practice when we can’t see immediate results.

Why does it really matter if I practice the piano for 20 minutes today when it doesn’t seem like it’s really going to change anything?!

I’ve noticed the same lessons in my spiritual growth.

Does it REALLY matter if I pray every day?

Fulfill every calling I’m given to the best of my ability?

Study my scriptures every day?

It might not look like it makes a difference every single day.

In fact, maybe it won’t make a big difference either way today.

But we know that “. . . by small means the Lord can bring about great things.” (1 Nephi 16:29)

When we look at the comparison, things seem a little more clear:

Where would practicing the piano every day for 10 years get me?

And where would practicing the piano on-and-off for 10 years get me?

The end results are dramatically different, even if it’s hard to see the difference in the short term.

The “spiritual stuff” seems the same.

Listening to one conference talk today might not change my life.

But listening to a conference talk (almost) every day for 5 years?!

A small little decision that could end up affecting me in dramatic ways.

“When we exercise faith in Him and follow His counsel in small and simple things,… He blesses us with small daily miracles, and over time, with marvelous works.” —Steven C. Wheelwright

I want to immerse myself in good, spiritually uplifting things as much as possible every single day.

And trust that all those small decisions can add up to great things in my future!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Practicing daily first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I don’t know if that’s 100% true, but I do know that when I study, truly STUDY, my scriptures every single day consistently, I know more about the gospel.

I’m able to teach better.

I receive inspiration more easily.

I feel like I’m showing my Heavenly Father and my Savior that I’m willing to put the work in to learn. ⁣

I feel comfort and peace in response to my complicated questions.

The people in Berea were ready to actually receive the gospel from Paul and Silas because they SEARCHED the scriptures DAILY. ⁣

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and asearched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

So how can we search and study the scriptures even better?

I like to take a little inventory of my current scripture study-related STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES.

Whether it is consistency, time spent studying, allowing time to reflect, finding life lessons, seeking inspiration, memorizing stories and references, teaching others about the scriptures…⁣

The gospel is all about STRIVING to be better!⁣

How can we be just a little better with our scripture study today?

Not tomorrow.

Not when I have the time.

Not once I meet this deadline. ⁣

What can I do today to make my scripture study bless my life even more, and be ready to receive God’s word?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post How can I improve my scripture study? first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

YET

We talked a lot about how we often think we can’t do something, like solve a tough math problem, or dance ballet, or write an essay.

But the truth is, we can’t do those things YET!

If we put in the practice, learning, or training, we could technically do almost anything we wanted to do.

And of course, this message doesn’t only apply to sixth graders.

I can’t bake. I’m not good at drawing. I don’t garden.

And that bleeds into our spiritual development, too.

I’m not good at praying with real intent. I don’t like ministering to others. I don’t see the purpose in attending church. I’m so bad at studying my scriptures. I can’t forgive that person. I won’t feel charity toward those people.

I think Jeremiah had one of these realizations when the Lord called him to preach.

Jeremiah did NOT think he could be called as a prophet.

“Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am as a child” (Jeremiah 1:6)

And the Lord basically responded to him by pointing to the big sign on the door that said YET.

You may feel like a spiritual child right now.

But, especially when the Lord is involved, there isn’t anything we can’t do!

What new skills or strengths do you feel God wants you to learn right now, no matter your age?

Because God always adds YET.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post God adds YET first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Just kidding.

“Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.” – The Family: A Proclamation to the World

We’ve done a lot of “recreational activities” in our family recently, with it being the holidays.

Which means our levels of “forgiveness” and “patience” are probably a little lower than usual.

Families are the best place to see each other’s weaknesses and strengths, right?

We see our kids’ best qualities and their absolute worst moments.

We see our spouse at their absolute best and their weakest.

And we show our most awesome versions of ourselves, and we make our biggest mistakes.

Which means that together as a family unit, we are gonna have times when we are totally on it, and other times when we have completely fallen off the wagon.

Like, way off the wagon.

Here’s what I’m doing this week, and I encourage you to join me.

When looking at this statement, what is the ONE thing that stands out the most to you as an area your family is doing pretty well?

Give yourself credit for the good things I know you are doing.

(As a note: teaching your family about forgiveness looks a whole lot more like extending forgiveness than teaching a formal lesson on the topic.)

And what is the ONE thing that stands out to you as the area your family can work on improving right now?

If your kids are old enough, you can ask them what they think, too!

Maybe you want to get back into the habit of praying with your spouse.

Maybe you want to get your family involved in working together more.

Maybe you need to stop all the to-do lists and just have more fun together.

Maybe you need to repent from a bad habit all your family members know about, and so you decide to talk to your family about how you are trying to change and want their support.

Getting overwhelmed with everything your family is failing at is about as helpful as getting overwhelmed with all of your weaknesses at the same time.

One step at a time is the best way to walk.

And I think our marriages and families are important enough to spend a little bit of time looking for ways to improve!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post The key to a successful family! first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.