My Books

MOST RECENT RELEASES:

Pondering Tidbits of Truth - Volume VI 

This book contains 150 informative and challenging quotations of countless spiritual writers from across the centuries. Just commit to spending five minutes each day (preferably in the morning) reading, meditating, and pondering just one of those quotations. What is God trying to tell you? How will you respond? If you get stuck, you will find some helpful questions after each quotation to steer you in the right direction.

Let God speak silently to your heart.

I can assure you, in God’s perfect timing, you will recognize that five minutes will not be enough for your daily conversation with Him. You will find a way to be with Him for a more extended period of time.

Here are some recent reviews:

“Like having a saint for a spiritual director.  - One of the luxuries of the Catholic life is having your own spiritual director to encourage and challenge you; however, with the shortage of priests, it’s just not possible for most Catholics. Reading the book Pondering Tidbits of Truth is like meeting with a spiritual director in the comfort of your home. And this spiritual director has the intelligence of Pope Benedict XVI, the fire of Venerable Fulton Sheen, the insight of Cardinal Sarah, the courage of Pope Leo XIII, and the wisdom of many more ancient saints and contemporary theologians.

In this powerful book, Michael Seagriff has collected 150 quotes from the some of the greatest Catholic minds. But it’s not just a book that makes us admire the lofty ideas of the saints. After each quote, Seagriff added questions to challenge readers so that we examine ourselves and strive to imitate the saints.

Pondering Tidbits of Truth is such an enjoyable read that I found myself smiling, nodding my head, and writing in the margin. It’s a book for people at all stages of the faith journey whether they’re devout or lukewarm, young or old. In fact, reading one tidbit each night would make a quick but worthwhile addition to family prayer time.

It encourages readers to think about the critical questions of life such as, “Why did God put me here right now?” and it also gives concrete ideas for incorporating holy practices throughout the day.

Seagriff challenges readers to have a relationship with God, especially the Holy Spirit, Who is so often overlooked. He also helps readers appreciate the precious gift of Our Lord’s Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Most urgently, readers consider the consequences of not knowing, loving, and serving God.

It’s as if Seagriff read many of the greatest Catholic books and articles, highlighted the best parts, and served them up for us in an easily digestible way. I enthusiastically recommend that you savor this smorgasbord of wisdom and share it with others.” Janeen Zaio award winning Catholic author

*****

“Author, Michael Seagriff, has created a remarkable work that will significantly impact all who read it. The book is filled with spiritual treasures that will provide hours of fruitful contemplation. Moreover, and more importantly, the book creates an avenue of coming closer to God and seeking His will for one’s life.” – Richard Fitzgerald, retired History professor

*****

"Pondering Tidbits of Truth Volume VI is a thought-provoking book filled with short quotes and questions that will challenge our spirit, help us learn to ask for His forgiveness, accept His mercy, and receive the power of God’s grace. Thus, allowing His grace to shine through us. This is another powerful book from Michael to help us in our faith journey. Additionally, I highly recommend Michael’s other books, especially I Thirst for Your Love and Stirring Slumbering Souls. I plan on flipping through to a page, picking a quote and reading it for my daily meditation.” - Rosemary Costa

*****

"Michael Seagriff has compiled a collection of quotations meant to be read prayerfully to nourish the soul. He has drawn from the wisdom of the saints of the Church to draw us all into an interior reflection, which leads one to an application within our own lives. Seagriff has provided time-honored wisdom for our journeys, Pondering Tidbits of Truth, Volume 6 has been an incredible gift. May our Lord bless this author’s efforts to draw people close to Him.” -  Melanie Von Guten

*****

“This is an amazing book filled with spiritual quotes that bring you closer to God as you pause and ponder their meaning. After each of the 150 quotes the author asks though provoking questions to use as your daily examination of conscience. A brilliant analysis followed by the model of Ignatian contemplation and spirituality.”  Albert Allegue, Author and Lay Theologian

*****

"Pondering Tidbits of Truth Volume 6 is a beautiful collection of challenging quotes from many spiritual writers. This is an ideal book to take to Adoration, on retreat, or just to have on hand for meditation/prayer time at home. It will help anyone who wants to grow in their relationship with God. Highly recommend!"  - Ellen Gable Hrkach, award winning Catholic author, editor and publisher.

