Run for Your Life!

Meditation on 1 Timothy 6:6–19 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Sept. 28, 2025      I pulled out Eugene Petersen’s paraphrase, The Message, for the reading of Paul’s first letter to Timothy today.      On this day when we celebrate Christ’s claiming little James Lawrence in the waters of Baptism, and theContinue reading “Run for Your Life!”

Pray for Everyone

Meditation on 1 Timothy 2:1-7 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Sept. 21, 2025 How many of you have ever ridden in a sailboat? How many of you have rowed a boat? It’s a lot of work to row a boat, isn’t it? Which would you rather do? Sail or row? Continue reading “Pray for Everyone”

Lost and Found

Meditation on Luke 15:1-10 Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Sept. 14, 2025 Our young disciples are back in worship! Isn’t it fabulous?? Someone texted me yesterday, “Rally Day. All your special young disciples will return. I’m sure you are excited, and we will have more stories!” Rally Day means notContinue reading “Lost and Found”

“O Great God”

Meditation in Memory of Harriet McMahon November 16,1942 – July 23, 2025 The Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Smithtown Cemetery Sept. 12, 2025      Not long after I began serving our flock, Harriet’s family contacted the church. They were emptying out the home in Saint James where Harriet had lived for many years with her husband,Continue reading ““O Great God””

Being Made Useful to the Lord

Meditation on Philemon First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Sept. 7, 2025  My mom and I just returned from our cruise, traveling from Norway to The Netherlands. It was amazing at times, especially when we were in the little village of Flam, and we had breathtaking views of the fjords. WeContinue reading “Being Made Useful to the Lord”

Run the Race of Faith!

Meditation on Hebrews 11:29-12:2 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverence Dr. Karen Crawford Aug. 17, 2025 Any golf fans in here? Any golfers? I admit that I don’t know much about the sport. I have never played golf before. Well, only miniature golf. My husband persuaded me to watch a new American sports comedyContinue reading “Run the Race of Faith!”

Faith: Conviction of Things Not Seen

Meditation on Luke 12: 32-34 and Hebrews 11:1–3, 8–16 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Aug. 10, 2025 My healing journey continued this week. I am feeling better than I did a week ago and certainly better than two weeks ago, when I first hurt my back cleaning up my yard. SeveralContinue reading “Faith: Conviction of Things Not Seen”

Too Much Stuff?

Meditation onLuke 12:13-21 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Aug. 3, 2025 We had the pleasure of hosting Daniel Davidsen’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor here in our sanctuary yesterday. Quite a few of our church members attended and helped with the reception that followed. The ceremony included numerous speakers sharingContinue reading “Too Much Stuff?”

For Daniel Davidsen’s Eagle Scout Honor Court

First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford Aug. 2, 2025 It is rare for a pastor to meet in her congregation a young man who possesses the gifts and talents of Daniel Davidsen. It is rarer still to meet a young man whose heart is for serving God and neighbor. Daniel grewContinue reading “For Daniel Davidsen’s Eagle Scout Honor Court”

Who Is My Neighbor?

Meditation on Luke 10:25-37 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford July 13, 2025 Something caught my eye in the grass after filling my birdfeeders the other day. Something moved—gave a little jump but didn’t go far. I assumed it would be one of the bold chipmunks or squirrels, anxious to beContinue reading “Who Is My Neighbor?”

Practical Resources for Churches

Everyone has a calling. Ours is helping you.

Consider the Birds

Pastor Karen shares thoughts on faith, scripture, and God's love and grace revealed through backyard wildlife.

F.O.R. Jesus

Fill up. Overflow. Run over.

Becoming HIS Tapestry

Christian Lifestyle Blogger

Whatever Happens,Rejoice.

The Joy of the Lord is our Strength

Stushie Art

Church bulletin covers and other art by artist Stushie. Unique crayon and digital worship art

The Daily Post

The Art and Craft of Blogging

WordPress.com News

The latest news on WordPress.com and the WordPress community.