Marie's Sunday Message - August 20th, 2023

For this week’s #SundayMessage I am reposting this letter I wrote to my granddaughter Rocket on her birthday a few years ago. I actually wrote to all my grandchildren via her. It's about things I've learned I would like to pass on to them. It was never put on my website…So now it is! 🤭 Since our precious children and grandchildren are headed back to school to be educated, I thought this letter would be timely. I hope you have a beautiful Sunday, and remember, I love you all!!!! 

For My Dearest Rocket….

My oldest granddaughter.

🎂Happy Birthday🎈my sweet and precious angel! You’re so creative! I gave you a sewing machine today; after all, every little girl needs a sewing machine to learn how to use her creativity!💖🥰 And since Mommy and Daddy both sew, I know it will be put to good use. I told you it comes with fabric, so we will go shopping and pick out some cloth for you to make beautiful things. I remember doing that with my mom and grandmother.💖 Isn’t it funny how traditions keep passing on throughout time?

OK, the cliches are true about time going by so quickly. Time is such an earthly experience; I don’t think Heavenly Father looks at a clock and says, “Heavens! Where did the time go?” But since this earthly “me” still feels the effects of time, today I’m going to share a few ideas with you, my granddaughter, as well as all of my grandchildren. I feel I have been given some good advice along the way; this is a birthday letter to my sweet grandchildren, my posterity. I love you!!!!!

(I have adapted the rest of this letter to Rocket and made it to all of you who read this.)

As a grandparent, it's so wonderful to feel this incredible depth of love and how it grows daily for each of my precious grandchildren; of course, I knew I would, but it’s just better than I ever thought possible!!! I needed to say that! 😂

The other day, my daughter Rachael, Rocket's mom, sent me a picture of her little boy Wolf peeling tomatoes and Rocket slicing them to make homemade stewed tomatoes for bottling. 

I gave Rachel a pressure cooker for her birthday.😉💖 She’s such an excellent little canner! (Almost a lost art). I remember taking my girls to bottle cherries at my mom’s house before she passed away. My precious mother couldn't do much in her final days, but watching the sheer joy on her face while her grandchildren carried on her love of canning brought pure joy to my heart. I know I’ve told you before that I would come home from working long hours at the Donny and Marie Show, and she would say, OK, Marie, it’s time to can peaches or cherries, or we’re going to learn to make bread or craft or sew now. Yes, that was my mother! 💖

I knew taking my girls to her house and having them do some canning in front of her would be a special blessing for my mom to watch. Seeing her grandbabies learn a skill she taught her little girl (me!) was so satisfying to her heart. I understood even more, the comfort my mother had in seeing important aspects of her life taught to me and passed on to her family. I believe it gave her a bit of “immortality,” for want of a better word. She knew these types of skills were grounding; they build self-esteem and respect for oneself, besides being practical. So now, to see Rocket following in her mommy’s footsteps, I understand my mother’s joy and fulfillment as a mother and grandmother. I believe our ancestors are watching over us and appreciate these traditions of simple living being passed on. Being self-reliant is power and a mixture of spiritual and temporal knowledge. When we ask the Lord for help with work, or even life, He will give us the direction we need if we prepare ourselves to hear it. But we need to put in the sweat! Nothing good comes easily! The Savior and hard work have been behind every success in my life. And like canning, if we put in the effort, when we finally open that jar months later, it is worth every bit of effort and highly satisfying! 😉

I love learning new skills! I tell my children to try different talents, and if you don't like doing it, don't do it again, but you have to finish what you start. I’d like all my grandchildren to know how important education is in all subjects. Even with or without a degree, we should never stop learning! I may not have graduated in the arts, but I feel I have spent a lifetime learning them. I'm grateful for the desire instilled in me by my mother, who showed me through her example that we should never put a plateau on education. The process of gaining knowledge is essential, but seeking wisdom (the proper application of knowledge) is even more important. That's the real goal; actual knowledge comes from living life wisely. Yes, we will all make mistakes and even fail, but giving up or not trying is our biggest mistake. How can we hope to reach our God-appointed potential with an empty vessel? So we must strive to fill our lives with truths…and know where to get them.  Starting with God’s word is essential, and then following His counsel is our compass for success. He wants us to have all things and has set a pattern for success. I personally know this is true!

