Marie's Sunday Message - August 7, 2022

It’s my Brianna’s birthday today!🎉🥳 This photo was taken of us when she won her Emmy for doing makeup! I’m so proud of her!!! Happy Birthday, my sweet daughter.🎂I love you with all my mama bear heart.😘 I thought I would repost my message from 2022, and now she has a little boy besides her two sweet girls. Have I told you that being a grandma is the very best!!!! 😂👍❤️ Happy Sunday, and know that you are loved!!!!! 

Marie’s Sunday Message

August 7, 2022

I was reminded of how important prayer has been in my life when I ran across this picture of my sweet daughter Brianna praying when she was a little girl. She now has two precious little girls of her own. Prayer is one of our greatest tools when facing trials, which fits in with what I have been studying this week - the story of Job, someone who faced incredible trials. The things Job endured are sometimes hard to read, but we can skip to the end and find out everything is restored to him even threefold! But while Job was going through it all, he didn’t know if anything would work out. Even with all the chaos in his life, Job had the knowledge that his Redeemer lives, loves, and heals.

Job 19:25-26  “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.”

Worms aside,😂 that sweet sentence of God having a purpose and a plan gives us all hope we can draw on when we go through the difficult challenges in our life.

As part of my study, I wanted to understand what was happening in the world during their time. In Job’s world, the popular belief was that there were many gods, and people felt that if they suffered, then they had done something wrong. They would question how they had transgressed God’s boundaries or laws, either knowingly or unknowingly. The truly confusing part for people was that they had to wonder...which ritual they should perform and to which god to give penance in order to be back in favor. That's why Job was unique; we never hear that from him. We never heard him say, “Why am I suffering if I haven’t done anything wrong?” Even amongst the terrible storms, pain, and chaos of his life, he praises the one true God, continually knowing the trials he went through would only refine his learning and bring him closer to his God because “with God, all things are possible.”

Trials can create chaos in our lives or refine us “even as silver” (Psalms 66:10). It’s our personal choice to become “bitter or better.” Hard times can become teaching moments if we let them and can help us gain a greater understanding on the road to being the person God wants us to become. The choice is ours in how we wish to utilize the Savior’s Atonement. God has a plan and will bless his children who come to him in prayer to understand that plan! When we trust in Him, He takes care of us!  And not necessarily when we desire it but always waiting in faith and hope that His will be done. 

When we incorporate Hope into our lives - Hope for better times, answers, peace, etc. - and stop thinking about living just for this life, there's no limit to our eternal perspective. God always has a plan, and just like He did with this world, He took matter unorganized (me!!) and organized it. And I don’t know about you, but I’ve needed a lot of organizing throughout my life!😂 God has given us that plan for this life to organize ourselves and return to Him bettered by this life’s experiences. 

This quote was always the focus in our home growing up and continues in mine. “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”

There will always be storms, but with Jesus Christ as our compass, we will have the peace He promised to guide us through. He will show us how to organize our life into something amazing. When something doesn’t make sense, my mantra is, “God is working, and we are in the process of becoming more organized." Even in this fallen world, creation continues as we become refined, even as silver, to become more like Him.

I have not enjoyed the difficult trials, but I know I have learned many things. I know, too, that without the help of my Savior, I probably would have given up! As I have used the aid of the Atonement, I feel I have become more empathetic and compassionate towards others. Instead of saying, "Why is this happening to me, God?" I’ve tried to wait patiently upon His timing for my learning. I have come to a greater understanding that with the Lord’s help, I can learn, feel, and lean on the process of these mortal experiences. I know, too, that with His love and support, we can become better and even more whole.  If we trust God’s plan for us and keep the faith, we will gain more understanding of His mighty plan to help us out of the chaos because He does not want us to fail.

C.S Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciousness, but shouts in our pains. It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

I feel He is shouting at us now more than ever…don’t you? I pray with hope and faith that we all will commit to listening more intently. May God's blessings be upon us all. Have a blessed and beautiful Sunday!!!

Marie's Sunday Message - August 20, 2017

This week, I thought I would repost this #SundayMessage from August 20, 2017. I found it appropriate since Steve and I are watching our son Stephen’s four children while he and his incredible wife are on a little getaway trip together; that’s why this post is late.😂

Family is everything to me… and I believe the most essential key to its success begins with two loving people who put God first in their lives and show their children it’s the true way to eternal happiness.  Our Stephen and Claire are definitely one of those great couples! 

