Marie's Sunday Message - July 2nd, 2023

I’m sure there have been times when you, like me, have received feelings or promptings directing you to make a change in your life, so you pray for understanding. Well, during my trip to Israel, I received my answer. So today, I write my last Sunday message to you...at least for a while. 

I’m sad in many ways; I have really enjoyed our time together on Sundays and have felt a closeness in sharing what matters most over the last… has it been 7 years now? But following the Spirit is non-negotiable for me. For 60 years, I have worked in my industry, and it’s all happened because of you! Also, having to be the sole breadwinner for my young family for many years, I have always been very prayerful for direction regarding my work so I could spend the most time possible with my children. I love them so much as I know you love yours! I have felt the need lately to spend more time with them, especially with their precious babies - my adorable grandchildren. (By the way, #9 is on the way, and I would appreciate your prayers for my daughter Brianna🥰.) Any woman understands busy schedules and their demands. So I have felt great peace with this answer of spending more time with my husband, children, and grandchildren!🥰

Today’s message is about my trip to the Holy Land. As I’ve pieced together my feelings from this life-changing trip… let’s say it’s been challenging because how do you write about something so grand. I tried to post the first half last week, but there’s so much that I thought I’d put both posts in this Sunday’s message! All I can say is it’s a bit long! Sorry. 🤣

Every time I started writing, a flood of emotions would return. I’m so grateful I was taught about the Savior in my youth by a loving mother who stressed the importance of strengthening my personal testimony and not just relying on hers. She taught me the importance of feeding our spiritual appetites through daily study and prayer. It’s how we can comprehend the multiple layers, depths, and symbolic meanings of His teachings, His atonement, His death, and the gift of His resurrection. Understanding takes time… a lifetime (maybe a million lifetimes?). 

I heard a great talk last week (I read so much, so I’m sorry I can’t remember who gave it), but the speaker’s message was about his mission. He had to learn a foreign language. When he got there, he could only say a few words, but over time, he could speak some sentences. After a year, he said he could talk comfortably without thinking about every word before he spoke. By the end of his two years, he felt so confident he had mastered the language he decided to take it for one of his college classes. He quickly realized he was only speaking on a two-year-old level. 😂 His point was it’s the same with our study of the Scriptures. You read the Bible once - you understand a few words the second, third, and fourth time you start putting sentences together. The 10th, 20th, or 50th time you begin to understand more deeply and know the words before you have to think about what you’re saying. It takes years to master the language of the Bible and the Savior’s life. That’s why it’s so important to continually read God’s words every day, every year, throughout our lives. 

Before going to Israel, I read many books, listened to numerous talks, and watched countless documentaries to prepare for this trip. But to actually be in Jerusalem was more incredible than I ever could have imagined.

No other city has shaped this earth’s history and destiny like Jerusalem. Just think of the different nationalities that have come through Jerusalem for one reason or another. Egyptians, Hittites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, Crusaders, Turks, British, Arabs, and Israelis have all been a part of Jerusalem’s great history. And then there are the people! Individuals like Abraham, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Lehi, Jeremiah, Alexander the Great, Pompey, Cleopatra, Herod, Peter, Paul, Titus, Constantine, Muhammad, Richard the Lion-hearted, Maimonides, Saladin, Suleiman the Magnificent, and even today’s leaders to name a few. But the most significant person ever to be born in Israel or this world was Jesus Christ. He brought about the most important events and remarkable contributions of all time! His atoning sacrifice and resurrection from the dead have immortalized this great city and made the name Jerusalem forever holy. Ironically Jerusalem means “The City of Peace,” which is odd because very rarely has it ever enjoyed the fruits of this word--peace. Even today, Jerusalem is a diverse place that ignites people’s hearts in so many ways. 

If you’ve put this trip on your bucket list… Do it now!!!! It’s simply amazing!!!!! So Here we go!❤️ 

I went wading in the sea of Galilee, you guys! 

I went snorkeling in the Red Sea! Hey! It’s hard to record a video of yourself underwater! 🤣

I floated in the Dead Sea - it was unbelievable

So was this candy shop!! Isn’t this a dream come true?? We also stopped at the best ice cream store!!! It’s called, Katsefet, which means whipped crème. It’s a must if you are ever planning on going to Jerusalem. Do the fresh fruit yogurt!!!

I went to Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus said to Peter, “Peter, upon this rock, I will build my church,” He then promised to give him the “keys of the kingdom of heaven.” But to see the water coming out of the rocks was incredible!

I saw Temple Mount, and we went inside the Dome of the Rock because of my dear friends for years, Tom and Kelly Olds, who happen to be our in-laws. Their daughter married our son. The Temple Mount was so stunning and very touching to be invited. It’s a very significant site for all three major religions: Jews, Muslims, & Christians. To the Jewish faith, they believe it is the Center of the Universe.

It was amazing and helped me understand why so many wars have been fought over Jerusalem. Every single religion holds it sacred….you can feel it while you are there. Instead of writing about it because it would take a lot of space😂 here’s a great site you can read about it.

We walked through the flowing waters in Hezekiah’s tunnels at the Western Wall. If you’re claustrophobic, I wouldn’t recommend it, 😂but it was the most incredible half-hour underground walk. To see how they started digging at two different ends and met up in the middle was unbelievable!

We went to church on Sunday at the BYU Jerusalem Center, and as we partook of the sacrament overlooking Jerusalem...I can’t even tell you what it meant to me!  