Next, I would also like them to know it is essential to take care of our minds and bodies - we must be healthy to participate fully in life. That means having the best health we possibly can and not just existing. In a world that says we’re OK being whatever we want, the wisdom here is that we should be physically fit for our heart health, which affects our mental health. We cannot serve from a broken vessel. I know all about this, so to my grandchildren, strive every day and in every way to take care of yourselves. Become pickier about the foods you eat, the shows you watch, the books you read, and even the music you listen to… mine excluded. Seriously though, they all create YOU. I’ll tell you what my father would say, “Be the best YOU in everything you do so when you see God, you can say, I gave it my all!” Or, as my mother would say, “Live life every single day with grace and love, and for heaven's sake, don’t be afraid of using the good China for every meal!” So take care of yourselves because when your body is healthy, it really does affect your mind.

Lastly, I want my grandchildren to know how important it is to be a loving and kind person. The Savior asked us to love one another. I want my grandchildren to take that commandment seriously and to their hearts. A negative persnickety conversation rarely leaves us feeling good...so be quick to think before you respond….then always reach out in love. Service to others heals us. Forgiveness to others frees us so we can live our lives. 

Life is fleeting… You never know how long you will be here, so try to spread love, light, and happiness every place you go, and be grateful for every day. When you wake up, say, “I’m blessed to see another sunrise,”  and enjoy the beauty of this world. Take time to remove yourself from the fast pace of this world and ponder on God’s goodness because even the storms can be beautiful… It just depends on how you’ve prepared yourself to see them… I choose to grow.

These are the words I would like to pass on to my grandchildren’s hearts today, especially my sweet Rocket, on her birthday. I love you ALL so much!!!!!

Grandma

Marie's Sunday Message - October 18th, 2015

My heart weeps for the people of Hawaii struggling with such devastation. #PrayForMaui

This #SundayMessage is one of the first ones I wrote over seven years ago. I chose to repost it this week because a periodical reminder of the great power that comes through prayer is so important. Especially now, with all the hardship and suffering happening in Hawaii, it is even more important than ever. I pray we keep our hearts connected to God; I believe the best way to do this is through prayer. So let’s continue to pray for each other, and know mine are with all of you!  Have a wonderful Sunday, and remember you are loved. ❤️

I love this photo of my parents. I kept it on my night table in my bedroom so it would always remind me to "phone home" on Sundays and check up on my cute parents. Our special time together after the busy week was to talk, laugh, and sometimes cry. I'd hear about their past week’s adventures and what they had been up to, and I would share with them the same things about my busy life and all that was going on with my children. I always loved those Sunday calls because, at the end of the conversation, I'd always hang up feeling enriched and more connected, determined, happier, and motivated no matter what was going on in my life. There's nothing better than good advice from loving parents who keep us focused on what really matters.

One day when my mom was at my house, she saw the photo of her and Dad with the phone by her face. I told her why I had it in my room and how it helped me remember to always "phone home." She started to chuckle. Mom had the cutest laugh. Now, she loved clever analogies… me too (must be genetic). She looked at the photo and said, "Honey, you should put this downstairs where your children can see it. Tell them that Grandma said, ‘This photo should not only remind you to call us your grandparents because we love and miss you and can't wait for you to come to our home to see us, but this photo should also be a reminder to connect with the greatest Parent in the universe, God! The Creator of your eternal spirits! All you have to do is pick up that amazing phone called Prayer!’"

Much like a cell phone, it is super convenient, and with the "prayer phone," all you have to do is speak with real intent to communicate, then listen.

You won’t see with your eyes, but you can hear with your heart. Oh, and you WILL feel because God does hear us, especially when we call consistently and with great humility. The more we practice, the clearer the line of communication becomes!

