Sometimes life, or people in life, can make us feel like we've been beat up, run over and left in a pit.
Hurtful words, criticism, the weight of stress and the shame of failure can build up in our hearts over time, causing us to see ourselves through tainted lens.
Many times I have felt so beaten down, that I wondered if I had the strength to climb out of the pit - a pit filled with self-doubt, insecurities, and a lack of self confidence. Ye somehow, every time, God gave me the strength climb back up by reminding me that my value lies in who He is, not in who I am, and certainly not based on the opinions of others.
Sometimes when we are feeling discouraged, although God is the only true spirit lifter, sweet fragrances can calm our spirit and make us smile. In fact, since our sense of smell is closely linked to the emotional center of our brains, just one whiff of a sweet or aromatic fragrance can bring a feeling of calmness, and even conjure up a host of pleasant memories.
Hopefully today's giveaway can offer an emotional lift through your senses, while God's message of hope over our stress offers a spiritual lift.
A signed copy of Stressed-Less Living
A Bodycology lotion set including fragrances of Vanilla Sugar, Cherry Blossom and White Gardenia
A Spa Loofah
How To Enter To Win:
Close your eyes and think of a scent or smell that brings back pleasant memories and warms your heart.
Leave a comment about what your special fragrant memory is and how it helps take you back mentally to a place of serenity and brings a smile to your face.
(For example, an aroma that is tucked away in my memory bank is chocolate fudge cooking on the stove. When I breathe in the sweet chocolatey smell, my mind is taken back to going to my grandmother's house as a child, and the feeling of peace, comfort and familiarity that would melt into my heart as soon as I walked in. I also love the smell of evergreen scented candles and toasted almonds, because they remind me of Christmas, my favorite time of year.)
140 comments:
The smell I love the most if the scent of pine. It take me back to my childhood and even now, picking out christmas trees with my family. Christmas always seems to bring joy and peace, even with all the business and chaos.
When I close my eyes--I can smell the scent of lavender. I think of how calming it makes me feel and of my grandma's who are gone now and so loved their gardens of all the wonderful fragrance..
Pam Moody-Ashville Ohio
The smell of baked pie. Takes me back to the holidays of being a little girl &my parents stayed up all night baking &making candy for thanksgiving & Christmas. It helps me remember the peace and joy the Jesus brought into my childhood!
Lavender scent is calming for me and might help others too :)Being mindful of when stress occurs along with lots of prayer and meditation is essential as well.
Best in Christ,
Deb McNicholas
My grandmother had a screened porch and I loved to sit out there when it was raining. Everything smells so fresh and clean after a spring shower. One of my favorite scents.
Lavender scent calms me and might help someone else also. Being mindful of stress when it occurs and stopping to pray/meditate on God's Word is essential also.
Best in Christ,
Deb McNicholas
My favorite scent is apple cinnamon! It takes me back to my childhood when my mom or grandma would be baking in the kitchen around the holidays. Instant stress relief! :)
When I close my eyes, the aroma that comes to mind and that I can almost smell just thinking about it, is the scent of almonds as my mother made candy cane cookies for Christmas. They are the first Christmas cookie I ever remember eating. I found the scent of almond so comforting and warm. So, that scent brings back such fond memories of my mother, in her apron, baking those candy cane cookies for Christmas. And they are still my favorite cookie! :-)
I love the smell of Thanksgiving dinner. The smell of the turkey cooking, rolls baking, and pumpkin pie baking. Those smells are so warm and comforting.
My special scent memory is Lily Of The Valley because they were grown outside my Grandma's house.
I forgot to leave my name. I made the comment about Thanksgiving being my favorite smell.
Cathy B
Oregon
The smell of coffee percolating! Reminds me of my grandfather's house when I was a kid. He'd wake up really early and make coffee. I'd smell it and go into the kitchen. My parents would still be asleep, as it was about 5:30am! Papa would fix me a cup of "coffee", which was mostly milk and sugar, in one of my late grandmother's pretty china demitasse cups. We would sit at the kitchen table and talk and drink our coffee, just the two of us. It's one of my most precious memories.
