Maureen Pratt, Author and Speaker

BOOKS

Christian Living, Health
How do we find joy in the midst of suffering? How do we rise above our pain and attain lives of purpose and bright light? This work focuses on the story of Job and the life of Jesus to show that pain can encourage, nurture, and help us find joy - if we keep the faith!

Welcome!

February Note: Oh, where did January go?! I'm frightfully behind updating my site, but will do so soon. Meanwhile, I hope you'll enjoy some of the content here - and come back later for more! Joys!

RELEVANT RADIO INTERVIEW MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2012


I'll be back on Relevant Radio, visiting with Sean Herriott on his program, "Morning Air," on Monday, February 6, 2012, at 8:40 AM Central/​6:40 AM Pacific. I'll be talking about redefining happiness when we live with chronic pain & illness. To listen real time, go to www.relevantradio.com and click on "Listen Now." The program will also be archived, and you can go to that same website and find my interview, along with others, under the archive section for "Morning Air." Hope you can listen in!

A BRAND NEW YEAR!


The Christmas tree is back in its box, but the creche is still settled on a bookcase in my living room. Yes, it's Christmas-becoming-New Year's - time to still keep Christ's birthday close while looking ahead to fresh beginnings...and a few leftovers.

Oh, not leftovers of an edible kind, although there are plenty of those, too. But leftovers of the things that we thought we'd accomplish in 2011. Whether they are resolutions that went unresolved or midstream to-dos, we all have things that are being carried over from one year to another. And yet, we also have new things that we want to add.

How to do them all?

Well, perhaps we are best to rethink that very question. As tempting as it might be to heap "hope to" upon "hope to," in lives punctuated by pain and illness, it's just not realistic to think that we'll be able to accomplish absolutely everything on our 2012 list AND finish up 2011's items. As we well know, illness has a way of cropping up unexpectedly, and pain can ebb and flow completely outside any well-planned schedule.

This year, instead of adding to my weekly list of tasks, I'm paring down. Giving myself more breathing room. Prioritizing those activities that remain so that I can more fully enjoy (and do justice to) them. I guess you could say I'm resolved to put myself on an activity "diet," adding in only a very few things as I pare back other activities.

It's important to understand that, when we hone down the things we are engaged in, we are not giving up nor are we giving in to our health challenges. Rather, we are allowing ourselves to be less stressed and less stretched. And, something even more wonderful - we're allowing God to reach into the "blank spaces" and fill our lives with more light, peace, joy, rest, mini miracles, and stupendous surprises.

As we move into 2012, I'm reminded of this part of a Robert Frost poem, "May something go always unharvested!
May much stay out of our stated plan,
Apples or something forgotten and left,
So smelling their sweetness would be no theft." ("Unharvested")

May you, too, experience many unexpected blessings in 2012!

Joy and peace in Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Maureen

SPECIAL OFFER ON BOOKS!


The Bookstore at St. Monica's Catholic Church, 725 California Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, is kindly offering to give a 10% discount on "Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness" and "Beyond Pain: Job, Jesus, and Joy" if you mention this announcement at the time of purchase. With independent bookstores quickly disappearing, I hope that, if you are in the Los Angeles area, you can support St. Monica's Bookstore in its very worthy mission. Thank you!


THE POSITIVE POWER OF PAIN


An awful lot of people throughout the world are in tremendous pain these days. Whether from external forces - natural disasters, war, economic troubles - or from internal problems regarding health, emotional challenges, and general fear and angst, many feel as if a dark cloud is hovering over them, obscuring the sun and light of happier, brighter times.

My heart goes out to all who are suffering - and my hope goes out, too, that in the midst of the pain, something powerfully positive will take hold.

I think of it this way - Darkness is erradicated by illumination. In the same way as we consciously decide to flip a switch to turn on a light, if we consciously decide to approach pain from a different, more empowering perspective, we can take hold of it, take charge, and rise above it.

Sometimes, we need help reaching the switch - and we can ask for that help through invention from God, friends, counselors, medical professionals and by educating ourselves on our particular situation. And we certainly need to acknowledge that, as we move to turn on the light, we are also acknowledging the Power, the One whose energy moves through it all - we are very surely saying "yes" to God. But the decision to take action, positive action, rests with us.

Does it take energy to want to move from helplessness to more control? Certainly.

Is it scary to budge from where we're sitting to someplace more productive, more active? Oh, yes!

