Susan Perelka

Heading home after an early morning dental appointment, I spent the drive talking with God about some concerns weighing on my heart. The sun shone brightly in the sky with some clouds floating across some of the blue. Looking up as I ascended a hill, I saw a portion of the most beautiful rainbow. Normally…

Starting the workday with a hot cup of perfectly brewed coffee flavored with cream tends to get my mind energized for the day’s tasks. So often, however, in the business of the day, I forget my coffee only to come back much later for a lukewarm sip! Not at all as good as a fresh…

Do you know someone whose smile lights up a room? That is my friend, Megan. Life has not always been easy for her. Experiencing an amazing childhood filled with a loving family and friends, things began to change when her family moved back to their family home in Illinois. As she entered a new school…

“What do I believe?” Maybe we never speak the words aloud, but at some point in each of our lives, we think through what we have been taught to see if we genuinely believe it. Those beliefs guide our lives, determine our actions, and bring about change in our hearts. Belief in God changes our…

Have you ever had a really bad day? My guess is, yes, you have. I had one the other day. It was not even the entire day; it was just my morning – my time at church. The morning began well, as I quickly picked up 15 dozen donuts before heading to church. However, in…

Courage calls you to step forward in spite of your fear and uncertainty. Sometimes this takes you to a place of standing alone. Maybe it calls you to do the right thing when everyone else says it is okay to just go along. What if you are suddenly left alone to figure out life on…

What is your purpose? Have you ever spent time thinking about that? Why did God place you here on this earth at this time and in the place where you live? What has He called you to do? What is your purpose? Through the last few months, I have been thinking a lot about God’s…

Last week, our family enjoyed a week of vacation in the Outer Banks. While much time was spent jumping waves, relaxing in the sun, swimming in the pool and playing games, we also enjoyed several rounds of putt-putt. Honestly, I am not great at golf or any sport for that matter, but I do enjoy…

I have heard many people say it takes more work to leave for vacation than to just staying home. I am in the midst of that right now! At work, I am preparing for two weeks at once. At home, I am finishing outdoor projects, working on laundry, and trying to leave the house neat.…

Fans of “Harry Potter” know of the beloved character, Hagrid. Hagrid is half giant and the groundskeeper at Hogwarts, a school of Wizardry. Hagrid arrives into the “muggle world” (nonmagical folk world) to help Harry prepare for his first year at Hogwarts. As the two get to know one another, Harry is surprised to learn…