Marie's Sunday Message - November 13th, 2022

I enjoy watching the little miracles that happen each week between my #SundayMessages. This week, well, it was especially fun!

Like everyone else, the time leading up to Thanksgiving always gets extremely busy. For me, while I’m finishing up my regular shows, I start preparations and changes for my Christmas shows. There are also the commitments with other projects and scheduling to coordinate for the year ahead. And in the midst of work, I’m like every other mother and grandmother trying to make sure the holidays are filled with fun for our children. For me, our sweet babies need these joyous memories to lean on through the tough adult stuff.😂 I probably feel strongly about this because I didn’t have much of a childhood, since I started working at such a young age. However, I know my parents did everything to help us have as normal a childhood as possible filled with happy memories.

They went to great effort to take us back to our home in Huntsville, Utah, whenever we had a break from the studios in LA.  My mom even enrolled me in the 2nd grade for a couple of months in Huntsville so I could see what it was like to be a normal kid in school. 🥰 During that time I made some great friends and we always played whenever we came back to our home there. My bestie in second grade was Linda Montgomery. She was so kind and helped me transition into the school world I knew nothing about. She is the kind of person you may not talk to for 10 or 15 years and then, boom, when you do see each other again it’s like you were never apart!

Linda is my sweet friend I circled in the middle row!!

So when I received a call from her the first part of last week asking if she and her sister Julie (who became my other Bestie 🥰) could stop by since they would be in my neck of the woods, I knew I would move heaven and earth to see them; after all, it has been over 15 years. But wait, the story gets even better!

That was on Monday, so Wednesday, my husband and I were cleaning out one of our storage units. He reached into a large box that was filled with hundreds of random photos and pulled out this little one. That’s the only school photo taken of me from second grade in Huntsville!

Seriously isn’t that crazy?! And here I was going to see my second-grade besties the next day! Sooooo fun!!!! This wonderful family, without them even realizing it, gave me a sample of a “normal” childhood. It’s where I learned to catch and gut a fish, hunt, row a boat, shoot a BB gun, garden, cook, drive a tractor, collect frogs, have a pet duck and chicken, and shoot a bow and arrow to name a few (I know, just call me Woodsy Mama). 😂Linda and Julie and their family were also good friends with all my brothers; we were one big happy family! ❤️❤️❤️

Their mom was Donny’s and my first piano teacher and the maker of the best homemade jam ever! She remembered how much I loved it and had Linda and Julie bring some fresh strawberry and raspberry jam to me.💖💖💖 Those are such happy memories from my childhood!!! Mrs. Montgomery, now 91, was a great friend of my mother’s, and every time we would return from a faraway place where we had been touring, she would have fresh dough waiting on our front porch with a bottle or two of her jam so my mom could make fresh scones for breakfast!!! I love her so much for these memories. She reminds me of my mother…loving and kind with family always being first; we spoke about it all when I was with them.❤️ When we first sat down to dinner Thursday, Linda reminded me of a funny story. I put her on the spot one day in our rowboat with Donny and me when I said, “Linda do you want Donny to kiss you so you can say you’ve kissed Donny Osmond?” Her eyes got so big😂 I said, “Donny kiss her!” So he leaned over and gave Linda a kiss. She laughed as she reminded me about this and said she’s been famous ever since because he was her first kiss! 😂 Dinner with them was such a great treat especially since it happened so right before flying out to do the rehearsal for my Christmas tour and the last regular concert for the year. The nostalgic feelings I had reconnecting with them was the perfect familial backdrop to start the holidays with.

I thank my mother and father for all the effort they put into creating magical holidays for us kids. My mom loved always trying to make wherever we were, “home”. No one has a perfect childhood, we can dwell on that, or, on those moments in our past that did give us such joy. And then we wait, always with hope, for the new memories that are right ahead. I pray we never take the innocence and simple joys from our children too soon. I also pray we can create a safe place for them, a place they know they’re loved….because I know love can get us through anything no matter how challenging the road!!!  

