Marie's Sunday Message - January 8th, 2023

I finished a new quilt and have another idea for one on the way.🥰👍 Quilting is a joy for me now that I found later in life while taking care of my mom. There’s something very satisfying about piecing together small bits of fabric to create a beautiful quilt. This is the latest one I’ve done, and also one of the most challenging so far. I made it for my grandson, Wolf, who loves dinosaurs. He even helped to pick out some of the fabrics with his mom’s and my help. 🥰

Can I just say this thing was so hard to do!!! I called in reinforcements to help me finish! My friend Chris Chamberlain, the master quilter, and her brother Josh(an amazing quilter by hobby and a heck of a UPS guy by trade 😂) helped me make it to the finish line! Just zoom in and look at the eye on one of the dinosaurs - that’s a tiny square within itself! And look at the tiny triangles that needed to be made in between the triceratops spikes on top of him too. They all had to be pieced together… I love the intricacy.🤪🤢😂 It all seemed too difficult at first, but Chris and Josh were not going to let me fail! 

After seeing this quilt done, I realized the process was a lot like our life. If you want, you can slide through experiences haphazardly, with no goals or patterns, and worst, never ask for help. Or we can be very exact and thoughtful in following God's instructions or pattern for happiness, making careful measurements, and eventually, something beautiful occurs. 

Jesus Christ is our master teacher, and when we study His life, He will show us how to make those careful measurements and even point out the flaws we make, then help us resew them correctly.  In Matthew 11: 28-30, the Savior gives us all the hope we need in this wonderful promise…

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

This promise means everything to me. As a young girl, and even now, I’ve been through some difficult times. I know many of you have as well. But these words have given me great hope! I can imagine hearing this promise given directly from the Savior’s mouth and feeling that same hope that they did 2000 years ago. For us now, His promises haven’t changed because His words are eternal.

Remember, the promise to us is not that our burdens will be taken away, but they will be made lighter, and we will feel His power in our lives—giving us guidance, peace, inspiration, and a much-needed PATH!

I know this is true!!! In my life, God’s words mean everything to me. As I’ve learned about Him and trusted Him, I have felt my burdens lift. Just like Chris and Josh, the Savior was there helping me measure and cut, guiding me through some very difficult and very dark times when there was no place else for me to turn. I have learned through the years and tears that I find great joy in doing what God has asked me to do. It goes back to the quilt…Trusting in God brings happiness. Just like trusting in master quilters brings a beautiful creation, satisfaction, and happiness. 

I sometimes hear people say that living the commandments are difficult. Honestly, for me, NOT living them makes life more difficult! God’s commandments protect us from the snares of the world. They help us learn what true self-love actually is and not what the world says it is. True self-love is learning the joy of disciplining the natural man in us. It’s taking control of our physical bodies, our thoughts, and desires. True self-love is living within our means, focusing on having the wisdom to see the real truth and surrounding ourselves with good friends, and making sure we do all we can to uplift those around us. 

When we choose to overcome the world, that means everything from anger, judgment, rationalization, selfishness, or anything that can lead to us having addictive behaviors of the flesh, to name a few. When we can begin to see these flaws in us and start resewing ourselves (so to say), we become happier people for sure!

I know what you are thinking….how in the world do I do it? I want to be happier; I do. I want to turn my weaknesses into strengths, but that is such a long list. Believe me, I know. So, let’s go back to the quilt. Remember, It took meticulous work and many hours. Also, I started over more times than I can count because of the mistakes I made in measuring and sewing. But I had help…I knew Chris and Josh were not going to let me fail. I kept my eye on them and my goal, listened to their instructions, and sometimes even handed the whole project over to them. They didn’t do it for me because how could I learn? But they let me rest, just like the Savior who holds our burdens and sorrows, so they are lighter….also so I wouldn’t give up. 

I know January is a time for resolutions and goal-setting…I bet many of your resolutions are already in the rearview mirror! I included a joke that cracked me up😂 But how about we approach this differently? What if we take our weaknesses to the Savior? How about we lay them at His feet and then humbly plead with Him to show us where to start and how to make them our strengths? Where to start? I was always counseled as a child to begin with what is creating the most problems. Then trust Him! I know He will help with a lasting self-discovery. The scriptures inspire us to take an honest look at ourselves, so we can make the changes needed to improve and heal. But only through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His atonement will we have the strength, desire, and power to overcome and do this. 

