Batavia resident shares columns, sermons in new book

From snippets of life to sermons of faith, Don Lindman has spent most of his life writing.

"I think the reason I write is because there are things inside of me trying to get out. Ideas, images, thoughts, feelings, experiences," he said. "Maybe other people let them out in some other way, but this is my way."

For those of us who enjoyed his many columns over the years, we're glad his way is the writer's way.

As a former columnist for the Daily Herald, Don Lindman of Batavia wrote weekly for six years. His columns ranged from insights into his faith to insights into life. He wrote about everything from neighbors who lived extraordinary lives to red horse carp in the Fox River who never made his acquaintance.

For those who enjoyed his writing style, Lindman has put his columns together into a compilation entitled, "Making a Long Story Short."

"I wanted to put a book together for my family and friends," said Lindman. "So I chose some of my favorite columns and stories and included them in this book."

In addition to the Daily Herald columns, Lindman features some unpublished works as well as articles from the Covenant Companion and the Amy Syndicate, an Internet-based opinion column service.

Don Lindman has been writing since his college days first at North Park and then at the University of Michigan.

"I was the night desk editor for the student newspaper and if I had stayed another year I would have been editor," he said.

His career path took a turn when he encountered a pleasant fork in the road.

Her name was Joanne.

"I fell head over heels for her and she thought that we should become missionaries after college," he added.

Joanne, the daughter of a pastor, convinced Don to look to ministry and although they didn't become missionaries, they spent their lives ministering to those around them. Church calls took them to New York and Michigan and Don Lindman doesn't regret his decision to become a minister at all.

"I feel honored that there are those who still call me pastor," said Lindman.

Some of Lindman's most poignant stories are those about his wife and marriage that come under the chapter heading, "How Do I Love Thee?"

He writes of his wife in gentle, tender way.

"She was beautiful when I met her, beautiful when I married her and she is still the most beautiful woman I know."

Also included in the series of essays is a story that Lindman wrote about the last quarter of life.

He equate his last quarter century with the final quarter of a sports game.

"The game winning plays are in the final quarter," he writes. "The earlier part of the game is just set-up."

Lindman isn't spending his time now sitting on the sidelines watching the game. He is in for every play and having fun.

"I'm already working on my second book," he said. "I think I have about three in me."

To read excerpts from Lindman's book, log on to www.donlindman.com.

To purchase a copy of his book, send a check for $15 to P.O. Box 32, Batavia, IL 60510. Shipping and handling are included in the price.