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Gilchrist County paramedicine program
gets new truck and another employee
North Gilchrist County residents
reportedly poor and unable to use Internet

Gilchrist County Fire Rescue Paramedic Ryan Clemons speaks to the County Commission Monday evening (Oct. 6).

Story and Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 7, 2025 at 7 p.m.
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     TRENTON – Gilchrist County Fire Rescue Paramedic Ryan Clemons, who runs the county’s paramedicine program, sought and received a new truck and another employee by a 5-0 vote of the County Commission Monday night (Oct. 6).

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     Clemons provided a PowerPoint presentation to show his plans to improve the program that provides in-home wellness checks, medication management, and care coordination for at-risk residents, particularly seniors, and offers support for substance abuse and mental health issues.
     The state government, he said, is requiring all 67 counties to have some core level of care in regard to responding to drug overdoses.
     The Gilchrist County paramedicine program bridges the gap between emergency and everyday healthcare by connecting vulnerable community members with health and social services, managing chronic conditions, and reducing non-emergency 9-1-1 calls as well as reducing ambulance rides to Gainesville. 
     Gilchrist County, like Levy County and Dixie County, does not have a trauma center or a hospital. There are hospitals in Gainesville (Alachua County) and Ocala (Marion County). Therefore, people who have a probability of needing urgent emergency care may not want to live in the Tri-County Area.
     Primary medical care for families is mostly done thanks to Palms Medical Group, which has several centers, including in Bell and Trenton, and it offers a sliding scale for low-income patients. And there are some other primary care family medicine providers in the Tri-County Area.
     As for the hundreds of thousands of dollars managed by Lutheran Health Services for Gilchrist County as a result of a law suit against pharmaceutical companies that allegedly pushed opiates, the $38,799 brand new Chevrolet pickup truck, as well as the $56,296 and $17,698 pieces of medical equipment for XXX approved for the paramedicine program, are part of the $236,261 of money approved by the County Commission – all with unanimous votes.
     Clemons said Gilchrist County had been allocated $775,000 for this mental health program, and that allocation was based on the population.
     Clemons said he is adding another full-time paramedic so that he and the other paramedic can be on call 24 hours every day to coordinate emergency mental health calls that will be managed by Meridian Behavioral Health Services when the paramedicine team is contacted about drug overdoses.
     Meridian is the accepted agency for mental health care in the Tri-County Area by Lutheran Health Services, he said.
     Clemons said more than 50 percent of his paramedicine patients live in a small part of the county that he calls North Gilchrist County. That area is the unincorporated area of the county north of Gilchrist County Road 232, Clemons said.
     His patients are poverty-stricken, elderly and are not able to use the Internet. Hence, the idea of using social media to promote this service did not seem well-advised.
     A number of people who are able to use the Internet, don’t use social media for a variety of reasons. One reason is due to counterfeit “sites.” For instance, On Patrol Live, a police-oriented program on REELZ cable network, has a YouTube site, but its host warns viewers to find the actual On Patrol YouTube and not a counterfeit version.
     Social media is more for social purposes rather than to be considered a trusted source of factual information. 
     The community paramedic items on the agenda were listed under matters for Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby, who asked Clemons to make the presentation about the county’s paramedicine program and use of money to improve it, which resulted in 100 percent of the requests sought being granted.

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FDOH helps primary care patients
in Dixie County
Tri-County Area contracts
show service continuing Oct. 1

Florida Department of Health Tri-County Unit Health Officer Natalie McKellips (right) speaks from the lectern to the Dixie County Commission about approving the annual budget request. Standing next to her is ARPN Sherry Barker, the primary care medical provider for the FDOH in Dixie County.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 6, 2025 at 9 p.m.
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     DIXIE COUNTY – Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Tri-County Unit Health Officer Natalie McKellips, JD, found county commissioners in Dixie County, Gilchrist County and Levy County approving her budget requests for fiscal year 2025-2026 (Oct. 1, 2025-Sept. 30, 2026) with each visit to those meetings in Cross City, Trenton and Bronson respectively.

Dixie County Commissioner Daniel Wood III (left) and Commission Vice Chairman Mark Hatch are seen before the start of the first meeting of the new fiscal year.


