Walking in the Footsteps of Christ

By Joan Risch-Mayle

Paul said, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share

with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well."

-(2 Thessalonians 2:8a NIV)

As Paul shares, I have the desire to share my life through the teachings that come with analogies and parables.

Walking in the Footsteps of Christ is an accumulation of "a gift of knowledge" laced with "a gift of wisdom." Writings placed within these pages reflect an inner dialogue between the Holy Spirit and my heart and mind--relating spiritual truths (which we might not understand) with physical truths (to which we may relate in our daily living).

One such analogy that communicates a relationship between an author and a reader is as follows:

A kiwi fruit matures faster when placed in a brown paper bag with an apple. Why? The apple gives off "ethylene gas," accelerating the maturity of the kiwi, while the apple remains an apple. God, through the venue of Holy Spirit, showed me that my writings originally were the catalyst for accelerating my spiritual growth (maturity).

Applying spiritual truths with physical truths: The contents of this book (the bi-product of my walk) discharge "a spiritual ethylene gas" by placing two spiritual fruit-bearing beings in a one-on-one setting. Such as with the relationship between the apple and the kiwi, you, the reader, will not become like me--but may have a better understanding of what God could produce out of your own life.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you

an example that you should follow in His steps.

-(1 Peter 2:21 NIV)

*****

This Book Becomes my Prayer

(Walking in the Footsteps of Christ, Page 349)

I pray, dear Lord, that Your readers, too, might take the time

And glean some of these teachings

And share with others as I have shared with them.

Dear Lord, I place this book in Your Hands

As my footsteps become footprints

For generations to come.

Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord Amen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685708979

Book preview

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Walking in the Footsteps of Christ

Joan Risch-Mayle

ISBN 978-1-68570-896-2 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68570-897-9 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Joan Risch-Mayle

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

To my husband, Stan

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

My Opening Statements

Petrifying Our Legacy

Why Write and Publish?

Ten Minutes a Day—One Day at a Time

One Day at a Time (Lyrics by Kris Kristofferson—1975)

Jesus Loved Analogies, Parables, and Allegories

May This Book Deliver A Message of Hope

A New Way of Looking at Life

Chapter 2

A Life Lived in Christ Is a Life Well Lived

Let the Little Girl Dance

The Pause

Welcoming the New Year 2020

Shadows of Light Versus Shadows of Darkness

After Writing this Paper

A Continuous Thought

Shade and Shadows

Speaking of Shadows

Chapter 3

Playing to the Audience of One While Keeping our Eyes on the Ball

Playing to the Audience of One

The Value of a Teacher

Keeping Our Eyes on the Ball Part 1

Part 1

Baseball: Seizing the Opportunity

Keeping Our Eyes on the Ball Part 2

Part 2

Basketball: We All Have Our Parts as Players

Keeping Our Eyes on the Ball Part 3

Part 3

Serving Jesus's Needs

Keeping Our Eyes on the Ball Part 4

Part 4

A Progression of Faith—A Recap

Keeping Our Eyes on the Ball Part 5

Part 5

Spiritual Macular Degeneration

Keeping our Eyes on the Ball Part 6

Part 6

The Apple of God's Eye

Keeping our Eyes on the Ball Part 7

Part 7

Our Lives in Living Color!

You Want Me to Be on Your Team?

Keeping our Eyes on the Ball Part 8

Part 8

Conclusion

Chapter 4

Seasonal Messages

A Valentine Message

There Is Something beyond the Cross Part 1

Part 1

An Easter Message

There Is Something beyond the Cross Part 2

Part 2

Job's Story

Peter's Story

There Is Something beyond the Cross Part 3

Part 3

God Becomes the Carver

The Touch of the Master's Hand (Written by Myra Brooks Welch 1877–1959)

Recap of Last Set of Writings

Chapter 5

Tools in the Master's Hand

The Paintbrush

Just the Brush (Lyrics by Ken Lawrence—2004)

The Hairbrush Part 1

Part 1

The Hairbrush Part 2

Part 2

The Hairbrush Part 3

Part 3

The Hairbrush Delivered By a Cross Guard Attendant

The Hairbrush Delivered By a Long-Term Relationship

The Hairbrush Part 4

Part 4

Chapter 6

What Would Jesus Have Me Do And Say?