My post from 2017 talks about my parents and why we, as their children, loved them so much as they showed us the way!🥰 Have a wonderful day, and always remember you are loved!!! 💖

It is said that the L️️❤️VE of a Mother cannot be measured. It is a brilliant gem that is to be treasured.

My Mom was a light due to her strong faith, devotion, and love for God. She was immensely grateful for her Savior, Jesus Christ, and wanted to follow Him and His example throughout her life. The spirit of service poured out in everything she did, especially towards us, her family.

Being the only girl, I was close to my mother, but our unique bond deepened when I played her in a TV movie called Side by Side. I came to understand her personality as a young girl and learned about the woman she grew up to become. The deep love she had for my father, George, was so sweetly expressed to me by her, and to have this opportunity to understand how my parents fell in love and what was the glue to their successful marriage was life-changing. They were and continue to be a light and example for me to follow in what an eternal relationship looks like. 

I was so blessed to have a good Mother. She’d say, “Remember, we love our men into being great; you don’t shame them into it.” One of the great lessons she taught me was the power we have as women and the importance of properly using it. She’d say, “We need to show gratitude to the good men in our lives because as we love them into being great, it makes our lives even better, too! 😉🤭 There is no wisdom in shaming or belittling anyone.” And it must’ve been true because I don’t know anyone who didn’t adore her! She also said being kind doesn’t mean you tolerate any form of belittlement or abuse. This behavior was unacceptable to her, and she always stepped away. That was great advice then and now, especially since I’ve been surrounded mostly by men my whole life!!! 😂

When I was around ten years old, I told my mom that I loved my Daddy, but sometimes it was hard for me to talk to him like I could talk to her. She wisely said, “Go sit next to him and tell him you love him... then watch him melt! 😂 He loves you so much; you’re his princess, and he would do anything for you!” It was a powerful lesson in loving communication, and after that, my Dad and I never stopped talking. We became best friends, and he showed me his example of how a good man should treat me. 🥰 

How many disagreements would end if couples said, “I’m sorry, I love you, and we will work this out lovingly”? 🤔

As women of faith, let's pray to our Father in Heaven that He will help us know how to comfort and build up the great men in our lives to fulfill their potential. To give them all they need, they feel loved, so they, in turn, love us and seek God's love in our lives together. And, like my Dad would tell my brothers, “When good men love God and are humble enough to take their problems to Heavenly Father for answers, He will always give them the wisdom they need to guide their family.” Our Father in Heaven wants every parent to succeed and will always be there to help because family is the cornerstone of all success. 

Don’t forget, of all the titles, respect, and worldly honor we can obtain in this life… we take nothing with us when we die. What we do take is the relationships we make and the knowledge and learning God blesses us with.  This is why we’re here on this earth: to learn and love, to build up others and serve them, taking on the characteristics of our Savior Jesus Christ so we can return to our loving God, our Father in Heaven.

He has asked us to address him as Father. That distinction shows how very much God wants a close relationship with us because He IS literally our Father.  I consider it one of my greatest blessings to know I have a Father in Heaven who loves me. I also have my earthly Dad to thank for teaching me that I am a daughter of God! 

A sweet fan created this video to honor my Dad, but you can’t praise my father without including my mother. They were side-by-side, like the movie said.  My parents were equal in all things they did. In a world where women want empowerment, let us never forget the importance and necessity of good men in our and our children’s lives! 🥰👍💕

#HappySunday

Marie's Sunday Message - October 23, 2016

November has arrived, and it's always astonishing how quickly the year has passed. It's a month where we take time to reflect upon and share our gratitude for our many blessings and, yes, even the lessons learned. That's why I decided to repost this #SundayMessage from 2016. I've shared my appreciation for Christ's love and His infinite Atonement, my wonderful family, my children and grandchildren, and my precious husband. I've also shared my gratitude for having been blessed with a career that has spanned six decades now. I posted about Paper Roses reaching #1 on the Billboard chart 50 years ago this week. Well, my friend reminded me of this video yesterday, so I thought I'd share. It's from The Grand Ole Opry and was indeed one of the highlights of my career performing there!💖

https://fb.watch/nRcXVh-Nwb/

These life journeys have filled my heart with such thankfulness for this magnificent life we are blessed to experience here in mortality. What a gift our Father in Heaven has given us! Mother Eve was brilliant when she said, "Is there no other way?" There was no other way! We had to be born and go through mortality to learn…all of it…. the good from the evil! Before this life, we also knew that we could endure all that might be placed upon us because our Father in Heaven provided us with our Savior, Jesus Christ! We knew He would stand beside us through ALL things and be our beacon of light, to show us the way back home, if we would just ask and follow Him! 

