NEW EACH DAY - DAILY DEVOTIONAL
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Gary Miller's Outdoor Truths Ministry, May 11, 2026
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Students honored

Chiefland City Commissioner LaWanda Jones welcomes everyone to the part of the Chiefland City Commission Meeting on May 11 where students were to be honored for their achievements.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 12, 2026 at 4 p.m.
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     CHIEFLAND – Two of the three Outstanding Students of the Month honorees were present Monday evening (May 11) at the Chiefland City Commission meeting to accept recognition for their achievements.

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     The two present and the third all receive certifications for this honor, as well and $20 gift certificates redeemable via purchases at Walmart. The gift certificates are gifts from the Rotary Club of Chiefland.
     As she presented the certificate to Carson Brown, Commissioner LaWanda Jones recited what Chiefland Elementary School Teacher Megan Weatherford said about the student.
     “Carson truly embodies the character trait of perseverance. He gives 100 percent effort in everything he does, even when the work is challenging. Carson never gives up -- he continues to push through, work hard, and stay focused until he understands and completes the task,” Weatherford noted, and Commissioner Jones read. “What stands out most about Carson is his willingness to advocate for himself. He is not afraid to ask for help, raise his hand, or ask for something to be re-explained, so he can fully understand. That determination and commitment to learning is something to be proud of. Carson consistently shows that success comes from effort, persistence, and a positive mindset. We are so proud of his hard work and growth.”
     Next up for recognition was Danté Clemons, who was nominated by all of the seventh-grade teachers at Chiefland Middle School.
     Commission Jones read the comments about this Outstanding Student.
     “Danté quietly goes about his business without having to be the center of attention. He keeps his head down and works hard. He's always polite and respectful. Danté has shown perseverance all year in math,” she said as she read what was noted.
     Both of the Outstanding Student Award recipients at the meeting that night saw their certificates noted the honor was presented by City of Chiefland City Commission for academic excellence, leadership, citizenship and attendance.


Chiefland City Commissioner LaWanda Jones poses with Danté Clemons (center), a seventh grader, and Carson Brown, a fifth grader.


Chiefland Mayor Lewrissa Johns places her signature on one of the certificates for the Outstanding Student of the Month just before the start of the May 11 meeting. All three certificates were signed and dated.

     Dayla Tiller, a twelfth-grade student at Chiefland High School, was not present. Commissioner Jones read comments about this Outstanding Student in the young lady’s absence. 

Levy County wrestles
over procedures
with staff and lawyers
Story, Photo and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © May 7, 2026 at 3 p.m.
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     LEVY COUNTY – The Levy County Board of Commissioners fired by a 3-2 vote, without warning, the previous attorney who diligently and conscientiously served every need of that County Commission.
     On Oct. 21, 2025, Levy County commissioners Charlie Kennedy, Johnny Hiers, and Rock Meeks voted to fire then County Attorney Nicolle Shalley in a 3-2 decision. The motion made by Kennedy was during a meeting and was not on the original agenda for that meeting. Commission Chairwoman Desiree Mills and Vice Chairman Tim Hodge voted against that motion.
     Since then, Chairman Hodge has accepted that title and Vice Chairman Kennedy is in that leadership post.
     More recently, at the May 5 meeting, during the Commissioners’ Reports part of the agenda, Vice Chairman Kennedy mentioned the idea of one commissioner serving as a liaison between County Manager Mary-Elllen Harper and department heads, and with the GrayRobinson Law Firm of Gainesville, which is serving the County Commission’s needs now in regard to legal matters.
     Acting Levy County Attorney Stephanie Marchman of the GrayRobinson Law Firm, who is among the attorneys and staff from that firm that is contracted now for that service, spoke at length with the commissioners and even mentioned a form has been created so that the lawyers can better prioritize needs. Staff fill in the form and there is better communication with the parties to move more efficiently along the various paths to get things done.
     Not every single Levy County government issue is an emergency that absolutely must be solved instantly.
     The discussion showed, too, that staff members need to provide City Manager Harper and GrayRobinson Law Firm with advance information on probable upcoming events and needs when possible. Even if a new or ongoing project will require approval from various state agencies or other stakeholders before the county needs to perform its actions, by having advance notice of what is coming, the attorneys are not suddenly called upon to perform actions that they could have known were pending long before the moment of absolute deadline is acting like a wolf at the door. Attorney Marchman let listeners know that sometimes things required for action can be in hand before the final moment. As some people may know, failing to plan is planning to fail.
     At one point, Commission Chairman Hodge offered to be that liaison suggested by Kennedy.
     As a result of the relatively long discussion during the meeting, everyone may now be clearly reminded that the law firm works at the will of the County Commission just as County Manager Harper does. In fact, it just takes three to change that employment or contractual service agreement. Likewise other county staff directors and employees may now understand what is expected of them to make a more efficient method to utilize legal services required for the county government to serve the people, which includes using the least expensive methods of billable hours and the like from the firm.