Growing up, I always heard my mom say, "Pray often! Pray in your mind and in your heart. Pray on your knees, in your closet, when you're driving, and even on stage. It doesn't matter when or where... pray continually!"

I now keep their photo in a prominent place where all who enter my home can see it. And when they ask about its meaning, I pass on this story about the "Power of Prayer" that was taught to me and reminds my children that Prayer is their personal and direct cell/phone line to heavenly communication. It is the avenue through which we can approach God and His way to grant us peace and give answers while we are apart from Him in this mortal life.

I love this poem:

With thoughtless and impatient hands,

We tangle up the plans

The Lord hath wrought.

And when we cry in pain, He saith, ‘Be quiet, man, while I untie the knot.’ (Author unknown)

I have learned to conclude my prayers with “Thy will be done.” (Matthew 6:10; see also Luke 11:2)

God knows why we go through the things we do. Do not expect to be entirely free from trouble, disappointment, pain, and discouragement. For these are the reasons we were sent to earth... to also experience love and heartache, joy and sorrow, victory and defeat... that we may learn to endure with joyful understanding, peacemaking hearts, and with the knowledge that our God is by our side every step of the way. Now, that's one powerful Wi-Fi we should connect to.

On special occasions, as I look at their photo, my sweet mom's words ring of truth…"Pray with all your might, mind, and strength. Pray continually." A reminder to me that there is always a way to connect, we just need to make time to "phone home!"

Proverbs 3:5-6 

Marie's Sunday Message - January 4, 2020

This was my Sunday Message from January 4, 2020. I hope you enjoy it.