Dixie County Sheriff Darby Butler (right) speaks with County Commissioner Mark Storey (left). Also seen at the dais before the start of the Oct. 2 meeting (going left from Commissioner Storey) are County Commissioner David Osteen, County Manager John Jenkins and County Attorney Chana Watson.

     At her most recent trip to Cross City, the Dixie County Board of County Commissioners not only approved the annual contract she sought, but they approved the schedule of fees she presented, and they thanked her for the increased primary medical care offered at the office in Cross City.
     The annual Dixie County FDOH contract shows under “Recital 4,” “FUNDING,” that the revenue to be provided by the state to Dixie County for FDOH services is not to exceed $1,345,003 ($1.3 million-plus), from the State General Revenue, State Funds, other state funds and federal funds listed on the Schedule C attachment to the 12-page document that is the contract.
     The state’s obligation to pay under this contract is contingent upon an annual appropriation by the Florida Legislature.
     Dixie County’s appropriated responsibility (direct contribution excluding any fees, other cash, or local contributions) as provided in attachments to contract is not to exceed $25,000 (amount listed under the “Board of County Commissioners Annual Appropriations” section of the revenue attachment).
     While the verbiage for most of the contracts is the exact same for Gilchrist County, the funding numbers are different.
     The state’s responsibility for Gilchrist County is not to exceed $1,127,412 (about $1.3 million) in the fiscal year that just started on Wednesday (Oct. 1). (The state fiscal year, by the way, is July 1 through June 30.)
     Where Dixie County’s part is not to exceed $25,000, Gilchrist County’s responsibility is not to exceed $88,388, according to the approved annual contract.
     The same contract for Levy County with the FDOH shows the state payment not to exceed $1,900,038 ($1.9 million).
     Levy County’s annual revenue for the FDOH in FY 2025-2026 is not to exceed $165,500, according to the approved contract.
     To recap, Dixie County $25,000; Gilchrist County $88,388; and Levy County $165,500, according to the contracts.
     McKellips told HardisonInk.com, after being asked if these amounts are based on the different levels of service or on populations in the three counties, that she took the numbers that existed when she accepted the duties to lead the FDOH Tri-County Unit and continued them forward.
     McKellips took over as the administrator for the FDOH Tri-County Unit on Nov. 20, 2020, according to FDOH records.
     On Thursday morning (Oct. 2) in Cross City, McKellips was granted the budget request she made.
     McKellips introduced Sherry Barker, ARPN, the primary care medical provider in for the FDOH in Dixie County.
     An APRN, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, is a Registered Nurse (RN) with advanced graduate-level education and training (a Master's or Doctoral degree), specializing in a particular area of patient care. APRNs have increased autonomy and responsibilities, including diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans and prescribing medications.
     The Primary Care Clinic opened on May 7 at the FDOH in Cross City, McKellips said.
     Between four and 10 people are seen daily so far in the clinic, McKellips said as of Oct. 2.
     “Those people are so grateful to have a doctor who will listen to them,” McKellips said, “and help them figure out their problems, and I can’t say enough about how well the clinic is running. We’re so proud of it.”
     The FDOH Tri-County Unit officer said the plan now is to expand the services that clinic provides in Dixie County.
     County Commission Vice Chairman Mark Hatch asked how to increase the number of four-to-10 patients daily at the primary care clinic of the FDOH in Cross City. 
     McKellips said the FDOH is seeking to add an X-ray machine. The FDOH in Cross City is also trying to become a Community Care Center for the Veterans Affairs (VA) to serve United States military service veterans, she said. Then veterans can be seen in Cross City, and their prescriptions can be sent electronically to the VA to be filled.
     In addition to approving the budget, the Dixie County Commission approved the schedule of fees for services at this primary care clinic.

