The Last 3 Sermons - Fr. Russell's Trifecta

This summer marks a significant transition for our family. My husband Russell has served as associate rector for pastoral care at our church for fourteen years while also serving the children, teachers, and administration as the chaplain for our outstanding pre-school. As he transitions to a new ministry, it's been so moving to hear his last few sermons these past three weeks. I've been asked to post them by several people, so here is the link to the trifecta of sermons by Fr. Russell beginning with Trinity Sunday (May 30, 2021), followed by a powerful D-day message about Christ's victory (June 6, 2021), and ending with today's moving reflections on the Gospel message and Fr. Russell's final exhortations (June 13, 2021).

Endings may be bittersweet, yet we feel blessed and immensely grateful. We have another forever family in our church community that we will take with us wherever we go. We also know that endings are essential for new beginnings, so we're excited for all that lies ahead.

As Russ follows God's call to "a new thing," we know the promise spoken over our family years ago will continue to be fulfilled in God's perfect time and way. As we follow God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — we thank Him for calling us as a family to be "oaks of righteousness, His planting for the display of His splendor" (Isaiah 61:3).

Imperfect as we are, we acknowledge our absolute reliance on Him for everything, and we are grateful to know that our future ministry and lives are in His hands. We have a few more weeks, still, with our church family of 21 years and will cherish every conversation, prayer, and hug. 

Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness and love. We are blessed.

Joyfully,

Mari

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

Isaiah 43:19a 

Join Us for Live CME in Women's Health!

This summer, I am working with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) again to offer evidence-based CME covering health issues unique to women. Women’s health encompasses so much, and family physicians are often the first point of contact for health-related moments throughout a woman’s life.

Join us via livestream June 9-12, 2021 and earn up to 20 live CME credits as you explore topics you need daily in practice!

AAFP livestream courses like this one are designed in half-day sessions you can access from anywhere. Attend the full course or choose from half-day sessions to suit your schedule. As a faculty presenter at the conference, I am thrilled to have tested the technology, which will enhance the experience for all of us!

Follow the link to register for the AAFP Women’s Health Livestream coming up June 9-12, 2021! For more information, visit aafp.org. I hope to ‘see’ you there!

Joyfully,

Dr. Mari

Healthy Living Tips for All!

A few years ago, I was proud to collaborate with the Florida Medical Association as they launched the statewide Healthy Living initiative to provide education and resources for physicians and patients. As always, it was a joy to work with their dedicated and supportive staff, and I felt honored to be asked to contribute to such a meaningful project. 

The short video we created provides simple tips to help physicians and other medical professionals incorporate conversations about lifestyle change more naturally. It also speaks of small paradigm shifts with big impact to help us all make healthier choices each day. You may watch the brief video below.

Other resources available from the Healthy Living initiative include motivational interviewing tips, a free healthy living toolkit, and a continuing medical education (CME) presentation titled, Inspiring Change: Lifestyle Choices Made Easier. 

 

Joyfully,

Dr. Mari

A Unique Physician Wellness Conference: Join Us in April!

One of my favorite conferences of the year is coming up ... I'm so excited! It's always inspiring, equipping, and a lot of fun. And this year, it comes at the perfect time.  

We all need some refreshing, don't we?

I've been blessed to serve as faculty, content developer, and presenter at the AAFP Physician Health & Wellbeing Conference every year since its inception. And this year, we have another superb conference planned on a fantastic virtual platform. I will provide a keynote session where I'll share stories from my 25 years in medicine and strategies to de-escalate difficult encounters. My second presentation will be packed with gems from my book, Recapturing Joy in Medicine, recently referred to as "a love letter to the medical profession." Yes, that made my year ... because it's true!

I'm particularly excited to be part of a special session we've planned where we hope to connect with our colleagues in a deeper way ... by being just a bit vulnerable. We're letting ourselves be stretched to connect with one another. It will be unique and very meaningful. I can't wait!

Join us via livestream this April 7-9, 2021 for a conference that changes lives. Reach out to me here with any questions. Follow the link or click on the image above to learn more about the conference and register. I hope to see you there!

Joyfully,

Dr. Mari

Finishing Well in the Storms of Life

Finishing well. Such an energizing, hopeful statement, isn't it?

The title of my next retreat is Finishing Well in the Storms of Life. 

The Quiet Day retreat is coming up on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 starting at 9:30 am ET! 

I will lead three short reflections followed by time for prayer, meditation, journaling, or whatever your soul needs to reflect and rest.

Join us at 9:30 am ET via livestream or in person (following all CDC protocols, including masks, social distancing, etc.). We will adjourn at 11:30 am.

REGISTER HERE!

As a bonus, I have a FREE GIFT for all attendees. Follow the link to download my book, Finishing Well in the Storms of Life, which will form the basis for my reflections at the retreat. The book will walk you through Paul's letters to the Philippians and Colossians as we explore the theme of perseverance and finishing well with faith and hope. I would love your feedback HERE and hope the book enriches your journey through Lent.

Joyfully,

Dr. Mari 

This retreat will be a nice follow-up to the Quiet Day retreat I led in March 2020 right as the pandemic began in our community. You can read more about that in Standing Together in Times of Uncertainty.

Strategies to Stay Well in 2021

Happy New Year! Do you love the start of a New Year as much as I do? I find it so helpful to set aside an intentional pause to consider the year we've left behind before planning for the one that's ahead. I hope you've engaged in that process and, if you haven't yet, perhaps this weekend is a good time!

As you ponder and let go of what needs to be left behind with 2020, consider what's going well in your life. What is helping you stay hopeful and motivated? Who has been a blessing in your life or at work? What has inspired you to persevere?

Lately, I've been inspired by the contractor who walked around our house and sent "his best guys" so we didn't have to do another home project on our own. It makes such a difference to have support and expertise from the right person when we need it, doesn't it? I've also been inspired by my loving husband and children, and I continue to be inspired by YOU -- my colleagues!

Thank YOU for your dedication to caring for people with excellence and for your perseverance during this stressful time. As always, I like to add JOY, MEANING, and HOPE to your life, so here are a few ways to keep moving forward in 2021:

• Choose carefully what you watch on social media, TV, and your smartphone, and what you lend your ears to ... rumors, gossip, and negativity erode the soul and breed more of the same.

• Discern and control what draws your attention and the voices you empower inside your head ... as well as external voices coming in.

• Get outdoors daily and rotate your favorite ways to exercise so you don't get bored and keep moving.
  

• Listen to uplifting music or podcasts daily.

• When you feel down or discouraged, have a plan that includes reaching out to people who care about you so you don't isolate.

• Rest ... reflect ... restore your soul with intention.

A new year brings HOPE! Stay connected with optimistic people who lift you up and help you be better as you invest in your wellbeing and growth in 2021!

Joyfully, with Hope,

Dr Mari (Amaryllis)

Want to hear some of my story and learn the "why" behind my advocacy work? Listen to my January 2021 podcast interview with the CEO for the Florida Medical Association HERE.