(Chronologically, watch my Big Picture Monday video if you want to know the deets on the epistles this week!)

Written from jail (for the millionth time).

Right before his martyrdom. ⁣

Paul has learned and grown and served and loved and taught endlessly.

So in honor of his final words, here are the top three lessons I’ve learned from Paul’s life:⁣

1. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done in the past.

We can become better. ⁣

We only need to look forward.

The Pharisee became the apostle.

2. How well or poorly we think our life is going right now has NOTHING to do with our relationship with God. ⁣

Paul was thrown in jail multiple times, shipwrecked, hated, banned, and ultimately killed because he was following the Lord.

Circumstances are no indication of our favor with God.

3. Attitude makes all the difference. ⁣

Paul is one of the happiest preachers I have ever read teachings from.

He was always so positive and kind, corresponding with saints from all over.

Focusing outward instead of hyper focusing inward.

3 little, but actually really big, lessons from a man I’ve never met who lived 2,000 years ago.

What have you learned from Paul?

I invite you to reflect on that today!

I know, we’ve still got some more to study from him in book-order.

But what sticks in your mind from what Paul has taught?

And I’ll end with the very last words we have recorded from this amazing, Christlike man:

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Paul’s final words first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

He had felt the pain from that metaphorical thorn for a long time.

He prayed earnestly 3 times.

Each time, pleading for God to take this trial or affliction away. ⁣

But God didn’t take the pain away.

Instead, the Lord responded:

“My grace is sufficient for thee.”⁣

And Paul really, truly believed it.

Gods grace was sufficient for Paul’s thorn.

This makes me think about my own thorns.

The little small ones, and the really big and dramatic ones.

Do I actually believe what God says?

Do I believe that God’s grace is sufficient for ME?

Often, in this church, we talk about “getting through” a difficult time or talk about what we might learn after a trial. ⁣

But what about the trials that don’t end?⁣

Is there any hope?⁣

Look what Paul said in response to the Lord’s consolation that His grace is sufficient:

“My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

(2 Corinthians 12:9)

Paul said that he will GLADLY GLORY in his infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon him. ⁣

How do we find that joy when we know that our trials will not end in this life?

How can we possibly be okay with that?⁣

How do we endure health challenges, life circumstances, results of our choices or of others, that will be a thorn in our side for a really, really long time?

“My grace is sufficient for thee.”⁣

We learn more about Jesus and grace. ⁣

We learn that we have the strength, through Christ, to still be a good person and do what is right on top of dealing with those challenges. ⁣

We learn that our Lord gives us grace EVERY SINGLE time we need extra help.

Not just the first or second time. Every time. ⁣

Our trials, though excruciating and painful, teach us what it truly means to rely on our Savior.

Because we don’t have to do it alone.

We get to be filled with HIS strength.

The thorn in our side may remain, but the sting can be taken away by the one who perfectly knows how the thorn feels.

Happy Studying!

Cali Black

The post The thorn in my side  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

What it is, and why it’s so detrimental.

Shame = you are bad because you did something wrong. ⁣

It’s not super helpful to feel SHAME.

And we really should aim to never be the cause of anyone else feeling shame.

“I am a bad person because I did something wrong.”

“Only bad people do things like that.”⁣

Do we feel SHAME when we make poor decisions or don’t do good things?

Do we automatically go to: “I am bad”?⁣

Do we knowingly or unknowingly SHAME those around us when we see them making poor decisions?

Calling a child “bad”, telling a teenager they are ruined because of a poor choice, telling a young woman she is bad for wearing certain clothing, showing less love to others when they make certain decisions. ⁣

Well that’s exactly what Paul said he was NOT doing!

He was trying to correct some pretty serious sins that these Corinthians were committing.

But he makes it clear that he is NOT shaming them. ⁣

“I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.” (1 Corinthians 4:14)

He is WARNING them.

Teaching them. Rebuking them. ⁣

What’s the difference?⁣

Love. Forgiveness. Direction on how to correct. More love. Pointing to the Savior. Building up true worth. ⁣

We do believe that there are “rights” and “wrongs”.

Which means, there are “wrongs” that we need to correct in our own actions, and in the actions of those we have stewardship over. ⁣

But warnings to others and commitments to do better ourselves should always be framed with our Savior in mind. ⁣

We are not bad people.

We are loved beyond belief. We have infinite worth. We are spiritual sons and daughters of God the Father. ⁣

We make bad decisions. But we can correct ourselves and repent. And we will make bad decisions again. And we can correct ourselves and repent again. ⁣

That’s the whole purpose of this gospel! ⁣

Continuous change. ⁣

Not through shaming ourselves or others.

