Home        Learn more about this book        Sample Poems       About the author        Contact the Author
  Customer Reviews:

 
    Posted by Dr. Joan Fox, DDS on 10/18/2003 
Jim has captured many of these unexpected “byways” of life with his pen. We can all relate to these poems in one way or another as he eloquently expresses the faithfulness and goodness of God amidst the ups and downs we experience in life. Jim has written his poems in a manner that has repeatedly ministered to my heart and encouraged me over the years. Like the beautiful sunset, all of Jim’s poems are written to point each reader to the one who loves us and gave Himself for us….Jesus Christ!

Posted by Wayne Hey D.O., F.A.C.O.S on 10/18/2003 
Jim has been my friend for over twenty-five years. He has an infectious love for the Lord. His enthusiasm and encouragement of others is reflected in his poems. His penned words touch the hearts of those who read them. He has been God’s instrument to show God’s love and compassion for His people. Write on Jim! It is an honor to be a part of your life.

Posted by Rev. Harold Green on 10/18/2003 
God has given Jim an uncanny ability to express himself in poetry. I have known him for over 20 years and have found him to be a man of deep faith. I was delighted to discover that God had given him this wonderful gift. Not only have I benefited personally from his poetry but also I have used it extensively in my ministry. I enjoyed the time we spent working together in ministry. I love you my brother and remember to keep your eyes on the Lamb!

Posted by Major Bo McGowan on 10/18/2003 
Jim Lake has been a mentor, leader, friend, and brother to me. His words in person inspire me to be the man that God wants me to be. His beautiful written words are a reminder to me that when I can’t hear his voice I know that he is still passionately worshipping God. He is the benchmark for today’s Christian Man.

Posted by Camille Sullivan on 10/18/2003 
Wholesome, warm and wise. Jim is blessed with the ability to pen warm feelings and thoughts, that inspire and humble his readers. “What a wonderful way to relax and ponder!”

Posted by Hue Haslim on 10/25/2003 
What a talent that Jim has!!! Praise the Lord for his gift. I know God uses Jim's talent to glorify His name. Jim really loves the Lord, and it manifests in his poems. It is very easy to read and it relates to many things happening in real life. This special book has already become a blessing in many lives. I really enjoyed reading it, so simple and powerful for everyone's heart. I pray that thru Jim's special book, it will draw many people to the Lord

Posted by Andrew Hartono on 10/28/2003 
What a blessing and an encouragement! Thank you, Jim, for sharing these precious and inspirational words of encouragement that God has given you for us. Just wanted to let you know that these poems have lifted many discouraged hearts, and also refocus many lost feelings and thoughts on what really matters. Thank you!

Posted by Lori Ybanez on 10/30/2003 
There are times in life when people are able to sense the depth of God and can share it through a song, story or poem. Jim Lake has captured the essence of God through his poems and they put life in perspective on days that are absolute chaos. Although, it would be incredibly overwhelming for one to really see into the heart of God. It is an encouragement to find words that give us a taste of how God feels about us. Thanks Jim

Posted by Bob Gambill on 11/4/2003 
Jim: I try to read a poem every night to my lovely Alzheimer's wife. Each poem never fails to deliver peace and comfort to the both of us as they indicate the Lord is in charge and is protecting us with His love, kindness and omnipotence. God bless, Bob with Karen

Posted by Donald T. Green on 11/18/2003 
Jim: I'm sure God is very pleased with your efforts in preparing this book.The poems are one additional way to bring souls to HIM! SEMPER-FI!

Posted by Bob Bradburn on 2/25/2004 
For several years Jim has been sending his poems at their original time of construction. Often they were right on point with important issues I was facing in my daily walk. As a businessman who faces time pressures and other challenges in the Christian walk, they have been immensely helpful. Over time I found that I was increasingly unable to put them in the "read later" file and had to read them immediately no matter what I was doing. Jim impresses me with his enthusiastic and overwhelming dedication to communicating the message of the Gospel through his poems. Getting to know the author through personal contact has made the rewards ever greater. Many of us are blessed further by frequently picking up the phone and calling Jim for added encouragement and prayer and sharing. Now, Jim has put his best works forward in a book which we have had the pleasure of sharing with our family. I would encourage you to do the same.

Posted by Dawn Ruotolo on 2/25/2004 
This book of poems by Jim Lake is inspirational and spiritual. I'm so glad that he was able to bring his talents to a book so all can read.

Posted by Stefanie Kelly on 2/27/2004 
Jim Lake’s poetry takes me into the presence of the Lord. Holy and true. Sacred and inspired. When I need rest from the frantic pace I often find myself in, I can retreat to the calm surrender of the scriptures that are so transparent in Jim’s works. Each time I read, I am taken back to a child-like faith I so desperately need. Pure and simple. Jim Lake’s poetry takes me into the presence of the Lord.