Believe me, our Savior can help us overcome anything!!!!!

Here’s my January reading assignment for the New Testament. I guess you could call it a pattern we’re following 😂 It might help you too! It’s not too late to catch up…. It’s never too late!!!! 💖👈😘 I mean, hey, look at my next project in these photos. I’m doing this next one on my embroidery machine. I know I’m crazy!😂 but I love a good challenge! Who wants to join me?😉🥰

• No January 2–8: Matthew 1; Luke 1.

• January 9–15: Matthew 2; Luke 2.

• January 16–22: John 1.

• January 23–29: Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3.

#Sundaymessage

Marie’s Sunday Message - January 1st, 2023

In 2022 my focus was on reading the Old Testament. This year I’m very excited to reread the New Testament. So my Sunday message is short today. It’s from Luke 11: 10 “For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

This promise from our Savior is for anyone who wants to learn about God's love for them. Because of the tender mercies I have experienced in my life, I know He is real.

I hope you will join me this year in doing a “deep dive” into the Savior’s life as we read the New Testament together. Studying His life will refocus us all for living in a world that would have us look anywhere but to the Savior for peace. He offers us peace…not as the world does🥰, but as He does.

I love you all and wish you a very happy New Year!

Marie's Sunday Message - December 18th, 2022

We are one week away from Christmas. When did that happen? I’m sure you’re busy with last-minute Christmas errands, parties, and gifts left to buy. For me, the week before Christmas usually is as organized as a middle school food fight!!😂 I would find lists on stickies everywhere. And the thoughts of sugarplums are not just running through my head, but running like a buffalo stampede! All the typical “mom” thoughts like…

• Did I remember everyone’s gifts? 

• Do I have enough tape? (I never have tape) 

• Who is in charge of dinner reservations? (we will be at Disney this year)

• Locating a church and most of all…

• How will we find everyone’s shoes???

I don’t know about you, but honestly, the holidays seem to turn into a survival movie and we are the ones trying to get on that last boat out! I used to be so good at this, but… well, I’m tired!!😂 Anyone on my team?😉 These days, when decorations fall off the tree, they just lay there. Actually, half the ornaments are still on the table next to the tree! Choosing to do the holidays with one eye shut has given me a different perspective…. And definitely less stress because I’ve come to realize…

It’s ok…😂

Remember last week's message when I committed to writing down the times I felt the Spirit? Well, now I’m going to add to it. I’m also writing down when I felt overwhelmed and I remembered (thank goodness) that life is NOT meant to be easy. Somewhere, we came to believe we should be strong enough to handle or fix things ourselves. We can feel a need to be perfect before we come to Him for help. This frame of mind is so not correct nor productive. I know that because I have had to learn this the hard way! Now, I know that He is here for ALL of it…He signed up for bumps and bruises and, yes, even all the way to stitches…😂😂😂

Photo Credit: Dan Savoie

Right now, I’m still on tour. It’s so busy, and of course, I’m having a wonderful time!!☺️ But with so many moving targets on this tour, I’m sure you can understand the margin of error is pretty thin to nil. Each day as we move on to a new city, we want to get it right. To do this, I try to remove all distractions (well, except my silly TikTok videos😂), so I rarely take calls that aren’t from my family. But Thursday night, I got one of those “you up?” messages from a friend. With the holidays roaring along, she said she made a pretty big mistake in her business and needed someone to remind her that stuff happens. When I couldn’t console her, she stopped and said, “Wait, only the Savior can lift this awful feeling from me… I’ll call you back; I need to pray.” Later she texted back and said she was finally feeling the Christ-like peace she was looking for. She made a mistake that caused others a lot of worry and difficulties which was the worst feeling ever. But, after that immediate prayer, she found out her clients had found a solution and sent her the nicest text. She said it felt like pure grace. They said, “We know who you are, and we’ve got your back….it’s Christmas, and things happen; just breathe.”  That statement from people who could have chosen to be angry made my friend’s Christmas!  Thus, my topic today!  

Being the recipient of forgiveness is the greatest feeling of relief there is! And I believe the Lord loves to forgive us because he knows how wonderful it feels. My friend knew the burden that was lifted came directly from the Savior. He’s the only one who can touch so many hearts at the same time. His peace is unlike any other because It covers everything! All we have to do is ask. And then, just like that, He gives it to those who choose to believe, love, and remember Him! That is the miracle of forgiveness. 

