“You’re welcome!” for getting all the songs stuck in your head now. ⁣

But I love toward the beginning of the movie when Moana sets out on her solo journey on the boat to find the great Maui. ⁣

She’s doing her best sailing her boat, but she’s also completely unqualified. ⁣

The ocean helps to guide her when she gets off track. ⁣

It gets Moana back in the boat when she falls off, it taps her on the back when falls asleep and starts heading in the wrong direction…⁣

The ocean called her on the journey and the ocean is making sure she can complete her journey to find Maui. ⁣

But at one point, a big storm comes. ⁣

Moana is wet, tired, and eventually gets pushed off her boat, knocking her unconscious and stranding her on a deserted island. ⁣

How could the ocean do this to her?!⁣

She’s frustrated. She’s exhausted. She’s confused. ⁣

She feels betrayed by the ocean. ⁣

Until she realizes… Maui is on that island. ⁣

The storm that she cursed actually pushed her super quickly to where she needed to go. ⁣

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)⁣

How many times have I been just like Moana?⁣

Frustrated that a job didn’t pan out just to find my dream job right around the corner?⁣

Angry that a relationship ended just to discover the best person shortly after?⁣

Annoyed that I didn’t get a certain calling only to feel totally at peace with a new direction?⁣

“Each of us can trust in the Lord and lean not. We can center our lives on the Savior by coming to know Him, and He will direct our paths.” —Bonnie H. Cordon⁣

We’ve got the master wayfinder looking out for us and directing our paths. ⁣

We can do our best to steer, even though our best isn’t usually very awesome.⁣

I fall asleep at the helm quite a bit. ⁣

But when we stay focused on Jesus Christ, our paths will lead us exactly where He knows we need to go. ⁣

Despite our best, mortal, often totally flawed, reasoning. ⁣

Trust. He’s leading the way.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Moana and trust first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

If every righteous person aced every test, made every sports team, and got major job promotions, there would be no need for faith. ⁣

If heartbreaking tragedies avoided every good person’s life, there would be no need for faith in Jesus Christ. ⁣

Faith in Jesus Christ doesn’t give any of us a “free pass” card from the trials in life. ⁣

Happiness will not always be ours. ⁣

But faith in Jesus Christ can bring joy at all times. ⁣

I think of “joy” as the more mature version of “happiness”.⁣

It’s calmer. It’s deeper. It’s more peaceful. ⁣

I have felt true, peaceful joy when I didn’t get the part in the school musical that I wanted. ⁣

I have felt true, peaceful joy when I’ve felt left out of social situations. ⁣

I have felt true, peaceful joy when traumatic world events have happened around me. ⁣

I have felt true, peaceful joy with devastating personal tragedies. ⁣

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him”. (Job 13:15) ⁣

And it’s not because I’m naive. ⁣

Not because I’m pollyanna happy-go-lucky. ⁣

Not because I push my emotions down. ⁣

I have felt sadness and sorrow. I have cried by myself and mourned with others. ⁣

“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” —President Nelson⁣

Staying focused on Jesus Christ is the way to live. ⁣

When I choose to focus on Jesus more than I focus on my own circumstances, everything feels a little bit more joyful. ⁣

Jesus will always be the constant that I can trust, and that knowledge alone will always bring me joy.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Yet will I trust in Him first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I’ve had to make plenty of sacrifices in my life, but none come even close to what this widow was prepared to do. ⁣

And yet, here comes a man: 

Elijah.⁣

He was fully aware that she was making food using the last of her provisions, and yet he still asked to be fed first. ⁣

Elijah also promised that her barrel of food and her oil would never run out as long as she needed them. ⁣

This all sounds pretty impossible. ⁣

And then add on that the land was in the middle of a dramatic drought. ⁣

Completely impossible. ⁣

But this widow must have felt something in her heart. ⁣

She must have felt the Spirit whisper that this traveler was not just any random man asking for a seemingly selfish favor. ⁣

She decided to trust in the prophet and in the Lord. ⁣

Not just in word, but in deed, too! ⁣

“And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.” (1 Kings 17:15) ⁣

Feeding Elijah could have led to her immediate death, but instead, this faithful widow trusted in the Lord and wasn’t afraid to take a big risk to prove Him right. ⁣