One scent that is so pleasant to me and brings sweet memories of acceptance and love is the smell of sweet potato pie right out of the oven. Both my grandmother and mother made/make this treat and the smell brings me back to the kitchen, a place where I was always welcome and where I felt I always belonged.
The aroma of apple pie baking in the oven....good memories of family gatherings and yummy treats. I loved my grandmother's pies (well, except her mincemeat). I think of her when I bake my pie in one of her favorite ceramic pie tins she hand painted.
MMM - can almost taste it now. -mm
Cinnamon --the smell reminds me of evenings at home in the fall/winter--and...the cinnamon soaked toothpicks that you could purchase on the school bus (on the sly of course!)
I love to have cinnamon candles burning at home to help go back to those peaceful moments!
Thank you so much for your message today - hit the nail on the head for me... need to stop focusing on who I am and focus on Whose I am... gonna post it on my mirror.
Two favorite smells for two seperate times of year... winter / fall - cinnamon sticks seeping on the stove - sends a relaxing smell through the house and comforts the soul. Summer / Spring - coconut lime - tropical fresh smell makes me think of warm relaxing times at the beach.
My grandmother's home cooked chicken. If you burn dry sage in a bowl (temperate of course) throughout your house your house will smell like home made roasted chicken from the old days hmmmmmyummy..Sue
The wonderful smell of an evergreen Christmas tree! I grew up in a home with 6 siblings and very little income. My parents did not have a "loving" relationship, but no matter what the year brought, we always had a live Christmas tree and a a feeling of serenity surrounded our home. I know now that God was working throughout our home and my parents marriage, which by the way lasted 52 years until my Dad passed away.
The smell of fesh linens right off the clothes line fron a spring breeze. Brings me such wonderful childhood memories
Judy Baldwin. Wi
Scent of sweet Champagne roses...feel so loved and happy!
Cheryl Goh
The smell of cedar reminds me of cutting a Christmas tree with my family. I was always so excited for that day. The smell takes me back to those precious times.
Dot
Today's stress detox challenge is so helpful for me today. Thank you, Tracie!
Whenever I smell fried chicken I think of being at my grandma's house. She was always frying up some chicken! And those thoughts of Sundays spent at my grandma's house eating around her kitchen table bring back some wonderful memories : )
I love walking into my parents home and smelling anything cooking. My Mom is a wonderful cook and the many smells coming from her kitchen instantly make me feel safe and loved.
My favorite smell is freshly laundered clothes - not just washing powders and fabric softener - but the white clothes. That clean smell. I remember the way my clothes smelled when I was younger. I would bury my face in my white tshirt and just inhale. That smell always made me feel safe and secure and loved. Now that I have my own children, I've noticed that they also smell the clean clothes. I hope and pray that they feel the same way I did when I was growing up.
Kyndle
Walnut Cove, NC
I love the smell of pancakes! It reminds me of the man, many Saturday mornings my husband and I would make them for breakfast for our children before our ritual Saturday morning cartoon fest with them. He has been gone now for 6 years and he is very missed but the smell of pancakes always makes me smile and think of him.
The smell of pumpkin miles me think of special moments that I shared with my Grandma who loved to bake a pumpkin cake every holiday. She has Alzheimer's now :-(.
The smell/taste combination comes to mind when I read this and remind me of a precious moment with my baby girl, who is now 21 and getting married in December. Around the holidays when she was a little girl she was eating mixed nuts. She said, "Momma come here and taste." She went on to explain that the smell and taste of cashews reminded her of her Mema's house and pecans were Mema's cabin. The smell and taste of peanuts brought her Winga (grandma) and Grampa's house and almonds smelled and tasted like home. Now, 15 or 16 years later - I smile every single time I open a can of cashews. We lost Mema two years ago, but I can still picture the delight my baby girl had when she found special places in the smell and taste of something so simple as mixed nuts.