Acting Levy County Attorney Stephanie Marchman of the GrayRobinson Law Firm of Gainesville speaks with the four members of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners present for the Tuesday meeting (May 5), which is one of the two regular monthly meetings of that board. Marchman is working with the County Commission to deal with requests from county staff regarding a broad spectrum of legal matters that are part of county government. This video is part of a long discussion. To see and hear it, click on the PHOTO.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

Other News

Levy County Building Official Bo Cox of the Development Department speaks to the Ley County Commission on May 5.

     In other news, Levy County Provisional Building Official – Bernard “Bo” Cox brought forth an amendment that was approved for Amanda Shankland to move forward on property adjacent to State Road 24, where the development is to be named Crane Pond RV Park.
     This RV park has been in development for a few years now, according to records.
     Now it is set to be 78 individual recreational vehicle sites, consisting of a mix of pull-through and back-in spaces; an administration building for use as an administrative office, laundry, bathrooms/showers and a multipurpose room, not to exceed 1,400 square feet of total building floor area; a maintenance building which use shall be limited to maintenance, storage and emergency generator, staff overnight quarters and breakroom, not to exceed 1,800 square feet of total building floor area; an outdoor gazebo, not to exceed 1,200 square feet; and  associated necessary utility infrastructure, including solid waste facilities, 
stormwater drainage, potable water supply, and wastewater collection and treatment.
     Among the many other matters approved by the County Commission:
     ● Staff were directed to prepare a resolution to declare Elkins Road from its southern terminus to CR 40 as surplus real property and to donate said properties to the Town of Inglis.
     ● Kelly Bishop was reappointed to the Levy County Planning Commission for a term expiring in April of 2030.
     ● All of the approvals to keep the burn ban going every seven days were approved.
     ● The purchase of a set of extrication tools in the amount of $25,761.15 from Southern Rescue Tools was approved For Levy County Fire Rescue.
     ● The purchase of a power load in the amount of $29,364.77 from Stryker as a non-competitive procurement in accordance was approved For Levy County Fire Rescue.
     ● The purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe in the amount of $56,860from Garber Chevrolet quoted under the Florida Sheriff’s Association Contract was approved For Levy County Fire Rescue.
     ● Expenditures amounting to $4,890,170.18 (about $5 million) were approved.

Pumps fail
Wells dry up from drought in Levy County

This picture shows an irrigation system distributing hundreds of gallons of water per minute as the water is being applied to a crop on May 6. At least one residential well in the area is no longer providing water in a dependable manner to people there. A drought combined with development in Levy County are probable reasons for the reduced amount of water being available.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © May 6, 2026 at 12 p.m.
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     LEVY COUNTY – Well drillers and water pump service companies are seeing an uptick in business because the underground water supply level has dropped in Levy County, and presumably in other parts of Florida due to a drought.     At least one pump in Levy County was failing to bring up water alone as it should, rather than air and water as it did, even after the pipe feeding the water to the residence from the acquirer was put down an additional 10 feet.
     An estimated expense of $9,000 has been mentioned to place another well into the ground there in Jemlands, an unrecorded subdivision in Levy County. In Levy County, the average price for a residential water well (drilling, casing, and pump installation) typically ranges from $4,500 to in excess of $10,000, depending on depth. Shallow wells in the area can cost around $4,500, while deeper, fully installed residential wells often exceed $10,000.
     Added to that is the cost for a new pump. Residential well pump installation in Levy County typically costs between $1,500 and $4,000, with a common average of around $1,775 to $2,500 including labor and materials. Submersible pumps for deeper wells often cost $1,000–$2,500-plus. Shallow jet pumps range from $300 to $1,400. Labor adds $500 to $1,500.
     Then, here is the cost of building a new pumphouse around the equipment to reduce the odds of theft.