Posted by Joyce Ho on 2/27/2004 
As a student and a programmer, life can get pretty busy; Many times I got buried under all the things I needed to do… absolutely frustrated, tired, and discouraged… but whenever I read this book, I am totally renewed… every time… From discouraged, battered, and tired to encouraged, renewed, and strong as Mr. Lake’s poems and the Bible verses within brings me back to "The One" who loves and who is always waiting to help me, to listen to me, and to care for me. Absolutely wonderful!

Posted by Teresa Cooper on 3/11/2004 
This book has given our family support, love, and wisdom in dealing with life's issues and our spirituality. The poetry in this book has given us inspiration to live each day to its fullest.

Posted by Geneva Proctor on 6/24/2004 
I just recieved Jim Lake's book from his friends Ron and Mary Weeden. The words are so Christ centered, and what I like most is that his words are backed up with Scriptures from the word of God. In this battle to beat cancer right now, Jim relates not only to the pain but gets right to the real need, keep your eyes on Jesus for He is the comforter and healer so I pick it up everyday because I know I will be ministered to. I have been encouraged and strenghtened. You will want to read it over and over. I hope I get to meet you Jim. Hang on to love, it's number one.

Posted by Lori Floyd on 10/2/2004 
This book is a must have! It is no secret when reading these poems that God has given Jim Lake a unique gift of encouragement through the written word. Whether on paper or in person, Jim is a light and a joy to all who know him! He reflects the Savior through his words in these pages and in his actions as a man of God. Thanks, Jim!

Posted by Joe Oswald on 10/2/2004 
I've known Jim Lake for 7 years. He was my Bible Study teacher, and was instrmental in introducing me to the love of my life- my wife Kelly Linn. He performed our wedding and has been a true friend through the years. He cheers for us, prays for us and continually challenges us to live for the glory of God! As a Pastor and coach, I have the privilege of influencing many lives for the kingdom. Jim's influence through his life and words helps me to be more like Jesus! This book of poetry is one of the finest ones I've every read. It beautifully balances comfort, challenge, and conviction in a Christ-centered way. Last year, my wife and I bought several copies as Christmas gifts! Thank you Jim for being you!

Posted by Janet Schrey on 10/3/2004 
My sisters and I have had the pleasure of knowing Jim and his wife, Edna for over 20 years. The encouragement that he gives is 2nd to none. When you have a prayer request he is the 1st one who is willing to pray for you over the phone. Watching Jim's faith in Christ Jesus has been an inspiration to me as well as my sisters. Jim definitely has the "GIFT OF PEN" and you can read it through his "HEART FOR GOD" in his book of poetry. Thanks Jim for your numerous words of encouragement. God Bless you and Edna.

Posted by Debbie Williams, Host of By the Book Radio on 10/4/2004 
Jim's poems are so inspiring! It's amazing to see God using his poetry to encourage our lives as well as others. Readers will definitely be blessed by his inspirations and find myriad uses for his poems, from devotionals to promises and even gifts. Thanks for sharing, Jim! You truly are a man of words.

Posted by Pete & Susan Strupp on 10/13/2004 
Living in China for the last five years, Jim's poems have been a great inspiration to us over the years. We have used the book as a daily devotional and have found it to be often just what we needed for that day. Our hearts seem to be closer to God's heart when we are able to start our day with the truth of God's Word in these poems. God is faithful and His Word does not return void, even in China.

Posted by Gina M. Hanna on 10/16/2004 
My husband Darl and I met Jim and Edna the week after we married in Sept. 1988. They were having a Bible Study for Young married couples. To this day Jim continues to be a wonderful friend, our Prayer Warrior and our mentor. He has seen us through moves, career changes, illnesses and the birth of 5 children. We so appreciate this Godly man. I believe that God has given Jim the gift of encouragement and his poems are just one way that Jim expresses this encouragement to us all. I pray that you will be blessed by these poems

Posted by Ric and Cindi Jones on 10/19/2004 
My wife, Cindi and I have known Jim Lake and his wife, Edna for many years. We have shared many of life's experiences together over the years and I was even privileged to work along side of Jim in the church. There are so many ways Jim has encouraged me through life's trials. By his life - his "sold out" commitment to Christ and His Kingdom work, and now by the pen. Even when Jim's health declines and he is physically limited, God still uses Jim's gift of encouragement through his poems. Thank you Jim for your example and for your wonderful poems of encouragement that always seem to arrive at my home just when I need them most

Posted by D.J. Morgan on 10/25/2004 
When I met Jim on a cross-country flight about 2 years ago, we discussed his poetry, and I knew it was only a matter of time till it would be in print. The book is beautifully done, a window to the wisdom inside. I’ve shared his words of comfort and encouragement with family and friends who were experiencing loss, and facing an uncertain future, and have found these poems from his heart to reflect the true meaning of the scriptures that inspired them. He is like a well-spring of hope that seems to arise from the challenges he has faced in his own life, to lift the hearts and souls of others in need.