Following are the fees approved:

     Commission Chairman Jody Stephenson asked McKellips how the FDOH is progressing in the previously planned transition for the Florida Department of Environment Regulation (FDEP) to take over permitting and inspections related to septic tanks and septic drain fields.
     “Well,” McKellips said, “there have been some snafus. DEP did not get the positions they needed to continue on with the transfer of the septic program. They (FDEP leaders) are going to the (Florida) Legislature for clarification in the coming year.”
     She went on to say the FDOH was presented with “three possible scenarios.”
     ● FDEP takes over the septic program in December of 2026;
     ● FDEP takes over the septic program in December of 2027;
     ● The septic program remains under the control of the FDOH.
     The bottom line for a structure that has two bathrooms and needed a septic drain field repaired, the cost in Levy County was $4,000 or so. The FDOH staff in the field and in the office were professional and said what they meant and did what they said.
     In the not-too-distant future, this work might be in the $12,000 or higher range to complete due to the upcoming BMAPs.
     Briefly, according to FDEP, In Florida, BMAPs (Basin Management Action Plans) are comprehensive water quality restoration plans designed to reduce pollutant loadings to achieve the limitations identified in a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). They include strategies such as permit limits on wastewater facilities, urban and agricultural best management practices, and conservation programs. BMAPs are developed with local stakeholders and are legally enforceable, aiming to address specific water quality issues in various water bodies across the state.
     Meanwhile, back to primary care in Dixie County, there is Dr. Jason R. Konopack, M.D., at UF Health Family Medicine in Old Town.
     Among the many Palms Medical Group offices in the area are one in Bell (Gilchrist County); one in Trenton (Gilchrist County); one in Chiefland (Levy County); and one in Branford (Suwannee County).
     There is a paramedicine program in Dixie County, which is not for primary care but serves as an intermediary for several medical issues that save people from going to an emergency room at a hospital in Gainesville. 
     There are no hospitals or trauma centers in Dixie County, Gilchrist County of Levy County.
 

Museum reopens,
heralding phenomenal recovery

Linda Parker Hudson stands at the ready to cut the ribbon, signifying the official reopening and rededication of the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum. Hudson played a pivotal role in bringing the museum back to a great place to visit again.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 28, 2025 at 9 p.m.
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Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CEDAR KEY – The second major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic Season caused significant damage in the City of Cedar Key. A year and a day after that destruction, the resilience of the people of Cedar Key shone like a perfect beacon from a beautiful lighthouse of indomitable spirit.
      Hurricane Helene grew in strength while it crossed the Gulf of Mexico, reaching Category 4 intensity on the evening of Sept. 26, 2024. Late on Sept. 26, 2024, the eye of Hurricane Helene made landfall at peak intensity in Taylor County, north of the barrier islands of Dixie County and Levy County.
     The formidable destructive power of this hurricane reached out across most of the upper west coast and northwest coast of Florida with wind, rain and the infamous storm surge a year ago, now.
     The Cedar Key Historical Society Museum, 609 Second St., which is on the southwest corner of State Road 26 (D Street) and historic Second Street in Cedar Key, was wiped out internally as saltwater smashed through the front glass window and door, filling the building and destroying every glass case inside.
     That storm surge deposited mud for several feet high across the floor during the pitch-black night a year ago.
     The Lutterloh Building, which is where people entered the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum campus site on Saturday (Sept. 27) became uninhabitable a year ago, and it was no longer a functioning museum. Some museum artifacts and pieces were lost in the disaster, but many were preserved by taking them upstairs.
     The Andrews House, which is connected as part of the whole museum campus, was extremely damaged as well, although it was not completely wiped off the map. Its bones were there enough for rebuilding. It awaited repair.
     Museum Executive Director Anna White Hodges, with her husband and soulmate Mike Hodges, immediately began cleaning up after the giant wave of destruction hit.
     He suffered a set of exceedingly severe injuries and had to be hospitalized. He was cut deeply as the couple was removing some of the many pounds of glass shards. The closest emergency room, hospital or trauma center is in Gainesville. There is no ER or hospital in Levy County, Gilchrist County or Dixie County.
     During the opening statements for the celebration of the grand reopening of the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum – Anna Hodges mentioned that her husband and soulmate -- Mike -- was terribly injured a year ago, and he had to stay in the hospital for a while. 
     She said words could not describe what she felt during this experience where she witnessed with horror the blood, mud, broken glass and everything else at that moment a year ago.
     “And he (Mike) said to me, ‘At least it’s all Cedar Key blood and mud,’” she said during her opening statements before the ribbon-cutting on Saturday. The audience laughed at the matter-of-fact downhome comment her husband had made.
     Yes, it was a year to the day, more or less, of the biggest part of the strike by Hurricane Helene on Cedar Key. And this is when the work for all those months had come to the point of opening the museum for all to return and enjoy.




