A few months back we moved from one part of the city to another - into a small cul-de-sac with sweet widowed neighbors and a safer environment than before. We felt 'led' here and were very grateful to have been given the chance to have a new start in a good area. But...it came packaged with our 10th move in 12 yrs., movers-exhaustion and...some trepidation as to new people, places and things.
The first day at church, and thanks to my son who was a bit nervous anyway, we came in a few minutes late and found a row closer to the back where there were some empty spaces. After church this wonderful woman at the end of our row - welcomed us and introduced herself as Debbie Osmond (Donny's sweet wife). I loved her immediately. She was truly genuine, warm and welcoming. That day she made an honest difference for us - in feeling 'at home' and in a place where we could belong. (One of these times I need to tell her how much it meant to us!)
Anyway, fast forward 5 months to last Sunday; Christmas Day. I woke, grateful that Christmas was on a Sunday so that we could really focus on the true meaning. We arrived early to the church - and to a vision of beautiful sprigs of greenery hung at the front of the chapel, large red bows throughout and several grand poinsettia plants. Christmas hymns were softly played on the organ as the peace and serenity of the day were apparent to those of us who desired to worship the Lord on His special day.
After partaking of the Sacrament (which, in itself was perhaps even more meaningful on a Christmas day) it was announced that Donny Osmond would be our first Christmas speaker. He began by tenderly telling of his Christmas miracle - the night before. It was inspirational and heart-warming and a dear reminder of what Christmas is all about. I will share it with you because it's truly in keeping with the meaning of the season and with the miraculous hand of the Lord in our lives. I hope you'll receive it in that same spirit.
Their son, Chris, has been serving for the past 2 yrs. in the Netherlands as an LDS missionary. Due to be released on Jan. 4th - all were awaiting his arrival at that time. But, because of travel and performance conflicts, it was 'miraculously' allowed/arranged between Donny and several church leaders - to allow Chris (and the other missionaries of his group) to return on Dec. 20th in order to be with his family for the holidays. So, unbeknownst to most, Donny worked for 8 months to make all the appropriate accommodations and... to surprise his wife and family.
After Thanksgiving, Donny purchased a large furniture box and, apparently, weighted it down with enough stuff to keep his wife guessing what it was. He wrapped it and placed it near the tree awaiting Christmas Eve when, according to family tradition, it would be the one present to open that evening.
Dec. 24th, Donny (and Chris) flew home from Chicago where he and Marie had been performing. Donny and his wife went upstairs to watch a 25 min. video - while their other son, Don, secretly got his missionary brother into the large box. When the time came and the box was opened the greatest shock and surprise was Debbie's as she 'freaked out' - Donny said. :)
As mothers, we can only imagine the myriad of emotions that would come with that incredible reunion. The greatest gift of all is to know that 'our children walk in truth' - including....that a son served the Lord on an honorable mission and with all his heart and soul.
Donny teared up at this point - which made the rest of us weep as well. It was a poignant message at Christmas time about a son returning home to his father and mother after having served well and fully. That's why I call it his 'Christmas Miracle'.
It reminded me of several other scripture stories of significant reunions after years of being apart. This can only be indicative of another reunion that we all long for someday; that of being reunited with loved ones on the 'other side' and...with our beloved Father whom we will then know that we know so well.
Donny's talk has caused me deep reflection this week. Part of that is with my own earthly family. Will my son serve an honorable mission someday? Will he love and serve and care for others as I have so earnestly tried to teach him? Will he be the kind of missionary that I can be pleased for him to be? And... additionally, and perhaps even more important, - will "I" be able to return home from my earthly mission honorably? Will I know that I have done all that the Lord has asked of me and with a full amount of gratitude for life-lessons, trials, growth, joys?
I'm thankful for one particular thing this year and...that is that Christmas was on a Sunday. It was the best way I could think of to start this new year of 2012 - and ponder on all the things that many of us know are ahead. We're eternally blessed to have the Savior as our exemplar, friend and advocate. It is our privilege and joy to do His will and Keep His commandments - with all our hearts and with all our souls.
Heidi
The first day at church, and thanks to my son who was a bit nervous anyway, we came in a few minutes late and found a row closer to the back where there were some empty spaces. After church this wonderful woman at the end of our row - welcomed us and introduced herself as Debbie Osmond (Donny's sweet wife). I loved her immediately. She was truly genuine, warm and welcoming. That day she made an honest difference for us - in feeling 'at home' and in a place where we could belong. (One of these times I need to tell her how much it meant to us!)
