Susan Perelka

For the most part, I have become a pretty patient person. Most days I am not crabby, but today I reached my limit, and I definitely was not pleasant to be around. My day had actually gone well, and for once I was able to come home and take a short nap. It was then…

“How can I help?” Often one of the first questions asked when death, sickness, job loss or some calamity strikes someone we love. We want so much to help but often do not know what to do. Desperate to lighten the load, we seek even the simplest task to offer some relief but often are…

Frustration filled the air as the King of Syria realized once more his plans were foiled! Somehow Israel’s army had again avoided attack. There must be a spy in their midst! In questioning his servants, rather than finding a spy, he found the problem. From many miles away in Dothan, his private plans were being…

As I walked along the trail enjoying the warmth of the sun, I searched for signs of spring. While I saw a few trees starting to bud, my attention was captured by the wildlife. My path led me parallel with a stream, where a pair of geese stretched their necks and then settled in for…

I have a definite sweet tooth, but it is selective. There are certain sweets I definitely can resist like cheesecake, pies, candy, and most cookies. I like them, but I can resist them. Cake, on the other hand, is a bit more difficult, especially chocolate cake. I can walk away for a while, but when…

Comforter, provider, protector. Isn’t this what we are looking for when the unwanted diagnosis comes, the loss of income leads to financial uncertainty, broken relationships lead to loneliness, or death brings separation for the loved ones left behind? We need comfort in the hurt, protection from harm and assurance that everything will be okay. We…

As I glanced out the window at the darkening sky, snowflakes gently drifted down to the ground. The fresh blanket of snow already coating the ground led me to believe several more inches may fall before the morning. We are in the middle of the winter season. I welcome the snow, in fact, I prefer…

The snow and cold have never kept me from taking a trek into the woods. Monday morning, I headed for the Arboretum, a bit more bundled and definitely ready for an adventure. My feet crunched through layers of ice-covered snow as I made my way toward the woods. The beauty of the blankets of snow…

Last night when our Wednesday Prayer Meeting ended, a woman my pastor had prayed for shared about the comfort she now felt. Another thanked him for praying for her. She is headed down a new path filled with many unknowns. His prayers for her brought comfort and assurance. Both women are not alone is feeling…

Intricately folded petals release a delightful fragrance drawing you in for a closer look. Clutching the rose’s stem to your nose, you hastily draw back nursing a painfully pricked finger. You have found a thorn. Thorns hurt! Sometimes they prick but can also dig deep, causing pain that lasts for a while, maybe drawing blood.…