Since my first name is Olive, and the Jerusalem Center has an actual olive press outside, this must have meant more to Matt than I realized. He asked me to get inside it so that he could roll the Stone over me. I felt “pressed” to concede to his wishes!! 🤣🫒

We visited the unique historical museums in Jerusalem. The Israeli Museum fascinated me because it’s where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed. We also saw the very impressive miniature model of Jerusalem in Christ’s Day, The Model City. I never realized how large Solomon’s temple was in comparison to the size of Jerusalem in Christ’s day. It was very insightful!

And then there was the sacred pit in Caiaphas Palace (St. Peter of Gallicantu), where Jesus went before the Sanhedrin, and Peter allegedly denied Christ three times. It literally took my breath away. It is where the Savior spent the night before he was crucified. We saw where He was probably beaten and lowered into this hole the night before Pontius’ pilot sentenced him. I stood contemplating what occurred there, and although I’ve always been grateful to my Savior for the atonement, I will never forget how I felt inside there. Simply…. I was forever changed. 

When I went outside, we saw the original steps where Christ would have walked down to his crucifixion. As I stood there, my eyes filled with tears. We cannot even semi-comprehend what must have been going through his heart, but mine was breaking!

We spent the night beside the Sea of Galilee in this beautiful hotel. Every room is only steps away from the shore! 

The Sea of Galilee is where most of Christ’s miracles occurred. We visited the Mount of Beatitudes, where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered. Words can’t express how much I loved this! 

We visited a church where they uncovered some fantastic new finds. They still are uncovering new ruins! This is where Jesus taught in the one synagogue and proclaimed He was the son of God. That was so moving to my heart. I literally stood where Christ testified to the Rabbis. 

There’s a new Church at Magdala with a rotunda dedicated to the women in Jesus’s life. We read about them in our Scriptures, but this was different. It reminded me how profound the women were in Christ’s life at specific pivotal points. At the tomb, the first witnesses and messengers to the 12 apostles of the empty tomb who testified that “He has Risen” were the two Marys. And the first messengers of the birth of Christ were Mary and her cousin Elizabeth among many others. Women at that time lived in a society where females weren’t as valued, but this church testified and witnessed God’s love for his daughters. Intuitive, Christ-centered, powerful, and strong women devoted to God, and that chapel had significant meaning to me. We are nurturing caregivers, compassionate and intuitive, and should always esteem these attributes as divine qualities we were divinely given and possess. We are spiritual creatures in nature.

I know the Savior loves women today, and I hope you hear this with your entire being when I say women are the heart and soul of this world. The adversary would have you believe something else, that somehow you aren’t enough but believe me when I say…women are so important to the Savior. 

I saw King Herod’s Palace on the ocean in Caesarea. You could see where the palace used to stand over the sea, and some of the original floors were still recognizable and beautiful. You could tell where the chariot races took place, where his great theater was, which they still used today and the aqueducts. I even saw an ancient toilet!😂 Caesarea still has the most expensive real estate anciently and modern day. But knowing the Savior was there is the value I placed on it. 

Mount Precipice had a fantastic view of Nazareth, Mt Tabor, and the surrounding area. 

And on Mt. Carmel is an excellent view of the Jezreel Valley (Valley of Armageddon, where we discussed the 2nd Coming and the future of this Holy Land. 

When I saw the valley of Armageddon, I realized that “this is where the final battle will be fought, and the Savior will appear, showing the marks in His hand and feet for all to see.” Can you imagine that? I was there! As I pondered this valley, I realized that each day, we fight our own Armageddon, and I wish you every blessing for God’s infinite atonement and love to see you through. When you go into battle each day, euphemistically, of course, please don’t forget to take your Savior with you. Think of him every day and how he will protect you! Just ask! Think of how He will put His arms around you. Make it personal!! I know He will help lift and lighten those burdens from your shoulders. It has taken time for me to fully understand what it means to “Let go and let God.” For the longest time, we would hear that phrase only to be followed by those minions in our heads saying, “But you still have to do something to prove yourself to Him.” My testimony to you is if you love the Lord, you will be doing something; listening to Him offer you eternal happiness. So listen and love Him and then be grateful for all you go through. Follow what you are impressed to do. Because He’s always there, we only need to hear His voice. 

We boarded a fishing boat and crossed the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. On our way, we cut the engines & had a short discussion that amazed my heart. 

Once on shore, we had a very unique lunch. We had St. Peter’s Fish…🤣  We then visited Capernaum, then drove to the very northern border of Israel, where we looked over Lebanon and Syria. Then, we enjoyed a short nature hike to view the ancient city and altar at Tel Dan and learn how the lost tribes became “the lost ten tribes.” 

I loved Banias, the ancient site of Caesarea Philippi. And Yardenit. That evening, I took a stroll on the Seashore and saw this duck!

I felt my sweet son Michael was with me. We always called him Mallard, and this duck just appeared out of nowhere.

Speaking of my son, my other son Matthew was with me on this trip. He has decided to devote his life to teaching youth groups about the Savior, and this trip was partly a preparation for him to understand the area. He knew he would be a better guide before taking out his first group if he made this trip. We loved everything, but going to the River Jordan (Jesus’ traditional baptismal site) was the best!!!! I learned so many details about the area and John the Baptist - it was incredible and moving. 

In my last Sunday post, I told you that our friend and guide, Clark Anderson, took us over there. Well, two days ago, he sent this photo to me... Clark wrote, “I’m back at the River Jordan today teaching my new tour group, and look who I ran into. Your amazing son Matthew was beside me, teaching his youth group. How cool is that!?” Honestly, it made me tear up a bit! I’m so proud of him!!!  

Knowing your child loves God and wants to help young people find their purpose through knowing Jesus Christ makes this mama very proud!!! 