He was sent here to do this for us. Our Father doesn’t want us to suffer, but He knew we would sometimes make colossal mistakes. We are human, and humans are prone to messing things up!🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️. It’s sometimes what we do best.😳😂 That’s why our Father provided the Savior. He was sent here to help us daily get back on track. So basically, the Father is saying, 

“Whatever you need…please just ask.”

How do I know this? Because He has done it for me throughout my life! I am so grateful I have given my heart and, yes, my sorrow and pain to Jesus Christ. He knows how to bring healing and how to provide those needed miracles when we just can’t do it anymore. Only He knows how because He chose to descend below ALL things for us. He knows how to heal us, and He chooses to do it because He loves His Father that much. We are His Fathers’ greatest joy, so the Savior does everything He can to help us. I may break His heart as I struggle from time to time, but I know He will never break mine!  

As I finish up my study of the Old Testament this week, there is a consistent message from our God throughout it… He says that it doesn’t matter what you’ve done, how you may have messed up, or even how far you’ve gotten off the path, Father in Heaven’s continual invitation is… Come back … I’m here…I love you!!! 

I love this quote: 

“The Savior loves to restore what you cannot restore; He loves to heal wounds you cannot heal; He loves to fix what has been irreparably broken; He compensates for any unfairness inflicted on you; and He loves to permanently mend even shattered hearts.”

- Dale G. Renlund

The gift I want to give the Savior this season is simple, to have more faith. The faith to lean on him,

And let Him fix things, especially those we cannot fix. I am going to strive harder to remember Him in everything I do and let Him do what Heavenly Father sent Him here to do for ALL of us—take my burdens so that I can feel the peace that only He can give. 

And what a gift that He gives! 

#Sundaymessage

Marie's Sunday Message - December 4th, 2022

Have you ever visited a children’s hospital? If not, I hope you do. I am so grateful for them when our precious little angels need help! Over the 40 years that I’ve been involved with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, I’ve learned many lessons from those precious children served there. The most amazing thing I’ve learned is that it doesn’t matter what the child is going through, they all stay positive and exude love and concern for the others around them! Whether it’s for the other patients or their own family members who are worried, they are just amazing kids!!! It’s humbling, to say the least, and they inspire me to strive to be more positive, kind, and loving to those around me.

When I visit these incredible places, I am overwhelmed by the love that I feel for everyone there. That includes ALL the hospital workers! I have witnessed miracles at the hands of these caring doctors, nurses, and staff—I’ve witnessed these miracles as my kids, at one time or another, were in a children's hospital. Two of my children’s lives were saved there; One at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, and another at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Two of my precious granddaughter's lives were saved at Children’s Hospital Orange County in California. All I can say is I’m so grateful for the people who are there 24-7, ready to serve a child when they are in need.

I’ve been asked before how the idea of Children’s Miracle Network began. Well, it was at an award show with John Schneider…I’m sure you’ve heard the story before. But, for me, it began years before that night with my niece, Jennifer; my brother Tom’s daughter. She was born without a skull and only lived a few hours. When she was born, my mom called me (my brother Tom is deaf) and said, “Tom needs you to come to the hospital right now. He said to tell you that he needs his sister.” I remember telling her, “Mom I don’t know if I can do it—I don’t think my heart can take it.” She encouraged me saying, “Marie, we are promised in scripture that our weaknesses can become our strengths. So, sweetheart, please pray for strength because your brother really needs you right now!” As I hung up the phone I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to be there and it wasn’t so much for my brother but for this little girl. I felt so strongly through my body that I needed to hold my niece. 

The experience in that hospital room was so profound, I can barely even describe it except to say that there were angels in that room. When I arrived at the hospital room, my brother placed her broken little body into my arms. As I held her, I knew that her life was quickly slipping away. Then suddenly, her little hand moved towards mine and she put her tiny little fingers around my finger and squeezed it tight. It was as if she was saying to me, “Thank you for coming, Auntie. I’m just here to gain a body for my spirit and then I will move on to the next existence. I knew you’d be here for me, and I love you!” I felt that I knew this sweet little baby girl from before this life and a tremendous love poured through my heart and soul. That feeling changed my heart forever! Jennifer, this precious little soul who drifted in and out of our lives so quickly, changed everything for me. It was because of her that I saw the need for families to have places to go when their children need help.