But each step we take to live well, grace-fully and joyfully, is a step forged in strength, courage, and growth. We appreciate ourselves so much more, and this gift of precious life that God bestows, if we do all we can to make the most of it - to shine!

Pain in life is inevitable. But what is not carved in stone is our response to it. Even if, today, the obstacles to a better life seem insurmountable, God's enegy is present, and His love moves all around us, encouraging us to reach up, reach out, re-act - and turn on the light for all to see!

Joys and peace!
Maureen


"BEYOND PAIN: JOB, JESUS, AND JOY" NOW AVAILABLE! CALLING ALL INFLUENCERS!


Now that my new book is out, I am especially eager to let you know that YOU can make a difference!!!

You?!?!

Yes, YOU!!!

I'm calling upon you to be a positive influence for someone you know. Here's what I mean:

If you (1) are or have a pastor, preacher, support group leader, or other organization or individual who reaches out to people in pain and/​or living with illness adn (2) feel they might benefit from "Beyond Pain: Job, Jesus, and Joy," I invite you to let me know who they are (or contact me yourself). I would be delighted to see how we can work together to help those who live with horrible pain feel more peace and, of course, joy!

SIMPLY LOVELY JEWELRY NOW ON THE WEB!


Each creative endeavor seems to build upon another. As I was writing "Peace in the Storm" and "Beyond Pain," I began to craft gemstone and pearl jewelry. After a very positive response to the designs, I've opened a little shop online. It's a work in progress, and over the next few months I'll be adding to the pieces already there, but I invite you to visit and let me know what you think of my "Simply Lovely Jewelry." (the website is: www.simplylovelyjewelry.etsy.com) Thank you and enjoy!

TELEVISION SHOW STILL ON AIR!


I had been notified that, after a year on the air, "Peace in the Storm: The Television Show" had been taken off. Now, I've been notified that Loma Linda Broadcasting Networks is keeping the show on, and episodes continue to air at least once five days a week. The current schedule is available on www.llbn.tv!


RELEVANT RADIO INTERVIEW ARCHIVES


My interviews on Relevant Radio's Morning Air Program are archived on the Relevant Radio website: www.relevantradio.com. You can search for my name and then click on a particular interview to listen in, if you weren't able to hear the segments real-time.


FINALLY FACEBOOK AND TWITTER


Yes, I finally took the plunge and established myself on Facebook and Twitter. On both, you'll find me as Maureen Pratt. In the coming days, I hope to post more frequently - and make full use of these venues. Stop by and say hello!





TELEVISION INTERVIEW NOW AVAILABLE ON THE WEB


The episode of The Word in the World, on which I was interviewed, is now available for viewing online at www.wordnet.tv. In this almost half-hour show, I talk about life with lupus and other chronic illnesses and pain, and how our faith can help us overcome isolation, sadness, and hopelessness -- and how we can help others, too.

"PEACE IN THE STORM" CONTINUES ON THE UMW READING PROGRAM


I'm honored and delighted to say that "Peace in the Storm" has been picked up again by Global Ministries (www.new.gbgm-umc.org) and is on the UMW Reading Program list for 2011 and 2012, too. What a wonderful way to bring "Peace" to more places where, I pray, it can be of service!



RADIO AND TELEVISION NEWS


The interview I did on blogtalkradio at the end of June 2007 is archived on: http:/​/​www.blogtalkradio.com/​hostpage.aspx?show_id=29936
It was a wonderful experience, and the questions were some of the most enjoyable to answer that I've had. Hope you can check it out!

The segment featuring me on the Hallmark Channel's show "New Morning" was repeated in March. Both airings are now posted for viewing at www.newmorningtv.tv. When you go to that site, click on "Past Shows," then go to "February 2007" or "March 2007." Specific air dates are February 5, 2007, and March 1, 2007.




"Living Well" -- GOING STRONG:


In my column, "Living Well," I explore topics related to spirituality and health -- all designed to encourage readers to take charge of as much of their health as they can and deepen their spiritual lives, too. Columns are posted on Catholic News Service's subscriber page and have so far been picked up by newspapers in Brooklyn, St. Paul/​Minneapolis, Nashville, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, Texas, Florida, and Australia (to name a few). If your diocesan publication doesn't run "Living Well," encourage them to do so -- and let me know what you think!