But through kind and loving warnings and corrections.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Shame or warning? first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

What a mature, eternal perspective, right?!

In the midst of my most difficult trials, when I am able to remember this perspective, it makes things a little more bearable. ⁣

But why?

Probably because these thoughts push me toward my Heavenly Father and Savior.

My Heavenly Father wants me back home.

He wants me to have the glory and the blessings He has, of which I have no comprehension. ⁣

He gave me a Savior to help me along.

To turn to all of the time, but to lean on especially when things become difficult. ⁣

Anytime I am brought to this perspective, things seem a little more bearable.

A little more temporary. ⁣

I feel a little more strength.

That is because my Savior is bearing my load, yoked with me.

Sometimes I just need to remember he is there. ⁣

I feel a little more love and peace.

That is because my Heavenly Father gives me even more of the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life when I am thinking of Him and doing righteous things. ⁣

But I’ve also learned that I think these realizations and humbling thoughts come best from within. ⁣

Not from telling every person around us going through a difficult time that, “This will all be worth it! You will be fine!”⁣

But instead mourning, comforting, and listening to those who suffer.

Offering scriptures and talks they can read to gain their own comfort and to forge their own strong relationships with deity.

Sharing our personal experiences with love and tenderness. ⁣

When I am closer to my Savior and my Heavenly Father,

When I remember my relationship with Them,

When I put things into perspective…⁣

I realize, I can handle anything.

Because He can handle anything.

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Is it really all worth it?  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

My husband and I recently celebrated 10 years of marriage.

It’s so fun to look back at how we first met.

There were so many things that “just happened” to work out.

There were conversations I “randomly” had with people that gave me advice I needed.

Looking back, it all worked out perfectly and for our good!

But I also remember navigating those unknown dating waters, and wishing that I could just magically know that it would all come together in the right way.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

So what if we could enjoy the joy and peace of “hindsight” right now?

What if, when trials and hard times come, we trust that we will be looking back one day fully understanding why we needed to travel that path?

I’ve tried this now many times in my life as I’ve navigated other huge decisions.

Jobs, kids, friends, moving…

I do my best.

I rely on the Spirit as much as I can.

And then I just trust that things will all work together for my good!

In fact, I am optimistically certain that this is the case— and it’s a fun way to live!

My goal is to live with this perspective, without having to wait until things really work together for my good in order to believe it.

God’s in control.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post All things work together for our good first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

“Love at Home”. ⁣

NOT “Love One Another” like I had practiced. ⁣

I hurriedly glanced at the program next to me to confirm that yes, he had announced it correctly. ⁣

I had no time to even panic – I just turned to hymn 294 and started the introduction. ⁣

It was my grandpa’s funeral a few years ago, and I had been asked to play the organ for the service.

I had snuck into the chapel the night before to practice on the organ.

And I had diligently practiced “Love One Another” over and over again until the notes, registration, and volume were perfect.

So in that moment when I realized I had practiced the wrong “love” hymn, I started to pray.

I immediately and silently pleaded with the Lord to help me transfer the practice time and energy from the one hymn to the new one. ⁣

“Love at Home” actually isn’t that difficult of a hymn to play, but I had the most beautiful experience.

I KNEW that everything was going to be okay.

I felt strength and confidence in my playing.

I’m sure my dear musical Grandpa, my Heavenly Father, and maybe even others were supporting me. ⁣

To me, THAT is GRACE. ⁣

Divine assistance to carry us through our human frailties.

(I checked my phone afterwards— the correct hymns had been sent to me, I just read it wrong!)⁣

I put in the practice time – that is GOOD WORKS. ⁣

I asked for divine help once I realized my mistake – that is FAITH. ⁣

I was able to play a song flawlessly with zero practice, resulting in a beautiful spiritual experience for myself, and in a reverent introduction for the congregation celebrating my Grandpa’s life – that is GRACE.

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Grace learned at an organ  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

In the scriptures, we frequently read about “righteous” people and “unrighteous” people.

But if none of us are perfect, how can we possibly know whether or not we are at least on the right track to being considered “righteous”?

Paul gives us a great clue!

He was speaking about those who are NOT righteous when he said:

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” (Romans 3:10-11)

If a group of people doesn’t have any righteousness in them…

It’s because they aren’t SEEKING after God!

So, are you seeking after God?