Cedar Key Mayor Jeff Webb and Cedar Key Historical Society Museum Executive Director Anna White Hodges speak about this day of history-making significance, and then Linda Parker Hudson ceremoniously cuts the ribbon for the rededication of the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum on Sept. 27, 2025, a little bit after 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. To see and hear the video, click on the PHOTO. The photo captures the part of a second where the cut ribbon is dropping away.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved


Albert Fuller Sr., a member of the Strong Family, stands in an area that is designated in the museum for ‘Remembering and Reclaiming African American History in our Local Communities.’ On the table next to him is some of the history of this family as noted by local historians.


Leon Fuller (left), who is a younger brother of Albert Fuller Sr., stands on one side of the display dedicated to their ancestral Strong family of Levy County.


Levy County Commission Vice Chairman Tim Hodge (left) is greeted by Cedar Key Mayor Jeff Webb.


R.L. Gent of Chiefland (left) joins his wife (and Vice President of the Cedar Key Historical Society) Carolyn Cohens, who celebrated her 77th birthday on the very day of the museum’s rededication Saturday (Sept. 27).


State Rep. Chad ‘Cracker’ Johnson of Chiefland (left) shakes hands with Levy County Commissioner Johnny Hiers in the museum.

     And Sept. 27, 2025, is when happy history was made on Cedar Key.
     Everyone enjoyed wandering through the Lutterloh Building and the Andrews House. There were culinary delights, a variety of beverages as well as joyful merriment from the live acoustic music provided by Retro Riffs (Miguel and Bill).
     All of this enjoyment was had for the regular suggested mere donation of $3 per person. 
     The museum has added some things that are worth far more than the suggested donation to see, not to mention this fun special event on that afternoon and evening.
     Cedar Key Mayor Jeff Webb welcomed everyone and mentioned some of the guests that day. Among the people he mentioned were State Rep. Chad “Cracker” Johnson (R-Chiefland, Dist. 22), Levy County Commission Vice Chairman Tim Hodges, Levy County Commissioner Johnny Hiers, Cedar Key City Commissioner Mel Beckham and -- staff members from the offices of -- U.S. Rep. Kathryn Christine Cammack (R-Fla. Dist. 3), State Sen. Stan McClain (R-Gainesville, Dist. 9) and Florida Department of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie.
     The leaders of the Cedar Key Historical Society and Museum are Executive Director Anna White Hodges and President, Bob Wooley, Vice President Carolyn Cohen (who celebrated her 77th birthday on Sept. 27, 2025), Treasurer Bob Wooley, Secretary Michael Hostetler and board members Mike Peterson, Brenda Winebrenner, Mike Roberts and Faye Sanders.
     As she spoke about the museum during the grand reopening, Executive Director Hodges said that a year ago the museum wasn’t so nice. This rededication and reopening on the very anniversary allows everyone to shift away from the memories caused by that horrible experience, and to go forward with new memories created by the extraordinary renovations.
     Linda Parker Hudson is a cornerstone in this rebirth of the museum, Hodges said. Hudson helped by donating financial assistance as well as giving Hodges comforting support as a friend.
     On Jan. 25, 2025, the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum held a special event to celebrate Hudson, whose dedication has played a major role in shaping the museum over the past decade – even before this most significant restoration was needed.
     “Despite facing challenges like hurricanes, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Linda’s steadfast support has been vital for the museum's survival,” the museum’s website notes. “Her contributions have helped this small nonprofit recover from severe storm damage and financial hardships. Recently, Linda has funded ongoing repairs caused by Hurricane Helene, which was a Category 4 storm.”
     There is a plaque that names one of the museum's largest rooms after Hudson.
     Throughout both buildings on the museum campus, there is a plethora of information about historic events connected with Cedar Key – even the Civil War.
     There are displays that tell about how to find a steamboat on the bottom of the Suwannee River. Another display tells the history of hurricanes that impacted Cedar Key from the one that hit in early October of 1842, through Hurricane Idalia in August of 2023, Hurricane Debby in August of 2024, as well as the Sept. 26, 2024 arrival of Hurricane Helene and the Oct. 9, 2024 visit of Hurricane Milton.
     As for the new and improved museum, no words can even touch a tiny bit of the coverage required for this extraordinary record of Cedar Key history, which is found in those two buildings. And there is more to come.
     There is an unveiling set for Jan. 4, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. That new addition that is scheduled is to be “The Story Behind the Rosewood Massacre,” which happened in January of 1923.


