Podcast Summary: followHIM – Doctrine & Covenants 58-59 Part 2 with Sister Whitney Johnson

Release Date: May 28, 2025

In this engaging episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve deep into Doctrine and Covenants Sections 58 and 59, featuring insightful discussions with guest Sister Whitney Johnson. The episode, titled Doctrine & Covenants 58-59 Part 2 • Sis. Whitney Johnson • June 2-8 • Come Follow Me, offers a rich exploration of themes such as the Sabbath day, gratitude, personal faith, and the importance of focus in spiritual and everyday life.

1. Sabbath Day and Rest as Technology

John Bytheway opens the discussion by reflecting on Sabbath Day as prescribed in Section 59, verse 10:

"For verily, this is the day appointed unto you to rest from your labors and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High." (00:07)

He introduces a thought from Tiffany Schlane's book, 24 6, proposing the idea of rest as a form of technology. By comparing the Sabbath to a technology that efficiently provides rest and stability, John emphasizes the Sabbath's role in offering a "system update" for individuals in an always-on world.

Quote:

"Rest is one of the most effective technologies there is... It literally requires you to do nothing." – John Bytheway (00:07)

2. The Power of Gratitude

a. Personal Reflections and Quotes

Hank Smith expands on the concept of gratitude, referencing Section 59, Verse 15, which highlights the importance of doing good deeds with a thankful heart:

"Inasmuch as you do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances..." (00:43)

He shares a transformative personal experience from 2012, where overcoming bitterness through gratitude led to improved mental health and stronger relationships.

Quote:

"Gratitude is a cure all. Almost." – Hank Smith (05:05)

b. Teaching Gratitude to Students

Whitney Johnson connects gratitude to the New Testament story of the 10 lepers, emphasizing the difference between feeling grateful and actively expressing gratitude. She encourages her students to text someone to express their gratitude, which not only enhances relationships but also fosters a sense of well-being.

Quote:

"Expressing gratitude, genuine gratitude, sincere gratitude is one way to put fertilizer on a relationship." – Whitney Johnson (07:08)

c. Expressing Gratitude in Relationships

John Bytheway discusses the scientific benefits of naming and expressing feelings, linking it to the spiritual practice of gratitude. He highlights how expressing gratitude can strengthen connections and provide spiritual affirmations.

Quote:

"When you say I am, you're invoking this creative power every single time." – John Bytheway (21:57)

d. Practical Applications of Gratitude

The hosts share personal anecdotes demonstrating the impact of gratitude notes. Hank recounts a moment when a simple note from his wife transformed his day, reinforcing the profound effect of small acts of appreciation.

Quote:

"It changed my whole day. Now here we are talking about it 20 years later." – Hank Smith (10:29)

Whitney also references Barbara Barrington Jones and the practice of writing five thank-you notes a day, illustrating how gratitude can fundamentally change one's perspective and personality.

3. The Story of Polly Knight and Doctrine & Covenants 58-59

Hank Smith reads a poignant passage from the book Saints, recounting the final days of Polly Knight, the first saint buried in Zion. This narrative intertwines with Doctrine and Covenants Section 59, highlighting themes of faith, sacrifice, and divine blessings.

Quote:

"Blessed saith the Lord, are they who have come up unto this land with an eye single to my glory according to my commandments." – Hank Smith (13:41)

4. The Importance of Focus and Single-Mindedness

John Bytheway and Whitney Johnson discuss the challenges of maintaining focus in a distractible, modern world. They emphasize the necessity of being single-minded about God and one's purpose, drawing inspiration from Elder Gerard and Joseph F. Smith's teachings on familiarizing oneself with divine truth.

Quote:

"The greatest achievement we can make in this world is to familiarize ourselves with divine truth so thoroughly..." – John Bytheway (14:45)

Whitney connects this focus to the practice of the Sabbath, suggesting it as a dedicated time to cultivate concentration and spiritual grounding.

5. Overcoming Discouragement

The conversation shifts to strategies for dealing with discouragement. John Bytheway shares his reliance on priesthood blessings and temple visits as sources of comfort and affirmation of divine love.

Quote:

"When I ask for a blessing... I feel like, okay, God loves me. God knows who I am. I can do this." – John Bytheway (18:09)

Whitney Johnson echoes this sentiment, highlighting the transformative power of seeking and giving support within the community.

6. Belief and Faith – Whitney's Perspective

In a heartfelt segment, Whitney Johnson discusses her journey of faith, balancing her professional life with profound spiritual experiences. She underscores the importance of identifying as a Christian and the impact of religious declarations on personal and communal faith.

Quote:

"I believe because when I think about if I don't believe or not, I just remember what Oliver Cowdery, the Lord said to Oliver Cowdery, did I not speak peace unto your soul?" – John Bytheway (22:05)

Whitney reflects on the universal nature of belief, the role of the temple in reinforcing faith, and the significance of personal and intangible experiences in sustaining belief.

7. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the interconnectedness of gratitude, faith, and community support. The hosts express heartfelt thanks to Sister Whitney Johnson for her insights and encourage listeners to embrace gratitude and focus in their spiritual journeys.

Final Quote:

"The price of a new self is the old self." – Whitney Johnson (26:30)

The hosts also acknowledge their production team and invite listeners to engage with the podcast through various platforms.

Key Takeaways:

• Sabbath as Technology: Embracing the Sabbath provides essential rest and spiritual updates, much like a technology system update.

• Gratitude's Transformative Power: Expressing gratitude leads to improved mental health, stronger relationships, and a deeper connection to the divine.

• Faith and Focus: Maintaining a single-minded focus on divine truth amidst modern distractions fosters spiritual growth and resilience.

• Community and Support: Engaging with the community through practices like priesthood blessings and open expressions of gratitude can alleviate feelings of discouragement.

This episode of followHIM offers a profound exploration of spirituality, intertwining personal anecdotes with scriptural insights to provide listeners with practical tools for enhancing their faith and daily lives.