What Would Jesus Have Me Do?

What Would Jesus Have Me Say? Part 1

Part 1

What Would Jesus Have Me Say? Part 2

Part 2

Chapter 7

We Are the Body of Christ

The Elbow Part 1

Part 1

The Role of the Elbow

The Elbow Part 2

Part 2

God in the Flesh

The Glove

The Surgical Glove, Added Thoughts

Added Thoughts

The Cup

Fill My Cup, Lord (Lyrics by Richard Blanchard—1959)

Chapter 8

Crossing the Grand Canyon

Skywalker Part 1

Part 1

Skywalker Part 2

Part 2

Skywalker Part 3

Part 3

Then and Now: on My Own Personal Journey

Chapter 9

A Therapy Moment

A Therapy Moment Part 1

Part 1

The Following Years

A Therapy Moment Part 2

Part 2

The Day of Amy's Bone Marrow Transplant

Chapter 10

The Downward and Upward Climb Of Another Kind

The Downward Climb

The Upward Climb of Another Kind

Chapter 11

Bone Marrow Transplant

Bone Marrow Transplant Part 1

Part 1

Power in the Blood (Lyrics by Lewis Edgar Jones—1899)

Bone Marrow Transplant Part 2

Part 2

The Attributes of the Mountain Goat, Added Thoughts

Added Thoughts

Ability—Authority

What Does the Christian Carry? Ability, Authority or Both

Hinds' Feet on High Places (Written by Hannah Hurnard—1955

Chapter 12

What Do We Ignite with Our Flint? Our Faith or Our Fears

Riding on the Horse of Circumstance

A Dream Given to Me Years Ago

One Such Fire as This

Chapter 13

And Then Came the Pause

Moving the Hand of God

Two Portraits

God's Delay is not a Denial

A Candle

A Renewed Challenge

Loving Their God

A Father's Day Message

Noah and His Ark

A Reflection

Chapter 14

A Set of Papers Written During the Pandemic

Let Us Water Ski

Transitioning Our Walk

Surfing

Let the Little Girl Dance

Lessons Learned While Learning How to Surf

Wake Surfing As We Return to the Lake

Chapter 15

I Can See Clearly Now

Now I See Clearly Part 1

Part 1

Now I See Clearly Part 2

Part 2

I Can See Clearly Now (Lyrics by Johnny Nash—1972)

Now I See Clearly Part 3

Part 3

Now I See Clearly Part 4

Part 4

Now I See Clearly Part 5

Part 5

Chapter 16

Finishing Touches

The Little Farmer

About the Author

To my husband, Stan

Seven years ago, Stan and I coined the phrase our second wind describing us as newlyweds marrying in our twilight years.

Stan, you have been there for me as I have been there for you.

And you love me as I love you.

Thank You, dear Lord, for bringing us together for such a time as this.

C:\Users\DonnaBud\Desktop\JPG color pictures ready to submit\Footsteps B & W\(1) Stan and Joan BW.jpg

Stan and Joan

Acknowledgments

I want to first acknowledge and thank the Teacher within me who has first of all given me these thoughts; then making these words come to life on the printed page. Without Holy Spirit, this book could never have been written. He has comforted me. He has shown me the value of each day, even a day of rest.

A saying on a plaque:

We can count our days or make each day count.

(Author Unknown)

Thank You, dear Lord, for Your Presence.

July 2016, my daughter, Amy, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer. At the time, I was writing and journaling, and I had just published my first book, Reflections: Memoirs Reflecting God's Word. When hearing this diagnosis, I was ready to dedicate my time to sit by her side, placing my writing ministry on hold.

Meanwhile, our church was shifting in leadership roles, and there was an opening to be an overseer for the ladies' luncheons. I asked the lady who had left this role if she had anyone signed up for a devotional for the upcoming month. She said No, it was hard to find anyone to share a devotional.

