I don't know when the practice of praise for 60 seconds began at my church, but if I were to guess, probably 15 years ago.
Although my church, Bethesda Temple of the Apostolic Faith Church in St. Louis, is still holding services virtually, it's one thing we continue to do via online.
More now than any other time, I have to search for the "One Minute for One Thing" in a time of uncertainty. My husband and I are usually on the road for book events. Cancelled. Virtual book club chats have filled in the gap.
When I think about not visiting my daughter in Texas, I have to remember "One Minute for One Thing" because she won't be able to visit Thanksgiving, or we won't be able to spend Christmas in Texas with her.
The distance is heartbreaking, but I have to be grateful--One Minute for One Thing--God has kept my family, close and far from sickness and harm, so for Thanksgiving in the spirit of thankfulness, I can praise God that despite everything around us, He has kept my family-son, daughter, mother, sister, niece/nephews, safe and alive.
I might not be able to reach out and touch them this holiday season, but I can lift up my voice in praise for that "One Minute for One Thing."
My question for you, what is your "One Minute for One Thing"?
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Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author with more than thirty-five titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She is a three-time recipient of the Romance Slam Jam Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Pat’s first inspirational women’s fiction, Lean On Me, with Sourcebooks, was the February/March Together We Read Digital Book Club pick for the national library system.
Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and worked in various positions in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. She oversaw the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions for fourteen years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.
Her newest release is Here for You.
Emotional, poignant, and clean women's fiction from acclaimed inspirational romance author Pat Simmons featuring a hero and heroine who are better at taking care of other people than themselves, a dark moment that shakes their faith, and a well-earned happily ever after with a forever family.
Caregivers sometimes need a little TLC too.
Rachel Knicely's life has been on hold for six months while she takes care of her great aunt, who has Alzheimer's. Putting her aunt first was an easy decision—accepting that Aunt Tweet is nearing the end of her battle is far more difficult.
Nicholas Adams's ministry is bringing comfort to those who are sick and homebound. He responds to a request for help for an ailing woman but when he meets the Knicelys, he realizes Rachel is the one who needs support the most. Nicholas is charmed by and attracted to Rachel, but then devastating news brings both a crisis of faith and roadblocks to their budding relationship that neither could have anticipated.
Praise for Lean On Me, Book 1 in the Family Is Forever series:
"As wonderful as a warm embrace... Simmons's cleverly crafted characters slip into your heart from the first page."—Tina DeSalvo, bestselling author
"Romantic, romantic, romantic—a great read, romance and story of family."—Lyn Cote, USA Today bestselling author
"Reading a Pat Simmons novel is a treat. I loved this book."—Vanessa Riley, bestselling author
"The heartwarming bonds of family and friendship...[are] sure to tug at readers' heartstrings."—Publishers Weekly