Posted by Chuck Irion on 10/29/2004 
Jim and Edna Lake are both an inspiration in my life and both have touched many lives through their personal interactions and demonstrations of faith. This book reflects their inner beings and their outward manifestations of their beliefs.Read it ,enjoy it,learn from it and grow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Donald T. Green on 10/30/2004 
Jim's dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ is surely understood in his poetry ! I've known Jim & his wife Edna for many years and can assure you its all right from his heart !! PROVERBS 3 : 6

Posted by Jim Linenger on 11/1/2004 
Have you ever had a friend that always seemed to know the right time to call you when you least expected it? A friend that seemed to sense when you were troubled or when you just needed someone to talk to? Have you ever known someone who would talk to you straight about your marriage or parent/child relationship without condemning you for your actions. Do you have a friend who always turns the focus toward Jesus Christ somewhere in your conversation that lets you know God is in control? Do you know someone who would give you the last dollar he had or the shirt off his back if he knew you needed it more? That would be a person who has truly been touched by the Almighty and uses God's gifts to bless others. Want to know someone like this? He is my brother in the Lord...Jim Lake. You will find out about this person in the "Pen of the Poet". My wife and I have been the recipients of Jim's encouragement and prayers for over 20 years. His poems let us see into the heart of God who loves us and wants only the best for us. Thank you, Jim, for being the friend that you are.

Posted by Valeriel Leach on 11/25/2004 
Jim has been a blessing to me for about eighteen years. He has helped me in my personal struggles throughout the years and his sayings and encouragement has been cemented into my mind to help me and remind me of Gods love and forgiveness. I told Jim one time that he has won a lot of points in heaven for helping me through different times in my walk of life!! However, it is as normal as breathing for Jim to be of encouragement to anyone that crosses his path. Thanks Jim and Edna for your friendship and support over the years.

Posted by Shirley Coleman, Ft. Worth, TX on 3/12/2005 
I met Jim and Edna Lake in Phoenix, nearly 20 years ago. They have been my biggest cheerleaders, in my life as well as my music ministry. They have always encouraged me to keep using what God has given me for His glory and my help, to keep looking to Him as my source of strength. I can honestly testify, that through my happiest days as well as my saddest days, the Lakes continue to be a constant support to me. They are just that, Constant. Now that I live in Texas, I continue to get emails with daily poems and encouraging stories from Jim and I know, although I can't ever tell who else is getting the emails, that he's encouraging a whole host of others with the gift that God has given him. Thank you Jim, for being faithful to share the glory of God and the peace of Christ with everyone you come in contact with. You are a living example of Christ's love and I do, always, see Jesus in you. I know that God will bless those who find themselves reading this book. It is a love song, sung beautifully by Jim Lake to his Creator and Sustainer. We all get the blessing of listening in!

Posted by Dr. Emily Edwards on 3/13/2005 
I first met Jim and Edna in Sept. 2002 when I was at VCL for training in Biblical Discipleship. I remember talking to Jim on the phone, he shared many of his poems with me that were very encouraging. When I met Jim, I saw a wonderful picture of a life that Christ meant for all of us to live. A life that is committed to God and full of joy and happiness. To this day, Jim continues to be a huge inspiration in my life. I, myself am a counselor and when I have struggled with issues, Jim has always taken the time to allow God to use him in my life, reguardless of his circumstances. Jim has challenged and encouraged me to grow in my walk with God, and I could not say 'thank you' enough for all Jim has let the Lord do and say through him. I have to say that God has blessed Jim with an incredible gift. Jim, you have done amazing things with the gifts God granted you. What an encouragement you have been to so many. Thank you so much for making such an impact. In His Love, Dr. Emily Edwards

Posted by Cindy Schertz on 3/25/2005 
My name is Cindy Schertz, I met Jim and Edna Lake 20 years ago, he was the college directer at North Phoenix Baptist church. We have been friends through the years and both of them have been such a blessing to me and my family. Jim and Edna are like family to me. I have learned so much from them on how to be a godly women. Both of them always have kind words to say to me when Im down or whatever. Im so thankful that I met them and we have remained friends. When I moved to Phoenixe, Jim took me out and helped me buy my first car. I also cleaned there house for them to make extra money. They were always ready to help me no matter what. Thats just how God made them. Jim always has something to say to me that encourages me. Im so thankful they are my friends. NO MATTER WHAT................ Love and God Bless, Cindy Schertz

Posted by John Barkman on 3/25/2005 
My heart has been blessed time and time again as you share poetry written out of experiences you have had and based upon the Word of God. God has gifted you to write poetry and He has put you through the fire to make it meaningful to fellow pilgrims. Thank you! Sincerely, John Barkman