“The human heart is the safest place.”

The human heart is a safe place. Once Jesus is tucked inside your heart, He cannot ever be taken away from you.

Jesus Christ Lives in our hearts! He is our Savior, God’s only son that died on the cross to save us from our sins.

When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, no one and nothing can ever take that away from you. Your life will be lived differently because you are saved.

Sometimes people in your life may want or try to view you as you were before you were saved and mentally hold you back. For example, I know a man that was addicted to drugs and alcohol before he became saved. Everyone wanted to pigeon hole him as the eternal alcoholic and drug addict instead of accepting him as being reborn.

These preconceived ideas of him were negative and could have easily discouraged him. He had joined a church and walked the narrow path with Jesus.

He focused on his new life and Loved everyone, including the people in his life that wanted to hold him back out of habit. He soon realized that living life as a Christian comes with Love, forgiveness, happiness and great responsibility.

Many people had prayed for him before he became saved. Their prayers had been answered and his life was changed forever! This man became one of the most knowledgeable ordained Ministers that I have ever known! To God be the glory!

Is there someone in your life that you should forgive, and be viewing differently?

John 13:34-35 
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have Loved you, so you must Love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you Love one another.”

To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com. 

Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and Volume 2, subtitled, "Celebrating Footsteps of A God Dependent Life,"  and Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's book series may be found at Amazon.com and BlueRidgeMoments.com.

“Be kind to others. Our words and actions have the ability to create images of what we say and do into people's minds and hearts.”

Everywhere you go, show others some Love. A wink, smile, eye contact, hug, kiss or any kind gesture will put an extra spring in someone’s step. You never know what is on someone’s mind when you encounter them. A rude comment or frown could be the last straw for someone that is feeling depressed. Sometimes our body language represents statements that are as loud as words.

I have a lifelong friend named Chuck Ryburn. He is one of the funniest people that I have ever known. Chuck was my paper route manager when I was a child. I was eight years old when I started delivering newspapers. I kept my paper route until I was seventeen years old. Chuck and I are still friends. My entire family Loves Chuck and embraces his friendship. When my Dad was alive, he and Chuck would sit for hours talking and laughing together. Chuck tells a lot of jokes but he makes me laugh the loudest when he talks like an elderly English woman.

It is almost effortless to be kind. It takes a lot of energy and effort to be rude. We are all responsible for our words and actions so make them positive!

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com. 

Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and Volume 2, subtitled, "Celebrating Footsteps of A God Dependent Life,"  and Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's book series may be found at Amazon.com and BlueRidgeMoments.com.

“Animals, they seem to be so much wiser than people.”

Animals are loyal, they Love unconditionally but most importantly, understand the true meaning, do not take any of it for granted and remain consistent. Animals seem to know what is going on more than we know, especially with illness. I feel they live on a much higher and deeper spiritual level.

When an animal's human companion passes away, it makes me very sad for the pet because they feel the deepest sense of loss. Animals hurt more because they invest more in the relationship than anyone else and without it being requested or demanded. They give their whole heart to us.

My Yorkie pups, Blue and Ridge, have such different personalities. Blue is the protector and Ridge wants to be protected. Blue checks on me if I am in another room. He wants to know how I am doing and what is going on. Blue waits for me and is so loyal. Blue always wants to keep Ridge safe too.

Ridge greets me with a cute howl if I have been away from him more than five or ten minutes. Ridge continues to howl with a toy in his mouth until I express how proud that I am of him. Ridge also lets me know when Blue has something he wants or is doing something that does not seem right. They both want to be held constantly, are so Loving and follow me around everywhere I go. I am Blessed! Animals are beautiful, precious treasures sent from God.

Do you have adoration for the wisdom of animals?

Psalm 36:5-7 
Your Love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing Love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com. 

Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and Volume 2, subtitled, "Celebrating Footsteps of A God Dependent Life,"  and Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's book series may be found at Amazon.com and BlueRidgeMoments.com.

To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com. 

Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and Volume 2, subtitled, "Celebrating Footsteps of A God Dependent Life,"  and Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's book series may be found at Amazon.com and BlueRidgeMoments.com.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com. 

Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and Volume 2, subtitled, "Celebrating Footsteps of A God Dependent Life,"  and Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's book series may be found at Amazon.com and BlueRidgeMoments.com.

“We all have a limp.”

We all have a limp (an emotional or physical limitation) which truly humbles us. Others may view these limps as blanketing our talents. Sometimes, it may be very challenging to accomplish our goals in life or even simple daily tasks.

It is more important to enjoy God’s journey in life for us rather than just reaching our own personal desired destination point. Developing a deep capacity of Love, faith and hope through prayer will provide the passion needed to remain in an intimate personal relationship with God.

I was driving through town one day and there was an elderly lady riding a medical scooter to the mall. She was lean, very dressed up and was wearing a nice coat, gloves and scarf. It was very cold and windy outside. She had a big smile on her face as she rode across the busy highway and onto the parking lot. She even had a headlight on the front of this medical scooter. You could tell this was her regular route to the mall.

I noticed her leg had been amputated at the thigh level. It was truly humbling to see this lady so happy and independent despite her "limp." Her generation knew how to be strong. She made such an impression and is still on my mind. We all have some type of "limp" and should learn to be happy no matter what life hands us.

Does your limp make you stronger or weaker?

Isaiah 40:29-31 
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com. 

Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and Volume 2, subtitled, "Celebrating Footsteps of A God Dependent Life,"  and Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's book series may be found at Amazon.com and BlueRidgeMoments.com.

“Touch everyone in your life with the hand of respect.”

Growing up, you probably have heard people saying that you should respect your elders. Although this statement is true, everyone should be treated with respect, no matter what their age. Babies and animals should receive as much respect as your elders. Your peers should receive your respect as well.

Usually, true respect is mutually earned. Often times, people that are stern are respected out of fear. This is not true respect. Fear should not be associated with respect.

I once knew a very successful business man. He was wealthy and had many employees over the years. The employees in his office building were all very scared of him. He believed that they were afraid of him because they respected him.

He had trained his employees to be afraid of him because he believed they would be more productive and get lots of work done. This man was actually a very kind person underneath all of this stern behavior.

Although his employees worked hard, they did not truly respect him. They endured this stern environment because they needed to keep their jobs.

If you or someone you know is in a similar situation or environment, I invite you to ask yourself a few questions. Is there someone in your life that you “fake- respect” only out of fear? Are there people in your life that you feel should respect you but do not?

When you think about the meaning of “respect,” consider your parents, children, animals and friends first.

What changes will you make in your life?

Romans 12:10 
Be devoted to one another in Love. Honor one another above yourselves.

To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com. 

Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and Volume 2, subtitled, "Celebrating Footsteps of A God Dependent Life,"  and Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's book series may be found at Amazon.com and BlueRidgeMoments.com.

“Keep the wow factor in every little thing you do.”

No one remembers people that are average. Set your bar high in everything you dream about or actually participate in. When your life is over, people should be saying "he or she was great to me!" Treat people with the "wow factor" and they will Love you more for it. Let people know how you feel about them and what makes them special to you and others. The best life you could ever live is built from helping and uplifting others.

I had a patient, which I will call Ashley, who was severely agoraphobic. The first day that I met her, she had a toboggan pulled down so far over her head that you could barely see her eyes. She stared at the ground with her hands in her pocket. We had a medication counseling session and I felt good about the connection that Ashley and I had made professionally. I explained the medication plan to Ashley and we said a prayer together before she left my office.

A few days later, a prominent psychiatrist in town called me at work. She said that I had just seen one of her patients professionally, Ashley, and wanted to discuss it with me. I must admit, I had no idea what was coming next. The psychiatrist told me that she wanted me to see Ashley every week because we really seemed to bond. I told the psychiatrist that I would come up with some type of very inexpensive office fee so that Ashley could afford a weekly visit if she really believed this was necessary.