PRAYERS ON BELIEFNET.COM


The folks at beliefnet.com have asked to excerpt some of the prayers from PEACE IN THE STORM for their section on prayer. Beliefnet.com is a very interesting site devoted to introducing people to all faiths, as well as providing spiritual support to the faiths' followers.

The first few prayers are posted now at:

http:/​/​www.beliefnet.com/​prayeroftheday/​prayer_one.asp?pid=3405
http:/​/​www.beliefnet.com/​prayeroftheday/​prayer_one.asp?pid=3407
http:/​/​www.beliefnet.com/​prayeroftheday/​prayer_one.asp?pid=3408
http:/​/​www.beliefnet.com/​prayeroftheday/​prayer_one.asp?pid=3409
http:/​/​www.beliefnet.com/​prayeroftheday/​prayer_one.asp?pid=3410
http:/​/​www.beliefnet.com/​prayeroftheday/​prayer_one.asp?pid=3411
http:/​/​www.beliefnet.com/​prayeroftheday/​prayer_one.asp?pid=3412
http:/​/​www.beliefnet.com/​prayeroftheday/​prayer_one.asp?pid=3413
http:/​/​www.beliefnet.com/​prayeroftheday/​prayer_one.asp?pid=3414
http:/​/​www.beliefnet.com/​prayeroftheday/​prayer_one.asp?pid=3415
http:/​/​www.beliefnet.com/​prayeroftheday/​prayer_one.asp?pid=3416
http:/​/​www.beliefnet.com/​prayeroftheday/​prayer_one.asp?pid=3417

Other prayers will follow!

Maureen en espanol!


Tu companero catolico, a nationally syndicated Catholic radio program, did an interview with me in Spanish a few months ago -- and it aired in late October! The link to the program is on my website; you can listen on the web. (I apologize for the lack of accents in my Spanish here -- I'm just figuring out a new keyboard and hope to add them soon!)

Let me know what you think! Gracias.

LUPUS FACTS


Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system turns on its own organs and tissues. It is much like being allergic to oneself.

The diagnosis of lupus is complicated, and involves a comprehensive physical and hemotological examination of the patient, as well as an extensive look at a patient's past medical history. The American College of Rheumatology has established a list of criterion, and a patient needs to fulfill several of the criterion in order to be diagnosed with lupus.

Because there is no one "lupus test," or easy way to diagnose the disease, patients often go years between flares and before they are diagnosed. Lupus patients with internal manifestations of the disease often look very healthy, and can be subject to discrimination on that basis.

There are no definitive numbers of how many people in the United States actually have lupus, but recent studies indicate that there might be as many as 1.5 to 2 million women, men and children with the disease in the U.S. Lupus can strike at any age, but most of the diagnoses are made to women in their childbearing years.

Lupus symptoms can vary from fevers, joint pain, extreme fatigue, brain fog, and photosensitivity to kidney, lung, heart, and central nervous system involvement. There is not cure for lupus; doctors try to treat the symptoms with various medications, some of which have short- and long-term side effects that can also be debilitating. Disease progression and severity are different in each patient; approximately 50 percent of lupus patients will have major organ involvement. Each year, lupus patients die from the disease or from complications such as infection or cardiovascular involvement.

The psychological toll of life with lupus is immense. Because of its unpredictability, the hopes and dreams of many lupus patients are shattered, and their personal relationships, career aspirations, and spiritual wellbeing can be severely eroded, if not destroyed. The divorce rate among lupus patients is above the national average, and many lupus patients are, at one time or another during the course of the disease, treated for depression and anxiety. Lupus patients must avoid exposure to sunlight, so even normal daily activities can be impacted and in some cases done away with completely. Outdoor sports, trips to the beach, hikes, and even shopping expeditions are all questionable at best. We sometimes feel like moles!

But although lupus patients must live with lifelong, daunting physical and emotional challenges, many are very resilient and develop coping skills within the parameters of their disease involvement. Lupus patients can be everyone's heroines and heroes!

There is a great need for more research into the causes of and treatments for lupus. There is also a huge need for more public awareness of the disease, both because it will enable people to be diagnosed more rapidly and because it will help others understand what lupus patients struggle with on a daily basis.

For further information, please see my book, TAKING CHARGE OF LUPUS: HOW TO MANAGE THE DISEASE AND MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LIFE, and Dr. Daniel Wallace's book THE LUPUS BOOK. Also, contact the Lupus Foundation of America: www.lupus.org

Thank you!