Have you ever smiled at yourself? What about a really, big grin? 

I have. I sat here the other morning, talking to God. I couldn’t thank Him enough for all He’s done in my life. Not only recently, but in the past weeks, months, and even years. It leaves me breathless to think about it! Totally overwhelmed. And while I talked, I smiled. Big time! 

Two weeks ago, I attended the ACFW conference where I met many incredible authors;

Ane Mulligan, Myself, Pam Meyers

reconnected with writers I’d met at Write to Publish, and at Mt Hermon; had a chance to go to the top of The Arch from which one can see the St Louis Cardinals baseball field;

View of St Louis and the Cardinals Baseball field from the top of The Arch

and a breathtaking-view of the city of St Louis on one side, and Illinois on the other; rode in a horse-drawn carriage; learned a great deal in the class and workshops I took, and formed new bonds of friendships that will last a lifetime. That’s enough to make me smile. Yes even when I’m alone with God. 

The Arch in St Louis, MO

I’m forever in awe of His provisions, and the many blessings He continually bestows upon me. I recently purchased the song Overwhelmed by Big Daddy Weave. The lyrics give me goose bumps. Especially the chorus. Listen to it. Watch the video and see if has the same effect on you. The part that gets me the most is when Big Daddy says:

“And God I run into your arms, unashamed because of mercy.”  

Wow! What a comforting words. Unashamed because of God’s mercy. Isn’t He amazing?

Now I want to make YOU smile. I promised to reveal my costume this week. As I mentioned in my last post, I write suspense and had no idea what to wear for the Genre Dinner until I did a Google search and found this idea. For me it was perfect.

I forget the name of the sticky-note lady, but will mention it as soon as I find out!

Yes! A typewriter is just the tool I need to write my suspense stories. Since there was already a ‘Sherlock’ sort of costume (sorry I didn’t take a picture), I’m glad I chose something different. When I spotted this writer covered with sticky-notes, I knew as writers we ‘belonged together.’

Have you smiled at yourself today? Have you thanked God for what He’s done for you? Go ahead! Try it. But be careful. A smile is contagious! Others might smile back at you.

Have a blessed week. I know I will. How? God’s smiling down on me, and I’m smiling back at Him.

I leave you with a few more pictures.

Blessings always! Renee-Ann <><