Do we have that kind of trust in the Lord that we would be willing to risk it all, knowing that He will fulfill His promises?⁣

When it seems improbable, illogical, or even impossible?⁣

For with God, nothing is impossible. ⁣

But we’ve still got to do our part. ⁣

Ask the question. Act on that prompting. Say the prayer. Ponder and problem-solve. ⁣

And then trust in God.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Food and Oil first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

This is where we keep any shoes that are used often enough to stay downstairs. ⁣

It’s a good-sized basket, which means that sometimes shoes fall to the bottom, making them difficult to find. ⁣

When it’s time for our family to leave the house and put shoes on, sometimes I’ll notice that one of my son’s shoes has fallen to the bottom of the basket. ⁣

I’ll quickly dig his shoe out and place it on top, and THEN I’ll ask him to find his shoes and put them on. ⁣

He will then see his shoes near the top of the basket and put them on all by himself.

He still finds the task difficult sometimes,

And gets frustrated when he can’t easily find his shoes.

But he has no idea that I made his task much easier and much more appropriate for his abilities. ⁣

This is similar to the spiritual foresight that the mighty prophetess and judge Deborah had. ⁣

Barak was terrified to go against the powerful Canaanite army. ⁣

It seemed like a difficult task. ⁣

He didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t see the path forward that would end in success.

But Deborah wisely said:⁣

“Is not the Lord gone out before thee?” (Judges 4:14)⁣

She knew that if the Lord was asking them to accomplish a task, then He had made it doable. ⁣

She knew He had prepared the way, removing obstacles that they might not ever be aware of. ⁣

She knew He knew exactly what their abilities were, and what they needed in order to be successful. ⁣

It’s fun to see the obvious hand of the Lord preparing our paths— when the house suddenly becomes available, or that person returns your call, or that teacher has a change of mind. ⁣

But other times we just have to trust that the Lord is preparing our paths in ways that we aren’t aware of. ⁣

He is before us, and He will prepare a way to help us accomplish anything we are asked to do.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Preparing the shoe basket first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I had never been on the path before.

There were little blue paint marks on sticks and trees along the pathway to help us know we were going in the right direction.

We suddenly came to a point where we couldn’t see the next blue mark.

How were we going to know where to go?!

Luckily, one of the leaders in our group had done this hike many times.

“Follow me!

“This part is a little tricky, but I’ve walked this many times.”

I had complete confidence to stay right behind her as we moved forward.

And, sure enough, we soon found the next blue mark and continued on the marked trail. 

When you trust someone, you’ll stick by them.

You’ll willingly obey their directions because you know they’ve been there before. 

“That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him.” (Deuteronomy 30:20)

In our journey here on earth, we have someone who has walked every path we have.

He knows every tricky part and invites us to stay with Him.

So will we trust and enthusiastically follow Him?

Even when the path seems especially rocky or twisty?

One of the natural results of growing in our love for the Savior is our more sincere desire to obey and cleave unto Him, even when we can’t see the pathway forward.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Following the path first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I mean, it checked most of the boxes, which is pretty good for buying a new house. ⁣

But I didn’t like the location. ⁣

And “location” is supposed to be the thing you never compromise on, right?⁣

But… the spiritual prompting was too strong to deny. ⁣

I had reluctant faith. We bought the house and moved. ⁣

But deep down, I didn’t really know if God could give me something better than what I had before. ⁣

Lot’s wife is a fascinating person because we don’t learn much about her story other than her final moments and judgment. ⁣

Most people know Lot’s wife associated with: ⁣

“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26)⁣

We know from modern revelation and teachings that she looked back on Sodom longingly. ⁣⁣

I don’t love casting judgment on other people, especially when I don’t know their whole story at all. ⁣

But with scripture characters, I always like to ask “Lord, is it I?”⁣

“Where am I in this story? Where can I root out weakness?” ⁣

Elder Holland has also taught about Lot’s wife:⁣

“She doubted the Lord’s ability to give her something better than she already had.”⁣

Now THAT is something I can relate to. ⁣

Time and time again, the Lord has shown me that when I am prompted and then choose to let go of something I really like, whether it’s a neighborhood, a job, a friend, a hobby, a responsibility…⁣

