My heart broke as I heard a dear friend say this to me recently. ⁣

She was going through some rough stuff. ⁣

And she expressed how she felt like all she did was complain. ⁣

My response? ⁣

That’s not how I saw things at all. ⁣

This is the beautiful thing about life. ⁣

We ebb and flow in our give and take. ⁣

Sometimes we are the sun. ⁣

Sometimes we are shining bright and lifting people up. ⁣

This friend in particular is always taking other people dinners who are in need, offering to help with anything, and has been there in very serious moments when I’ve needed immediate help. ⁣

She shines bright a whole lot. ⁣

But then, the sun goes down. ⁣

And we are the moon. ⁣

We don’t have much of our own light to give, and so we rely on the light we get from other people. ⁣

And she totally gets to be a moon right now. ⁣

There’s a time to serve and a time to be served. ⁣

There’s a time to love and a time to feel love. ⁣

There’s a time to shine the light of Christ and there’s a time to rely on the light that other people have. ⁣

“They give light to each other in their times and in their seasons…⁣

“The sun giveth his light by day, and the moon giveth her light by night”. D&C 88:44-45⁣

There are times and seasons for all things. Times for the sun, and seasons for the moon. ⁣

We have the light of Christ within us not to just shine and bring glory to ourselves. ⁣

But we have the light to give to each other in the times and seasons that we need.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Sun and moon  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I loved watching her try to follow what her dance teacher did each class.

Even during their dance recital at the end of the year, her teacher was off to the side of the stage doing all the moves so that the kids could copy her.

Over the next few years, watching things “click” for her was so fun.

She was so excited to attend class each week.

She learned trickier and trickier dance moves.

She started to memorize entire dances with ease.

I wasn’t necessarily shocked and amazed at what she was doing from week to week…

But when I stepped back and looked at how she improved over the course of a few years, the growth was dramatic!

The Lord taught:

“He that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” (D&C 50:24)

At the beginning of our spiritual journey, we have light – but only a little.

We mostly just follow the examples we see around us.

As we excitedly “show up” week after week in our gospel study and practice, we gather and receive more and more light.

It can be hard to see improvement when we look at our limited perspective.

But when we take a step back, we can see the light of Jesus Christ growing brighter and brighter in our lives every day.

And today, all it takes is doing something small to receive more spiritual light.

How will you add more light to your life today?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Just add light first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

After a strong performance, my mom and sisters would say,

“Wow, they were so good!”

…And then my dad and I would start analyzing everything.

“Well, on that big note, she was actually a bit under the pitch.”

“You could tell she was totally out of breath there.”

Watching American Idol with us was probably obnoxious.

But our ears were sensitive to pitch and singing quality in ways that others’ weren’t.

I am the exact OPPOSITE when it comes to cooking, though.

If I’m eating food with someone and they start commenting on the exact texture of a sauce that didn’t turn out properly or the salt that’s missing, I’m usually oblivious.

The Lord taught the Saints that out of the darkness, there will be light that will shine through.

However, there will also be some who,

“Receive it not; for they perceive not the light.” (D&C 45:29)

The light is here.

There is light and goodness all around me, in my scriptures, in the temple, and in my interactions with others.

But am I perceiving the light around me?

Am I aware enough to notice when the Spirit is present or where true peace can be found?

This is an area where I don’t want to be oblivious.

I want to be sensitive enough to perceive the light of Christ.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post American Idol  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I was weirdly shocked by just how dark it was.

Outside, inside…

Everything just seemed eerily quiet and dark.

We turned on the flashlights from our phones and were surprised at how well we could see with just this small light source.

And then, finally, the power came back on.

From a scientific standpoint…

Darkness isn’t real.

There are varying degrees of light or an absence of light.

But there is no darkness.

And light cannot be hidden in darkness.

There is no such thing as “too much darkness that drowns out a light.”

What a powerful metaphorical reminder about our most powerful and only essential light source, our Savior Jesus Christ.

”Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who created the heavens and the earth, a light which cannot be hid in darkness.” (D&C 14:9)

There will never be “too much darkness” in the world for Him to overcome.

And when we try to shine as much of Christ’s light out to others as we can, we can be sure that we are making a difference.

We may envision ourselves being a bright sun, sharing light with so many around us.

But most often I feel like a little cell phone flashlight in a giant, dark house.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that though.

Because I don’t think that Christ would say that is “not enough light.”

