“Evelyn (Mom) is the wisest and most Loving woman that I have ever known.”

Evelyn (Mom) Loves God and everyone she encounters. She laughs a lot and until she cries. It is common to see tears streaming down her face from laughing so hard. She eats whatever she wants in moderation, is an amazing cook, shares her lunch with someone every day, has never had a habit of anything, enjoys honoring and celebrating Christmas with her beautiful lights more than anyone I know.

Some of Evelyn's most enjoyable hobbies are decorating for holidays, especially at Christmas. Her Christmas lights are absolutely stunning and we have Jennifer Mowdy take care of that for her every year. People all over Kingsport tell us that they look forward to seeing Mom's Christmas lights each year. She also truly enjoys feeding the birds at work and home. Everyone around her offers to help feed the birds outside. I have literally seen Mom sit and look through the window with a lovely smile on her face because she is watching the birds eat. Mom has always said that you can love all animals even if you don't have one. She adores my four little Yorkie puppies, Blue, Ridge, Fox, and Page. She feeds, plays, and talks to them every day at the office and claims that they belong to her! She is such a classy lady and will always be known as the matriarch of our family.

Mom has been a nurse all of my life. I feel blessed that Mom has led my private practice as Director of Nursing for over twenty years. She was there the first day I opened my practice, and still leads it today. Many patients call our office just to talk to my Mother.

I have told my Mom many times that I could not have ordered her and Dad off of a menu as parents any better than God has blessed me with naturally! I am eternally grateful to God for the gift of my parents.

Adults, children and animals adore Mom. She has such a positive spirit within her. Mom tells you exactly what she thinks, has an angelic face that does not seem to age and shares her knowledge and wisdom.

She encourages me to do my best in all things. Mom is my role model and exactly who I wanted to be like when I grew up. I deeply look forward to seeing and being with her every day.

Mom is one of a kind. This is the woman that God made! God made her Loving hands which have cared for me and many others for a lifetime. She remains my best friend, no matter my age. I Love her with all of my heart!

Mom is one of God's miracles! She honors, respects, shows kindness and lives every encounter with passion when she interacts with someone.

Mom gives all the praise and glory to God! She recycles God's goodness to help others in need. Mom is a blessing to all that know and Love her!

Mom is my soulmate. Thank you, God, for blessing me with my Mother!

Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

Evelyn Minton and her daughter, Dr. Billie J. Minton are the authors of the Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's series. These books may be found at the author's website BlueRidgeMoments.com and Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton.

Angela, this podcast is for you, our sister-in-Christ, and lifelong friend! 
We Love You!

Proverbs 27:9
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.

Evelyn Minton and her daughter, Dr. Billie J. Minton are the authors of the Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's series. These books may be found at the author's website BlueRidgeMoments.com and Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton.

“Praise God through everything.”

True faith and character, remaining strong in prayer, friendliness and positivity, whether things in your life are going well or not is vital.

Each day, sing to the Lord from deep within your heart and soul. Tell Him how much you Love and appreciate all of His blessings. Ask the Lord to Bless every desire, task and thought that you experience.

Whenever I am swinging too hard or not hard enough toward a goal, God always shows me a better path. Every day is about the relationship you have with God. Do not allow anyone to bring you down. Blow the dust off your needle and move forward.

I always tell my family and friends that, “It is well but I am not satisfied.” This way of thinking reminds us every moment to put God first, and to continue serving Him exultantly!

Are you praising God through everything you experience?

Psalm 113:3
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

Evelyn Minton and her daughter, Dr. Billie J. Minton are the authors of the Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's series. These books may be found at the author's website BlueRidgeMoments.com and Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton.

Do you know someone or have a pet that always makes you smile and feel as if the newness of the friendship will not ever wear off?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Evelyn Minton and her daughter, Dr. Billie J. Minton are the authors of the Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's series. These books may be found at the author's website BlueRidgeMoments.com and Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton.

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Evelyn Minton and her daughter, Dr. Billie J. Minton are the authors of the Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's series. These books may be found at the author's website BlueRidgeMoments.com and Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton.

“It requires more than being related by blood to maintain a close, bonded relationship with someone.”

Many people take each other for granted just because they are blood related. They make themselves believe that no matter how much time has passed by, the closeness they used to have with a relative is still there. In some instances, this may be true.

Usually, in order for a relationship to remain strong, you have to put some Love, time and muscle into it.

Choose at least one family night each week to call or visit a few relatives that you want to maintain a strong bond with. It will make both of you feel warm and special while caring for the relationship.

Sometimes we find ourselves feeling more of a family connection to someone that is not blood related to us. If that is the case, do not let it bother you. Hearts do not plan who they feel soulfully bonded to.

A strong sense of family bonding develops from spending time together, sharing meals and most of all, through prayer.