An irrigation system distributes hundreds of gallons of water per minute as the water is being applied to a crop on May 6. At least one residential well in the area is no longer providing water to people there, although a pump installation and maintenance service worker predicts that well would return to function properly if it rains. To see and here the video, click on the PHOTO. Nearby birds are heard more than the sound of the water because the photographer was taking pictures from the public median side of the barbed wire between him and the sprinklers.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison - All Rights Reserved

     Meanwhile on May 6, between at least 9 a.m. and 9:40 a.m., a pivot sprinkler and other sprays along an elevated bar put hundreds of gallons per minute of water into the air and onto a crop of sileage adjacent to Levy County Road 347 near Northwest 82nd Court.
     A call to the Suwannee River Water Management District for more information about water levels in its district was made Wednesday morning. That water management district includes all or part of 15 counties in North Central Florida. The district covers 7,640 square miles, managing water resources and providing flood protection for this region. The SRWMD includes all of Dixie and Gilchrist counties and most of Levy County.

Easement access
addressed at CFEC meeting
Government reimbursements
still stalled for co-op
Story, Photos and Videos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 3, 2026 at 4 p.m.
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     FANNING SPRINGS – Central Florida Electric Cooperative General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Denny George said, “providing safe, reliable and affordable electric service is the mission of CFEC.”
     He spoke about bucket trucks and giant pole-hole digging equipment that the electric cooperative is buying. This equipment purchase creates a significant but necessary cost, he said. The CFEC Board of Trustees as well as the management team considers the members’ interests when it makes significant investments like these, CEO George said.
     The CFEC Board of Trustees includes President Alan Mikell (District 6), Vice President Kyle Quincey (District 4), Secretary/Treasurer Larry Thompson (District 9), and trustees James E. McCain Sr. (District 1), Melissa Lewis (District 2), Jessie Robinson (District 3), Donald Lane (District 5), Tammy Bryan (District 7) and Bo Markham (District 8).
Easement Access
     George said he is extremely proud of the entire team of CFEC employees for their dedication to the ideals of the rural electric cooperative.
     In the past year, some of these valued employees have encountered members who are strongly opposed to CFEC contractors accessing their property. George notes that independent contractors are employees of the co-operative by their agreements to serve in the roles that they accept.
     Routine maintenance and outage restoration requires employees to go onto private property on the legal easements that the members signed documents to provide so that they could enjoy electric services from CFEC, he added.
     “This creates challenges for our team,” George said, “and I want to remind our membership CFEC is granted permission by the members to access the property at all times when you apply for service.”
     The chief executive officer of the rural electric cooperative assures everyone that when a CFEC employee is on private property they are there with one goal in mind – “… to maintain safe, reliable electric service.”
     George went on to say they while CFEC may try to call a telephone number listed for the account, waiting for a return call to schedule a visit increases costs to providing service since it requires a second trip.
     Access to lines at all times is an absolute necessity to keep power safe and reliable, as well as to restore outages as quickly as possible, he added.
Government reimbursements stall
     Another conundrum causing CFEC members to keep paying storm adjustment costs every month, he said, results from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Florida Division of Emergency Management failing to reimburse to cooperative for extensive storm-related recovery costs from 2023 and 2024.
     As of May 2, CFEC received a mere 32 percent of the total reimbursement due for payment to the cooperative from the federal and state government agencies, George said.
     When the government pays those bills, he said, CFEC will determine when and by how much this can help ease the costs seen by members each month for the safe and reliable electric service they enjoy in regard to the costs adjustments noted to be from storm recovery.
     He thanked every member of their patience with the rural electric cooperative as it waits for the elected leaders to do their jobs and pay their bills.
     George said the cooperative is prepared to meet any challenges put forth by hurricane season that begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30, even though there have been storms at outlying ends of both of those points in the past decades in Florida.
     He added that everyone is hoping for the zero-impact enjoyed by CFEC from hurricanes last season.

Cedar Key Lions induct six new members,
elect incoming board of directors
and award two Lions 

New members of the Cedar Key Lions Club are (from left) Johnny Polasik (not present Stephanie Polasik) - Owners of Pelican Vacation Homes; Laura Gregory - Operating Manager of Low Key Tiki Bar; Molly Salkaln, Laurie Adams and Bud Adams - The Island Hotel and Restaurant.