Anyway, fast forward 5 months to last Sunday; Christmas Day. I woke, grateful that Christmas was on a Sunday so that we could really focus on the true meaning. We arrived early to the church - and to a vision of beautiful sprigs of greenery hung at the front of the chapel, large red bows throughout and several grand poinsettia plants. Christmas hymns were softly played on the organ as the peace and serenity of the day were apparent to those of us who desired to worship the Lord on His special day.
After partaking of the Sacrament (which, in itself was perhaps even more meaningful on a Christmas day) it was announced that Donny Osmond would be our first Christmas speaker. He began by tenderly telling of his Christmas miracle - the night before. It was inspirational and heart-warming and a dear reminder of what Christmas is all about. I will share it with you because it's truly in keeping with the meaning of the season and with the miraculous hand of the Lord in our lives. I hope you'll receive it in that same spirit.
Their son, Chris, has been serving for the past 2 yrs. in the Netherlands as an LDS missionary. Due to be released on Jan. 4th - all were awaiting his arrival at that time. But, because of travel and performance conflicts, it was 'miraculously' allowed/arranged between Donny and several church leaders - to allow Chris (and the other missionaries of his group) to return on Dec. 20th in order to be with his family for the holidays. So, unbeknownst to most, Donny worked for 8 months to make all the appropriate accommodations and... to surprise his wife and family.
After Thanksgiving, Donny purchased a large furniture box and, apparently, weighted it down with enough stuff to keep his wife guessing what it was. He wrapped it and placed it near the tree awaiting Christmas Eve when, according to family tradition, it would be the one present to open that evening.
Dec. 24th, Donny (and Chris) flew home from Chicago where he and Marie had been performing. Donny and his wife went upstairs to watch a 25 min. video - while their other son, Don, secretly got his missionary brother into the large box. When the time came and the box was opened the greatest shock and surprise was Debbie's as she 'freaked out' - Donny said. :)
As mothers, we can only imagine the myriad of emotions that would come with that incredible reunion. The greatest gift of all is to know that 'our children walk in truth' - including....that a son served the Lord on an honorable mission and with all his heart and soul.
Donny teared up at this point - which made the rest of us weep as well. It was a poignant message at Christmas time about a son returning home to his father and mother after having served well and fully. That's why I call it his 'Christmas Miracle'.
It reminded me of several other scripture stories of significant reunions after years of being apart. This can only be indicative of another reunion that we all long for someday; that of being reunited with loved ones on the 'other side' and...with our beloved Father whom we will then know that we know so well.
Donny's talk has caused me deep reflection this week. Part of that is with my own earthly family. Will my son serve an honorable mission someday? Will he love and serve and care for others as I have so earnestly tried to teach him? Will he be the kind of missionary that I can be pleased for him to be? And... additionally, and perhaps even more important, - will "I" be able to return home from my earthly mission honorably? Will I know that I have done all that the Lord has asked of me and with a full amount of gratitude for life-lessons, trials, growth, joys?
I'm thankful for one particular thing this year and...that is that Christmas was on a Sunday. It was the best way I could think of to start this new year of 2012 - and ponder on all the things that many of us know are ahead. We're eternally blessed to have the Savior as our exemplar, friend and advocate. It is our privilege and joy to do His will and Keep His commandments - with all our hearts and with all our souls.
Heidi
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14 wonderful people with amazing comments:
Beautiful story.
Thanks for sharing this. I can't think of a better Christmas Eve surprise!
=)
I always knew Donny was someone special. I actually enjoyed Christmas being on Sunday--going to Church added to the true spirit and meaning of Christmas for me.
Thanks for sharing. I love the fact that we will be reunited with our loved ones who have gone before!
What a great Christmas miracle!! I am waiting for the day my son returns home from his mission. My miracle was that I was able to talk to him this Christmas!! In his New Year's letter, he said he is now looking forward to 2013 -- me, too!!
Christmas with our children on missions are (sad, yet) WONDERFUL!
What a lovely post. Thanks for sharing the message given by Donny Osmond; it was truly a Christmas Miracle. I can just imagine that moment of joy for his mother.
Blessings to you for sharing these thoughts.
Thanks to you all! I appreciate your comments and insights!
