Susan Perelka

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.…

Have you ever gone through a time when you didn’t feel God’s presence? Having just experienced times of growth and seeing Him so clearly, suddenly you feel He has abandoned you. You seek Him but you cannot find Him. Where you once felt God guiding and protecting you, you now feel alone. Though once clearly…

My son, Bryan, and I recently had the opportunity to visit the Cleveland Museum of Art. As we walked through a maze of galleries, we stumbled upon a room containing swords and armor, even armor fitted for horses! As we wandered through, we saw variations on swords – some were straight, some curved – but…

How could I forget? Well, it seemed pretty easily! Finishing the preparations of my lunch, the smell of fresh brewed coffee wafted through my kitchen. I could not wait to take that first sip as I settled into my time with the Lord. I took a peek over as the ending gurgle signaled the pot…

The new year invites opportunity for a fresh start, new beginnings, a new way to grow. Many are looking to do things better not only with exercise and diet but with organization and relationships. People are looking for change and improvement in different areas of their life, including their life with God. In the past…