It’s not easy to be away from my family during the holidays but being with Linda and Julie reminded me of all the reasons I even do a holiday tour. It’s a time to remember old friends and the hope of making new ones…I have friends like Julie and Linda I don’t see for decades and then when I see them, it feels like we’ve never been apart. I think it will be like this when the Savior returns, we will feel like no time has passed, and after we catch up we will be so happy to be “back home.”

These are my classmates from 1967.

Back row: Susan Doxey, Jamie Peterson, Jerilyn Clark, Penny Thompson, Doug Allen, Jerry Storey, Thom Summers. Front row: Linda Montgomery, Pam Thompson, Rowdy Muir.

PS Jerry in the photo was my first crush😂

#gratitude

#remembertheSavior

Marie's Sunday Message - November 6th, 2022

Today is day six of our #24daysofthankful leading up to thanksgiving and today’s has to be family! I love my family and my friends are part of that family—these communities we create in our lives become family.

Having friends, it turns out, is the best thing we can do for ourselves. Simply said, we live longer when we have close friends. Did you hear that Darla (she's my bestie🥰) was with me last night when I went to see my longest best friend, my big brother Donny. 🥰 We went to his show in Vegas last night. D and I talked till the wee hours of the morning; it was so much fun. We were laughing and reminiscing about our unique childhood together. We played together, worked together, studied together, and figured out life together. We grew up being each other's protectors and confidants. We’ve lived a lot of life together, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I told him that at our niece Sophia’s wedding, there was a quote about marriage that I absolutely love by Thomas S. Monson. It is, “Choose the one you love and then love the one you choose.” I think that statement is applicable to everyone in our lives. We choose who we love, we choose our friends, and even though we can’t choose our family members, 🤣 we can definitely choose to love them. I sure love mine! It reminded me of an old saying my Dad taught me as a little girl. He’d say, “If you can get along with your family, you can get along with anyone!” That’s profound! Now, as an adult and a mother, I believe this more than ever! The point is that WE choose who we surround ourselves with, who we love, who we give our loyalty to, and who we trust.

I’ve been rereading and studying the Old Testament this year. One of the best examples of a close and loyal friendship is that of David and Jonathan. They were great friends but Jonathan’s father, King Saul, became so consumed with jealousy and hatred towards David that he ordered David’s life to be taken. Jonathan became aware of his father Saul's plan and how he became filled with pride and jealousy and was consumed with hatred towards David. Jonathan chose to do the right thing no matter what the consequence, and he protected his friend David. To me, this story is the epitome of courage and true friendship. Not only did Jonathan stand up for what was right by supporting David, but he stood up to his father, the king himself. We rarely see that kind of loyalty in life. But I do know that if you want to have a great friend, you must BE a great friend. David and Jonathan were!

Speaking of great friends, it was so fun to be at the show last night and see those of you who could attend. Friends…oh, some may say fans…but for me you are my friends! I have known so many of you for so long; you are cherished by me, and I’ve missed seeing you! It’s so important that we make time to connect because, over the past two years, we have been so isolated, and that’s not healthy! We are social creatures that need people! Interaction! Hugs!! It’s one of the reasons I’m doing my Christmas tour—so I can come to you instead of you coming to Vegas. This way, you can bring your friends and family and hopefully connect and create more happy memories.

I don’t know what I got for Christmas five years ago. Do you? What I do remember are the wonderful times I spent with family and friends. When we go out to dinner or see a show together, we create lasting memories simply by spending time together and putting aside electronics to talk and reconnect.

Over the last little while, we have become so fearful of merely gathering around each other. It’s so sad to read the statistics about people who have suffered from isolation. They’re depressed, alone, and have lost hope. Many aren’t even going to church anymore or to any social events. This train of thought and action only brings upon us the deepest and worst kinds of depression. I believe that “Family” is now needed more than ever! The adversary, or as I call him “scratch” (because he’s an irritant like a rash😂) is trying desperately to destroy any and all family relations he possibly can. By taking away these safety nets around us, it removes the safety net of hope. Our Savior Jesus Christ is all about love, hope, friendship, forgiveness, understanding, and compassion. He’s full of light and that light inspires us to strive for all things that uplift, to be like Him, and to serve and love others.