And...I'm glad for your miracle, Deerie. Mixed emotions, we know. Thanks for your faith!
Blessings to you all!
Heidi G.
LeAnn, I just have to say that you are one of my favorites! One of these days I need to blog about YOU!!! Thank you for sharing what you do and for always being kind, uplifting and genuine. You are remarkable!!!
Heidi
I love this one. Thank you so much for sending another testimony of the miracles that surround us. I love reading that it came from Donny Osmond. He is someone that I have admired for much of my life. I also enjoyed Christmas being on Sunday. It made it so amazing!!!
I had two of our missionaries over for dinner tonight. I don't usually have time to cook, but I prepared a special meal which they seemed to enjoy. I told them what they meant to me and how much respect I have for the sacrifice they make so joyously to serve. As we finished eating, both offered to do the dishes for me. Then they both said, "Our moms would be so mad if they knew we didn't help clean up!" I packed them up some food to take home, especially the cookies they really liked.
I am the only one in my family so far who belongs to the church and I was baptized last month. I was introduced to the church by Donny's son, Brandon and his wife, Shelby. I know a little bit about what Brandon's mission meant to him.
As I read your story, and the happy reunion of yet another of the Osmond sons to return from a mission far from home, I was even more glad that I had Elder Jones and Elder Seager over tonight. If they were my sons, I'd want someone to take the time to appreciate the dedication of these young people and their families waiting their return.
Thank you so much for sharing! Happy New Year to all!
Barbara, That is WONDERFUL! What a remarkable woman you are! And...a warm welcome to you as part of a worldwide church family! I am so glad that you wrote. Your story, recent baptism and experience with the missionaries is really sweet. You've already blessed many of our lives! We hope that things will continue forward for you. There seems to be opposition in all things so....we hope you'll hang-in-there and also keep-in-touch with us on here so you can always feel part of this marvelous work and cause!
Heidi
Thanks for sharing this with us - of course it became posted on our Osmond pages of which we must read everyday to keep up on our favorite group activities with them! This is our "Donny" and the Osmond family - and reasons such as this Christmas miracle is why we have come to love him and his family so very much!! Be sure to log in also to One Bad Apple Blog - Kathy and Wayne posted their Christmas pictures on Kathy's blog and it makes us feel so much a part of their lives (and Brandon and Shelby have a blog also)- The Osmonds are such warm, loving people and a great testimony to the Mormon faith. I will always uphold them in their highest earned position of honor - it must be a very special thing to be able to be in the same services as they are! May the Lord's richest blessings be with you all as you share in His love each and every day of your lives! Thanks again for sharing. Happy New Year!
Hello Heidi,
this is a lovely post and one that means so much to me also.
I was so glad that Christmas Day fell on a Sunday this year as this is my first Christmas in the Mormon church, I absolutely love it, I only wish I had done it sooner.
Like Barbara who posted on here before me, I am the only member in my family who is of this faith, I pray that someday that my children, who are adults, will see the truth and want to follow me into the church too.
I love to look after my missionaries, I call to check they are ok, I feed them up when I can and I just love to listen to them teach the gospel.
My life is wonderful now, I never knew it could be so good, I pray that one day the gospel will be accepted by the world and it will be such a happy place, thanks again Heidi for your lovely story
love
shirley xx
Thank You, Ckleinca, We already follow Kathy and Wayne, "One Bad Apple Dish"! and we love them too. Whenever Kathy posts you'll find her at the top of our list. And..we love the fact that you have an Osmond site. Is that something you want to share with us? We could certainly post it on here for others' to enjoy - if you'd like that.
What is Brandon and Shelby's blog? We'd love to have them follow us so we can add them too! Thanks for your kind heart! You've blessed us all.
And...Shirley, Blessings to you. It's wonderful women like you who help those around them. We hope you'll have a good support system and find your church 'family' to fill a need at this time. It must be very hard to be the pioneer in the family but we honor your decision and know that you are not alone, neither on this side or the other side of the veil. It's more real than we often know. You are a great light to those who watch you and who know of the differences in you. I'm asking all who read this to offer up a prayer in your behalf and that of your family.
Thank you, also, for feeding and caring for the missionaries. I'm sure that you don't always know of all the prayers being offered in their behalf, and in all the Temples every day -- but...as part of helping them - you can be a participant and receiver of those prayers. And, I mean that sincerely.
Much love,
Heidi
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