*****

“Pondering Tidbits of Truth Volume 6 is an edifying and priceless collection of God’s Truth that was poured into willing and receptive hearts. Each quote is a handcrafted masterpiece of our Divine Master. I especially enjoy the “Pause and Ponder” reflection sections. They guide you into a deeper contemplation of the fruit that was produced in the souls of the ones who loved Him.”  - Patty Sinay

*****

“What a beautiful book!” – Kathleen Desrosiers

 *****

"I loved Pondering Tidbits of Truth, Volume VI. It's a very powerful collection with incredibly profound meditations and reflections. I loved the diversity of quotations. The "Pause and Ponder" sections do a great job of synthesizing the quotations into simple, direct, and actionable considerations. The book is very well done - you cannot go wrong with the words of the saints! Reading it enriched me spiritually." - Michael Cassman, copy editor

 

"Can’t wait to add this book of reflections to my daily prayer and reflection time. Michael really knows how to mine these tidbits of truth! I just ordered two copies for our Adoration Chapel." - Tony Agnesi, Inspirational Speaker | Best Selling Author | Award-Winning Blogger

You can get a copy here.

 

Stirring Slumbering Souls - 250 Eucharistic Reflections

May our loving and waiting Lord use the 250 quotations in this book to increase belief in, reverence for, devotion to and love of His Eucharistic Presence, touch lukewarm hearts, stir slumbering souls, and re-ignite the flame of love for Him that He placed in our hearts the second He breathed life into them.

Listen to Him speak as you read and ponder these truths. Take a close look at yourself. Recognize the many ways in which you offend Him daily. Feel His pain and anguish over being abandoned and ignored and treated irreverently. Understand how thirsty He is for your love.

Then love and treat Him as He deserves.

Recent comments on the book:

This book accomplished what author Michael Seagriff hoped: that is to ignite my heart and stir my soul to love Jesus more and more. The words contained in this volume speak Truth and breathe Life and offer the reader a broad sampling of some of the finest thoughts and reflections on the Eucharist--our source and summit and surest Love. I can't wait to get to Adoration!...“Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful gem with me. I feel like every single Catholic should read it and have a copy and then share it with someone who isn’t and then we would be all set in this world. Such richness here and it stirs up so much in the soul.

Anne Costa

Stirring Slumbering Souls is an eloquent treasury of Eucharistic reflections which you will enjoy reading over and over again. I read the reflections during Eucharistic adoration and just before bedtime. They were comforting, peaceful, insightful, and gave me a new appreciation and love for the Eucharist. I highly recommend this book for all who desire to grow in their love of Jesus in the Eucharist.

 

Jean M. Heimann 

If you bring this book with you to adoration, there is material enough to meditate upon for weeks or even months. Seagriff then supplies ten questions for further reflection, testimonies of adorers, and various prayers. I can't imagine anyone reading this book without their devotion to the Blessed Sacrament increasing.

Connie Rossini 

Stirring Slumbering Souls is a beautiful anthology from saints, mystics and friends of Jesus. This book has the potential to facilitate deeper reflection and response for its readers who truly seek to grow in their faith and appreciation for the Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. For some, just one quote could bring the moment of change and profound conversion for which they have longed. For others, this will be a companion to them in their prayer times at home and in Church. As for me, it will be among my select and treasured go-to spiritual books.

 Christine M. Arabik, M.A.

This book of beautiful reflections contains inspiring quotes from priests, religious, lay people and saints. An ideal resource to take to Eucharistic Adoration. Highly recommend!

Ellen Gable Hrkach

Michael Seagriff’s recently published, Stirring Slumbering Souls, gently reminds us that “to the Real Presence of Jesus, we often respond with our real absence!” (Father Florian Racine)…Seagriff reminds Christians of Jesus’ love and longing for us. Sadly, many who profess a belief in God’s presence in the tabernacle, casually enter a church still distracted by the cares of the world. If Saint Matthew (16:17-18) asks Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, but fail to see? Do you have ears, but fail to hear? Michael Seagriff answers with a carefully researched collection of two-hundred and fifty meditations that document the church’s response to Jesus’ call to intimacy.