Watching him travel through Israel in preparation to teach was such a blessing. He said something that really touched my heart… He was teaching a group where he’s going to college (Matthew is a full-time seminary/institute teacher there); right before we left, he told me he showed the movie The Lion King to his classes. He asked the kids who is the villain in this movie. And, of course, they all agreed it was Scar… He said no! Then he offered up that it was Pumba! The kids looked confused, so Matt continued, “Think about it… Pumbaa convinced a king’s son to forget whose child he was… That he was a prince. Pumbaa even got Simba to stoop so low that he ate bugs and enjoyed it. Then Matthew said to them “don’t ever forget that you are the sons and daughters of God and don’t let anyone make you forget that. And please take care of your bodies - don’t hurt or abuse them, especially don’t eat bugs.😂. My Matt is such a good man and has such a cute way with these kids 🥰❤️

Laurus’ Tomb was so touching. It’s where the first person was resurrected. It was on the Palestinian side of Jerusalem, and our driver, Auman, who is Muslim, was so wonderful in taking us there and answering every question I had. I think I wore him out!😂 When we left him, he gave me a copy of the Quran, such a beautiful gesture of love! We drove with him to Qumran (the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls).

I’m so grateful that we were able to be in Jerusalem during Shavuot. This celebration begins in the evening at sundown. Jewish people from all over the world celebrate this holiday, also known as the “feast of weeks,” which commemorates the revelation of the Torah on Mt. Sinai to the Jewish people and commemorates the Torah being given by God to His people on Mount Sinai on Shavuot more than 3,300 years ago. From my best guess, over 5000 people were gathered there that evening. We weren’t allowed to take photos (understandingly), but I could go on the female side with the women and touch the wall. It was an incredible experience!!!! I don’t have photos of this evening, but here’s a picture of a necklace I bought there to commemorate it. The name of it in Hebrew is the “Shema,” meaning “Hear or hearken” from the beginning of Deut 6. This is the central prayer of Judaism saying:

Deuteronomy 6:4-7:

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:

5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

I believe the necklace says the very first part; Shema. But these are the verses Moses taught the children of Israel to be the most important verses to live by and obey. And these are the ones that the Jewish people have written and put in the Phylacteries they wear during their morning prayers. Also, these verses are written and placed in the mezuzahs, which are right outside on the wall next to the front door of every Jewish home. So these scriptures are central to the Jewish faith and ones we should all live by! To have a necklace with all that faith and history feels inspiring and significant to me!!!! 

We visited the Garden of Gethsemane (which, as you know, means “oil press”).

We passed thousands of Jewish graves as we wandered down the Mt. of Olives. Including those of the Biblical Prophets, Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi. We made a brief stop at the ‘Teardrop Church.’ We then visited St. Anne’s, the ancient site for the Pool of Bethesda. 

The Upper Room, where the Savior held the Last Supper, was beautiful. Even though it’s speculative where the exact location was, just being there and understanding the last week of his life brought the Bible pages to life for me.

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is believed to be where many Christians and others believe the Garden Tomb. I must say the garden tomb sent warm chills through my body, knowing the history of mankind was changed eternally here!!!! 

We departed Jerusalem and went down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea as Lehi and his family did. As we did, we traveled from “Jerusalem to Jericho” and reflected on the parable in Luke 10. Then we made our way to the Israeli/Jordanian border at Timnah.

There are too many photos to post but it in Timnah there is an exact replica of the ancient Tabernacle built by Moses. The temple that the Children of Israel carried in the wilderness for 40 years was smaller than I thought. But what came to my realization is that they used this temple for another 400+ years until king Solomon built his temple. As they walked us through it, it was obvious that the ordinances they kept were symbolic of Jesus Christ coming and his atonement. I really loved visiting this place!!!

This post is too long already, so I’ll try to share more later! Let me summarize this last Sunday Message...

Remember (Remember is my favorite word)- your one focus in life is to have a testimony of Jesus Christ. Whatever it takes, however long it takes to have a testimony. My trip to Jerusalem has undoubtedly changed my life in many ways. The stories in the Bible are real. They were documented by everything I saw around me, and the pages of that book came alive in every place I visited! I am sure you can understand this was not just a check on a list for me; this was a dream of mine ever since my parents went there and told me about it. I have been dreaming about this for 47 years. I went there looking for something, and I found it! And even more, I found peace, joy, and incredible gratitude... I am different in such a good way. 

On the cross towards the final moments before His death, Jesus said In Matthew 27:

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is to say, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

In that very moment, He felt His Father retreat. Did He feel abandoned? I’m sure He did, but at Golgotha, as I stood in silence pondering these words, tears began rolling down my cheeks. Even in the darkest moment of abandonment, Christ did not abandon the Father nor His will. I wondered, Is it like this with us in our trials when we may feel God is just not there? Do we stay strong like our Savior and say, “Not my will, but thine be done”? He didn’t give up on doing His Father’s will, and neither should we. Christ never gives up on us; we should never give up on His love for us. His answers aren’t always immediate and may even be challenging to hear. But I also know that even Christ, while crucified on the cross, asked the Father this question. “Father, take this cup from me but nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.” And so He endured, and so shall we as His followers. I have gained much strength from what Jesus said. If we do, God will always be there, growth will happen in our souls, and a brighter day will occur. Remember…We are never left alone! 

Two weeks ago, I wrote about Mount Sinai. It was interesting as I pondered upon God asking Moses to bring the children of Israel to the mountain so He could speak to them. When Moses invited them, they basically said back, “Tell ya what, Moses, you go back to the Lord and find out what He wants to say, then tell us what to do.” At that very moment, they gave up their personal relationship with God, their Father. They handed over their individual testimonies and their right to know personally! They gave their power over to someone else. They didn’t want to put forth the effort… they wanted to be told what to do. It was the easier path to take. They gave away and lost the greatest gift we have here in mortality…. Agency. Free will. The power to choose for ourselves. Instead, they gave it away for someone else to decide for them. They gave up a real personal relationship with the Father of our spirits and His son Jesus Christ.