Arrowheads are among the multitude of artifacts on display.


This Diebold Cannonball Safe, crafted in 1878, weighs about 3,600 pounds and is engraved with the words Cedar Keys State Bank. That bank was established in 1912. Museum visitors can read more about the bank and the safe when they visit the museum.


Among the various scale models in the museum is this model of the 1880s dock and railroad depot in Cedar Key. This model was built by Rob Cooper.


Some of the edible treats during the event are next to a reminder about monetary donations needed.


Visit the museum and learn more about the old Post Office history.


A Todd Protectograph (left) from the early 1900s is on display, It was used to emboss or print check amounts on checks to reduce alterations or fraud. A telegraph key from the 1930s shows how telegraphers using Morse Code would send dots and dashes around the globe back then. A similar model was aboard bombers used in World War II as radiomen sent messages via code as well as voice from Flying Fortresses and other models of bombers.


This model of the Seahorse Key Lighthouse is surrounded with facts and stories at the museum. Everyone is invited to learn about this historic structure.


This is the Andrews House as seen from a lane of State Road 26 (D Street). This house is one of two structures open to visitors on the museum campus. The history of the house as well as the multitude of displays and artifacts inside will keep a visitor busy for hour upon hour as they look at history preserved.

     To see the story, photos and video from Feb. 9, 2024 under the story titled Fine art, literature and performing arts add to history program in Cedar Key, click HERE.
     To see the story and photos from Feb. 5, 2023 under the story titled History unfolds presently in Cedar Key Integrated cemetery may be the first from Florida’s past, click HERE.
     To see the story and photos from Feb. 12, 2022 under the story titled Artistic love washes over island Historian of the Year graces Cedar Key click HERE.
 

Levy County Tax Collector expands
service to Saturdays at the Bronson office

Levy County Tax Collector Michele Langford stands with Motor Vehicle Deputy Clerk Josue Roque at the Chiefland Office on Wednesday (Sept. 25). Rogue is among the team of people at the Levy County Tax Collector’s three offices who are there to help people.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 25, 2025 at 9 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – Levy County Tax Collector Michele Langford is opening the Bronson office on Saturdays for certain services, starting Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
     The three a half hour extra window of services on Saturdays starting in October are to be provided at the Bronson office only, Langford said. This added time, she said, is thanks to her employees giving of themselves to help others.
     This is a pilot venture to see if there is enough demand for those services by people who need Saturday office hours as well as the normal weekday hours.
     Driving exams and written exams for driver licenses; passport applications for new applications only (with photos available); and concealed weapon permits – new applications, replacements and renewals are all going to be available at the Bronson office on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. starting on Oct. 4.
     To enjoy services related to driver licenses, new passport applications or concealed weapon permits at the Bronson Office Only, on Saturdays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., schedule an appointment by calling 352-486-5172 or by sending an email to levytaxcollector@ levytaxcollector.com.
     Levy County Tax Collector Langford, whose offices in Bronson, Chiefland and Williston are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, and all three offices are continuing with all the same services as before during those weekday hours.
     All three offices of the Levy COunty Tax Collector, however, are scheduled to be closed Oct. 13 for Columbus Day.
     Columbus Day is listed as one of 11 federal holidays annually, according to the United States Office of Personnel Management. Columbus Day is also known as Indigenous People’s Day.

Annual Peanut Butter Challenge starts

A child spreads peanut butter on a banana. 
Photo By Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS photography.