My 'take me back fragrance' is vanilla. I smell it and always think of my grandmothers sheets and the smell of hugging her. I used to go spend the night with her on weekends as a child and we'd watch television, talk and she'd always make her wonderful biscuits and we'd eat them, dipping them in maple syrup mixed in butter. YUM! But going to bed at night and smelling her sheets would always bring a peace, a calm to my preteen and teenage years. Man, I miss her. She passed away in 1986, but I, to this day, can still smell her sweet aroma and hear her saying 'later gater, afterwhile crocodile, I love you'
The one smell that completely de-stresses me is the smell of the ocean and sunscreen. I can remember so many happy memories of walking down the boardwalk in the early morning with my grandfather in Cape May, NJ and getting salt water taffy. Completely rejuvenates me and gives me a sense of peace and joy.
When I close my eyes--I always can smell lavender--I love this fragrance--I can also smell the roses from my grandma's gardens... Pam Moody-Ashville Ohio
For me the smell would have to be pumpkin and firewood. I know it sounds like a crazy combination but they actually add to be Fall! :) Fall is my favorite time of year. The smell of firewood burning brings me back to the days of youth group sitting around a fire and just being friends together....such a happy time. Pumpkin reminds me fo Thanksgiving. It has always been my favorite holiday and now that I am a mom and can bring traditions that I grew up with to my children it makes the holiday even more special. So yes....pumpkin and firewood....no better smells in the world.
Dawn M.
Bloomington, IL
Okay, this is a really different one I'm sure, but my smell with a great memory is Vicks Vapor Rub!! : ) I remember my Mama rubbing that on my chest when I was a little girl having breathing problems. It encompasses, warmth, safety, and my Mama's beautiful smile!! : )
The aroma that opens my mind and refreshes my thoughts is the smell of a fresh river flowing and the honeysuckle that is along the riverside that blooms in the spring. These smells give me the feeling of peace and openness in God's beautiful country.
Charlotte K - West Plains, MO
My calming scent is the smell of the ocean. That is where I feel God's arms wrapped around me. Even as a single mom with 3 small children, I could go to the beach and feel a sense of peace and know that God is in control.
The smell of Plumeria flowers takes me to a beautiful place(Hawaii) where my husband arranged for us to visit to celebrate a special anniversary........married life has had its ups and downs for sure....this was a time when I felt our relationship was revitalized.......and hope for our future together was reaffirmed
Linda from Canada
I love the smell of cinnamon... pumpkin pie baking. Good memories from my childhood waiting impatiently for Thanksgiving dinner to be ready!
Cocoa butter...it just takes me to a carefree day at the beach (which is the ONLY way I'm getting there these days). Sunscreen, warm sun, warm/cool breeze, sand on your feet, sound of waves lapping...oh what a relaxing place in God's creation!!
You will think this is crazy, but when I smell someone smoking a pipe, it makes me think of my grandfather. It takes me back to a time when I was little and would spend the night with them on the farm. We would milk cows, feed horses, pigs, and chickens. Gather eggs and get to stay up until the 11:00 news went off. We always had biscuit and gravy for breakfast and brown beans and biscuits for lunch and supper. It was a carefree time...not a worry in the world in my little mind...just lots of love!
Tammy
Corinth, Kentucky
The aroma that is tucked away in my memory bank is chocolate chip cookies cooking in the stove. When I breathe in the sweet chocolatey smell, my mind is taken back to me as a child, and the feeling of peace, comfort and familiarity. I also love scented candles of toasted almonds, because they remind me of Christmas(favorite time of year.)
I love the smell of apples and cinnamon - it reminds me of fall and the changing colors of the leaves, the beauty of God's handiwork and that change is beautiful! Judy N
The scent of baby skin after a bath - so cuddly and loveable to hug and hold. Even though my kids are getting older, I still love how they smell fresh out of the bath!
