Podcast Summary: followHIM – Doctrine & Covenants 88 Part 1 with Sister Noelle Pikus Pace

Podcast Information:

• Title: followHIM
• Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
• Guest: Sister Noelle Pikus Pace
• Episode: Doctrine & Covenants 88 Part 1
• Release Date: August 6, 2025
• Description: The followHIM Podcast explores resources to make studying The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Come, Follow Me course engaging and educational. Hosts interview experts to provide fresh, faithful, and fun study experiences for listeners of all ages.

1. Introduction

Hank Smith and John Bytheway welcome listeners to another engaging episode of followHIM. They introduce their guest, Sister Noelle Pikus Pace, a renowned Olympic silver medalist in skeleton racing, 26-time World Cup medalist, and author of Focused. The hosts express excitement about Noelle's presence, highlighting her achievements and expertise.

Notable Quote:

• Hank Smith [00:37]: "Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you."

2. Overview of Doctrine & Covenants Section 88

The conversation centers around Doctrine & Covenants Section 88, often referred to as "the olive leaf." John describes it as a significant revelation rich in personal and eternal insights, emphasizing themes of light and temple relevance.

Notable Quote:

• John Bytheway [02:14]: "If there were Olympic medals for sections of the doctrine of covenants, Section 88 would be a medalist. It's long, it's as wide as eternity, but it's very personal as well."

3. The Light of Christ (Verses 7-13)

Noelle delves into the concept of the Light of Christ as foundational to Section 88. She shares a personal anecdote about a family adventure in Bowers Cave, illustrating how choosing to seek Christ's light can dispel darkness in life's literal and metaphorical journeys.

Notable Quotes:

• Noelle Pikus Pace [08:09]: "The light of Christ will push away the darkness. We just have to know where to look for it."
• John Bytheway [12:30]: "Darkness will not gain victory over the light of Christ."

4. Recognizing and Utilizing Personal Gifts (Verse 33)

Noelle emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing one's gifts. She reflects on feelings of inadequacy among women in her ward, highlighting that everyone possesses unique talents that need active acknowledgment and utilization.

Notable Quotes:

• Noelle Pikus Pace [18:19]: "You are never too old to dream a new dream or to set a new goal."
• Boyd K. Packer [68:27]: "Take hold of your life and order yourself to be valiant."

5. Drawing Near to Christ (Verse 63)

The discussion shifts to the reciprocal nature of seeking Christ. Noelle shares a transformative experience from her skeleton racing career where she learned to "keep your head down," symbolizing humility and reliance on divine guidance, leading to her first World Cup victory.

Notable Quotes:

• Noelle Pikus Pace [33:20]: "He's not rude. He doesn't force his way into your life. God is so polite that he waits."
• John Bytheway [33:56]: "He is ready, willing, and able."

6. Teaching and Instructing Each Other (Verses 77-79)

Hank and Noelle discuss the importance of teaching doctrine diligently. They emphasize that teaching goes beyond spiritual topics, encompassing worldly knowledge and fostering a united community through shared experiences and testimonies.

Notable Quotes:

• Hank Smith [54:02]: "Teach ye diligently instruct each other more perfectly in theory, principle, doctrine, laws of the Gospel..."
• Noelle Pikus Pace [57:24]: "The Spirit is in the room, hopefully and able to bring in that humility with it."

7. Embracing a "No Excuses" Mindset (Verse 82)

Noelle introduces her personal focus for the year: "No Excuses." She discusses how eliminating excuses fosters self-discipline and personal growth, allowing individuals to become the best versions of themselves through intentional actions and honest self-assessment.

Notable Quotes:

• Noelle Pikus Pace [64:29]: "No excuses just kept coming into my head."
• Hank Smith [66:56]: "No excuses isn't trying to be harsh on myself but it's helping me to become the person that I want to become."

8. Overcoming Life’s Challenges

The hosts and Noelle share personal stories of overcoming significant obstacles. Noelle recounts a severe accident that prevented her from competing in the Olympics, illustrating how unforeseen challenges can redirect one's path towards greater personal and spiritual fulfillment.

Notable Quotes:

• Noelle Pikus Pace [55:27]: "This roadblock was placed where he needed me to be, and I couldn't see that."
• Hank Smith [56:12]: "We are not alone and we're going to be okay. With the Lord by your side, we can do hard things."

9. Practical Insights and Marginal Gains

The discussion includes strategies for continuous improvement through marginal gains—small, incremental changes that collectively lead to significant progress. Noelle relates this to her athletic training and personal development, emphasizing the impact of consistent, minor efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• Noelle Pikus Pace [39:27]: "It's just the little things. It's the same as a parent. It's the same in our health, in our nutrition."
• John Bytheway [41:50]: "John Wooden was the legendary coach at UCLA. He would start with his teams, showing them how to put on their socks."

10. Conclusion and Teaser for Part 2

The episode wraps up with reflections on the power of teaching and communal learning, underscored by Noelle's experiences and the wisdom shared by the hosts. They hint at further exploration of Section 88 in the upcoming part of the episode.

Notable Quotes:

• Noelle Pikus Pace [67:00]: "It's not a matter of man. I'm struggling to get pregnant because I've been there too."
• Hank Smith [69:07]: "It's a connection between earth and heaven. Coming up in part two of this episode."

Final Thoughts:

This episode of followHIM masterfully intertwines personal narratives with doctrinal teachings from Doctrine & Covenants Section 88. Sister Noelle Pikus Pace's athletic background and life experiences provide a compelling backdrop for discussions on light, personal gifts, drawing near to Christ, and embracing a no-excuses mindset. The hosts, Hank Smith and John Bytheway, facilitate an enriching conversation that offers listeners both spiritual insights and practical strategies for personal growth and overcoming life's challenges.

Stay Tuned: The episode concludes with a promise of Part 2, where the hosts and Noelle will continue their deep dive into Section 88, unraveling more layers of its profound teachings.

Connect with followHIM:

• Show Notes: followhim.co
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