Any amount of light will conquer any amount of darkness.

Anywhere that there is an absence of Christ…

Then any amount of His presence makes all the difference.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Too much darkness  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I told her that I couldn’t even imagine what she was going through and that she was in my prayers as she prepared. ⁣

She responded:

“It’s really been such a beautiful ride. All of it. I think it comes down to, do you trust Him? And I trust Him so I’ve just felt peace. Do you know what I mean?”

And I knew EXACTLY what she meant.

I’ve had similar moments.

Those times where, on paper, everything should seem dark.

The diagnosis.

The loss.

The heartbreak.

These times should be dark. ⁣

Maybe you are going through a time that, on paper, sounds pretty dark right now. ⁣

Whatever version of “hard” you’ve been dealt right now. ⁣

But the sign of Christ’s birth in the Americas wasn’t just for the Nephites and Lamanites. ⁣

This is what Christ has always done.

This is what He continues to do. ⁣

When the sun goes down, when things are SUPPOSED to be dark,⁣

He brings us that light. ⁣

The whole night long. ⁣

He doesn’t erase the night.

He doesn’t usually get rid of the tough situation. ⁣

But He gives us that sustaining light THROUGH the night.

The power to see true perspective, to see His plan, to feel His love. ⁣

“Oh Savior, stay this night with me.”⁣

What a beautiful gift that He gives us, that I can never even begin to repay. ⁣

“…at the going down of the sun there was no darkness”. (3 Nephi 1:15)

He makes things light, especially when it should be dark.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post It should be dark, right? first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I think one of the reasons is because of the internet.

Because of social media. ⁣

We can choose to produce goodness, to share goodness, and to consume goodness. ⁣

When our house is completely dark at night and I need to take care of a kid, all it takes is one little light to allow me to see. ⁣

By being just a small light, we can make a bigger difference than we could ever imagine. ⁣

I’ve got a testimony of that, for sure. ⁣

Samuel told the people living in Zarahemla that the Lord needed to destroy the entire city because of their wickedness. ⁣

“But behold, it is for the righteous’ sake that it is spared.” (Helaman 13:14)⁣

One righteous person can keep an entire city from being destroyed. ⁣

And one righteous person can shine a light and share goodness on social media. ⁣

We can choose to post wisely. ⁣

We can choose to avoid division. ⁣

We can check facts. ⁣

We can resist cheap digs. ⁣

We can create beautiful and powerful content. ⁣

And whenever we choose to share our opinions, we try to always be led by the Spirit. ⁣

And that’s how we transcend the darkness and bitterness around us. ⁣

We stand out in different and distinct ways from the rest of the world and our difference can be tenfold (or more) what it could have been even 30 years ago. ⁣

Just one person. One post. One comment. One moment of restraint. ⁣

Can make all the difference between darkness and life-changing light.

“The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times.” – President Kimball

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post The Light of Women first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

During the final approach in the dark night, the pilots noticed that a small green light had turned off. (This light indicated if the landing gear had extended successfully.)

The pilots called off the landing and circled around for a bit, completely focused on this little green light. ⁣

Gradually, the plane circled lower and lower. ⁣

But the pilots didn’t notice. ⁣

They were still focused on the green light. ⁣

When a crew member realized how close they were to the swamplands, it was too late, and over 100 people tragically died as they crashed to the ground. ⁣

After recovery crews found the airplane, they discovered that the landing gear was working perfectly. ⁣

The little green light was the only thing that had malfunctioned. ⁣

The accident happened because the pilots turned their attention to something that seemed to matter a lot in the moment. ⁣

But they lost sight of what actually mattered the most. ⁣

Lehonti and his people were firm and steadfast in staying at the top of their mountain. ⁣

Until Amalakiah became really annoying and really persistent. ⁣

Imagine if Lehonti had refused to move even after the 4th request, and stayed firm in his vision that the mountain would be his safety. ⁣

As Latter-day Saints, we have some pretty lofty and solid commitments to do what is right. ⁣

And then, everyone keeps talking about that TV show that you know wouldn’t be the best for you to watch…⁣

And everyone keeps posting those types of articles and comments on social media…⁣

And your friend keeps bringing that same subject up over and over… ⁣

They seem so important and so relevant. So persistent. Like a little green button, like an important army leader requesting a meeting. ⁣

And sometimes, they ARE important issues to address. ⁣

But when we put our whole focus there, we lose sight of what matters most:

Our relationship with our loving God and Savior. ⁣

So when we feel that urge to just take a step down the mountain, we can remember:⁣

I am doing a great work. And I cannot come down. ⁣

(Story adapted from Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk in April 2009)

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post The broken green light first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

To always be led by the Lord?