What a gift to be given and blessed with this gift called agency (free will) to be able to learn and choose, to work hard and strive to make good choices and be more like our Savior, knowing the atonement heals fear and replaces it with faith so we can return home to our loving God! It's pretty incredible, isn't it?!! 

I'll tell you something else that's pretty incredible: since my original post in 2016, we have been blessed with six more adorable grandbabies that have been added to our family!🤭❤️ Spending more time with them (which is what I've been doing this week🤗) is more important to me than ever because, like I said, "time goes by so quickly," and they are growing up way too fast, and I want to be a part of their lives! 

Speaking of fast, I need to put together dinner because some of my precious babies are coming over to eat with Grandma and Grandpa!🥰 Life is quite a ride, but it's so worth it! Today, I pray for all of you, especially those going through great trials. My heart is with you!!! I love the saying, "When life becomes too much to stand… kneel!" Our Savior is right there waiting to help; just ask Him!!! He can't take away other people's agency when they upset or hurt us, but our Savior can help us heal and move forward. So kneel today and ask for His loving peace only our Savior can give! I love you and ask His blessings to be upon you this day and always💖 You are loved!!!

P.S. Sorry I'm late posting…How appropriate since the last one was… 😂😂😂😂

Marie's Sunday Message

October 23, 2016

After a fun and full day at the Grand Ole Opry yesterday, I flew home and had even more joy putting my sweet little grandson down for a nap. Oh, and I fell asleep too.🤭 Sorry for the late Sunday post. 😊💖

I love my kids! I'd better... I have eight children, three grandchildren, and eight brothers who act like children.😂 Have you ever noticed, though, how these innocent babies can so beautifully look beyond "outward appearances" and seem to be able to get along with just about anyone? They have this innate ability to accept, forgive, and love!

That's the reason I absolutely L️❤️VE this video of the little piglet 🐷 in her nighty and kitty🐱… soooo endearing!!! It sweetly reminds us that if we will be "as little children" (or sweet 🐖 & 🐈🤭) and put aside our differences, we can move one step closer to understanding our Savior Jesus Christ's unconditional love for us. He sees us all equally, values our individual strengths, and knows how much our Father in Heaven loves us eternally. We are His sons and daughters! 

"… For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

Despite whatever barriers may exist, I believe if we ponder upon and try to emulate this beautiful childlike love and kindness, we might create in our hearts the ability to have true Christlike humility and love for all of God's Children. #HappySunday! 😘❤️

#celebrateddiversity #godslove #child #faith #example

Marie's Sunday Message - September 10, 2017

This week has been very busy. I wrapped it up by speaking at a women's conference that raises money to help those in Savannah, Georgia, with breast cancer awareness and treatment. They help women in their community who may not have the opportunity to receive the care they need. I love meeting wonderful people in these communities, reaching out, and helping others in need. It was a fantastic event, and I feel blessed to have been part of it. 

In my speech, I spoke about lessons I've learned throughout my life. One of the most important principles I learned from my parents was getting back up. There are no failures in life; there are just lessons. From those lessons, we hopefully gain knowledge and wisdom. God provided us with our Savior, Jesus Christ, because He knew we might get sidetracked, take detours, and make mistakes. Our loving Father in Heaven gave us this eternal gift so we can repent, learn, and get back on the road home to Him. God also can't take away other people's agency or free will. So when they make bad choices that affect our lives negatively, our Savior is there for us to place our burdens, sorrow, and pain for help and healing. Life is a journey that requires growth, which comes line upon line, precept upon precept, experience after experience, and that growth requires us to make choices. Hopefully, those choices change what might make us bitter into something that makes us better! This can only happen when we look upward towards our God for help and strength. 

Have a beautiful sabbath day, and always remember how much I love you!!!

Marie's Sunday Message

September 10, 2017

On Saturday night at the Flamingo Las Vegas, our hearts were filled with gratitude as we celebrated our 9th season. But today, hearts are heavy as we watch the effects of #HurricaneIrma wreaking havoc in the Caribbean, Florida, and surrounding areas. On behalf of D&M and staff, our thoughts and prayers are with the Irma victims as they deal with this devastating storm that is turning lives into shambles. Join us as there is strength in praying in numbers. 