Don Mulcare

Seagriff has done an exceptional job at bringing together all the voices, that we need to hear. Voices that sing the same song: Spend time with Jesus now, in faith. If you can’t find the time, or the desire, to spend time with Jesus now, then why should Jesus think that you would want to spend eternity with him, later?

Ginny Lieto

Michael Seagriff describes himself as a simple man, but his thoughts and reflections, and his choice of 250 Eucharistic Reflections in 'Stirring Slumbering Souls', are anything but simple. Rather, his choice reflects his profound love of his Lord and his devotion to The Eucharist. Buy a copy and keep it with you to read and re-read. You will be profoundly moved.

David Torkington

There are so many decisions we each make, daily, that lead us towards or away from holiness. The saints were never perfect. But each day, aware of God's unconditional forgiveness and love, they set out to strive for holiness, and to love each other and God as He loves us. If we were not sure what role Eucharistic Adoration has played in the making of our saints, Michael's new book, "Stirring, Slumbering Souls," leaves ZERO doubt! God Bless you, Mike!

Mary Lothers

Get your copy here.


Pondering Tidbits of Truth (Volume 5) 

In his must-read book, The Power of Silence – Against the Dictatorship of Noise, Robert Cardinal Sarah minces no words in describing our modern society: “…silence has come into disrepute; this is the symptom of a serious worrisome illness. The real questions of life are posed in silence.”

There is so much noise in this world that we are not only having trouble hearing ourselves think, we rarely hear the voice of God. So many are the distractions and demands placed on our time, that we nary give God a thought.

Many of us recognize this failure and long for a way to make time for Him. Countless others are unaware of the damage being done to their eternal souls by rarely, if ever, thinking of He Who created them.

What can we do about this? We must, all of us, make time for God every day. 

Please do not take these words as a chastisement; they are intended as an invitation to embark on an exciting and life-changing spiritual adventure.

But where to begin?

Right now, promise your Creator that you will give Him just five minutes of your time at the very beginning of the day (preferably) or during your lunch break or before you go to bed or whatever time works best for you. BUT be sure it is the same time every day. You can do that! You need to do that! God will bless you for doing that!

How can you spend those five minutes profitably and get the most out of this time with your loving Lord? Read and ponder one of the 100 challenging and instructive quotations contained in this book. Some will sting; all will teach. Re-read the passage as often as necessary during that five-minute period of time until something in it penetrates your heart. Stop. Listen to what God is trying to tell you and then ask Him for the grace to live or apply that Truth in your life.

Do this every day and marvel at how much your relationship with God will change.

What happens when you go through the 100 quotations in this book? Not to worry. Go back and see what additional insights you will receive the second time around and/or pick up Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Pondering Tidbits of Truth and satiate your desire to know and live the Truths of your Catholic Faith.

When you have mined the treasures in all five volumes of Pondering Tidbits of Truth, then pick up Forgotten Truths To Set Your Faith Afire -- Words to Challenge Inspire and Instruct. This book of 1200 quotations is the recipient of the prestigious Seal of Approval from the Catholic Writers’ Guild and an unending smorgasbord of spiritual nourishment.

Give God five minutes each day and you will soon find yourself spending far more time with Him than you ever thought possible. And oh, what a treasure it will be!

Pondering Tidbits of Truth (Volume 4)

Have you promised God that you would "fit Him" in that busy schedule of yours, but have not been successful in doing so?

Perhaps you have not yet seen the value in making time for spiritual reading in your daily life.

Are you among those who have approached spiritual reading as being worse than going to a dentist?

It is time to end your spiritual malnutrition! Read these faith-enriching quotations - one soul-stirring morsel at a time!

Copies available here.





Pondering Tidbits of Truth (Volume 3) 

From the Introduction

It has been said of St. Dominic de Guzman, the founder of the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans, that “wherever he was, he always spoke to God, or about God”.

Our loving Lord was never far from his consciousness.

Intuitively, we realize deep down in our souls that we too need a relationship with God. We must make time for Him and learn more about Him and what He expects of us. More importantly, we must speak to Him, love and honor Him, thank Him for His countless blessings, and ask for His assistance.

