'Seeking the Light is a perfect benediction for Ana Lisa's Poetry for the Soul series. Like her earlier books, this overflows with inspiration.
Ana Lisa is incredibly talented and gifted. Spirit inspired, she is able to translate her emotions and feeling into such beautiful and engaging verse. I like her honesty. Many of her works echo both the joys and struggles of her life and faith, so masterly captured and conveyed.
Her journey becomes our journey as we relate and empathise with these poems soaked in feeling. Seeking the Light not only captures the essence of Ana Lisa's life and faith, but also inspires and illuminates the reader.'
Chaplain Class 2 Colin Mason, RNZN
Principal Chaplain Domestic Services
New Zealand Defence Force
'Seeking the Light, by Ana Lisa de Jong, holds a strong sense of anticipation. Such is the spirit of seeking. This third volume is 'food for the soul'. Seeking, sharing, waiting, reflecting, trusting, following and holding on are key to the process of seeking the light. God, who is the 'Light of the World', desires to shine through the darkness.
Here is poetry that brings a calming effect when calamity may prevail.
"the still pool"
"the reflecting image"
"I am he who both makes you and will keep you"
"the Light still seeks me out"
"I see you, seeing me living light"
These all are words that speak of security, sensitivity, sufficiency and sincerity.
Buy it, read it, share it - the whole 38 poems.
Colonel Peter Savage
Chaplain Commandant
New Zealand Defence Force
'Words flow from our hearts and from our souls. The rhythm of poetry nourishes and renews us. Ana Lisa's poetry is a delightful and refreshing expression of this. Her words minister to my spirit and my soul, bringing healing and rest.
As she comments: Faith is the healing power of light and the illumination of our pathway ahead and her words provide that healing and illumination. A wonderful collection to take on a retreat or to use as a daily devotional focus.'
Christine Sine, Co-director
Mustard Seed Associates/Godspace godspace-msa.com
'If life with Christ is a journey, a pilgrimage from temporary, inadequate quarters to our glorious, eternal home, the poetry of Ana Lisa de Jong is surely a cool, clear stream that runs beside the pathway for a ways-a place of refreshment where weary travellers may kick off their dusty shoes and, dangling their feet in the cleansing current, simply rest.
Here the spirit is bound up, the words on the page reaching deep down to draw out the pain of loss and labour. The soul is encouraged to rest in quietness and to regain the strength that once it knew; the heart with its memories of past hurts and sorrows is gently washed in the love of a God who wouldn't think of allowing us to travel in the dark without light.
As I turn the pages, again and again I wonder at the uncanny way in which the words bring to mind feelings and hurts that even I didn't know were still lurking there in the shadows. This is going to take longer than a simple afternoon rest by the side of the stream. I may have to stretch my hammock between two shade trees and stay here awhile.
But, Ana Lisa's words again remind me that life is indeed, a journey. And, journeys require traveling, not putting down roots. Even though the way may be dark, there is always "a way forward". Our Guide sometimes "sees fit to shine his light only where he leads." No matter. In faith, we walk with Him.
I'll be taking this volume of poetry along on the journey with me. I know I'll need that cool clear stream again. Perhaps, soon.'
Paul Phillips
Writer/Blogger hestakenleave.com