At that moment, God challenged me with the words, If you would produce a writing every month for these ladies, overseeing them with also a telephone ministry, I will take care of your daughter.

I said yes, knowing and believing that God would take care of my little girl, no matter the outcome.

And God led me in writing to these ladies on a monthly basis as He stood by Amy's side. This book includes all of these writings and then some. I want to acknowledge these ladies for supporting me, encouraging me, and giving me the reason for these thoughts to flow onto paper.

I would like to acknowledge Amy Reed, my daughter. While writing devotionals, Amy remained steadfast and unmovable throughout her bout with cancer. She was and is a witness of God's love, having a tenacious spirit—seen by everyone who knows and prays for her. Through her plight, God also showed me teachings that further equipped me to know myself better.

C:\Users\DonnaBud\Desktop\JPG color pictures ready to submit\Footsteps B & W\Amy and Joan ship.jpg

Neil, Joan and Amy

I would like to acknowledge Neil Risch, my son. My children have both taught me how mother-son relationships as well as mother-daughter relationships can be as personable as we make them by giving each other the greatest gift. And that is the gift of time. Time to converse, to build, to heal, to challenge each other, and above all, to love.

I would like to thank my uncle and friend, Eugene Mallette, who has consistently edited my writings prior to my share with the ladies. He also has shown me new tricks on my computer and has tirelessly spent hours helping me format my book, pictures and all.

C:\Users\DonnaBud\Desktop\JPG color pictures ready to submit\Footsteps B & W submission\(3) Eugene.JPG

Eugene

I would like to thank those who read my first book, Reflections: Memoirs Reflecting God's Word. Many of you have encouraged me to continue writing.

I would like to thank Christian Faith Publishing for helping me place these thoughts in book form, making my thoughts available to those I do not know. But God knows!

I would like to thank those who contributed their photographs:

Amy and Brandon Reed with daughters, Emily and Myranda;

Neil and Teresa Risch with children, Kason, Gianna and Noah

Aunt Barbara and Eugene Mallette

Cousin, Thomas Peyton

I would like to thank Mina Mahoney, Gena Peyton and Shutterstock for their photos as well as Dorita Cooper and Charlotte Elmore for their drawings. I also would like to thank Norma Brumbaugh for her writing, written especially for this book. As well as thanking Tony Hord who worked with two of my old photos so they could be acceptable for this book.

In turn, I want to thank all who will be reading this book. You will be reading a heart who wants to not only write but teach. Ultimately, may this book bring forth thoughts and prayers of your own. Thank you, Carol Woodward and Stan Mayle, for going through each page before sending my manuscript to the publisher for the last time. You read with a corrective eye—challenging me to finish what I began.

Scripture says it best:

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.(Philippians 3-6 NKJV)

Meaning: Because of all of you, this book will be complete and ready for the printing press. Thank you.

Chapter 1

My Opening Statements

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. (Proverbs 1:5–6 NIV)

A Special Note to My Readers: As a synopsis of how my writings began, I would like to include thoughts that were expressed on the back of my book, Reflections: Memoir's Reflecting God's Word, published in 2013.

Dear God:

Give me the thoughts and I will think them

Give me the words and I will say them

Give me the deeds and I will do them

Give me the Love for Jesus Christ

And I will share Him.

Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord

Amen.

My life drastically changed that day. God was challenging me: You want My thoughts, words, deeds, and love for Jesus Christ? Then you must read My Word.

God granted me answered prayer with an awareness of a Silent Whisper within me as well as a love for His Word. These writings are an accumulation of thoughts, words, and deeds interacting with Scripture via Holy Spirit.

(Reflection, back page)

Petrifying Our Legacy

A tree represents the body of Christ whereas we represent the protruding branches.

Jesus says through Scripture:

I [Jesus] am the true vine and My Father is the gardener. (John 15:1 NIV)

I [Jesus] am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5 NIV)

*****

My family and I toured Arizona's Painted Desert and Petrified Forest years ago. Loudly, God spoke to me as I saw the magnificence of petrified wood.