To know where He wants you to be and where He wants you to go next?

Okay, okay, I see where this spiritual thought is going.

The Lord didn’t just lead the children of Israel and then tell future generations that we are out of luck from having that same guiding influence.

He may have led them in a more physical sense.

But He undoubtedly still leads us today.

I mean, General Conference is the perfect weekend to reflect on that.

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night”. (Exodus 13:21)

Day and night, His light and His guidance are there.

Now, seeing His hand, finding His guidance, listening to the whispers of the Spirit… I think that is part of our challenge now.

The other part is humbling ourselves enough to want to look for the guidance in the first place.

So here’s what I’ve been reflecting on:

1. Am I humble enough to actually seek God’s guidance and will in my life, or am I plowing forward just with what I want?
2. How am I able to listen and hear when I do receive divine guidance?

Those answers change around day by day.

But if I keep the questions in mind, I find that my heart is led a little easier.

Molded a little more thoroughly.

And turned toward God’s guiding cloud and fire, both day and night.

He still leads and guides us. Where have you felt led this weekend?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Leading and lighting the way  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Section 93 talks all about light and truth.

Light and truth is knowledge and intelligence.

Light and truth are powerful ideals, that I don’t think I can even begin to fully comprehend right now.

But boy, do I want more light and truth in my life.

And the Savior seems to paint this picture of these universal laws and elements, and that everything is in accordance with this eternal light and truth.

But He also makes a point that we have our agency to do what we will with this light and truth here on the earth.

We started off innocent at birth, and we have agency to do whatever we choose with light and truth.

D&C 93:39 caught my eye though, because here the Lord teaches:

“And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.”

In this grand physics lesson, it’s not so much that the adversary adds darkness into the mix.

Because… darkness doesn’t really exist.

Darkness, like a dark room, or a dark night sky, really just means the absence of light.

And that’s what the Lord sticks with here.

The wicked one takes away light and truth.

That’s how he creates his darkness— by removing the light.

And did you catch HOW the adversary takes away light and truth?!

Through disobedience.

We gain light and truth through obedience, while the wicked one takes away light and truth through disobedience.

Obedience isn’t the most popular word.

Our hearts need to be in the right place for obedience to be as powerful as it can be.

Want more light and truth?

Take it to the Lord and ask, “How can I become a little more obedient today?”

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Light and truth and obedience first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I love learning new things, and so the prospect of walking across campus and sitting down in various classes to learn from people who are experts in these subjects was just fascinating to me.

Looking at a syllabus to see how we could fill an entire semester with hours of learning about different facets of one subject was exhilarating.

Call me a nerd, I know.

And it’s not like I totally loved the act of reading every assigned book and writing every research paper.

But ultimately, I felt the spirituality that was inherently intertwined with learning.

Gaining knowledge was spiritual to me.

The thing that made me sad though were some of my fellow classmates who learned from the same classes that I did and eventually reasoned their way out of their gospel beliefs.

Gaining knowledge had become a worldly pursuit that pulled them further from God.

“The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.” D&C 93:36

The ultimate glory of God is intelligence.

Intelligence is vital and it is championed by God.

And what is intelligence?

It’s not just knowledge. It’s not just getting a good test score.

Intelligence is light and truth.

Intelligence is the light of Christ, the presence of the Spirit, at the same time as the acquisition of truth.

It’s learning under the influence of the Spirit.

And then it leads to intelligent action that is completely congruent with what we’ve learned.

We are created to crave learning.

Maybe it’s math. Maybe it’s music. Maybe it’s recipes. Maybe it’s emotional strategies. Maybe it’s history. Maybe it’s education pedagogy. Maybe it’s public service. Maybe it’s the scriptures.

When we are truly aligned in our spirituality, when we are inviting the Spirit into our lives with every action and thought, I believe that our curiosity is ignited.

There is so much knowledge out there.

And God is looking for righteous, spiritual individuals who are going to learn and then act.

I want to hear— when YOU are aligned spiritually, what is an area you feel your curiosity is led toward?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Intelligent people first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.