For me it would be cookies baking for christmas smells so good.
The aroma of my grandmas and my mom's pies baking it takes me back.
Linda
Santa Fe Springs,ca
I love the smell of rain drops hitting the ground. I'm from India and we wait for the monsoon season as our source of water. Summer is followed by monsoon. Just as the farmer waits for rain so do we, as the amount of rain determines our woes to procure water for the rest of the season. When the monsoon finally arrives the cool rain hitting the hot dry and parched mud or ground the smell is refreshing and relieving. I love it!
When I was a child I loved to get in my parents bed, either before we went to bed or right after they were both up in the mornings. I can remember my sister and I climbing into the bed and putting our faces deep into my parents pillows. We were able to tell which pillow each slept on, my mother's pillow was scented with the sweet clean smell of the face cream she used ritually every night and my dad's with combination of his after shave and mild sweet pipe tobacco. To this day I can remember those scents how safe and loved I felt in that bed and how my sister and I enjoyed lying there whispering and giggling with each other.
The smells that take me back are the savory fragrances of celery and onions cooking in butter, homemade spaghetti sauce and other savory smells coming from my Gram Dixon's kitchen!! Such fond and innocent memories. I wish I could have known my Pop and Gram in my older years.
Not sure this posted. I love the smell of fresh ground coffee. Even though I don't drink coffee, I love the smell of fresh ground coffee. It reminds me of shopping with my mom as a child. At that time she was healthy & didn't have dementia. She took such good care of our family and now we have the honor of caring for her.
White shoulders perfume reminds me of my mom, my biggest fan! And baby powder reminds me of when my daughters were born, the greatest gifts from God to me!!
I love the smell of homemade bread baking......my mom (who is now with Jesus) would mix, knead, raise and bake homemade bread for us kids to enjoy. She made life very relaxing. The smell of the beach too - aaaahhhhh!! I am sure I will need this stress detox this weekend.
Tammy
The smell that takes me back and puts a smile on my face is fresh cookies baking during the holidays. It reminds me of myself, my mom, my sister and grandmother making treats for our family and how much fun it was to see everyone pick out their favorite cookie.
Vanessa
Inkster, MI
The smell of the ocean, sand and lotion combined with the sound of the waves and the feel of the breeze. Wish I lived near the beach!
Geralyn
Every time I smell lilacs, I think of my precious mother and her gardening abilities, but even moreso I think of the fragrance of her life in that she loved her family dearly and quietly served.
The smell of spring after a long winter. On warm spring days my Mom would open the windows to let in the fresh spring air. I also love the smell of sheet that have been dried on clothes lines. Oh how wonderful!
Randee
The smell of a salty sea breeze (and the stinky, sulphur-like smell of marsh mud) takes me back to my grandparents' house. They lived on Chincoteague Island, home of Misty and the wild ponies. My grandmother cooked delicious meals (Fried chicken was my favorite.), and my grandfather took my sister and me on adventures. We walked across the drawbridge leading to the island (not because you had to, but because it was fun)...where you could look through the grates and see the water below...a big thrill for 2 little girls. We went to the dock where the commercial fishermen brought in their catches. Our grandfather would talk to the fishermen, and my sister and I would play with the cats that hung around looking for scraps.
Mary Lou
Nassawadox, VA
When my daughter was born, my mom brought me a box with a glass bottle of cologne in it called Aguas de Violeta which translates to Violet Waters in Spanish. At first, I thought there was no way, I would be putting this on my baby girl. However, when I finally got around to opening the bottle when my daughter was about 5 or 6 years old, it instantly took me back to when I was about 10 years old and would help my grandmother take care of my great grandmother who was in a nursing home. We would go to the nursing home together every Saturday afternoon, she would bathe her and then it was my job to put some Aguas de Violeta on her clothes and in her hair. It has a smooth, sweet fragrance that always reminds me of my Hispanic culture. It's a fragrance often with young children,babies and elders.