Story and Photos Provided By Rory Brennan
Cedar Key Lions Club Media Relations
Published April 23, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
     CEDAR KEY -- At the 2026 Cedar Key Lions Club Induction Dinner held at The Island Hotel and Restaurant, the Cedar Key Lions and President Robert Belair were honored to welcome Lion George Niles, vice district governor, Florida District 35L, from Orange Park to preside over the induction of six new members, as well as to induct the club’s elected incoming 2026-27 Cedar Key Lions Club Board of Directors, and award two club members the prestigious Lions International Foundation Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.

Seen here are (from left) Cedar Key Lions Club President Robert Belair, Community Outreach Greg Martin, Secretary Heather Lang, 1st Vice President B.J. O’Brein, 3rd Vice President Dave Schiess, Board Member Donna Bushnell, 2nd Vice President Bob Piscura, Media Relations Rory Brennan, Treasurer Faye Sanders and Board Member Susan Rosenthal.


Cedar Key Lions Club members Donna Bushnell and Greg Martin are seen as Lions Vice District Governor George Niles of Orange Park presents to those two Lions the prestigious Lions International Foundation Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.


Donna Bushnell holds the Lions International Foundation Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for humanitarian service.


Greg Martin (left) holds the Lions International Foundation Melvin Jones Fellowship Award with Lions Vice District Governor George Niles of Orange Park.

     Cedar Key Lion Donna Bushnell has been a Lion since 2017. She has sponsored two members and was the 2nd vice president for five years, and will now be serving on the board for her second year. 
     Bushnell was the club’s chairperson for the KidSight Program, getting members retrained and reorganized after the club had a four-year hiatus from providing the program. With her efforts and organizational skills, the Cedar Key Lions Club screened more than 180 children in the club’s 2024-2025 year in the three counties that it supports. 
     “She is always the first one to sign up for supporting our events, and to bring us ideas on ways to help our community when there is a sudden need,” Cedar Key Lions Club President Robert Belair said. “Last year, Lion Donna championed a club drive that provided infant formula that was in short supply to our local community, as well as being a Christmas angel, by leading the toy drive for the Head Start Organization, when budget cuts caused a shortfall in their program, thus ensuring, no child goes without a present on Christmas.” 
     Lion Greg Martin has been a member of the Cedar Key Lions Club since 2021 and is the current club secretary. 
     Club President Belair, on presenting the Humanitarian Services award, said, “We thank Greg, who, working with our club treasurer, got our club designated as a 501(c)3 this year allowing us to enlist more partners in helping us through funding or service programs that were not available to us before.
     “Lion Greg and his wife, Lion Nancy are champions of our Tri-County Outreach Program, traveling throughout the area to food banks promoting our vision program, as well as partnering with other nonprofit organizations to better align our efforts with the need of the community. Lion Greg has also taken on the task of writing grant request and headed up the Lent food drive utilizing drop boxes and Saturday morning donation table in Cedar Key,” President Belair added.

Scientists share joy of seeking answers
Nature Coast Student Organization
celebrates at
Inaugural Community Science Night