I've never really experienced the devastation of a hurricane. Still, I do know what it's like to lose everything, including prized possessions, passed down from Mother to Daughter for four generations in my family. Being my Mother's only daughter, my heart mourned when my house fire in Utah engulfed all those precious belongings along with their memories. Although extremely sad, it taught me a great lesson... we really can't take anything with us when we pass away. 

The things of this world will eventually decay and return to the earth (dust and moth). What IS lasting are the relationships we make and cherish and the character we build through life's joys and sorrows. This life is a journey, and if we keep moving forward with faith in Christ, He will stand by us, direct us, and teach us what really matters, heal our hearts when needed, and buoy us up amidst the storms. Because of Him, we can be made better, not bitter!

While watching the news yesterday, a woman's reaction to her devastating losses in Texas really moved me. "Well, they are just things, and thank heavens God will help us rebuild," she told a reporter. Her humble, positive attitude of faith made me tear up for all those who have lost nearly everything and are struggling to start over. What's so amazing is that through our trials, God can help REBUILD US! I've learned His mercy and grace are infinite, and to accept all with humility and gratitude is the key to His love and wisdom. We are nothing without Him.

Still, God asks us to be prepared. What would you try to save if you were given a moment's notice to evacuate your home? Do you have food and supplies you could grab on a moment's notice to hold you over or keep you alive should disaster strike? Will you have what your family needs until first responders can access or rescue you? These are questions that could be life-changing.

As a child, I enjoyed watching my parents stock up on extra food items and emergency supplies as they could afford them. With 9 kids (8 of them hungry boys), I knew it was a wise move. I learned from my Mother's example never to trust Mother Nature. I try to have extra food items in my home that I update and rotate. But the one item I feel you can never have enough of in reserve is faith. Faith, to me, is having a positive attitude that God can and will deliver us from any disaster or trial. 

"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand..." (Daniel 3:17)

Calamities can strike anytime, but if we are prepared, we shall not fear. If authorities instruct us to evacuate or the Spirit prompts us to move to all types of higher ground, hopefully, we will listen. I believe God can spare our lives and help us prepare for, endure, and ride out the storm of any trial that may beseech us and give us strength to rebuild again. 

Prepare for the worst and pray for the best. Don't let rainy days and Mondays get you down, and be safe! Like my sweet mom counseled me, "Remember, when a disaster strikes, it's way too late to prepare, so start now!" She was wise!!!

#HappySunday!

#HisDay #foodstorage #emergencypreparedness #survivingnaturaldisasters #saveforarainyday

Marie's Sunday Message - January 7, 2018

This photo is from 2010. It was taken at my son Michael's funeral. It was a very difficult day for me and my children. Still, looking back, I'm so grateful I felt Heavenly Father's love throughout the day from the Holy Spirit. I'm so thankful God gave it to us as a gift to feel His love and comfort us in times of need.

We are living at a time now where I feel it is more important than ever to hear… to listen to that still small voice within us. This voice talks to our hearts and minds and helps us know that our Father in Heaven is there listening to our deepest prayers. It doesn't yell, demean, or put down our efforts or other's. It is the voice of peace, calm, and direction for our lives.

There are voices all around us; some come as shouts with anger.

Some want to argue and cause stress and hate.

Some voices want to scare us with innuendo, half-truths, and blatant lies to create confusion and fear.

Some voices want to bully and tear down us, others, and our way of life.

Among all these, remember, we can choose the voices we listen to.

There is one voice that will always bring peace to our troubled souls...a still, small voice.

Our Father in Heaven's voice...

"...and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice...." ~ 1 Kings 19:11-13

He is not in the earthquakes, the fires, or the wind—the loud, rancorous parts of our lives. He is there as you slow down, breathe deeply, and honestly ask for His voice to fill your soul because He is in that still, small voice. Hearing the voice of peace takes practice. It is like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets and will guide you. 

Sometimes, we overthink thoughts that come into our minds. Don't analyze, rationalize, or overquestion… follow it… or as Nike would say, Just Do It! I could write volumes about all the wonderful things that have happened because I listened. And I guess you could say the same for when I didn't either🤦🏻‍♀️😂. All I know is that when we live our lives in accordance with God's will and not ours, the more we hear it. 

This Sunday, I hope we all find that quiet peace inside and pray, ponder, and listen to find hope, love, and peace in our lives. Have a beautiful sabbath day, and remember, I love you all very much.

Marie's Sunday Message

January 7, 2018

On January 12, 2018, my dear friend and president of our church, Thomas S. Monson, will be laid to rest. I want to dedicate my Sunday message to this incredible leader who has helped me better understand our heavenly family reunions in the life hereafter. He consoled me at my parents' funeral services. During my son Michael's service, he gave me hope and a renewed promise of life after death. I will genuinely miss his great counsel and spirit.

One of my favorite things this loving servant of God did for our family was when he drove down from Salt Lake City to Provo, Utah, after my mother suffered a massive stroke to give her a priesthood blessing. When we asked him what prompted him to do this, he said he was just following the "Lord's List" that day. Then, President Monson taught me the importance of always carrying a little notebook in my purse or pocket. He said, "When the Spirit speaks, write it down immediately." At the end of the day, make sure you do "God's List" before you check off your list of "To Do's." He explained that the Spirit never hounds, pushes, or pounds at us but instead comes as a simple prompting, a thought, or a feeling. That's why we need to write these impressions down so we don't forget. President Monson taught me that day to listen more intently. By doing this, we learn how God wants us to serve one another, and even some of the answers to our questions and daily prayers often come to us through silent promptings from the Spirit. 

He continued saying that the Spirit told him that my mother needed a blessing, and it definitely was a comfort to our family when he followed his prompting and showed up at the hospital. 

He was a living example of following the promptings of the Spirit: 

President Monson often said, "The Spirit of truth is of God."

I know that God communicates to us through the sweet, calm, and still small voice of inspiration that comes to those who strive to listen--those who are obedient to His counsels, covenants, and commandments. I pray this day and always that we will be able to be still long enough to feel the Holy Ghost, allowing it to communicate to our spirits and minds so we can always know His will for us.

One of my favorite quotes by President Monson:

"We watch. We wait. We listen for that still, small voice. When it speaks, wise men and women obey. We do not postpone... promptings of the Spirit."

Thomas Monson, you continue to be a disciple of Christ, a humble man who is always on the Lord's errand and a true inspiration. I am grateful for your wise, lasting words reminding us of the crucial things that go into the eternities. I love you, and I am eternally thankful for your devout love and dedication to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

And to all of you, remember how much you are loved! #HappySunday 🙏💋

#HisDay #BelovedLDSProphet #followthespirit #lovehim #RIPThomasSMonson

Marie's Sunday Message - October 14, 2018

Since Friday was my birthday (and thank you to EVERYONE for all the wonderful birthday wishes), I thought this post I wrote from my birthday celebration in Hawaii five years ago would be fun to share again. I had such an amazing time with my four older performing brothers in Hawaii! It was such a privilege to honor them with one last performance together. After all, they were the original four performing Osmonds who started everything when they sang on the Andy Williams show❤️. 

Looking back, it is hard to believe how much has happened since that post was written. Professionally…I ended my D&M Vegas show residency after an 11-year run. And then, a couple of months later, COVID shut everything down. When things opened back up, I felt people needed hope and good memories again. So, I started touring with my solo show and loved seeing happy faces enjoying themselves again. I've also done three movies and numerous TV guest appearances and celebrated the 40th anniversary of my charity, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. I also released my album "Unexpected," which unexpectedly (and because of all of you🥰) debuted at #1 on Billboard & has gone back into the Top 10 29 different times (same age as me!🤣). But the craziest realization for me was the 50th anniversary of my first hit record, "Paper Roses." All this inspired me to start checking off my #BucketList of adventures! And there's still more on the way.👍😂. Because you know the saying "Life is short," well…it is!!!

Along with all my bucket list, I'm very excited to wind up the year by doing my symphonic Christmas tour this year. To be on stage with all those incredible musicians who have dedicated their lives to their talents is simply thrilling!!! So come and hear the music because there's nothing better than a symphony behind you😉🙌❤️ and bring your loved ones and make lasting memories happen. I hope to see all of you soon!

Counting my blessings has been a big part of my birthday this year, and I have been blessed abundantly! I have five more grandchildren since I wrote my post; this grandma loves them all immensely! And now my wonderful husband and I spend more time with them and our beautiful children. Family is everything to me!!! 

Looking back, life since then has been quite a ride. And now, with everything going on in Israel & the rest of the world, I felt this previous Sunday's message would be a good reminder of how important keeping our faith strong and maintaining hope are the things that matter most. It is so essential. Oh, and here's another reminder…never forget, I truly love you all!🥰 I hope you feel this and have the best Sunday ever!!!

Marie's Sunday Message

October 14, 2018

Sometimes in life, you have moments that are so overwhelmingly incredible you have to take time to process them. This trip to Hawaii for my birthday celebration and the special concert event I did to honor my brothers, the four "Original Osmond Brothers," for their last performance together on stage, has been one of the best experiences of my ENTIRE life! Seeing the accumulation of their life's work honored was the best gift I could ever receive for my birthday! I will share with you some fantastic photos in about...10 days! 🕰️

On top of this, last week at our church's General Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' President Russell M. Nelson encouraged us to have a 10-day fast from social media. When I heard this, I was grateful for his council to take this time away from the world's distractions to reflect and soak in these past few days and all of the incredible talks given at this conference. ❤️ Have you ever taken a social media fast? I knew this fast or pause would be perfect for me right now, especially with all the production, preparation, and rehearsals that went into this event for my brothers and me with this Hawaii birthday celebration. 

For those of you who could not make it to Hawaii, I am excited to let you know that BYU–Hawaii recorded a special InterFaith event separate from the concert. It was on Friday at the beautiful historic Kawaiahao Church in Honolulu. Many Christian denominations joined together to celebrate Unity in Christ through music. 🙏 You can watch the entire show (almost 3 hours!) on YouTube here 👉 https://youtu.be/sRko_xRXs-U. It was so special to see everyone joining together as a community of believers who love our Savior, Jesus Christ.

One of my favorite scripture references appropriate for this social media fast is Psalm 46:10.

"Be still and know that I am God." 

I hope we take this time to be still, remove ourselves from the chaotic voices of the world, and fully tune into the voice of our Lord. That's what I'll be doing for the next 10 days. In the meantime, I will be pulling together more photos and memories from my birthday week in Hawaii! 🌺 

Before I sign off social media, I would like to say that I am SO THANKFUL for all of you; you are a part of my 'Ohana'! 

Aloha for now. See you in 10 days! Who's joining me? 💋

#Ohana #Family #SocialMediaFast

Marie’s Sunday Message - February 7, 2016

I saw this video yesterday by Kristina Kuzmic. Kelly, Claire’s mom, showed it to me while our grandsons competed in various sports. We had so much fun together! The video reminds us how easy it is to listen to the negative voices surrounding us. Those negative minions only talk smack to our brains, and often, one of those negative comments turns our focus away from all the positive ones in our lives. It reminded me of a #SundayMessage I posted in 2016. I’m reposting it below in hopes that today you will look for only the positive ones in life and remember, always, you are loved!

Marie’s Sunday Message 

February 7, 2016

As I set up my dolls this week, I included these “Ruby Red Slippers,” or shoes, that my daughter Rachael blinged for me; they even have the yellow brick road on the bottom arch. They were made for a new music video I’m shooting that will be coming out soon. These shoes are so symbolic for me. You see, I have loved The Wizard of Oz since I was a very young girl.

I was a big fan of Judy Garland. There weren’t many people I could relate to growing up as a child performer. Still, the first time I looked into Judy’s eyes on screen, I knew she understood how I felt as a young girl being an entertainer. I felt a “loneliness” in her eyes when I was away from home touring on the road.

You know, it doesn’t matter who you are; we all feel lonely when we want to return home, right? Home is that place in your heart where you find peace and contentment. There’s also the spiritual home we came from, where we lived before this life as God’s spirit children.

Jeremiah 1:5

God knew us ALL! There is always a home with God our Father and peace with Christ.

A yellow brick road has been placed before us, simply following God’s commandments. When we take that road, one thing is for sure: it will always lead us back home to our Father in Heaven’s presence.

Will we keep following the golden path home, or will we take shortcuts (the way of the world) and fall asleep in those poppy fields? Yes, there will be apples thrown at us, some witches along the way, and even some flying monkeys that will try to torment us, but staying determined to keep on our yellow brick road, we will only be refined by our trials so that we may come off conqueror and return to our heavenly home to be with Him!

I wore these shoes in my video because they symbolize that God is my path. His unconditional love has kept me on that road through all my many challenges and trials. I know God wants to be with us and wants us to succeed on our path back into His presence and, yes, even make a few trustworthy friends along the way to help with our journey. Maybe that’s why Judy Garland’s role in The Wizard of Oz spoke to my heart so profoundly. I’ve always had one foot in this life and one foot ready to go back home to my heavenly parents, who I know love me and YOU…unconditionally!!!

Following God’s yellow brick road makes me stronger and wiser and banishes all loneliness from my heart. So this Sunday, I pray we will keep God as the center within us and continually strive to have Him be our companion, our compass to always help us find our way back home!

Happy Sunday!

#WizardofOz #NoPlaceLikeHome #RubySlippers