I have since been able to spend countless hours at Children’s hospitals. As I said, I have never met a child in these hospitals that didn’t have the most beautiful attitude despite whatever challenges they were going through. They are unique teachers and leaders; showing us how to be brave and strong through their examples.

In Matthew 18: 1-5 the Savior called a little child to him and placed the child among them. He said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

I have had to learn what He means in this section. 

Let me introduce you to one of those amazing kids I have met. I can’t tell you how much I love her!!!! She is my hero, and I could not love her more!!!!!!!! I continually think if she can overcome her challenges, then, for goodness sake, so can I!

This is RE! She is one of our Miracle Children. I met her at a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital event and she is one of the reasons I spend so much time helping these kids and their families have a children’s hospital in their local area. As you can see, RE was born without arms. But she doesn’t let that discourage her. She has overcome tremendous challenges in her life and achieved many amazing things!

I was deeply touched when RE described learning to ride a bike as feeling like eating a “piece of candy.” That’s how much it meant to her. Activities that most of us take for granted are as sweet as candy to those who have incredible obstacles in their way. When she decides to tackle a new challenge, she says, “The effort alone just makes me stronger”. Well, she is so right! And, isn’t that how this earth life works?! We all have weaknesses. Some are more difficult than others. But I know RE’s example is the pattern the Lord wants us to follow. He wants us to be STRONG and make our weaknesses our strengths!

I believe God knows what he’s doing, and the Lord is preparing a new generation to be ready and strong enough to take on whatever challenges they will face. I’m not the least bit worried about these brilliant children being born into this chaotic world because they were born to be STRONG! 

Because of these beautiful children I’ve come to know over the years, I want to work harder, stay positive🥰, and be STRONG! 

As we celebrate the Savior’s birth this month, let’s strive to emulate his example of how to comfort, help, love, and heal those around us. Keep the faith by having a positive attitude in our hearts…even through our greatest trials. God knows that the storms WILL eventually pass and they will make us stronger!!!!

 Enjoy this first week of December….

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!

xoxo #Sundaymessage #strong #childrensmiraclenetwork #cmn #marieosmond 

Marie’s Sunday Message - November 27th, 2022

We had our first show of the Christmas tour yesterday and, yes, it’s always a bit overwhelming. People ask if I ever get nervous before a show. Yes! There were so many new elements of this show that my hands were shaking before I went on. After all, I want to do a great job for you. In the end, you prepare the best you can but you have to just go for it. We got through it and it was all so much fun!!

How often do we pray for things to go right, but then chaos ensues? We pray for protection, but the car still breaks down. We pray for peace only to have the baby get sick and cry even longer. We pray for knowledge only to get a request to help teach a class or give a presentation. None of these ironic little twists mean that God isn’t listening, it just means He is the greatest listener and teacher and wants you to experience the “dirt on the path”. The fact is, if you pray for patience, God will put you in the middle of traffic.😂🤣😂 He will give you an opportunity to learn to have patience.

A friend of mine shared this concept with me. “God is not a cosmic bellboy for whom we can press a button to get things” (Harry Emerson Fosdick). Instead of asking for answers and then expecting them to show up at the door, our Father, like a perfect parent, wants us to experience the joy of learning…to feel the “dirt on the path”. But to feel the dirt we have to start walking.

I have learned to just start walking and God will walk with you. When we do, we grow and so does our confidence. Even if we fail, we still tried. My mother always taught us, especially through her example, that “the only failures are those who fail to try.”

Another good quote I love? Nike—“just do it”. 😂😂

This idea has tremendous appeal. What can I do right here? Right now? Lift where you stand! Movement brings motivation. And yes, especially as we get older, it may hurt a little bit. Are you getting older? Well. just keep moving. That’s what I have to do now that I’m not feeling as young as I used to. Anybody there with me? Haha

Don’t wring your hands, start ringing the bells of praise to our God whose love is so enormously infinite that He allows us to strive, struggle, learn, and grow! Why? So we can learn to be like Him. We may not get what we want all the time, but God knows what we really need. In the end, we will become better by “walking on the dirt”!