He will never let me down. He will always lead me to something better. ⁣

Do I have the faith to let go and look forward?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Location location location  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I love this!⁣

I’m very aware of all my weaknesses and struggles.⁣

And I love working to improve them!⁣

But again… I’m VERY aware of all my weaknesses and struggles. ⁣

And I think this is why I love Enoch so much. ⁣

The Lord called him to preach repentance to those around him. ⁣

Enoch’s first response?⁣

“He bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: ⁣

“Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?” (Moses 6:31)⁣

Isn’t Enoch all of us?⁣

We get asked to serve. ⁣

Maybe it’s an official calling that’s extended to us. ⁣

But maybe it’s a general calling from the Lord that we feel when someone gives a talk about missionary service, or ministering, or temple service, or family history. ⁣

Or maybe it’s a unique calling you feel the Spirit has told just you. ⁣

It’s easy to immediately go to all of our shortcomings. ⁣

“I’m too young!”⁣

“I’m not that popular.”⁣

“That’s not something I’m good at.”⁣

Do you think God doesn’t already know all this? The loving Creator and Father of our souls?⁣

He’s not looking for servants who think of every reason they can’t serve. ⁣

He’s looking for His children who will get to work. ⁣

Despite their age. Despite their lack of talent. Despite their fears. Despite their limitations and busy schedules. Despite their pride. ⁣

He’s looking for people who aren’t concerned with the HOW.⁣

He’s just looking for people who are ready to serve in their own imperfect way, with God as their guide. 

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Not good enough to serve first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Meaning, if we develop patience, all the other Christlike attributes, such as faith, hope, and charity, naturally fall into place.

In a divine sense, this makes sense.

Because cultivating patience means acknowledging that God is in control and that Jesus saves us.

It means setting aside our pride in thinking that we know best and using humility to admit that God’s timing is better than ours.

But no one really loves being patient.

(My kids will tell ya that, that’s for sure!)

Patience is tough.

After the eager Oliver Cowdery was given permission to translate the gold plates (not just scribing, but actually translating!)…

The Lord revoked that permission for the time being.

The Lord told Oliver,

“Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time.” (D&C 9:3)

Being patient, even when we don’t understand or like the reasons why, is really the ultimate Christlike act of faith.

“Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father.

“Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God.

“Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His”. – Neal A. Maxwell

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post The gateway virtue first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

We say things like:

“I hope you are doing well!”

“I have faith that you can finish that!”⁣

“I hope that goes away soon!”⁣

This really is fine.

Many people use them as sweet, well-meaning sentiments. ⁣

But I’ve been thinking a lot about the real, weighty meanings of those words:

FAITH

and HOPE

Moroni beautifully teaches us:

“Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen;

“Wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” (Ether 12:6)

It can be tempting to say we have faith…

And then feel hurt when the result we wanted doesn’t happen.

And it can also be tempting to think that having “hope” in a world like this is naive and too optimistic.

But people will disappoint us.

Others will sin.

Some people will even deliberately offend or harm.

I’ve learned that my faith has to be IN Jesus.

And when I have faith in Jesus Christ, I can have solid hope for good things that will come.

“As we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, we see beyond our struggles to the blessings and promises of eternity.” – Neil L. Andersen

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Hope and faith first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

And then some good news comes:

The people from Zarahemla have arrived to save you!

Can you imagine the joy?

Your “saviors” had come!

The miracle you had been praying for had arrived!

This is exactly what King Limhi’s people experienced.

But King Limhi wanted to correct his people.

He taught them that the people from Zarahelma, while helpful, were not their literal saviors.

He reminded them where their actual trust should be:

“Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God.” (Mosiah 7:19)

When we trust in earthly results, we will miss out on the true joy that comes from focusing on the Savior.

If we are just waiting to feel joy until a rescue party comes from Zarahemla

Or waiting for a difficult trial to end

Our waiting for our health to change

Or waiting for that event

Or waiting for our kid to master potty training…

Then we are putting our trust in the result a little bit higher than our trust in God.

The people from Zarahemla were not the ones who saved Limhi’s people—

God saved them.

We don’t have to wait for the solution before we display our ultimate trust in God, and realize that a higher happiness and peace can be experienced right now.

Our joy and happiness can be found now when we put our trust in God!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Jesus is the true Savior first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.