My brother-in-Christ, Bert Hale, used to live across the street from us for many years!  

Bert had the most wonderful parents. They passed away much earlier than any of us would have ever wanted. They handed down a legacy of Love, trust, wisdom and respect for generations ahead.

Bert and his wife, Suzie Hale, have made a beautiful life together and still live on Birchwood Drive. They have three pulchritudinous daughters named Jennifer, Natalie, and Elizabeth. Bert and his wife are a prime example of wonderful, Loving parents!

Bert and I have shared many laughs and tears throughout the years. We built the foundation for a solid friendship many years ago that will last a lifetime. No matter how often we see each other, we are soul bonded friends forever!

Is there someone that you feel you need to spend more time with?

Hebrews 10:25 
Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Evelyn Minton and her daughter, Dr. Billie J. Minton are the authors of the Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's series. These books may be found at the author's website BlueRidgeMoments.com and Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton.

"Pray Before Every Decision."

Have you ever noticed that when people have a problem, the first thing they do is ask someone else for advice? Why do we ask others their opinion about our problems or concerns when they probably have as many or more concerns than we do ourselves?

The first thing we need to do is go to God through prayer. We should praise God in our prayers before we whine and complain about things that are not going right in our lives. God already knows what we need and when we need it.

Our prayers to God should not be viewed as a wish list. Prayers do not push God to do what we request. Prayers demonstrate faith to our Lord that we know He already has everything in His hands and will not leave us.

If someone comes to you for advice, the first thing you should do is ask them to pray with you. We should learn to practice living our lives as happily as possible during difficult times.

Being unhappy or negative will not fix your troubles. Keeping a positive attitude and being happy during difficult times reveals strong faith.

Praise God through everything!

Will you remember to praise God in your prayers before asking for His help?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Evelyn Minton and her daughter, Dr. Billie J. Minton are the authors of the Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's series. These books may be found at the author's website BlueRidgeMoments.com and Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton.

“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.

Evelyn Minton and her daughter, Dr. Billie J. Minton are the authors of the Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's series. These books may be found at the author's website BlueRidgeMoments.com and Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton.

“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.

My daughter, Billie, and 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 Billie had made professionally. Billie explained the medication plan to Ashley and we said a prayer together before she left our office.

A few days later, a prominent psychiatrist in town called us at work. She said that we had just seen one of her patients professionally, Ashley, and wanted to discuss it with Billie. I must admit, I had no idea what was coming next. The psychiatrist told me that she wanted Billie to see Ashley every week because they really seemed to bond. I told the psychiatrist that we 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, Billie 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 Billie 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 we met her. She also became a cosmetologist, and began working in a retail salon. This amazed us!

Ashley’s husband, John, came with her to the last weekly office visit. John was smiling and his exact words were “Dr. Billie saved our marriage!” Billie smiled, and explained to John that God, Ashley and he saved their marriage. Billie was merely a willing vessel sent to help carry 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 we 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.

Evelyn Minton and her daughter, Dr. Billie J. Minton are the authors of the Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's series. These books may be found at the author's website BlueRidgeMoments.com and Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton.

“Give someone Love by learning more about their illness.”

Give someone Love by learning more about their illness. Most people give what they wantto receive. Remember the aunt that always pinches your cheeks and gives you so many hugs and kisses? Some aunts exhibit that type of behavior because that is exactly what they want; more hugs and kisses in their life. Most of our patients all say the same thing, "I wish that my family understood my illness and how sick I feel."

My daughter, Billie, and I had a very special, elderly friend that was like family to us. She had fibromyalgia (FMS) disease with severe flare ups. When she experienced these flare ups, they would make her bedridden with symptoms of fatigue, chronic widespread pain with tenderness and a poor memory. She would cry a lot because she felt all alone and like no one in her family understood her illness. She was unable to attend many family events because the pain and fatigue were crippling to her.

One day she brought her husband with her to visit us. When she stepped out of the room momentarily, we asked her husband if he understood his wife's disease. He replied, "No, not really. I just know that she hurts a lot." He said their wedding anniversary was coming up and he didn't know what to buy her as a gift or how to celebrate with her since she was in so much pain. We suggested for him to go to the bookstore and buy her a few books on fibromyalgia. He really looked at us with great surprise and said, "I have never thought of doing that before." We explained to him that the best way to show someone you Love them is to let them know you are investing in and learning about their illness and wellness.

In addition to buying his wife fibromyalgia books, her husband, actually read those books together with her! It brought them much closer as a couple and rekindled some sparks between them. Later on, they both told us that their marriage was stronger because of all of the knowledge and sharing that they were experiencing together.

Is there someone in your life that needs more understanding from you about their illness?

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Evelyn Minton and her daughter, Dr. Billie J. Minton are the authors of the Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's series. These books may be found at the author's website BlueRidgeMoments.com and Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton.