Marie's Sunday Message - November 6th, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#HappySunday🥰❌⭕️

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