As time went on, I continued to see Ashley every week. In the beginning, she was not only unable to leave her home because of agoraphobia but she also would only eat her meals in her bedroom. She was so severely depressed after the loss of her mother and niece within the same year that she just stayed hidden away in her room. Ashley worked hard with me for a solid year. The personal progress that Ashley made was stunning! In the end, Ashley ended up looking like a model! She had gained just the right amount of weight because she was so frail when I met her. She also became a cosmetologist and began working in a retail salon. This amazed me!

Ashley’s husband, John, came with her to the last weekly office visit. John was smiling and his exact words were “you saved our marriage!” I smiled and explained to John that God, Ashley and he saved their marriage. I was merely a willing vessel sent to helpcarry out God’s plan for their situation. This was truly a very happy beginning (notice I did not say ending) for all of us! My whole career would have been worth working for if this had been the only patient that I had ever helped.

Is there someone that you know that would benefit from receiving the “wow factor” from you?

Colossians 3:17 
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com. 

Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and Volume 2, subtitled, "Celebrating Footsteps of A God Dependent Life,"  and Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's book series may be found at Amazon.com and BlueRidgeMoments.com.

“Humility is jet fuel for the soul.”

Most people think of romance when they hear the term “soulmate.” I truly believe that we encounter many soulmates throughout our lifetime.

When I was seventeen years old, I met one of my soulmates. He was eighty years old and my best friend’s grandfather! We all referred to him as “Dad Dad.”

This man made such an impression upon my mind, heart and soul. Although, his body was eighty years old when we met, his soul was youthful and his mind was brilliant. He was such a kind, gentle soul that was filled with infinite humility.

He stood with his hands in his pockets, was of slender build, average height, and had sky blue eyes that sparkled and exultant wisdom. Dad Dad was so kind, friendly and down to earth that you would not ever have guessed that he was a psychiatrist that had practiced for decades, held a law degree and was a retired United States Lt. Colonel. He was absolutely the most humble man that I had ever met or Loved. I Loved Dad Dad as if he were my own grandfather.

Writing about Dad Dad makes me smile and miss him ever so much. He made me feel like the most special person every time I saw him. If I mowed his yard or cooked him a meal, he would always say “that it was the best ever!”

His bar of humility was set higher than anything I had ever experienced. As a matter of fact, I can honestly say that I did not even know what the term “humility” really meant until I met Dad Dad.

Dad Dad wrote one of my professional letters of recommendation for Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia. I continue to be overwhelmed each and every time that I read his letter. That letter is framed and hangs in my office, along with a photo of Dad Dad and his wife, Nana, when they were a younger couple. The stories that Dad Dad told me were part of the foundation for wanting to obtain my Pharm.D. degree.

Do you have someone like Dad Dad in your life?

James 4:10 
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com. 

Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and Volume 2, subtitled, "Celebrating Footsteps of A God Dependent Life,"  and Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's book series may be found at Amazon.com and BlueRidgeMoments.com.

"Pets are precious living souls. Moments with God are infinite.”

Capturing moments, watching my pups, Blue and Ridge, enjoy their lives.

Every sight and sound of nature consumes them. The feel of grass and water seep onto their paws.

They gather and play with sticks which make them happy.

They focus on a simple breeze which relaxes them.

Ridge bathes in the sunshine while Blue embraces shade under a tree.

They look deeply into my eyes to express Love, thankfulness and convey their contentment. They seek to provide companionship everywhere I go.

They are gifts from God and brothers that always want to be together. They look forward to cuddles, songs and prayers that help them drift off into a sweet slumber.

Thank you, Lord, for our pets; precious living souls.

Do you embrace precious, God given moments?

Psalm 8:6-9 
You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com. 

Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and Volume 2, subtitled, "Celebrating Footsteps of A God Dependent Life,"  and Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's book series may be found at Amazon.com and BlueRidgeMoments.com.