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“A Thanksgiving memory.” One Thanksgiving in particular, I remember my friend, Wilson. He helped so many people each day that he had forgotten that he was homeless himself. His focus was on making sure that homeless people had a meal and a roof over their heads even if only for one day. I learned a lot from Wilson, mainly that every meal counts when someone is hungry and in need. During Thanksgiving, we join together as family and friends to give thanks to God for all of His Blessings and to give of ourselves. Each year, we never know who will be present at our table next year. We are all sisters and brothers-in-Christ and have such an abundance from God to be thankful for! As Families and friends, we take turns leaning on each other throughout different stages of our lives. Our children are dependent upon us when they are young and then need our advice when they get older and have their own children. As parents, we need our parents for advice and then our parents need us as they grow older. Life becomes full circle. Nothing ever stays the same so embrace and be thankful for every moment you have with your Loved ones. I thank President Lincoln for proclaiming Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday to be celebrated each November. Most of all, I thank God for all of the Love, health, happiness and increases in life from family, friends and the fruits of our labor. 96 You may find yourself in the presence of someone with a perceived slight from the past or present. Do yourself a favor this year by making a special effort to be kind and Loving to the ones who seem difficult to endure. We should live our lives as if every day is Thanksgiving by showing kindness to others! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! God Bless and keep you safe, healthy and happy! 97 Is there someone that you feel you want to make a special effort to show kindness with today and during your next Thanksgiving holiday? Psalm 95:2-3 Let us come before Him with Thanksgiving and exalt Him with music and song.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. 

“The soul will absorb what is true.” When we think about something, we usually end up living it. This concept became true for me at fifty years old. I had spent my entire life growing up without a dog. I have had allergies to cats, certain dogs and a few other animals since I was a young child. Although, I wanted a dog, it just did not seem like it was in the cards for me. The first time that I found out that I was allergic to cats was when I went next door to see if one of my friends could come outside to play. I was young, tiny and wearing a little outfit with shorts and a matching tank top. There was an enormous cat sitting on the ledge to the right of my friend’s front door. I almost had to come within a hair of touching the tip of that cat’s nose to ring the doorbell. This cat did not belong to my neighbors but we saw it a lot in our area and nicknamed him, “Old Yellow Bag!” This cat weighed at least twenty-five pounds and was yellow with orange stripes or rings all around its body. That was one of the biggest and scariest cats that I had ever seen or been that close to before. When I reached my little arm up to ring the doorbell, Old Yellow Bag jumped on top of me! I must have startled him and maybe he was asleep, I am not sure. I landed on the ground, flat on my back. Old Yellow Bag was making loud noises, scratching my skin and ripping my “sun suit” into shreds! I was bleeding from the deep scratches and had dirt all over my back from landing on the ground. I ran home crying! I think that I was only about five years old and my Mom was in the front yard running toward me with her arms out to rescue my heart! The whole “cat fight” with Old Yellow Bag, happened so fast that there was nothing my Mom could have done to prevent it. I had to go to the hospital and get checked out and cleaned up because that fat cat had torn my skin up. My Mother is a nurse and wanted to make sure that I did not get an infection from Old Yellow Bag. Off and on, over the years, the idea of having a dog was as dreamy to me! December 2015, God was speaking to my core about having a dog. His voice caused me to fantasize and explore the idea of it a little deeper. After praying about the idea of having a dog as a pet that December, I felt convicted by God to “go for it!” When I saw the face of a little pup with curious eyes, I knew his name was going to be “Ridge.” I decided that Ridge needed a brother to grow and play with. Then, I saw a pup that had a big, round tan spot on each side of his cheeks. I knew right away that I was going to name him, “Blue.” None of my friends or family members believed that I was going to have a dog, especially, two of them!  Their first day home was Monday, December 21st, 2015. A few years later, I gave Blue and Ridge, two little sisters, which I named Fox and Page. We are one big happy family!  I refer to my pups as "The Tenderpups," and have written a children's books series with my Mother, Evelyn Minton, called Blue Ridge Tenderpups. We currently have three children's books in this series. Ridge is sweet, a communicator and likes being out in the sunshine. Blue is a protector, deeply Loving, enjoys the shade, and secretly wishes that I was the only human on this earth!  Fox is my athlete, and Page is a princess! They all Love their Nannie (my Mother).God allowed my soul to absorb what was true! The truth that I could have Tenderpups!  Hey Hallelujah! Sometimes, I tell myself that it took so long to have pups because my soul was waiting for the “season for Blue and Ridge to be born.”What truth did your soul absorb?John 17:17 NIV“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”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. 