As part of my #24daysofthankful, today, my gratitude is for family. It’s everything!!! We are God’s children. We are His family, and we need to rekindle love, hope, respect, and kindness toward one another. I also believe, along with these ideals, we need temperance and boundaries for those people in our lives who try to intentionally hurt us or those who create contention. We need to let go and let God in. Let go of our anger and hurt and let God direct us back home to Him. Let Him help us see truth and how we need to change. We need to be humble enough to see and understand His will for us in all things .

I love this life. Yes, it’s been very challenging. But it’s difficult for all of us! Through it all, I have loved the lessons my challenges have taught me. I love the things I’ve learned about myself which help me strive to become a better person. I love all of you and everyone I saw last night. I’m so looking forward to seeing many more of you on the road during the coming weeks over the holiday. Let’s choose to get together and create some magical holiday memories filled with hope and “love and laughter along the way…and may God keep us in His tender care ‘till He brings us together again”… Sounds like lyrics to a song?😉😂🤣❤️❤️❤️!!!

Remember this today, you are all my family. You are stuck with me. I love you and this community we have all created. Have a blessed day. 🥰

#HappySunday🥰❌⭕️

#SundayMessage

Marie's Sunday Message - October 30th, 2022

Do you want to see two people in love? Just look at this picture of Steve and me that was taken just this week. It is one of my favorites. And you know what? I am as happy as I look! I know I’m silly but I love being married to him! We had a wonderful week together filled with beautiful events and great friends.

At the end of the week, we attended the induction of one of Steve’s close friends, Pastor Miller Johnson, into the Beverly Hills High School Hall of Fame. Alan Nierob also attended with his incredible wife Tobi as well as Brad Turrel, Leeza Gibbons, and her husband Steve Fenton (he hosted it), and many of their high school friends. Since I never went to public school, I was able to experience the beautiful camaraderie they have had with one another over the years. One thing I saw more than anything is how sports shaped their lives. They learned the importance of teamwork and how dedication builds self-worth. (I am going to tell all of my children they need to get their kids into sports!) There were so many amazing people in that room!!! We were all sitting around the table remarking how important long-time friendships were but stated the ultimate and most important friendship is the one we have had with our spouses.💖 We all spoke about how most relationships are filled with unexpected turns and a few detours, but you know what? We all learned that every challenge is filled with blessings geared toward helping us grow.

In our marriages, we have learned to buckle up for the ride and hang on to each other. The greatest miracle of Steve’s and my lives were finding each other again, which truly was a miracle! And that is the ultimate pattern of a loving Heavenly Father—another chance. Heavenly Father is all about second chances and it’s never ever too late. Remember the laborers in the vineyard? (Matthew 20: 1-7) The one who worked all day was paid the same as the one who hopped in on the night shift. I’ve pondered about this parable a lot this week and since these stories can have many meanings, I thought I'd share the thoughts about it that came to me the most.

At this point in my life, I think the Vineyard is symbolic of “giving our heart to God”. He didn’t care about the work they might have done, He cared that they gathered in the Vineyard for the work. Heavenly Father was paying everyone the same regardless of how long they worked in the Vineyard. It doesn’t matter when someone comes to the Lord, it just matters that they COME to the Lord. I know so many who have waited outside “the Vineyard” because they thought it was too late for them. But it’s never too late.

It’s not too late to be happy, to change, and to learn. It’s just not ever too late. Our God will always be there to give us another chance, or a million chances if that’s what we need…He will never give up on us.

And we shouldn’t give up on each other, ourselves, and especially on God’s love for us.

#Sundaymessage

Marie's Sunday Message - October 23rd, 2023

I’ve been going through some challenges…life is full of them, right!? But there are so many people struggling right now! If I feel down, overwhelmed, or discouraged, all I have to do is look around me because there’s always someone going through something much more difficult than me.

For example, my bestie Darla’s beautiful daughter-in-law, Brynna, has had some significant challenges in her life. Last year I wrote about how she has been fighting a rare form of brain cancer, and still is, with no cure. Now, this year, another serious challenge has been added for them to contend with as a family. Brylie, Brynna, and her husband Austin’s sweet 13-year-old daughter, recently had surgery on her foot. Afterward, she began having a terrible reaction to the epidural they gave her. She started shaking uncontrollably from what they believed was called #CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). But, this week, the doctors now suspect it might be something more complex called #FND (Functional Neurologic Disorder). It started on her right foot and has now spread further to her hips, legs, right knee, right ankle, right arm, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers, all shaking in different directions and can be individually or all at the same time. The tiniest occurrence can trigger shaking like a simple brush of fabric or a splash of water can bring on an episode. Her amazing parents hold and comfort her to try to stop her body from convulsing. Sometimes, these last up to 11 hours or until she finally falls into a deep sleep from exhaustion.  What is almost as bad as the severe pain she experiences is that her doctors haven’t been able to figure out exactly how to help her. 😢 Because she is awake through these episodes, they know they aren’t seizures and she is completely aware of the pain. And this, of course, just adds to the trauma the family is experiencing.

I cannot imagine the feelings her entire family goes through while watching their precious little girl suffer so greatly. What do you do when there is nothing that can be done? When your faith is taken to the last inch of the journey? When it seems it would be so much easier to just give up and it makes you question everything?

Well, first, you just hang on. I know there’s a better tomorrow, and I always have, and the Sperrys do too! We have to always believe that the answer or the miracle is just around the corner!  That’s not naïveté, that’s faith. And faith to me is keeping a positive attitude under every circumstance. So giving up is not even an option, but having faith is! Hebrews 11:1 say, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” That describes the Sperry family perfectly. They believe help will come. No, they KNOW help will come, and so do I!!! We will never give up our faith even in the darkest of storms.❤️

I have a hard time thinking everything happens for a reason, but I do believe something good can always come from any situation, good or bad. It’s a choice. When times are the hardest, if we try, we can see our best blessings. Without hard times there is no need for miracles. But because this “earth life experience” can be challenging, we need miracles, God, and each other.

I have repeated this over and over about the Savior wants us to have a community…meaning, He wants us to be close enough to each other so that we can truly serve each other. Covid separated us so much we don’t, and are afraid to, know each other anymore! There isn’t a feeling nearly as wonderful as having someone show they care about you. Although sometimes when we are in the darkest of places, the adversary tries to make us feel we’re undeserving…That’s a lie! So let someone bring dinner, wash dishes, or just take the kids for an afternoon. Our first great commandment is to love the Lord; the second is like the first, but to love each other and ourselves. When I had severe postpartum depression, the best way to “love myself out of it” was to serve others.

They say social media is not healthy; well, I think it can be healthy if we can use it to share information. You never know who might feel alone with it, and connecting these families could bring them both comfort. (Another example of community or extension of a family by the way.)😉 We can love and serve Darla’s family by praying for them and directing any information to them about #CRPS and #FND and to her doctors at @primarychildrenshospital because they know discouragement gets in the way of miracles. So, if you do know anyone or anything about either of these disorders, please…let me know, and I will pass it along!!!! 💖

One thing I know as an absolute truth is…no matter what we are going through or how dark the world feels, no matter how intense the pain or anxiety, and no matter how sad the loneliness is, our Savior, Jesus Christ, is pure light. We are definitively promised that the light removes the darkness!!! We also know that when the scripture speaks of light, remember, that’s God!  

Knowing I can give every burden to the Savior is what gets me through each day. I hope you will seek Him daily as you go through your trials of life. So here’s to reflecting and absorbing the light the Savior brought us…His light, the Light of the world…He is Hope and that’s the miracle of Jesus Christ.

#Sundaymessage

❤️👇

This is a must-listen. I hope it touches your heart as it has mine.  It’s been a go-to for me. Christ is and always has been my miracle. He is real and His atonement works!!!! Believe!!!!!  Everything else is an illusion. I love you❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️