My son returned from his church mission Wednesday after spending two years serving the people in four areas of Michigan. New Year’s Day 2020 and finally seeing him again couldn’t come soon enough for our family. I wanted this week’s “Sunday Message” to be a letter to him. I’m posting late today, Saturday, because I kick off the TSV at QVC at midnight for Nutrisystem, then after 24 hours here, I’m heading back to LA to start up The Talk again on Monday. It’s been a crazy first week, but I’d like to share with you this letter to my son Matthew.

~~~

A Letter to My Son…

First, wow! What a way to kick off the New Year!! When you came down the escalator at the airport, and I saw you for the first time after two years, I cannot tell you how thrilled your mama’s heart was! It was obvious to everyone that an 18-year-old boy had left, but a 20-year-old man returned. I know you could see on my face how proud I am of you, Matthew!

I missed seeing you, but hearing about your weekly experiences and how they helped you grow in faith and love for others ignited my heart with joy. After high school, you could have just gone off to college or gotten a job, but you decided to set aside this time in your life to serve other people and, most importantly, develop a deeper relationship with your Savior, Jesus Christ.

The two days you were home went by way too quickly, and I have to admit, it was not the easiest thing taking you right off to college after being gone for two years. But that third day, driving you to college and listening to your stories, will always be one of those special moments between a mother and her son. I respect you so much, my son, that you want to continue building on your mission's momentum. Your enthusiasm makes me want to be a better person. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you!

Now that you’re home, it’s good to remember we are ALL continually on a mission. We are our Savior’s eyes and hands, and He wants us to help and serve each other. The Savior said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Russell M. Nelson said, “Lending service to those who have lost their way or who are wounded in spirit opens your heart to personal revelation. Spend more time—much more time—in places where the Spirit is present. That means more time with friends who are seeking to have the Spirit with them. Spend more time on your knees in prayer and the scriptures... As you consistently give the Lord a generous portion of your time, He will multiply the remainder.”

Your Grandma Osmond spent the last half of her life studying the characteristics of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit so that she could strive to emulate them. You’ve begun to learn and share many of those characteristics serving others on your mission. She encouraged me, and now I encourage you to continue focusing on these Godly attributes throughout your life. With time, they can become habits or, in other words,  second nature to you. This, my sweet son, takes a lifetime, so be patient with yourself! Take it one day at a time.

Now, go have fun learning and figuring out what you enjoy doing! Don’t settle on something for the financial benefits but rather find an occupation you love, and the rest will follow! Something Wayne Dyer said has stayed with me. “The measure in your life will be in not what you accumulate but what you give away.”

There is one thing I want to add from my heart, and I hope you use it your whole life… “Live your life in such a way that people who know you, but don’t know Christ, will want to know Christ because they know you.” I think that is the best way to live…

And don’t forget to come to see me periodically... or a LOT, 😂 because I love and need those big hugs.

I love you!!!

Mom😘

Marie's Sunday Message - April 25th, 2021

I am up in the mountains seeing some of the most beautiful sights. Steve and I are RV-ing and having the best time seeing the country. Along with some great scenery and fascinating places, I was reminded yesterday, how throughout our lives, the interesting ways we can learn to receive answers to our prayers. And then to take the next step and listen to the voice of the spirit within us.

Before going on our trip, I organized everything into one wallet. I usually have a couple of cards in my phone case, other cards in a little zipper case in my purse, and a few in different places in my bags. I have done that for years in case something gets stolen; I always have a backup. Well, I thought, just for this trip, I would put them all together so there’s no confusion, just simplicity. The next thing I know, I can’t find my wallet! Well... just when everything’s in one place, I thought, really Marie!? Then I really started to panic after looking everywhere several times, with no luck! I was getting ready to cancel every single card and my ID when a thought came to me, “Sit down and say a prayer.” I listened, and I asked. I prayed, asking if it was lost. I didn’t feel it was. Then I asked if I left it someplace where we stopped. I didn’t feel like I lost it in a store, either. Then I asked if it was in our vehicle. I felt at peace! I said, “Well, could I be led to where I might find it?” Then a thought came to my mind, “Look over by the back side compartment behind your passenger chair.” And that’s where it was! I believe, and I know, that was a tender mercy to me. My faith was clear, and I knew I could receive an answer. Why? Because God knows I’m trying to live His commandments daily. That doesn’t mean I succeed all the time, that’s why we have the Savior, but I believe making a daily effort, like reading His word in the scriptures and following His counsel, makes a difference in giving us the faith necessary to ask when we are in need. The daily effort helps the Spirit communicate with us! Like the 10 virgins making sure our lamps are full of help when we need God’s comfort, peace, and direction in our lives.

Without a laser focus on listening to God, we can go through life climbing a ladder without realizing it was leaning against the wrong wall the whole time! I truly believe we can find our direction in life through prayer.

Mark 11:22-23

”And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

I am still amazed that the Lord helped me find something as insignificant as my wallet.  By answering a prayer, I knew He was mindful of me... and all of us! I know He is in the details of our lives.

Having the faith that God hears us and will answer our prayers brings amazing blessings. I’d love to hear of a time when your prayers were answered.