The smell of pot roast when we opened the door coming home from church each Sunday. My mom would get up early and prepare the Sunday pot roast and all the fixings, so it would be ready for us when we got home. The time around the table as a family is cherished.
Kathy
Saraland, AL
Baby powder. It reminds me of when my children were little & I could just scoop them up & breathe in the scent of "baby".
I love all these comments! I can relate to so so many of them, and feeling all cozy and warm and fuzzy inside from reading all your fragrant memories. Almost made me cry!
Thanks for sharing everyone!
The smell of salty, sea air is pure relaxation to me.
Robin
Ridge Spring, SC
My favorite scent is peppermint. I put peppermint in my coffee or hot chocolate on cold winter days. I even keeps a vile of peppermint oil on my desk and take a sniff every so often just to calm me.
I love the smell of a pine forest. It brings back memories of hiking with my husband and girls in the mountains and camping on our vacations. So many good memories and great vacations.
I think of vanilla- I love the smell cause it makes me remember fond memories of growing up and coming home to a clean house with cookies in the oven and fried chicken on the stove and my mom would always light vanilla candles to provide clean smells after eating!
THE AROMA OF PUMPKIN PIE ALWAYS
REMINDS ME OF CHRISTMAS DAY DINNERS
AT MY PARENTS' HOME WITH ALL OUR
FAMILY AND SPECIAL FRIENDS (around 25
people). MY PARENTS ARE BOTH GONE NOW
BUT THESE MEMORIES ALWAYS WARM MY
HEART.
As I close my eyes and take in a deep breath, I smell the wonderful, beautiful aroma of baby shampoo. How I loved the beautiful smell of my daugther's hair as I snuggling with them. Such a fresh, relaxing, wonderful fragrance. Even though they're both mommy's now and don't use baby shampoo anymore, I still love taking a big, deep whif of their hair every chance I get, cuz they'll always be my babies! ;o)
My favorite scent is fall leaves. Every year when I was growing up our last camping trip would be to Cooks Forrest, PA, and we would take hikes through the Forrest and then have campfires going all day. Lovely times with family.
I love the smell of Hawaiian Tropic suntan lotion. Reminds me of summertime when i was kid playing outside with my brother and sister.
I think the smell of Christmas cookies baking, is a fond memory. My Mom and I used to make them together, it was my special treat to do it with her.
I don't wear perfume anymore, but the smell of Opium takes me back 25 years, when I'd get all dressed up for a date night with my husband, and kiss my three little kids goodnight before heading out the door. My little boy picked up the scent of Opium in a crowd and said "That smells just like Mommy going out to dinner!"
I love the smells of fall....apple cider...everything warm and cozy.
my primary memory- scent is 'butter cake' candle...which smelled like a real cake every time my mom lit it- it takes me back to the careless days of being young and how much easier life seemed them. Now I enjoy unexpected scent of cinnamon every time I come across it (either when passing a bakery, coffeeshop or else.) Definitely score of a few more points od calmness when inhaling it and enjoying it to the depth of my soul :)
For me this occurs each morning when my husband hugs me goodbye. The scent of his cologne always remains on my robe and throughout the morning the scent makes me feel always hugged and loved, by him and by God...because God gave him to me as a most precious gift :)
Shalyn
CA
The smell of a turkey cooking brings me back to my childhood when all of our family would get together for Thanksgiving. We would eat our feast, go on a nature walk, and end the night with a game of capture the flag. Now we are spread out in different parts of the country and do not get together anymore. I sure do miss our family Thanksgivings!
The scent of Christmas brings back wonderful memories. Both grandmothers would come, the house was warm from all the cooking, there was constant chatter and, of course, there was the excitement of what was in the beautifully wrapped gifts. During this short time it seemed the world was at peace.