I am certain that none of us spend our days in such constant thought of the God Who made us as did St. Dominic. There are probably more than a few days when we give Him little or no consideration - not because we don’t love Him or don’t have a desire to get closer to Him or to learn more about Him or what He expects of us, but because we are overwhelmed by the responsibilities and trials of our earthly lives.

We have convinced ourselves that we have little time for Him.

Or so we think.

Pondering Tidbits of Truth Volume 3 is a simple but sure-fire tool to make certain you spend some time every day thinking about, and being in the presence of, the God who loves you and desires to spend eternity with you. It is an inspiring way to learn more about the Catholic Faith.

Available on Amazon.com.

Pondering Tidbits of Truth (Volume 2)

Let me ask you two questions? Are you at the point in your spiritual life where you sense God prodding you to spend more time each day reading, pondering and reflecting on the truths of your Catholic faith, but you do not know where to begin or how you will find the time to do so? Fret no more. The hard work has been done for you.

Pondering Tidbits of Truth (Volume 2), like its Volume 1 predecessor, sets forth 100 quotations from ancient and contemporary Catholics that will challenge and inspire you. The wisdom contained within these books will provide much fruit for your contemplation.

Spend just five minutes a day on one quotation. Chew on it. Dissect it. Debate it. Repeat it. Recall it during the course of your waking hours. What is that quotation saying to you? Is there something in it that you need to apply to your life and spiritual journey? Stay with that pearl of wisdom until its truth penetrates your heart and soul. Then move on to the next quotation and begin the process anew.

If you are like most of those responding to our Lord’s promptings, you will not tire of re-reading these truths from time to time. 

Comments On The Book:

"Another invaluable source of saintly wisdom and Church teaching. In a world where the truth is so twisted, this little volume sets the reader straight...I enjoy these compilations immensely."

Anne Costa, Author and Catholic Radio Host

Buy Your Paper Copy Here or Your Kindle Version Here

Pondering Tidbits of Truth (Volume 1)

We are all busy people. Many of us have convinced ourselves that we simply do not have the time to read, ponder and reflect on the wealth of spiritual wisdom our Catholic Church has accumulated over the centuries. Yet, we owe God and ourselves this reflective time.

If we spend little or no time pondering the truths and mysteries of our Faith, we are not going to progress spiritually - a growth essential to our eternal well-being and that of those around us…

You will find 100 quotations here. Some may be familiar to you. Others maybe not so much.  All offer much fruit for your reflection and contemplation. I offer no apology for the frequent appearance of the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen – his clear and courageous voice is needed in our times.

This is my challenge to all who come upon this little book. Put it on your Kindle, tablet, laptop, android or I-phone so it will always be readily accessible at those times when you can steal a few minutes away from the hustle and demands of daily life and think about “what is above”. Read these words and ponder them, asking God to let you understand what He wants you to learn from this material.

BUY YOUR  COPY HERE

I'm sure people will gain a great deal from this book. Certainly every quote will make the seeker of Christ ponder well. - Barb S.

I think the book is perfect for Lectio Divina.  -  Faith Flaherty 

 

...spiritually enriching...provides wonderful reflections... Lois C.

 

***************

(Buy Copy Here)

I Thirst For Your Love


Awarded Seal of Approval by Catholic Writers' Guild

[Excerpts from Introduction)

The time for mincing words is over. 

The most significant crisis in the Catholic Church today, from which all the other problems we are experiencing flow, is the fact that an overwhelming majority of those identifying themselves as Catholic, no longer believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is really, truly and substantially present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Blessed Sacrament!

The sad but truthful reality is that in far too many of our Catholic parishes we have lost the sense of the sacred and an appreciation for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that are both essential for fostering and maintaining a belief in the Real Presence.

Instead of cursing this darkness, ignorance and disbelief, it’s time to do something affirmative to console Our Lord and to help rediscover a sense of the "sacred" and of "awe and amazement" in this gift of the Eucharist, as Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI had so frequently urged us to do.