#HappySunday #GrandCanyon #MesaVerdeNationalPark #NationalParkWeek

Marie's Sunday Message - January 30, 2022

This weekend was spent with family.  We all gathered together to celebrate my oldest grandson’s baptism. Stephen, who is now eight years old, called and personally invited me to speak on his special day. He said he wanted his Grandpa and Papa to give the opening and closing prayers and he wanted his Nana and Grandma to give the talks. Mine was to be on the importance of baptism and his Nana’s was on receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. As I thought about baptism and what we covenant to do as a follower or disciple of Jesus Christ, it made me realize how much God desires us to be like our Savior and to love one another. After all, we are all God’s children… His family.

It also made me ponder upon my children and how they all love each other and their families. They all made a great effort to be together for this event. And what a blessed day it was! My children are very different, and yet there is an eternal love and bond they have for one another. It hasn’t mattered to them what paths they have all taken, they are family. And there is nothing that gives me greater joy than watching them all laughing and enjoying each other’s company. It gave me this feeling that I was experiencing a little mini version of what our Father in Heaven must feel as He looks down on all of us.  It must thrill Him when we try to make the effort to understand and love each other despite the differences we may have.

John 12:34-35 says, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

I felt, because of how diverse my own children are, I could feel how our Father in Heaven loves all of us and our diversities.  I feel it is my responsibility as a parent to help my children see the blessing in following God’s word. I also feel it’s important to allow people, especially family, to believe what they want to believe. God is a God of agency, not force. The desire of my heart is for my children to learn to love and accept others unconditionally no matter what the differences may be. That kind of love changes hearts, and I believe it’s the only way to truly love as the Savior loves. Families are eternal, but in this life, you never know how much time you’ll get to spend with them, so keep them close. I also believe God knows everything that will happen to us, and if we ask Him, He will guide us through all the potholes we will encounter along our path. I also believe, no, I KNOW the sound of my children laughing together is the best sound created!

I believe right now our world is more divided than ever. So I pray for change, for our hearts to change, to love one another. I hope we individually start bridging those relationships wherever and whenever we can.

After all…we are ALL family!!

#HappySunday

#FamiliesAreForever

Marie's Sunday Message - December 27th, 2020

In 2007, Chris Williams and his family were going out for dessert on a typical Friday night when a drunk driver hit them. His pregnant wife, one son, and his only daughter died on impact. He and his other son were rushed to the hospital where his older son, who had been out with friends, met them to begin the physical and emotional healing the now family of three would need. Chris said the first thing he heard after the accident in his mind while still on a gurney were the words, “Let this go,” and with that, he felt an immediate peace. He asked everyone around him to forgive the teenage driver. As he concentrated on forgiving the drive, the more he felt the Savior’s love for the teenager. The only way he would have the power to do that was through the Savior. By Chris simply acting as a vessel, the Savior was able to make miracles occur.

"And Jesus looking upon them saith, with men it is impossible, But with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37

Today Chris Williams, with the help of his Father in Heaven, has continued with his life. His sons are doing well, and he has remarried. Of course, this experience has been life's ultimate challenge, but they have always had the knowledge that life is eternal and the Savior is always with them.

Forgiveness… The Savior knew the importance of this “powerful” act when He said, in Luke 6:37, “Forgive and ye shall be forgiven.” Isn’t that a beautiful promise? The act of forgiveness has the power to lift burdens and carve out pain, leaving peace behind.

As we set about on God’s path to forgive, we need to understand what forgiveness is not. Forgiveness does not require condoning a wrong or allowing harmful behavior to continue. It also takes time. I read this counsel once and never forgot it.

I am so hopeful this coming year will give us a new beginning, and we can finally close the chapter on what has been a difficult year for us all. As we go forward with our focus on the Savior, we will accomplish great things!

Marie's Sunday Message - September 25th, 2022

I chose to write about #ONJ today. Whenever death strikes close to home, it allows us all to pause and reflect on the gift of life that God has given us. We can see the importance of choosing to be filled with joy through all we encounter here in mortality, the good or bad. These choices give us an eternal perspective on our time here on Earth.

Often when we lose a loved one, we seem only to make room in our hearts for sadness. This was not the case at the celebration I attended the other day. It was a celebration of life for Olivia Newton-John. Although there were undoubtedly some tears, it was mostly about remembering her incredible life and the joy she created in this world. Olivia was my friend and a friend like her is rare indeed! With everything she did, #Olivia was a light in the darkness and brought a sense of healing to all those around her because she genuinely loved people.

I was so blessed to be counted among those friends. So when Steve and I attended Olivia’s “Celebration of Life,” it was just that…a celebration!

As we were leaving, I vowed to love and spread more light and participate fully in every moment of my life. As we honored her, we were reminded of the joy she brought to the world through her music and philanthropic ventures. But her beautiful smile and the simple act of loving people inspired us all the most. Olivia brought us together one more time, and it was beautiful.

I am grateful to have known you, my sweet Olivia. You were and will always be one of a kind!!! Till we meet again

#onj #RIP #SundayMessage