Susan Perelka

Called to Plant Seeds1 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 Quietness filling the meeting room is suddenly broken by loud grumbling. In growing embarrassment, you realize your stomach has let everyone…

Eyes On The Impossible1 But when he saw the wind he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Matthew 14:30 I have always enjoyed swimming. One afternoon, when I was around six, a group of my mom’s friends with their children gathered at a home with an above-ground pool. The…

Unknown Plan1 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Romans 11:34 Some events have the ability to shake us. We remember so clearly where we were and what we were doing when we heard the news. These unknown happenings, whether good or bad, change the course of…

My thoughts often go to heaven. I want to be there. Honestly though, this morning as I contemplated heaven, it was more for selfish reasons. Once again I am dealing with an allergic reaction to something in my front flower beds. While I have not seen poison ivy lurking about, there is something my skin…

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…