If I lose my cell phone during the day, I’m proactively going to get up and look everywhere until I find it.

That’s how I picture “seeking after God”.

It’s someone looking for the Spirit, service, personal growth, and prayer with God with earnest.

Don’t forget, we still don’t have to be perfect at this!

We just need to take some sort of action each day to SEEK after God.

Even if it’s just a silent, sincere prayer in our hearts that we are on the right track.

Small but proactive actions like that add up to righteousness!

“Although we may not be perfect, brothers and sisters, we can be worthy.” -Becky Craven

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post How do I know if I’m righteous?  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

It was a Sunday morning in college, life had dealt me a couple of rough blows recently, and I just wanted to stay in bed.

Just this one time.

My roommates kindly encouraged me to get up and go to church.

Even though people surrounded me, I felt alone that Sunday.

I thought that no one could really understand what I was going through.

But as I sat in Relief Society, the teacher started to share some struggles she was currently dealing with.

And she was dealing with almost the same exact issues as I was!

Tears welled in my eyes as she talked about how hard it was.

But she also shared how she was turning to God and having some incredible spiritual experiences despite her trials.

That was the message I needed to hear!

I had been so frustrated and overwhelmed that I wasn’t turning to God like I knew I should.

On that Sunday morning, I needed to be comforted by someone else’s faith so that I could grow my own faith.

When Paul wrote his letter to the Roman saints, he told them that he couldn’t wait until they were united.

Why?

“That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” (Romans 1:12)

When we meet together with friends, family, or ward members during tough times, it’s not just “social.”

We can help comfort each other by sharing our experiences and our mutual faith in Christ!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post We go to church to comfort each other  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I truly enjoy it, and it’s one of my go-to things when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

But I, of course, started off as an 8 year old who didn’t want to practice the piano.

I’ve been through it all.

I know it seems a bit too easy to simplify this process, but how did I get better at playing the piano?

I practiced.

I spent time devoted to strengthening my weaknesses. I taught other people piano. I spent time with experts.

And for those who really excelled at sports (not me), isn’t it the same?!

You attend a summer camp where you are focused on it. You watch it. You listen to it.

The time spent practicing something = increases skill.

Pretty obvious parallel, right?!⁣

We wanna make our testimonies stronger?

Spend time practicing it!

Study each day.

Immerse ourselves in unique experiences (camps or conferences).

Work on our weaknesses over and over.

Teach others what we know.

Time practicing = increased testimony. ⁣

How many times have we heard Paul bear his testimony now?

A million, maybe? ⁣

We get another record of his powerful testimony in Acts 26:15:

“And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”

Do you think his testimony became stronger the more times he bore it?

Absolutely!⁣

Yes, Fast Sundays are great times to practice, but I don’t think testimonies only need to be shared over the pulpit once a month. ⁣

Are we finding ways to share what we believe CONSTANTLY?⁣

With the way we respond to a child’s poor decision?

With the way we speak about “that person”?

With the way we focus just a little more on service instead of selfishness?

That’s how testimonies grow!⁣

And truly focusing on the Savior as the cornerstone of our testimonies is the most powerful step of all.

“While it is always good to express love and gratitude, such expressions do not constitute the kind of testimony that will ignite a fire of belief in the lives of others.

“To bear testimony is ‘to bear witness by the power of the Holy Ghost; to make a solemn declaration of truth based on personal knowledge or belief’”. -Elder Ballard⁣

I am grateful for Paul’s powerful testimony and I know that the more opportunities I find to share bits of my testimony, the stronger it becomes.

Practice makes progress!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Practice makes progress  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Can you put your name in that sentence?

He did this to Paul.

“And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul.” (Acts 23:11)

Paul, as usual, was in dire circumstances with people plotting against his life from every angle. ⁣

But Paul, as usual, was still preaching of Christ and doing what he thought was right. ⁣

And that’s why the Savior told him he could be of good cheer. ⁣

Not because of Paul’s circumstances.

But because of his actions and choices!

No matter the circumstances in your life right now,

Whether they are dire, confusing, boring, joyous, frustrating, or nerve-wracking…

The Lord knows you can choose to do what is right.

I know, I know, that sounds too simple.

But none of us are predestined to fail or to turn away from God.

There is always room for service, love, personal gospel study, and keeping the commandments!

Our Savior invites us to be of good cheer because He knows we can use our agency to do something good and righteous despite our circumstances.

Our attitude and actions will always speak louder than our circumstances.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Can I find cheer in any circumstance?  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.