Courtesy Photo Author Linda Stender will sign copies of her new book, “Write These Words,” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Olivet Book and Gift in downtown Alpena.

ALPENA — Alpena author Linda Stender has published a second book, and she will be signing copies from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Olivet Book and Gift in downtown Alpena.

“Write These Words: Speaking God’s Love and Truth into a Broken World” is an encouraging devotional book that Stender felt inspired by God to write.

She woke from a sound sleep in the middle of the night, and she felt compelled to write down the words that had come to her.

“As she scanned through the barely-legible words, she recognized many biblical truths, partial scripture verses, and promises familiar to her as a follower of Christ,” a description of the book by WestBow Press reads. “Linda had no idea what God wanted her to do with this message. And so began an unforgettable spiritual journey that carried her through many trials, encounters with those who brought clarity to the words, and years of seeking God’s wisdom.”

She said it was a unique experience for her.

“This has never happened to me,” Stender said in a phone interview. “I woke up and I had to write, write, write, and then, all of a sudden, the words just stopped … I knew it was from God. I just didn’t know what I was supposed to do with it.”

That was in 2012. She published the book on May 15, 2024.

“I spent a lot of time seeking God, asking what he wanted me to do with it,” Stender said. “I got the message back in 2012, so it took me 12 years” to write the book, she added, with a chuckle.

Each chapter features real-life stories and experiences that encourage the reader to understand the depth of God’s love for them.

“Through her inspirational writings, she reminds believers that every new sunrise offers a chance to live life to the fullest, that God created each of us to fulfill a special purpose, that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us even during the most difficult times, and much more,” the description from WestBow Press states. “‘Write These Words’ details an inspirational message from God to uplift believers, encourage spiritual growth, and to trust that he is always beside us.”

“The strongest message he kept giving me was how much he loves his children, and that each person has a purpose in this life,” Stender added. “He wants us to know that we are not alone, and he sees what we are going through. He wants us to realize his love for us.”

Stender’s first book, “The Trail Within,” detailed her experience hiking the Appalachian Trail with her husband Mark. To read the full story about that adventure, visit thealpenanews.com/life/lifestyles/2020/11/stender-writes-about-hiking-appalachian-trail-with-her-husband.