We do not need any more study groups or committees or commissions in our Church. All lukewarmness toward or outright opposition to the promotion of Eucharistic adoration and spirituality must cease. We need Bishops, priests, religious and laypeople to frequently get on their knees before their Eucharistic Lord. It is He, not any of us, Who will gift us with a deep, abiding, life-changing, sanctifying belief in His Real Human and Divine Presence here among us. Everything else we need or think we need individually or as Church will flow from Him.

Ponder this Truth: Our God does not need any of us, not even for a millisecond. Yet, as Jesus hung from the cross more than 2000 years ago, He let us know He was thirsty – not a physical thirst - but an unquenchable spiritual thirst as our Lord, Savior and Redeemer to be loved by those He created and for whose eternal benefit He died.

In the ensuing centuries, not enough of us have made sufficient effort to quench His thirst. For the most part, many of us ignore His plea to love Him as He loves us. He still thirsts for our love. He is still waiting for us to love Him! Has He not waited long enough? Why have so many of us been unwilling to quench His thirst?

There is only one credible and honest answer to that question - one that should make each of us uncomfortable but spur us to action. If we really believed Jesus Christ was truly here with us, we would come visit Him. Nothing would prevent us from doing so. We would not permit anyone or anything to take precedence over Him.

But we do not come as we ought because not enough of us believe He is here!

We are the only ones who can quench His thirst. All we have to do is come into His Presence and tell Him we love Him! That’s it! But most of us don’t and won’t.

He remains not only thirsty but heartbroken!

Shame on us for denying Him what He deserves, what He has asked of us and that which would be so very easy to give Him!

To have such a great gift, to have a God so easily accessible and not to reverence and appreciate that Gift, is the greatest of all human failings.

It is the author’s hope that after reading this book you will come to Love Him! Reverence Him! Visit Him!

Quench His thirst!

Comments On the Book: 

If you have ever wanted to know more about Our Lord Jesus Christ exposed in a monstrance, and referred to as Our Blessed Sacrament, then this book is for you. Michael Seagriff does an excellent job at helping you to understand that it is truly Jesus Christ, Himself, contained in the monstrance, exposed during Adoration. Michael helps the reader to understand why we should be more reverent to the Blessed Sacrament. He also provides suggestions on how we can be more reverent when in Church. The messages from Jesus, contained in this book, taken from In Sinu Iesu (The Journal of a Priest) were beyond powerful. When reading them, I felt like Jesus was talking directly to my heart about what it means to Him to have someone visit with Him in Church. I highly recommend taking this book to Adoration and reading it in Christ's Presence. The prayers in the Appendices can be recited over and over, at each visit. This book is a gem! "

Virginia Lieto, Author and Blogger

"Tender, earnest, and heartfelt—I Thirst For Your Love is an excellent collection of beautiful poignant Eucharistic reflections. Author Michael Seagriff believes we have lost the sense of the Sacred and offers countless reasons for us to pause and ponder Jesus’ Sacred thirst for our love. I highly recommend this book."

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, Author, Speaker  and ETWN Host

"As I was reading [this book] I just kept thinking how urgent is this message. You say it with clarity and charity. Anyone reading this book will not be able to resist the 'wooing' of our Saviour to His wounded heart. As a woman, the holy gift of my receptivity resides and is invigorated by His Eucharistic presence. Jesus in the tabernacle is our only hope, quenching His thirst our single aim."

Anne Costa, Author and Catholic Radio Host

[The author] has written a book full of little reminders as eye-opening as they are stimulating and, in some cases, conscience pricking. We are taken on a journey of considerations surrounding our behavior and attitudes toward Eucharistic Adoration and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with the effect of stirring us to spend more time with Our Lord in Adoration and being more focused and attentive at Mass...I think this book needs to be promoted in every parish for the sake of evangelizing ourselves and others. ..

Barb Schoeneberger, Catholic Blogger

************** 

Forgotten Truths To Set Faith Afire! Words to Challenge, Inspire and Instruct

Also Awarded Seal of Approval by Catholic Writers' Guild

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH BUT DON’T THINK YOU HAVE THE TIME? Michael Seagriff, a Lay Dominican and retired attorney, has done the heavy lifting for you by compiling more than 1200 quotations from Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Popes, Church Doctors, saints, bishops, priests, sinners and regular folk.