Alex Walus (right) welcomes everyone as Smitty Smith joins her at the lectern to open the first-ever Community Science Night at the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station in Cedar Key on Friday (April 17). The students said they intend to make this an annual event.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © April 18, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.
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     CEDAR KEY – Dr. Mike Allen, director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Nature Coast Biological Station (UF/IFAS NCBS), said he wholeheartedly endorsed undergraduate and graduate students hosting a community-focused night of science on April 17.
     Visitors learned about six specific projects by three graduate students and three undergraduates, as well as more from the nine undergraduate and nine graduate students who were among the people at this event and who are conducting innovative research all along Florida’s Nature Coast, too. 
     Dr. Allen mentioned that he wants people to know there are UF graduate students involved with wildlife ecology and conservation; fisheries and applied sciences; soil and water ecosystem sciences; as well as students from the UF Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and the UF Biology Department.
     This UF/IFAS NCBS open house was a resounding success despite it being on the third floor, and the elevator that was working that very morning not working that evening. And with it being 83 degrees Fahrenheit, the fans at the event helped cool the room because the air-conditioner was not working then either.
     Walking up and down 55 stairs was good exercise for some people who do not normally get that workout. The NCBS director apologized to every for the elevator and A/C shortcomings and he thanked them for coming to the open house.
     This event was definitely a stellar one for the Nature Coast Student Organization, which is now in its second year officially although it has its foundation from UF students unofficially for four years now, Nature Coast Student Organization President Alexandria ‘Alex’ Walus said in an interview that evening.
     Miranda Mays was among the six presenters, as were Walus, Smith, Amelia Gomez Uribe, and Maddy Meeker.
     Visitors connected with this next generation of natural resource professionals during the open house event. UF/IFAS NCBS students and researchers presented six research posters and provided short “flash talks” that included a wealth of information about ongoing project topics focused on snook thermal refuge, hurricane impacts on the Cedar Key islands, seagrass ecology and more.
     “We’ve put a lot of effort into creating a welcoming space to build connections, spark collaborations, and show the community what we do,” said Nature Coast Student Organization Vice President Finella “Fia” Campanino, NCBS-affiliate Ph.D. student in the UF/IFAS School of Natural Resources and Environment. “The presence of our community matters.”
     Nature Coast Student Organization Founder and Treasurer Megan Siemann, Ph.D., was noted to be among the leading forces to bring this Inaugural Community Science Night to fruition and she was applauded near the start of the event for her work in that regard.
     The open house also provided an opportunity for the people in the community to see a glimpse at some of the many exciting renovations and upgrades at UF/IFAS NCBS. The resilience of the people of Cedar Key is reflected in the work of these scientists and student scientists at the research facility. Another benefit from the elevator being on the fritz that evening was people having a chance to see the excellent carpentry that resulted in new, sturdy wooden stairs and handrails.



Nature Coast Student Organization President Alexandria ‘Alex’ Walus (right) welcomes everyone to the event on the third floor of the Nature Coast Biological Station in Cedar Key on Friday evening (April 17, 2026. She is joined by Lindsey ‘Smitty’ Smith, who explained the itinerary for the event. Dr. Mike Allen apologized for the elevator and the air conditioner not working. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved


Nature Coast Student Organization Vice President Finella ‘Fia’ Campanino is at the lectern where she gave a short presentation (‘flash talk’) about how fish make sounds.


Alex Walus stands near the display related to the work that she and UF/IFAS NCBS Research Assistant Professor Marc J.S. Hensel are conducting as they seek to unlock the predator-prey dynamics in a changing coastal ecotone.


Part of the poster by Alexandra Walus shows how tropicalization affects the strength of top-down control on marsh community structure and ecosystem function.


In this graphic of the poster, various predators are seen in their dynamic relationships with marshes and mangroves. Alex Walus shared her insight from the first year of this four-year project when asked by a visiting journalist.


The poster on the left shows ‘Banking on the Marsh: Where is the Spartina alterniflora seed bank and how might it affect population dynamics?'

     One of the six posters asked "Banking on the Marsh: Where is the Spartina alterniflora seed bank and how might it affect population dynamics?"
     The students working to find answers there are Riley Harper, Idella Jones, Stasia Pietraszun, Carrie R. Adams and Laura K. Reynolds.
     All of the researchers were ready, willing and able to answer questions and speak about their projects with everyone who was interested. It was quite a night of enlightenment for many visitors.
     Nature Coast Student Organization President Walus said the current graduate and undergraduate students in this organization intend to continue the group into the future. Her project is in its second year, and she plans to share results after it is completed through her four-year program of doctoral-level study. 


UF/IFAS NCBS Research Assistant Professor Marc J.S. Hensel (left) speaks to a Cedar Key resident at the event.


A student shares what she is seeking to find with a listener.

Some of the food and treats that were enjoyed by people at the event are seen here.


A dock leading from the NCBS appears to be restored after suffering significant damage from hurricanes.


Looking toward the big concrete fishing pier from the third floor of the NCBS shows one boat in the foreground and another boat and perhaps a jet ski in the distance on the Gulf of Mexico.


Once known as the 'honeymoon cottage' and other names, nothing remains of a former landmark after hurricanes swept the island on a few occasions in recent years.’