The sign displayed stated:

These branches were developed from years in silica—saturated water, iron, carbon, and magnesium, which created patterns and blends of yellow, red, black, blue, brown, white, and pink. (Petrified Forest Museum)

What do I see with this analogy? Spiritually speaking, I see that we are considered a branch of a tree with Jesus running through us like veins in a leaf. As with any physical branch, spiritually, we should never disconnect from the tree—else, we will spiritually die.

All trees as well as their branches do die as seasons come and go. Scripture reads:

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven [there is a reason for each season]: a time to be born, and a time to die [which is a time for all of us to move on to eternal life]; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 NKJV)

What happens when a Christian chooses to leave a legacy of words or pictures behind? This Christian is petrifying his or her thoughts reflecting a relationship with Jesus; a tangible, touchable legacy that can be read or seen by later generations.

This Transforming Process

Relating these thoughts again to petrified wood:

Petrified wood becomes heavy, weighing up to 200 pounds per cubic foot.

(Petrified Forest Museum)

Key word: Becomes.

This transformation comes with a personal process. Such as petrified wood is seasoned with minerals, I pray these writings will be seasoned with Holy Spirit, tempered with time for future generations.

Scripture reads:

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (John 12:24 NIV)

Taking It One Step Further

Legacy (in the form of writings) stored in boxes can be lost for future generations. A good example: While working at an independent/assisted living facility as activities coordinator, the residents and I were enjoying time together reading aloud from my book, Reflections: Memoirs Reflecting God's Word.

We were reading this book aloud for a blind resident as well as reading aloud as a mental activity. Just as senior citizens need to keep strong and limber muscles, reading aloud helps keep communication skills active. (Thus saith the activities coordinator side of me!)

One lady attending our reading group shared the following story paraphrased:

My mom wrote just like you do. We loved her poems and asked if we could place them in book form. My mom said, After I die, you do whatever you want with them. After she died, I stored her poems in a box. A fire came that winter and destroyed all of her boxes of writings. It makes me sad just thinking about it.

Spiritually speaking, when do we see our branches turn into petrified wood? These petrified thoughts can come in the form of placing thoughts in letters, cards, song, even voice. And when we preserve this gift, there is a better chance that these thoughts will survive.

When God's Wisdom Will Become the New Gold

I heard it said that there might come a time when water will become the new gold. Water has been around throughout the ages—but if there is a shortage, water will become the new gold.

God speaks of Wisdom as finer than gold:

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she [wisdom] is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. (Proverbs 3:13–14 NIV)

When we, as a nation, ignore God's teaching, God's wisdom will also become scarce. Many books are currently being written about the political climate of this day. Some are best sellers. But 100 years from now, these same books will become a form of newspaper, reflecting their times.

Scripture reads:

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7–8 NIV)

Opened to what?

Here I [Jesus] am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20 NIV)

God is waiting for our knock, while He is also waiting for us to hear His knock. He is looking for those who will listen to His voice.

Closing These Thoughts in Prayer

Scripture's prayer over our lives says it best:

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.

That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms,

Far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:15–21 NIV)

Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord

Amen.

Why Write and Publish?

First and foremost, I am writing this book to future generations, some of who are my own offspring. My grandchildren were delighted to see their names mentioned on page 7 in my last book. This time around I have included their pictures appropriately placed to back up certain thoughts. Each picture is my favorite—as with each writing—as with each child.

Also, I will be introducing each Chapter with the words, A Special Note to My Readers. I give value to each word in this book and I am thinking, these readers are God's readers—not mine. But what you will find in this book is a very intimate side of me who loves to share God's teachings with others. And I am treating you, the reader, as a friend—not the friend but my friend. With that being said, I make reference of you as my reader such as I would make reference of you as my friend.

Placing this Book in Printed Form

I will be quoting from Reflections: Memoirs Reflecting God's Word and will include the following description after each quote: (Reflections, page 33). I realize that some excerpts are repeating themselves. These stanzas have become my mantra. I live by these words.

I will be quoting out of the New King James Version (NKJV), New International Version (NIV), Living Bible (Living Bible), and King James Version (KJV). These writings are a form of prayer, writing initially to the Audience of One, my Lord