These essential but often Forgotten Truths opened his eyes, spoke to his heart, and stirred his soul. The power of these words changed his life and can do the same for all who read and reflect upon them.

CLICK HERE TO BUY BOOK AND FOR MORE DETAILS

Excerpts from Amazon.com and Goodreads Reviews: 

Each page is filled with powerful words to affirm, inspire and encourage Catholics and Christians in their faith.  

Anne Costa, Author 

I am very impressed with this book and the author's commitment to writing about the Catholic Faith in a very informational and inspirational manner. I have no doubt that this book will help others on their Faith journeys.

Donna M. Cooper O’Boyle, ETWN TV host and author 

One thing I like about the book is that you can open it anywhere, read a passage and ponder on what you have read for either a few minutes or for however long you want. Then see where that time contemplating takes you - maybe into a deeper and more spiritual life.  

Catherine Vallier, Lay Dominican

The book is easy to read and difficult to put down... It enhanced my own faith, as I'm sure it would that of any Christian.

Bernie Conklin, Author

I love reading this book in company with the Lord in adoration…the words just jump off the page to me!

Jackie Stutman

Very enlightening but not so deep that you get lost or disinterested…Helps to keep the rest of the day in perspective. 

H. Ball

This book is so detailed with valuable information at your fingertips. It is worth every penny and if your mind is open to deepen your spirituality then I highly recommend. 

Linda Henry

This was very inspirational. It gives a deep insight into God, His wondrous deeds, and it also makes you realize that Heaven is truly not of this world.

iDevour Books

*******************

Fleeting Glimpses of the Silly, Sentimental and Sublime

May the stories you read here bring you laughter at a time you feel forlorn, comfort when you are overburdened with the challenges of daily living, tears of joy when certain words you read or images they generate resurrect thoughts of those you loved and lost, greater appreciation for the gift of life, zeal for the salvation of souls, and an increased desire to give to God and those He created what He and they deserve.

CLICK HERE TO BUY

Excerpts from Amazon.com Reviews:

Life is fleeting but through Michael Seagriff's inspirational moments, he offers the opportunity to hang on just a little tighter and slow things down. Life is more beautiful, deeper, and more fulfilling when we stop and take it in. Seagriff's story give us a Gospel perspective of God, love, the gift of family and of life.

His book is a treasure of stories that earned him wisdom through experiences lived in union with God and his Catholic faith.

"By taking these words to heart, we might recognize some of the crosses we most dread to carry are no more than toothpicks and that, by God’s grace, no cross He sends will ever be too heavy."

"The minute I silently accepted our impending deaths, I received an unmistakable, non-verbal, internal prompting to stop the car. It made no sense! But I did as I was prompted."

"God does not promise those who love him a life here free of trials and tribulations. Time before Him in the Blessed Sacrament is no guaranty of a struggle free life. But He does promise sufficient graces to carry our daily crosses and eternity with Him for those who love Him."

I highly recommend this book for those who like to think and feel and grow closer to God and family.

Patti Maguire Armstrong

This collection of autobiographical short stories are brimming with love. Mike has such a gift for pulling in the reader and investing him in each story. His writing style is crisp and clear and authentic. It is filled with a great depth of love for His God and family. This book is a gift to yourself that you will want to share with others. Strong recommendation.

Kathy


 

It's a very personal collection [of essays and reflections], ranging from humorous to touching vignettes and reflections, including Christmas stories and exhortations to love as Jesus loves and to love Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament. It's entertaining and often thought-provoking... 

Stephanie Mann 

I'm so glad I came across Fleeting Glimpses. This is a sweet, quick read that sings the praises of our Catholic faith in an easy-to-read style. It warmed my heart!

Erin McCole Cupp

Good reading - Highly recommended for everyone. Very enlightening and inspirational. I have read and re-read it several times. God bless the author.

Richard

Manly thoughts - Wonderfully written to inspire thought and moreover, action. Seagriff challenges me to be the man and Christian I know I should be but does so with a velvet hammer. I appreciate his example.

Dave W. 

**************