I have loved writing these Sunday messages, but as I wrap them up, I want to leave you with one last thought…. The best way to really know the Savior is through the scriptures. When you know Him, you will follow Him…. So I hope you will continue to join me in reading the scriptures daily and gain a greater desire to learn of Him. Take His teachings and those of His prophets to heart. In Matthew 11, there is one of my favorite passages:

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.

I know this is the absolute truth; I have seen its promise fulfilled. The world may be changing and even be a difficult place to live at times but always remember… “The gospel is easy. Not living it is hard!” “People change; truth does not.” These verses spoke to me in Jerusalem… “I will give you rest”…” .my yoke is easy, my burden is light.”

With the Savior, all things are possible, forgiveness, opportunities, love, gratitude, awareness, joy, and especially peace. After this trip, I will never read the Bible in the same way again. It’s intended that we dive into the scriptures to create our own testimony of Jesus Christ. Not to rely only on the testimony of others in the books of the Bible but to search diligently and acquire our own personal relationship with our God. 

On this trip, my son Matthew whispered to me that he learned something about me, his mom …I didn’t quit no matter how sore or tired my body was. He said, “Mom, you’re a finisher!” 😂 I told him, “That’s right, I may start something and not like it, so I’ll never do it again, but I WILL finish it!” 😂 

So as I finish this last Sunday message…Let the Lord make it easy for you….Stay strong, keep the faith, and deepen your knowledge of His infinite love for you. Know that I love you with all my heart💖 I’ll see you during the weeks ahead, posting more of my insane #BucketListAdventures because… I am a finisher 👍🥰😂💖👈😘

Marie's Sunday Message - June 18th, 2023

Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful men who have made such a difference in my life. And wishing the same to those special men in yours!!💕

For my #Sundaymessage this week, I wanted to tell you a bit more about the amazing trip I was able to take with my son, Matthew. Our next stop was Cairo and Luxor, Egypt!!!🇪🇬🌍 I knew I would be inspired by the timeless pyramids, but I knew little of the wonders of Luxor and its daunting temples.🤯 We even got to ride camels again!🤗🐪

In the USA, we are amazed by artifacts and structures built 200 years ago. In Europe, there is history dating back over 1,000 years old that we are left in awe. But the ancient structures in Egypt are over 3,000 years old. There are even a few items in Luxor’s museum like the Narmer Pallet that goes back to 5000 BC. 

The structures in Luxor are so intense…and the original paint that still there… The colors are spectacular even after all these years. Wow, right! I can’t put into words just how amazing it all was!!! I put in a few photos to show you!!

Matt and I went on this trip with our amazing friend and guide, Dr. Clark Anderson, Clark taught us so much about the ancient Egyptians. For example… most people believe in an afterlife, right? Well, the ancient Egyptians were all about it! 

The colors inside this pyramid just blew my mind! They built massive pyramids, constructed impressive temples, carved huge granite obelisks, and dug and decorated elaborate tombs…all because of their belief in an afterlife. The word death isn’t even in their vocabulary.

Clark took me to his friend Ali where he custom-made vases with all these beautiful symbols on them… Yes, Ali Baba gifted me with one of his special vases from his shop Shahar Zad Alabaster Factory. It’s just incredible!!!✨ I want to thank him for his amazing kindness and generosity. If you’re ever in that area, you must go to his shop—it’s fabulous!!!! Even this special vase reiterated the message and concept of gaining eternal life (the ankh). It’s etched repeatedly on their statues, gates, temple walls & tombs. Hieroglyphs and etched carvings portray visually this message throughout temples & tombs as well. They link 3-4 major concepts together hieroglyphically in key locations. You will often see health (seneb or djed), strength (jded), power (was), eternal life (ankh), for all eternity (jed) all linked together.

As a Christian, I see how our beliefs are really not that different. Through Jesus Christ, I’m given health, strength, and power. Because of the Atonement and we are able to enjoy these blessings for all eternity. But, it leads me to think about one big difference between us… 

The Egyptians built an empire that focused on these beliefs. It was their focus. Many of their rituals might seem so foreign or strange to us, but they are all rooted in their belief that this life is temporary, and there is much more to come. The climax, core, and end goal of all of their beliefs and priorities is to gain eternal life and to be like God. This was their ideal potential, it was their desire, it was their pursuit, and their daily quest! But I don’t want to build an empire, I want to build a life centered around that purpose.

So for today’s Sunday Message, I want you to know that this trip was so inspiring to me that I am making this my daily quest! Every day I will ask myself this question… am I living life with purpose and acting as a child of God? Is He at the forefront of everything I do? I think these are good questions to ask ourselves every day. Being in a land full of purpose reminded me to strive even harder daily to do all I can and prepare myself to one day be with my Savior. I hope you’re enjoying these photos. I have one last post next Sunday and that will be Jerusalem. I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing that was. It was life-changing. 

I love you all and wish you all the best on this beautiful Father’s Day a day to remember God, our Father, and the great blessings and promises that He has given to all of us, His children, to one day be with Him again through His Son Jesus Christ, our Savior. 

Marie's Sunday Message - June 11th, 2023

Hey everyone, I cannot wait to tell you all about my trip. I have had so much fun the last two weeks. Yes, I was able to check off some of my lifelong bucket list dreams. So where did I go?🤔 Let’s start with one of my great desires, and that was to climb Mount Sinai!!! 🤗 I actually went where Moses was…I did it!!! I have a lot of bruises from pinching myself so much!!🥰 I figured if I didn’t do it now, I never would! 🤣 Man, it was amazing, and I’m so grateful to have traveled to a land I have only read about and dreamed of visiting.