This clam sculpture seen on the second floor of the NCBS on Friday (April 17) is destined for relocation. A researcher helped a visiting journalist remember the scheduled event was on the third floor. He thanked the helpful person and mentioned that he knew that, but this art beckoned to him as a probable photo to be published -- even though it was fine art rather than active science. This piece includes scientific insight about clams, which are a relatively significant part of the local economy for Cedar Key. Click HERE to see the Aug. 17, 2025 story and photo – Clam of the Day.


Here is the UF/IFAS NCBS Mobile Lab.


Oh. There is the door to the second floor, two thirds of the 55 steps are completed toward the goal of reaching the third floor on April 17. Behind this door, a clam sculpture was found. It is going elsewhere relatively soon.


The three-story UF/IFAS NCBS stands in all its glory with blue skies on April 17 in Cedar Key. The building is looking much better than just after being signficantly damaged from hurricanes.

First Published Feb. 1, 2011 at 8 a.m.
     On Feb. 1, 2011, HardisonInk.com came into existence on the Internet. On All Saints Day - Nov. 1, 2011, The Christian Press section on The Life Page of HardisonInk.com started, which was about nine months after the start of the daily news website. The name "The Christian Press" was derived from an encounter a decade earlier in 2001 in St. Petersburg, when and where a man mentioned to a journalist that this particular journalist must work for "The Christian Press." Although the presumption by the man about that journalist was incorrect and misplaced, the name sounded good. And the journalist said that if he could work for The Christian Press, then that certainly would be the publication to serve.
     Since Nov. 1, 2011, The Christian Press section of this page has run daily devotionals from several individuals who contributed over the past years. There were two days in 2018 when the daily devotional did not run due to a journalist requiring emergency orthopedic surgery on broken bones in his left arm and wrist. That surgically added metal, though, makes that part of that arm even more able to withstand forces. Many daily devotionals are pulled from Strength for Service to God and Country (Whitmore & Stone © 1942; Renewed 1969 by Norman E. Nygaard; Second revised edition © 2002 Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, Providence House Publishers). The journalist who is the sole proprietor and owner of HardisonInk.com (Jeff M. Hardison) notes his appreciation for the use of those devotionals from that now-defunct publishing company, and for the many other contributors who have helped people over the past decade-plus now. Strength for Service to God and Country's daily devotionals include many from a time when the United States of America was a partner in a World War, both WWI and WWII. This journalist welcomes contributions of daily devotionals. Daily devotional authors are asked to please send only their original works to hardisonink@gmail.com. Americans are reminded that all religions, having no religion and or being a person who endorses anti-religion are all protected as part of the freedoms from government intervention, as are other benefits from being an American.
 

Tuesday, May 11, 2026 at 8 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

I WILL LIFT UP
MINE EYES UNTO THE HILLS

Read Psalm 121

     I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
-- Psalm 121:1 (KJV)

     Never was there such a time as this, when men and women of every faith are calling upon God for strength, comfort and peace. We all feel the desperateness of this hour and the great need of a spiritual empowerment in our lives to meet its demands.
     People all over the world are praying as never before. Certainly it is essential to have an intimate communion and fellowship with God. A more thoughtful and better understanding of the Gospel of Redemption and the power of the Holy Spirit to empower and comfort is the daily need of life.
     The daily prayer life is as essential to our spiritual living and strength as is our daily food to our physical life. We shall need constantly to keep our faith strong in the divine guidance and helpfulness of God – a faith that can see beyond the darkness and the strife to the dawn of the day of the Kingdom of God.
     “Sad will be the day for every man when he becomes absolutely contented with the life that he is living, with the thoughts that he is thinking, with the deeds that he is doing, when there is not forever beating at the doors of his soul some great desire to do something larger, which he knows that he was meant and made to do because he is still the child of God” (Phillips Brooks).
     You can give ear to the discords of life, or you can listen to the harmonies of the eternal verities.
     HEAVENLY FATHER, in this hour may I be conscious of Thy presence. May I feel the comforting and strengthening power of Thy Spirit. Help me to live nobly and to consecrate my life to Thee that I may do Thy will always, in Christ’s name. Amen.
Pastor James A. Leach 
Wesley Methodist Church
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Strength for Service to God and Country
(Whitmore & Stone © 1942; Renewed 1969 by Norman E. Nygaard; Second revised edition © 2002 Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, Providence House Publishers)

Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller © May 11, 2026 at 6 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time