A Lost Shepherd, Michael Ripple

The other evening we attended a rather remarkable performance of the local junior philharmonic.  On the way out, my lovely wife struck up a conversation with a lady.  I paid little attention and went about my business of going to get the car and have it warmed up for the return home.  Where we live, during this time of year, getting in a warm car when it is cold, snowy, and dark (at 5 pm) is truly a luxury. It's the little things. Anyways, it turns out that the conversation my wife was having had an almost immediate affect on our living room. The lady was looking to unload an old spinet organ. Three days later, my son and I braved a snowstorm and brought home the gift. Here is the cool thing.  While I was very happy to have an organ--it wasn't just any organ.  It ended up being a 1962 Hammond m-100 model (nicknamed the baby b3 for all you hammond junkies).  That's right, the old hammond tube sound/reverb/leslie/toggle switch motor--I was in heaven--and it works!!

Mary said 'Yes.' What do you say?

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Perhaps the title of the book--says more about me than I ever thought. I am in the center of Catholic Marketing, here with the good people from New Hope.  I am a 'nobody' in the world of Catholic Authors.  In fact today someone asked me directions to the Garden State Parkway. "I'm sorry, I don't know where the parkway is."  I replied. "Oh, I thought you worked here at the hotel." Yep, A Lost Shepherd

I have to admit...Years ago, I would have poked fun at such an event. Heading out to Catholic Marketing Network Show for the east coast. Stop by New Hope Press Publications table and say hello. Sadly, I will miss (for the second time) a local showing of The Triumph. God Bless.

I received a phone call today...an old Episcopalian parishioner wanted to introduce me to a friend of his who was getting ready to travel to Medjugorje on pilgrimage.  He thought it innocent enough to invite his 'old rector' for lunch to the local country club. "I'm not dressed for country club."  I responded over the phone. "You'll be fine, they have a place there for people like you and me!" He continued, "I want you to met my friend and tell her all about the Mother of God, you know our great great great great great...Mom!" What to many may appear to be his trivializing the spiritual is actually the opposite---he has a knack for being open to the Holy Spirit and I was grateful he was arranging this impromptu gathering. "Have a drink on me while you wait for us...put it on my tab!" I arrived and made my way to the lounge area.  There were about 30 tables with no one present. A TV played above the bar. A gentlemen made h

I am honored to have been asked by an editor in Ireland to pen a story for a publication in the works concerning Medjugorje.  Fr. Svet is writing the forward.  The invitation came via my friend Wayne Weible.  I will let you know the working title and possible publication date soon.

Along with Wayne and New Hope Press I will be attending the Catholic Trade Show in New Jersey this August.  Since I've never been to a 'trade' show this will be interesting.  I do remember handing out paint sticks for my father's paint store when I was a small boy at a home show. Maybe I ought to get some paint sticks. Better yet, perhaps since the book is titled A Lost Shepherd--I ought to get little shepherd's crooks?

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars   Moving story of God's Grace ,  By  Fr Dan Powell  -  See all my reviews This review is from:  A Lost Shepherd (Perfect Paperback) What a moving account of God at work. He takes our crooked paths and guides us always back to him. Michael's story will help many. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews   Was this review helpful to you?  Yes   No Report abuse   |   Permalink Comment   Comment (1)

To all--a Blessed Easter and Season. Pray for the Holy Spirit--you'll never be let down! I'd like to share that there is another book in the making and I've begun serious work on the manuscript. More to come... For now--pray pray pray... God Bless, M

A Lost Shepherd was recently nominated to receive  Book of the Year in Christian Small Publishing. Your vote would be most appreciated.    Please clicked here to vote  and God bless!

Please use above contact information if you would like to purchase a signed copy. Oh and don't forget to pray for our new Pope! God bless, Michael

Kindle Orders Nook Orders New Hope Press Direct Order Amazon Orders On  the  Outside 2005 “Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord.” —from the prophet Ezekiel. CHAPTER I I didn’t know I was looking for answers. I didn’t know I had questions. I thought I had it all… REVIEWS... "My friends, this is a must read book... I could not stop reading the manuscript; the story stoked the full range of my emotions..." -Wayne Weible Medjugorje: The Message The Medjugorje Prayer Book "...In his fascinating memoir, A Lost Shepherd, Michael Ripple gives us an insider's view into the life of a troubled priest and the soul of a man..." -Beverly Donofrio Riding in Cars with Boys Looking for Mary (or The Blessed Mother and Me) "It takes you on a roller coaster of emotion!" An informative and wonderful read about a prie

A welcome to the Praylium Blog readers who have stopped by for a visit. Of course you will find this blog bit different from Praylium.  I hope you book mark it and check in on occasion. There is also a facebook page that you can connect with. God Bless.

A Lost Shepherd was recently nominated to receive Book of the Year in Christian Small Publishing. Your vote would be most appreciated.   Please clicked here to vote and God bless!

Kindle Orders Nook Orders New Hope Press Direct Order Amazon Orders REVIEWS... "My friends, this is a must read book." -Wayne Weible Medjugorje: The Message The Medjugorje Prayer Book "...In his fascinating memoir, A Lost Shepherd, Michael Ripple gives us an insider's view into the life of a troubled priest and the soul of a man..." -Beverly Donofrio Riding in Cars with Boys Looking for Mary (or The Blessed Mother and Me) and Riding in Cars with Boys Come and walk with a man on his journey from faith, to sin, to redemption. It is a story of the power of grace and the love of our Father and how He calls each of us home no matter how far we might have strayed. Read this book and believe in Christ's mercy and redemption and you will be touched! - Fr. Larry Richards,  Be a Man! Becoming the Man God Created You to Be  and  Surrender! The Life Changing Power of Doing

By   Lovin this Purchase Format: Perfect Paperback An informative and wonderful read about a priest's journey; allowing the reader to go into the depth of his heart. As a devoted Catholic I have never known how very important it is to understand that our priests have struggles too and how very important it is for us to pray for them; for all of our "shepherds" doing God's work. I always looked "up" to our priests; once ordained and seeimingly unapproachable; so sacred. I never gave it much thought that they are human and have struggles too. We have all had "Doubting Thomas" experiences but it should never prevent us from wanting to preach the good news. I am such a Michael Ripple fan. Thank you Mr. Ripple for writing this much needed book.