Blue Ridge Tenderpups Brothers and Sisters, is the third children's book to be released by Dr. Billie J. Minton, and her Mother, Evelyn Minton.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.Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton

Mother is one of God’s peacemakers! She brings the most unlikely people back together in harmony. That alone, is enough to make you want to know and Love her. Her wisdom is deep and sometimes, I feel like a little sponge trying to soak up every little thing she shares, when I am with her.The Lord blessed me with her culinary skills, personality, humor, medical knowledge, and decorating talents; for that, I am grateful! When you walk into her home during Christmastime, you feel as if you are home, no matter where you are from. The decorations are profoundly, beautiful! She has great taste for decorating during any holiday. She is one of the few people that I know that look more elegant in their pajamas as most people do in their best outfit! That amazes me! She is dazzling in every sense of the word! My Dad did quite well to capture her heart and hand in marriage! The things that cause me to Love her more than anyone that I have ever known are because of the way she Loves the Lord, her sense of humor and the Love she has for family, friends and animals.Do you ever stop for a moment to admire one of God's peacemaker's? Psalm 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.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.Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton

Prayer and faith are two constant resources that give us a direct link to God through His Son, Jesus Christ.Praying is the most important thing to do whether things seem to be good or bad in your life.We have ups and downs in life and really do not know exactly what may be around the upcoming corner.The ONE thing that we can always rely on is the fact that God promised us eternal life in Heaven with Him and His Son, Jesus. Are you solely, God dependent regarding everything in your life?1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.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.Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton

“In your prayers, heart and mind, plant a seed right now that will produce a positive day.” Plant a seed to shine brightly every day for yourself and others! Surround yourself with positive people and overlook any negativity that attempts to get in your way. When you encounter a stranger or friend, smile and share God’s Love with them through your eyes. Whether it was positive or negative, thank God in your heart and mind for the learning experience from each person that ever crossed your path but most importantly, for making you better. Viewing your life in day tight compartments will add up to weeks, months and years of positive results both personally and professionally. Live your life hour by hour thanking God for having you in today’s mind rather than planning too far ahead. Enjoy the moment that you are living right now and share it with the people around you. Starting today, choose to live a better life than you have ever known before. Thank God for His Love and strength through all things you endure. Love is a deep well of heart filled knowledge that we should all drink from. Two of my friends-in-Christ, Chelsea and Grace Constable, are musicians and exultant examples of people that plant seeds which produce positivity. Their music is original, heartfelt, and professional. I embrace the fact that they are blessings which God has placed in my life. We Love each other as family and work on musical projects together. Soulfully, present yourself physically, with God’s bright light of Love shining in every room which holds your presence. Others will see and feel your Love of God and follow by example.Did you plant one of God’s seeds today so that it will make you shine brightly toward others? Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.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.Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton

Everything we say and do, needs to be in honor of God, and not for self-recognition.Will you start every day with God first?Mark 11:24"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."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.Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton

“Fast on gossip!” My Dad always said to make sure to “fast on gossip!” That was great advice and I have carried it with me since childhood.People in my life never really bring gossip to me because they know that I have zero interest in it. It is no fun to bring gossip to someone that will not participate. Regardless of your opinion about or toward someone else, it is not our place to judge or gossip about others. If someone truly Loves, respects, and cares about you, they will squash gossip, the very moment it comes to them. Gossip is toxic, destroys lives and is something Dad taught me to fast on since my childhood. It destroys families and all types of relationships. If someone brings you gossip then they automatically disrespect you. Tell them to learn how to raise their gossip bar. Your life is only as good as the people you allow in it. It is always your choice to forbid gossip or not. Our entire team at work has a zero-gossip policy in our workplace. If you gossip, you lose your job. Kindness and dedication is our work style. Gossip is wrong. The bible plainly identifies gossiping as sinful. Here are some scriptures that come to my mind about gossip: Proverbs11:12-13,16:28,20:19, 26:20,10:19, 18:6- 7, 21:23,17:9,25:9-10, 6:16-19, 10:18Psalms 34:13, 141:3, 101:5, 50:20, 41:5 Ephesians 4:29 Titus 3:2Exodus 23:1, 20:16 James 4:11, 1:26 1 Timothy 5:13 Leviticus 19:16 John 7:12-13 Romans 1:29-32 5-28-15 Pray for people that gossip and those that rely on gossip for their information.Do you know someone that gossips? Are you learning to fast on gossip? Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.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.Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton

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.Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton

Do you remember the little things shared with your parents? Deuteronomy 5:16 Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving 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.Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton

“Follow your heart.” No matter what others say or do, follow your own heart. Listen to the voice of God inside your heart, and be obedient. We all have visions for our missions whether they are domestic or international. Become determined to help others, especially people that seem disadvantaged. Often times, we are able to help provide opportunities for people in need. If that opportunity comes your direction, do not let it slip away without lending a hand to someone.We cannot ever know exactly what the future has in store for us. The very person that you helped in the past may become the person that will lend you a hand one day in the future.Are you listening to the voice of God inside your heart? Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.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.Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton

Praying is peaceful, it always has been! When we seek for comfort and contentment, the first thing we do is find ourselves in prayer. Prayers are our lifeline to God. It is the soulful connection that provides communication to our Almighty God in Heaven! We pray through The Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to our Heavenly Father.Jesus died on the cross to save us from our past, present and future sins. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation.Numbers 6:26 The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.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.Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton

“When someone thinks of you, their first thought should be about how much you Love the Lord!” God is first in my life! It causes me to like my thoughts, and say exactly what I think. The personal journey; it is God and you! God’s forgiveness endures forever! Once Jesus is in your heart, He is there forever! It should be easy for others to see how much you Love the Lord, our Savior!  When you walk into a room, your warm smile, kind eyes and open heart should be the first few signs that confirm your Love of The Lord to others.  Heavenly Blessings from The Lord are received when we demonstrate Love and care for others by giving all that you feel possible without seeking recognition. Blessings from The Lord are given to be multiplied again through examples of His Love. Do people that know you, instantly see how much you Love the Lord? Matthew 6:33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 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.Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton

Do you believe in your heart that God is always with you?Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”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 should live the words of Psalm 91 everyday!Psalms 91:9-10If you say, "The LORD is my refuge," and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 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.

Proverbs 22:6Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. 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.

Matthew 18:20For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.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.

“My full-time position ... giving God the glory and the commitment of my heart to Him.” Prayer is my lifestyle! When I think I am only getting enough, God makes me feel that He is truly enriching my life with so much more. We have to believe, trust and accept. Everything we say and do needs to be in honor of God and not for self-recognition. When we remain obedient to our Heavenly Father and praise His name, He will provide the increases we need in order to continue serving Him. There will be times when we say or do the wrong things but it is important to always keep a deep personal relationship with God and a faithful heart. The first thing we should do when we wake up each morning is pray before we even get out of bed! Prayer is the best way to have a consistent and deep personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. We put so much daily focus on earthly things such as our professions when we should give God all of the Glory by making Him our full-time position. My Aunt Chris was with me when I became saved. We got down on our knees together and I prayed my salvation prayer to the Lord, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior and asked Him to come into my heart forever. Aunt Chris lives in Florence, Alabama and I do not get to see her as often as other members of my family. However, I think of her quite often because I Love and miss her immensely.  Will you start every day with God first? Mark 11:24 Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.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.

“Hobo Wilson ... a homeless friend, filled up with purpose.” I met him on a springtime day and it changed my life forever. The elderly homeless man just stood there in place, and really sized me up with his eyes as I approached him. I must admit, I had no idea what I was going to do or say but something inside of my heart told me to have this conversation.I looked deeply into the elderly man's eyes, they were sky blue, watery, determined, and very serious. The elderly man just stared into my eyes, took a deep breath and said, "May I call you Doc?" I replied, "Yes, of course." I then asked him, "What is your name." He said, "Hobo." My reply was, "I just cannot call you Hobo, what is your name?" He replied,"My name is Bob Wilson." I asked, "If you are going to call me Doc, may I call you Wilson?" He shouted, "certainly Doc!"He was a veteran, and now a homeless man that traveled by train from town to town over decades. Wilson described how he would get on a train, not knowing exactly where it was going, and get off when the feeling struck him to do so. He had been doing this for decades. Although he was a homeless train traveler, Wilson traveled from town to town, in order to help homeless people find a home. Wilson did not travel with anyone or have any roots whatsoever. He was as free as an eagle in my eyes. For a moment, I fantasized about his lifestyle ... no utility bills, mortgage, dinner to prepare or patients to see. In some sense, he seemed to have a better life than I had.Next, I took Wilson to the apartment complex that I co-owned with my business partner. Some of these apartments were fully furnished. I told him that he would be living there for free, as long as he wanted to, or for the rest of his life, and that it was his choice. Wilson suddenly burst out crying, and put his head in his hands. He cried so hard, and long, that I thought he must have a puddle of tears in his hands.It was not long before Wilson gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! He became saved and changed his lifestyle completely. About six months later, Wilson passed away. It was heart breaking!  We found a piece of paper with a man’s name and phone number. It was Wilson's brother. His brother told us that he had not seen Wilson in decades. Wilson's brother was kind to me, and cried over the loss of his brother. A few months later, I mailed Wilson's brother two books that I had written. One book was Blue Ridge Moments Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and the second book was a children's book about Hobo Wilson called "Blue Ridge Tenderpups Meet Hobo Wilson Christmas Eve."  Wilson's brother was so happy and could hardly believe that someone had written books about his brother. Springtime always makes me think of the day I met Wilson and how he changed my life. I truly believe that he helped me so much more than I ever helped him. Wilson is in Heaven now living in a mansion that the Lord prepared for him forever.John 15:12My command is this:  Love each other as I have Loved 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.

John 14:1-4"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me.My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.You know the way to the place where I am going. 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.