Mt Sinai is on the Sinai peninsula. Which was also the scene of my first camel ride!!🤗 Yep, you heard me 🐪 crazy fun!!! Mount Sinai is known by many different names, including Mount Horeb, Mount Musa, Gebel Musa, and Jabal Musa. (I am so ready for the Mt Sinai category on Jeopardy!😂) I love the Old Testament, so to climb where Moses climbed to receive the Ten Commandments was incredibly special for me, and to do it without any Motrin was a true miracle. 😂🤣😂

The hike is approximately 4.35 miles up and takes about 3 hours to get to the top. We started at 1 AM on camels. They took us 1/2 way up in the dark of night with just the moon shining, and because the desert is completely dark, the stars were electrifying, and the Milky Way was magnificent. From where the camel drops you off, there are about 1000 steps remaining to walk to the top, and 760 of them are steep rock steps that one man spent his life’s work creating. The people there called him Stephanose. What incredible work he accomplished, and I am especially grateful for those steps now.😉

Coming down, there were two ways to descend the mountain. One is a short way down with 3,750 incredibly steep steps.

The other is a winding snake path that people usually ride down on camels, or you can walk, which is what my son and I decided to do. It’s a bit longer but much better on the knees and joints, but mostly I wanted to savor every single moment. I’m also glad we did this climb at night because I’m terrified of heights, and I’m not sure I could’ve done it if I saw the height of what I was attempting to climb. Coming down, I psyched myself out and became an intrepid traveler but still, yikes….Oh, I fell once (it’s slippery up there) and still have a nice shiner on my knee😂 but it was well worth it!!!! 

Being in the Holy Land has made it much easier to clarify the topography in the Old Testament. Everyone has tried to imagine where Moses took the children of Israel into the desert when he escaped Pharaoh, but it’s all speculation. Our guide and friend, Clark Anderson from Anderson Tours, was simply fantastic! He gave us all the options to consider. The part that gets me every time when I think about Mt. Sinai is…It was where Moses met God. When Moses came down from the mountain, scripture says he had to cover his face because it glowed so brightly. It really is hallowed ground - and from my view on top of Mt. Sinai, I could feel it! I cannot adequately explain how sitting there waiting for the sunrise impacted me. I have thought of that moment often and the feeling of majestic awe of God's power and love for us. I was where Moses received the 10 Commandments, the foundational law for 4,000 years!… Moses climbed that mountain 10 times in his lifetime. Especially the last few at his age, with no Motrin! So I sure didn’t have anything to complain about! The 10 Commandments are so beautiful in the sense they provide us with common sense and are psychologically sound in their outcome.

I still can’t believe it. I don’t have adequate words to describe how incredible the view was. What was interesting is the mountains are pretty much red all around, but on Mount Sinai, there’s a grayish ash color that looks like it was chard. Many guides there said it was the correct location because the mountain shows it was on fire. Whether that's true or not or even the correct Mount Sinai, I don’t know. But sitting up there pondering upon what took place was simply incredible!!! 

I’m so grateful to my sweet husband, who provided this opportunity to go with our son, Matthew. My son Matt was so cute; he asked me several times if I really wanted to go to the top (he was worried about me💖). I assured him I was OK and reminded him I didn’t come all this way not to make it to the top and that my mode of operation is, “I am a finisher!!!” I told him if I start something, I finish it! If I don’t like it I’ll never do it again - but no matter what I finish!!!! 😂. He kept repeating that throughout our whole trip… “I know, Mom, we finish it!😁#PersonalBest!! 👍😁

When I was at the top, I kept thinking of these scriptures in John 15: 

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

( I love this next part)

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

( as I thought of this last verse. It made me teary-eyed)

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

This trip sparked a whole new area of interest in my soul, especially after 60 years of working. And physically, I want to do things I love and desire to do while I can. I’m so grateful for this opportunity, and hopefully, you enjoyed seeing the photos and hearing about it.… Let me know cause I have more places and pictures from this bucket list trip I’d love to share with you. But for today, all I can say is God is amazing… He loves us all so much. How do I know this? Look at the world He created for us to live in during our mortal existence. His only ask is that we keep His commandments. They were never given to control us. God’s commandments are there to bless and protect us and help us become the best versions of ourselves possible. I’m going to try now with all my heart to be a finisher for Him.😂👍😘

Marie's Sunday Message - May 21st, 2023

I’m very excited today!! I’m on a new adventure! I have decided, that after working for over six decades, it’s time to do a few things on my bucket list. I will be away for the next two Sundays so I won’t be posting Sunday messages but when I get back I will tell you all about it! 🥰💖

Today’s message, though, has to do with finding balance. I have spoken before about the topic of balance and I know it can be very challenging for so many of us in today’s world. But I think it’s especially difficult when you’re trying to multitask, raise a family, and work at the same time. At this point in my life, though, I feel I can take a few more breaths and focus a bit more on ALL areas of my life. (You have to have goals, right!? 🤣😂🤣)

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating, “Life is like a chair with four legs, and each one represents certain areas of our lives - For me, it’s social, physical, spiritual, and mental. Without one of these legs, the chair becomes unstable, and we fall over. My desire now is to give these areas equal time. Wish me luck! 😂 I know this is the balance Heavenly Father wants me and all of us to strive for. I believe it’s one of the most essential tools in finding peace and happiness in our lives.

The subject or topic this week touched my heart on many levels. It affects us mentally, physically, spiritually, and of course, socially.

The subject of peacemaking.

The Savior made its importance clear in His sermon on that mount - “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

“Whosoever shall smite on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Then it really gets tricky. “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them, which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

We need to strive to be at peace within ourselves. We affect those around us. Lately, our planet has been off balance in finding peace. Not only is it difficult to watch all this going on but also observing the contention brings disharmony to our souls and can affect our attitudes. I believe in being positive and having hope or faith. I believe in goodness, and I know by striving for these qualities within ourselves, we can make the world a better place. I believe it’s best done not in masses but in person… one on one, being kind to those around us.

We can be that one person because being a peacemaker isn’t hard…it just takes a little bit of rethinking, rebooting if you will.🤗

I was talking to one of my dear friends two nights ago, as I was packing for my trip, about this topic. I love wonderful conversations that lead to discoveries about ourselves. We have both strived this year to be better listeners with no agendas, no judgments, just listen, and it’s been incredible. I always become a little wiser as I listen and become the “student” 🤗 . I asked her if I could write down our conversation and share it with you. She said yes, but not to use her name… She said I’m still figuring it out 😂. Well, I think she’s amazing and very wise. This is what she said: 🤗

“I used to struggle with God with religion in general. It felt controlling." (she came from a tough childhood). she said, "I didn’t understand why God allowed all these bad things to happen to me. Why didn’t he prevent it? He would have if he loved us. Well, I have finally put in the work, psychologically and spiritually, and started reading the scriptures. I’ve grown to understand that God really is about love. He doesn’t cause problems; other people's choices do. That’s why he provided the Savior so we can go to him and heal our broken hearts. Choosing God's way is choosing peace. It's submitting to God's will, not to my stubbornness which I understand now is caused by my issues from my past. Now, I let Him guide me--Allowing me to make my decisions; to have a happy, peaceful life. He has foreknowledge; I don’t. So when I try to make decisions with the future in mind, I’m making choices from a place that's unknown to me. But God does know the future and wants me to be happy. So by choosing to follow Him and allowing God to guide me, He knows what choices will best serve me, help me grow, and ultimately help me be happy and find peace even in a storm. I don’t have to stress about what is best if I pray, then follow His Spirit, and follow my feelings of peace. It's so simple! I love following the peace. Anxiety, depression, confusion..all of those ramifications caused by fear are NOT of God. It says in scripture that God is not the author of confusion, that’s the other dude, and his way only makes us miserable like he is in his eternal tournament. God is a God of love and peace, and that’s what I want for my life now. I seek for it every day.“

I believe finding peace is like rebooting ourselves from our past understanding. Maybe that’s what the Savior meant when He said, “We become a new person through His atonement.” Becoming a disciple of Christ is becoming a peacemaker. We understand contention only brings in an evil spirit of unrest, and that drives away the spirit. Remember, contention never persuades anyone, it's not a tool in life that should ever be used.... ever. I wish I could say I have never used it, but I can't. I guess that's why we're told to “put off the natural man, which is an enemy of God.” We can't feel His guiding spirit when we're angry or mad.

Russell M Nelson said it best, “A soft voice without judgment will be the best every time!”

What's really helped me is that I try every day now to strive to remember whose name I believe in and carry. As Christians, we strive to represent our Savior and His kindness, understanding, and love. When we get “triggered” (and we all do🤣) by an incendiary statement - I try to take a breath and walk away. By doing so, we don’t comment, make statements, or, as my Mom would say, “Add fuel to the fire.”🔥 The best thing to do is avoid them altogether. But if you can’t, what we can control is how we respond. I have, at times, written down a few things and then lit the papers on fire. Hey, I felt it was better than creating them. 😂😂😂

A much better life!

An old man said, “Erasers are made for those who make mistakes.”

A youth replied, “Erasers are made for those who are willing to correct their mistakes.”

Attitude matters.

To find peace, I believe, especially at this point in my life, we need to make peace. Make peace with ourselves, those around you, and now that we have the internet…even the world. 🤔😉

Following the prince of peace who saw and went through everything still wasn’t worried. His faith was in His Heavenly Father.

As is mine.

#SundayMessage

May 22-28: Matthew 24-25, Mark 12-13, Luke 21

May 29-June 4: Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13

June 5-11: John 14-17

June 12-18: Luke 22, John 18

Marie's Sunday Message - May 14th, 2023

Since today is Mother’s Day, this #SundayMessage is to all mothers everywhere…

Some are daughters… (I am blessed to have the BEST!)

Some are daughter-in-laws… (Claire is perfection)

Some are sisters…

Some sister-in-laws… (I love them all)

Some are aunts…

Some are cousins…

Some are friends…

Some are co-workers…

Some don’t have children of their own but are powerful mother mentors to many…

Some are Grandmothers… (I adored mine!)

Some are Mother-in-laws… (I had the best!)

But ONE is MY Mom, Olive…

No one could have worked any harder to be a wonderful mother. And not just to us her children but to everyone she came in contact with. She was an incredible example to us, yet she always found time for everyone else around her. She made sure no one felt left out. She was “Mother Osmond” to millions of you and one of the ways she’d do that was by writing her newsletters. She sent them to every single one of you she could. I remember when I was a teenager coming home from work late one night from the original Donny and Marie variety show; I saw her sitting at her computer writing her Mother Osmond‘s Memo…M.O.M. Do you remember those? Her M.O.M. monthly newsletters were kind of like social media is today. (She was always ahead of her time!) I walked up to her office door in our house, looked at her, and said, “You spend so much time doing those newsletters. I swear, I think you love the fans more than you love me.” I’ll never forget her response. With a great big smile on her face she said, “Well, honey, you’ll just have to get used to it,” giggled, and shut her door. 😂 Yes, I learned that night never to question how big her heart was. 🥰 She loved you all ferociously!!!! And so do I !!!! 🤗 I’m sure her example influenced my desire to write to all of you; it must be genetic. 😂 She loved keeping you all up-to-date about our family’s life and loved hearing about yours…she truly cared!

My dad would never allow anything but the utmost respect in our home for Mother. I remember him quoting scripture and often saying it was about our Mother. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” – Proverbs 31:28-31

So today, on Mother’s Day, I would like to honor her and thank her for the incredible example she was and is in my life. She’s my North Star for what a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and more can be. Her chosen career path was always “mother,”… and for me, she was definitely the best!  She loved unconditionally to all who knew her and inspired so many to strive to be the best they could be. I was told by her that when I’m ready to leave this life, it won’t be my awards and gold records that will bring me comfort. It will be my children and grandchildren. She continued saying the only way that will happen is if I make them my absolute priority. I know today that she was absolutely correct in this statement. So today, I thank God for her. I love you, Mom…. Thank you for your example of what a complete, whole, and happy woman looks like. Happy Heavenly Mother’s Day. 

May 15-21: Matthew 21-23, Mark 11, Luke 19-20, John 12

May 22-28: Matthew 24-25, Mark 12-13, Luke 21

May 29-June 4: Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13

June 5-11: John 14-17

Marie's Sunday Message - May 7th, 2023

This week has been a busy week! Not so much working, but the day-to-day life things like home needs, kid needs, Marie's needs, (I need to get into healing)…Age will do that to us.😂

With all that’s been going on this month, I have needed direction and turned to the scriptures. They have assisted me throughout my life. They have always been a great part of how I exercise my faith. It’s also how I find help and gain insight specific to my life. I was taught by my parents, “Ask questions in prayer and find answers in the scriptures”. I know the true teacher is Christ and we hear Him through the Holy Spirit. I love when the spirit teaches because I learn from a different angle of thought. For example, what we read today in the Bible can mean something different than it did a year ago. The scriptures open up our minds to personal insight which affects us differently and according to our circumstances. They are alive! They will touch our hearts and minds if we continually read them. Of course, the words don’t change, but we do…our lives change.

That happened to me this week:

I reread the story of the blind man In John 9. I’m sure he was outside his whole life by the pool of Siloam, every day, begging. He must have been a long-time fixture and those who lived there knew him. In the story, the Savior stopped and put a mixture of dirt and spittle on his eyes and then asked him to go to the pool and wash it so he could be healed. This story affected me differently…was it because my life is different? Is it because I’m going through some challenges and need a different perspective? Is it that I need to comprehend differently in ways I haven’t before? Is it that I’m getting older? 😂 Don’t answer that! 😉 All I know is it did!

John 9:6–7

6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.

We are told to liken ourselves or to put ourselves into stories that we read in the Scriptures. Several things stood out differently. First of all in this situation, and I knew this, the fact that the Savior, before seeing the blind man, Jesus had just proclaimed that he was the son of God and was fleeing from the rabbis, who were trying to take his life. In that hustle to get away, the Savior stopped to heal this blind man. He stopped…. My heart became very tender because it hit me that Christ was never too busy to help someone in need. It made me ask the question, “Am I that way”. Then when Christ spat, I wonder what the blind man must have thought. OR, did he feel the power of the person before him? Did he feel the peace and spirit of the Lord before him. Did he need eyes to know that the man before him was the Son of God?

Then he hears this:

7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way, therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

If that happened to me would my attitude affect my ability to heal? And how far away was that pool he had to wash in? Did he have to go downstairs? How difficult was it for this blind man to accomplish this task? Whatever he was thinking he DID what the Savior said, and he made the “effort” to be healed!  The Savior didn’t just give him sight straight away. Oh! He could have but he didn’t. He had this man make the effort. That fascinated me  He asked him to exercise hope… to use his FAITH. Faith is not something we can have just by saying it. Faith is an action word. It’s using thoughts to choose to have a positive attitude. It’s putting a desire in us to create or make things even miracles happen. And I believe we appreciate things much more when we work for them don’t you?

When God created the world He said “Be a firmament, be an earth, become mountains, etc. and it was so.” It makes me wonder what we create in our lives by our thoughts. Are they positive or do we create a negative environment? Do we have enough faith to see a better day…to be healed from our struggles, and trials, like the blind man.

I thought about another story in the Bible. The one about the 10 Samaritan lepers. When Christ told them they could be healed. He could have done it right then and there too but he didn’t. He told them to go tell the rabbis about their healing and as they went, on their way they would be healed. How far away was it for them? And the Samaritans had to go find the Jewish rabbis. We know how the Sadducees and Pharisees felt about Samaritans. Yet they did it. They put aside their fears and did with Christ asked them to do to be healed.  They put in the effort, and chose to have the right attitude… they believed in Jesus, they exercised FAITH in Christ, and that faith healed them.

So, going back to the blind man's story, this man had probably been outside the temple for most of his life begging…years of it. How did the rabbis—when they questioned if he was blind—not know him? Were they so blind in their pride of being special, of being rabbis, that they never took the time to see this poor man in need? Did they never see him, even once, begging for help over the years? How could they not know him? It made me ponder if I ever get too busy that I become blind to others' needs around me.

This week, as we seek Christ’s love, guidance, healing, and even miracles in our lives, my goal is to strive harder to better “see” those around me. We are told we find ourselves when we lose ourselves in service to others. If I’ve ever accidentally walked past some of you without seeing you I hope you will please forgive me. I love you all and I’m so appreciative you would take your precious time to come see me perform. I want to say I’m so grateful for your love and kindness towards my family and me through the years. May the Lord bless and help us all as we trust in Him. Our God IS a God of miracles He only asks that we follow His Son's example and exercise our FAITH to follow Him. By doing this, I know we will see miracles transpire in our lives.

May 8-14: Matthew 19-20, Mark 10, Luke 18

May 15-21: Matthew 21-23, Mark 11, Luke 19-20, John 12

May 22-28: Matthew 24-25, Mark 12-13, Luke 21

May 29-June: Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19

Marie's Sunday Message - April 30th, 2023

I listened to a talk earlier this week on forgiveness that went straight to my heart. I knew I wanted to make it the center of my message today. What I didn’t know was how the talk prepared me for what occurred Friday night. I was on the freeway taking my granddaughter home. Some construction came up so I had to merge from the fast lane down to 2 lanes. All of a sudden a driver in a pickup truck came from behind me and tried to quickly squeeze past before the lane closed…..NOT. He completely sideswiped my car. It could have been a disaster but the car on my right must have seen what was happening and moved over which allowed me some space. If the car hadn’t done that, my granddaughter, who was on the passenger side, would have been hit too. All I could do was pray and stay calm🤦🏻‍♀️. Happily, everyone is fine and no tempers flared. 😉

The author of the talk I read was Jeffrey Holland. My husband and I got to know him when he was the president of BYU. Steve was playing college basketball and I was attending some classes there.  In the talk, he used the example of Lot’s Wife (From the Bible’s story of Sodom and Gomorrah) to reference the metaphor of “looking back.” The Lord was very clear…

”Escape for thy life, look not behind thee…; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed” (Genesis 19:17) 

God warned them all…don’t look back. So it wasn’t a surprise when his wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. He presented the idea that the problem with Lot’s wife wasn’t just looking back—It was that she probably looked back “longingly”. In other words, she had doubts about her future and started remembering what she left behind. 

We often make the mistake of looking back longingly at what was lost or taken away from us. When the Lord has given us a fresh start, a new beginning, or even impressed upon us to give someone else a new beginning by forgiving them, it should be over… “We remember it no more”. If we bring it up over and over again—well, that’s the mistake. I love how he said bringing up the past is like throwing bricks through a window pane… But he spelled it P-A-I-N. Nothing good comes from breaking open old wounds or continuing to throw the past back at someone. It leaves everyone broken.

I know it’s easier said than done… but Christ’s gospel teaches us that if we don’t forgive we have not fully accessed the power of Christ’s Atonement. He helps us to forgive, especially when forgiveness is incredibly challenging!  I have been pondering this topic as a New Year’s resolution this year. The Apostle Paul so clearly taught:

“This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13–14]

There isn’t a prize for remembering the fights, the missteps, or the times you were hurt or wronged. The prize is calling on God through Christ Jesus to help us move forward. The prize is to let go of carrying a burden that holds us down. The prize is the joy we feel remembering all the goodness, kindness, and positive experiences that bring light, love, and especially good energy into our lives. Remembering the negative is like continually watching a horror show. It darkens the mind and can even affect our bodies. I mean, let’s be honest, negativity keeps us on the brink of living in the abyss of a black hole… Unfortunately, when we harbor negative experiences, we can use them as bricks to throw at people around us in order to justify our anger and bitterness. And sometimes we even throw those bricks at ourselves. Without our Savior’s help, we can spend what seems like years thinking we are ok only to have something remind us of the past and we’re right back in the saddle, feeling the same pain, guilt, remorse, and shame. 

When the Savior said, “I died for your sins” well, He did! He did that because He could and we can’t. But when we make mistakes, and we all do, just as the Savior knew we would, He simply asks us to sincerely ask Him for help. As we feel forgiven, move on! I assure you the Lord has moved on! His grace IS sufficient and He showed us this through His example that we need to do the same.  

This is what I have truly embraced and gratefully believe… Here’s the big point through all of this….If we do not forgive and forget it WILL diminish our ability to understand real truth. A damaged heart messes up our ability to think correctly. It affects our ability to move forward in life and diminishes our ability to be a positive force in the world. If we truly want to have peace in our souls and experience the joy God wants us to have in this life, we need to be wise. And I believe this wisdom comes through clear and positive thinking. Let’s pray that our thoughts are not based on hurt or pain, judgment or anger, and especially not on revenge. Nothing good ever comes from that. When we give all our pain to the Savior for true healing (even for the things we’ve done wrong ourselves) compassion and love will fill our lives. This doesn’t mean God wants us to stay in or allow others to hurt or abuse us… quite the contrary. Our Father in Heaven wants us to give our burdens to His Son. He will carry them so we can move on and experience the love and gratitude that comes from forgiveness. 

I loved Olivia Newton-John so much. We talked many times about these concepts and how the basis of all illness is stuffed anger, bitterness, and hurt. She said I know if we aren’t able to get these negative thoughts out of our minds they will cause dis-ease or “disease” in our bodies. As James Allen wrote, “As a man thinketh so is he”.  

“Remember Marie, people change, truth does not!” as my mother would say to me. “Follow the Lord and not the precepts of men because God is not a God of confusion” and I will add “And definitely not supportive of throwing bricks” 😉

I do not want to just forgive those who have wronged me, I want my experiences to help me have more compassion for others who are hurt. To learn to be a better person, reborn through God’s love.

I wish you nothing but love. I know we will find the joy the Savior has for us when we follow His teachings and example. My love to you all….

#Sundaymessage

May 1-7: Luke 12-17, John 11

May 8-14: Matthew 19-20, Mark 10, Luke 18

May 15-21: Matthew 21-23, Mark 11, Luke 19-20, John 12

May 22-28: Matthew 24-25, Mark 12-13, Luke 21