Information and Photo Provided
By University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Published Sept. 22, 2025 at 3 p.m.
     GAINESVILLE -- Spread the word – or in this case, the peanut butter!     The 14th annual Peanut Butter Challenge gives people across the state a chance to donate jars of the protein-packed spread to hungry Floridians. 
     Donations will be accepted at local Extension offices from Sept. 29 through Nov. 26.
     Agents and volunteers with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension (UF/IFAS) and Florida A&M encourage residents to participate. 
Jars of any size and variety are welcome, but they must be new, sealed and not expired.
     Last year, hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton strained the state’s food pantries. Floridians stepped up to help through the Peanut Butter Challenge. That led to an increase in donations. 
     In all, 40 of Florida’s 67 counties participated last year, and people donated 39,898 pounds of peanut butter, a 14,201-pound increase over 2023.
     As they collect peanut butter, Extension agents from various counties challenge each other in a friendly competition to see who can collect the most peanut butter. Last year, Orange County collected the most peanut butter, with a total of 5,065 pounds.
     That’s a new record for a single county.
      “I think that the energy from the county Extension offices has definitely ramped up,” said Kevin Camm, director of UF/IFAS Extension Orange County. “I definitely think (statewide) we will be well above 40,000 pounds – quite possibly 45,000 pounds.”
     Regardless of the quantity donated, the challenge is a great initiative, Camm said.
      “At the end of the day, every jar collected means a family has food on the shelf that is nutritious to eat,” he said. “That is the real impact of this collaborative effort.”
     The Peanut Butter Challenge unites the Florida Cooperative Extension Service with the the Florida Peanut Federation (FPF), the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) and community partners throughout the state. 
     UF/IFAS Extension offices in the Panhandle launched the competition in 2012 to provide hungry residents with a shelf-stable, protein-rich food before the winter holidays. 
     The challenge spread statewide in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity and increased demand for help from food banks. Matching donations from the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) and the Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) have helped the program increase donations year after year.
     Peanuts are a major crop in Florida. In 2024, Florida’s peanut production totaled 550 million pounds, 5% more than in 2023, according to the Florida Agricultural Statistics Service (FASS). Peanuts contributed more than $137 million to the state economy, according to the FASS. 
      “Peanut butter is more than a staple — it’s a symbol of nourishment, comfort and hope,” said Laura Goss, executive director of the FPF. “At the Florida Peanut Federation, we are proud to support this annual challenge because we believe no child should go to bed hungry when we grow one of the most nutritious and shelf-stable foods right here in Florida. We commend the Extension offices, volunteers and community members who turn compassion into action by helping fuel a future, one jar at a time.”
     For more information about drop-off locations and participation, visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/peanutbutter/.

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, Oct. 7, 2025 at 6:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

KEEPING THE TENSION TIGHT

Read Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 22:39-46

     And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
-- Luke 22:44 (KJV)

     Exactly when does a person lose his or her soul? Many of King David’s deeds were foul, but because he was often in agony over them, he didn’t lose his soul. There was always tension in him between right and wrong. For such a person there is always hope.
     Our souls are really lost only on that day when within us there is no longer any tension between good and evil. We are somewhat like violin strings; tension produces music. But let the thumbscrew get loose in inattention, and the violin is worthless until it is tightened again. So long as there is a fight taking place within us between right and wrong, the beautiful and the ugly, the ideal and the present horror, our souls are alive.
     Jesus knew this and spent 40 days pondering it in the wilderness. Throughout His entire ministry the struggle continued. So great was His agony of final decision in the Garden, as he faced all the pent-up devilry of humanity, that He sweat blood.
     When within our souls there is a wrestling match like that depicted in the statue of the two wrestlers in the Metropolitan Museum as they struggle in the death grapple, the face of one leering and evil, that of the other strong, clean, and confident, then we are never without hope. But beware of the slum area of the soul where all colors look the same.
     O THOU who art “closer than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet,” I thank Thee for the church, the school, and the home which planted in my heart high ideals. I pray that I may, by Thy strength, and their memories, keep myself sensitive to the highest within me, in spite of all the forces that tear me down. Keep me ever in that presence whereby “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Amen.
The Rev. Frank Cleveland Martick (1908-1999)
First Presbyterian Church
Cloquet, Minnesota
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 Ministry
By Gary Miller © Oct. 6, 2025 at 7:45 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time