There are times when I definitely enjoy standing out.

On my graduation day, at a birthday party, my baby shower…

But there are other times that I absolutely do not want to stand out.

Usually when I’m in a large group setting or I don’t know anyone or I feel awkward.

But I’ve learned that when we stick to gospel principles, we naturally stand out.

In fact, our current prophet has encouraged this!

“Embrace being different!” -President Nelson

Do you think it was difficult for Daniel and his brethren to stand out?

I’m sure it was.

It’s easy to romanticize and distance ourselves from this well-known story.

But I bet it wasn’t simple.

When they refused to eat or drink what the other boys were eating and drinking, I bet they got made fun of.

I bet they were ostracized.

I bet people talked about them behind their backs.

It is not fun to stand out in this way.

But what was the end result?

“Among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah”. (Daniel 1:19)

There was no one else like them!

I’m sure that was difficult sometimes to stand out.

But in the end, they stood out in the best way possible.

And they certainly stood out to their Heavenly Father.

For better or for worse, we are going to stand out when we really love the Lord and stick to what He has taught us.

Sometimes the attention feels good, like when your coworker wants to know why you always seem so happy or when someone confides in you because you are always so kind.

But other times, standing out isn’t so naturally comfortable.

Embrace it. Love it. Find confidence in it.

Because even though we may stand out in awkward ways, we will never stand alone.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Stand out  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

It has things to do and things not to do. 

It’s got advice.

It was given “for the benefit” of the saints. 

But my absolute favorite part of it right now comes at the very end. 

The very end of section 89 has some of the most beautiful and real blessings I’ve seen in all of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

Read through these four verses and let me know which phrase stands out to you the most:

“And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

“And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

“And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

“And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.” 

D&C 89:18-21

Aren’t those beautiful blessings and promises?! 

Powerful, specific protections are promised us as we “keep and do these sayings” in section 89.

One thing I’ve discovered is that when I am choosing foods that are really nourishing for my body, I feel more alert in my mind.

That wisdom, that knowledge, it comes much more easily.

I also recognize that following the direction in section 89 doesn’t mean you’ll be immune from health problems your entire life.

But that doesn’t negate the real, tangible blessings that come from obeying the Word of Wisdom. 

I want to keep the Word of Wisdom even better than I am now.

Not because I love keeping lots of rules.

But because I have a testimony that there are promised blessings waiting in store for me when I obey the laws on which those blessings are predicated.

What blessings have you seen in your life from obeying the counsel found in section 89? What promise stood out to you from reading section 89?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post The Word of Wisdom first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.