Joy Lister Sticca debuts her second devotional book, Joyful Inspirations from God Volume II, on November 17.

By her own admission, she struggled in school with writing, comprehension, and spelling, and she considers this book a “miracle from the Lord” like her first.

“For Him to allow me to not only write one book but two books, I could feel that it was a miracle, and it was overwhelming.” Ms Lister Sticca said, adding that she wrote this one in memory of her three late brothers, Chief Inspector Allan Lister, Eugene Lister and David Lister.

After having completed and released Joyful Inspirations in 2018, Ms Lister Sticca thought she had fulfilled what the Lord had inspired.

“After I finished my first [book], stories of my experiences seemed to be dropping into my mind, and the Scriptures were coming with it,” Ms Lister Sticca said. “The Lord said to me, ‘Write these stories’. I started writing, and the stories just came.

“Some days, I had a block; I didn’t do them every day, or even every week. But so many things came to mind that I thought were worth writing and leaving behind.”

The first story in her new book describes an experience she had while en route to deliver copies of her first book to Caesar’s Pharmacy; after returning home from that experience, she realised the Lord was not finished with her writing.

“Wow, I have a story,” Ms Lister Sticca said. “I just left home to go to Somerset and have a story. That’s when the Lord said you have more. I wrote 61 more new stories.”

For the readers who have experienced Ms Lister Sticca’s first devotional they can expect the same intentional and simple writing style. She said: “One of the similarities would be the experiences. Although they are different stories, they are around the same [inspiration].

“I have maintained the same structure, sharing insights into God’s creation, historical events, Bermudian traditions, travel adventures, baking experiences, heartaches, pain, loss, humour, survival, blessings, triumph, and victory.

“The stories are different, the Scriptures are different. Each unique Scripture for each unique story, but they still drive home that Jesus is Lord.”

Ms Lister Sticca’s first book has reached people all over the world. She desires that God will continue to use her talent and experiences to inspire people in every season of life. Ms Lister Sticca said: “There are so many people that are hurting. You turn on the news, and it's so depressing. The things I have been through – I have some triumphs, and I have some sad stories – but all of them, especially the ones that were challenging, God was with me all the way.

“He brought me through. He never left me or forsook me. So I want readers to know that, wow, she went through this, and she survived.”

“It shows there is hope in our struggles and to persevere and not give up. I was 69 when I wrote my first book; I am 74 now. I say this to say that we should never allow age or challenges to stand in the way of what can be.”

Joyful Inspirations from God Volume II will be available for purchase from November 17 at Brown and Co, Bermuda Bookstore, and Caesar’s Pharmacy. Readers also have the opportunity to meet Joy Lister Sticca at her in-store book signing on December 2 at Brown and Co. She will hold another book signing at her local church, GracePoint Church Bermuda on a yet-to-be-determined date.

An excerpt from the last story in her devotional gives a taste of what to expect from the book and the author's intention. It reads: “As you experience life’s journey, do not let negative people pull you down. Instead, pursue your dreams, surround yourself with positive influences, look for the good in people and life, and be thankful. You are very special to God; He makes no mistakes.”