Below is the opening to N' J.'s true story, "The Diamond Ring,"
in Hot Apple Cider.
"The
other guests at the birthday party appeared to be having a wonderful
time. I was counting the minutes until I could go home and read
a book or design more clothes for my paper dolls. As soon as we’d
eaten the birthday cake, I said I had to leave early. Dressed in
my best party dress and my white sandals, carrying a little basket
of candy and trinkets, I fought to hold back the tears that started
the moment I closed the door.
Our
house was on the outskirts of town, and to reach it I had to cross
a set of railway tracks. I stopped and walked along the rails. By
now, I was sobbing in earnest, and I didn’t want my parents
to see—didn’t want them to worry. I also was trying
to figure out why I wasn’t like other people. For a moment,
I thought it might be a huge relief if a train would come along
and erase the pain.
It
was 1955, and I was seven years old."
To
read the rest, you'll need a copy of Hot Apple Cider.
This
is from an article you can read here.
I
sat in my arm chair dutifully reading a chapter in my Bible. I've
been doing that since I was a very young child. Somewhere I learned
that if you read a little in the Bible each day, you make God happy.
So
what if much of the time I didn’t feel I gained anything from my
reading except a sense that I had done my daily duty to God?
This
day, I turned to the chapter where my bookmark rested. John 9. A
familiar story, of the blind man Jesus healed. I knew it well. But
as I sat reading, in my mind I was transported to ancient Israel.
The blind man, who had been merely a few dead black words on a white
page, took on flesh and blood and life.
I
quickly found a piece of paper and a pen, and wrote down what I
was feeling and seeing...."
Read
the rest of N. J. Lindquist's article "Catch the Vision"
N.
J. is available to preach, teach, entertain and encourage through
sermons, keynote talks for adult or teen conferences or retreats,
readings, and more. She is currently taking bookings for the fall
of 2008 and 2009. These are some of her topics for individuals.
General
Audience (Adult or Teen):
God, Can I Really Trust You?
N.
J. Lindquist has known since she was four years old that she was
adopted. She has never been bothered by it or felt a strong need
to learn more about her birth parents. But when her eldest son began
asking questions after his daughter was born, N. J. realized that
her roots were not only hers, but also her sons’ and their
children. So she wrote a letter to the post-adoption agency for
the city in which she had been born. Listeners will be encouraged
and empowered by this incredible story of God’s ongoing faithfulness
and care.
If Only God and I Could Talk Together
Since N J. Lindquist
was a child, she has spoken to God. She believes prayer is not just
a nice thing to do, but a vital, amazing method of communication
with God and a weapon for carrying out God’s purposes for his
creation. Listeners will be empowered to find their own ways to
connect with God on an ongoing basis.
Imparting
the Gift of Imagination
Studies show that the older we get, the less creative we
tend to be. Too often, we want things under control. We emphasize
rules and standards and patterns of behaviour. Rarely, do we discuss
the imagination (unless it's to complain about modern music or the
lack of standards). The truth is we are often fearful and tentative
about encouraging new thoughts and ideas. Listeners will be challenged
to use their imaginations for good, and, more importantly, to pass
on this amazing gift to others, especially children.
Made in the Image
In 1993, N. J. Lindquist
began a journey to learn more about the God she had served for over
25 years. Though a committed Christian and church leader, she realized
that much of her understanding of God came from what she had read
and heard on an intellectual basis, rather than from a personal
relationship with God himself. She began a pilgrimage to discover
God. What she learned affected not only her relationship with God,
but also her understanding of who she is as a child of God. Her
story will encourage others to evaluate their own relationship with
God.
Making a Difference, One Person at a Time
It’s so easy to get excited
about the big-name movie stars and athletes while overlooking the
impact ordinary, everyday people have on our lives. We need to be
aware of the roles "ordinary" people play in our lives,
and do our best to become the kind of people who impact others.
Listeners will be inspired to look for ways to make a difference
in other people's lives.
Marriage
When One Plus
One MakesThree
Marriage is meant to be a partnership of equals, not a pairing of
co-dependents or parent/child or boss/slave or manipulator/controlled,
etc. Being who we are and encouraging our spouse to be who he or
she is meant to be, is the key to a solid marriage partnership.
Parenting
(Working with Children/Teens)
Making Disciples
Begins at Home
Children are giving into our care as gifts of God. Our
responsibility toward them involves all aspects of their lives—physical,
emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual. No matter what kind
of example we give them, they will be affected. Let's make sure
we give them what they need.
Seven Keys to
Empowering Children/Teens God’s Way
Most parents, teachers, and youth workers dream of empowering
the teens in their care to be mature, independent followers of God
who reach out to their friends. Yet many adults find themselves
slipping into roles of enabler or even co-dependent, with the expectations
of others as a weight on their shoulders. This workshop talks about
seven keys to training up children/teens and empowering them to
be all God wants them to be.
Equipping Teens
to Disciple One Another
The best people to reach teenagers are other teenagers.
Many Christian teens care about their friends, but feel ill-equipped
to do anything except try to bring them to the church or youth group.
This workshop will explore ways of empowering teenagers to not only
reach out and help their friends understand their need for Christ,
but also mentor them in a caring, life-changing, 1:1 relationship.
The
Power of Fiction to Change Lives
Think
of the impact Uncle Tom's Cabin and In His Steps
had on their generation, and more recently, the Left Behind Series.
While most books are helpful, it is not the how-to books or the
rules and regulations books that most effectively open our minds
and challenge us, but fiction and poetry that keep us human and
challenge us to think. We all need to read fiction – for entertainment
and for personal growth.
Surviving
and Encouraging Gifted and Creative Children
As a psychology major in university, N. J. Lindquist
discovered that she was gifted and creative. As a teacher, she was
particularly interested in the needs of children of above average
ability. Later, she raised and home-schooled four gifted and creative
sons. She shares the insights she has learned and why she believes
it is important to nurture and support gifted and creative individuals.
topics for
churches and Christian leaders
topics
for writers and aspiring writers
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