Bayberry is a special Christmas scent that brings me back to Christmases when I was a young child. It reminds me of the tree, snow, warm lights, special events & the special European decorations we had collected through the years we lived there. One in particular was a candle holder where the warm air from the candles would propel these little angels around in a circle. Special memories with lots of love. :)
I love the smell of pumpkin or cinnamon. It reminds me of the fall season and Christmas.
I would have to say the most calming scent to me would be Lavender. I love that smell and it calms me and makes me feel so much better!
Kristen
Apache Junction AZ
kristen_lee_68@yahoo.com
The smell of mint in the garden takes me back to peaceful days I spent at my grandmother's. I love how a scent can instantly bring back such great memories.
Lori in Fort Worth
My fragrant memory takes me to the mountain above Burney,CA where I went to High School camp in the 1970s.
This was a "primitive Church camp". We had a stream that ran down the mountain from a spring above the girls tents. The kitchen was in the middle with a GIANT wood stove that always made me think of Paul Bunyan's logging camp. The boy's tents were below the kitchen and they were allowed in the stream, but girls had to dip a bucket in and take our water away from the stream to use away from the "source of drinking water for the kitchen!"
So, I close my eyes and smell the evergreens, the cook stove and the crisp morning air. This comes with the sound of the birds and squirrels with the cook singing old hymns.
for me it's the smell of baked goods of anykind :)
Somehow it's the smell of a Mothers love for her family to me. My Mom would bake for us kids and she'd smile as we enjoyed the treats. I do the same today for my kids and Hubby and I get such joy out of their reactions when they smell the cookies baking, see the cake cooling, or eat the fresh baked biscuits. Yup baking for me is the smell of a Mother's love!!
The smell of freshly baked cookies... Reminds me of Christmas and the joy of baking for my friends...
I love the salty smell of the beach. Since I grew up on the coast, it brings me back to my childhood!
The smell of honeysuckle because it grew around my grandparents farm. I adored them and the time spent there so it always takes me back to their warm hugs and laughter and makes me smile.
Sandy
Knoxville, TN
I remember the smell of coffee in my grandmother's kitchen. I always felt peace and so much love being with my grandparents for those special weekends when I could spend the night. She always had a pot perculating on the stove in the mornings and I remember waking up and going into the kitchen to be met with huge smiles, hugs and kisses. I have felt that peace and abundant love since I surrendered my life to Jesus. I even allow myself time in the morning to read a devotional with a hot cup of coffee and hope the fragrance of my prayers is sweet to Him..
Pine is my special fragrant memory. The smell of pine reminds me of my first married Christmas. For that first year, we bought a real tree which smelled wonderful. But those pine needles would drop and get in the carpet. So for months every time I vacuumed, I would smell that wonderful pine smell -- such happy memories :)
I like the smell of fresh baked bread and cookies baking. It reminds me of going to my grandmother's house -- there was a warm feeling and you felt the love and joy. She totally enjoyed baking for others and everyone loved her delicious baked goods. I also enjoy when my children come home and say - "0h, what smells so good!"
Lori
ND
Warm pine scent, like a warm pine forest. My grandma lived in the woods and I remember being there and breathing in deeply that warm pine fragrance and being so happy and feeling so loved and peaceful.It just calms me right down.
FRESH BREEZE OFF THE LAKE, SITTING AT THE BEACH IS SO RELAXING & REMINDS BE OF TIME SPENT WITH DIFFERENT FRIENDS & FAMILY ON SUNNY AFTERNOON VACATIONS.
I think about the smell of pumpkin as in baking pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread. It reminds me of warmth, happiness and comfort. I remember this is my favorite time of year - the Fall season when there is a crisp chill in the air and a pie in the oven.
Jennifer York
Springfield, VA
I love the smell of bayberry! I can close my eyes and see me and my great grandmother sitting on her couch enjoying hours of just talking. She had a red bayberry candle in a gold glass jar sitting on her coffee table that I loved to smell while we talked. Years after she passed away, my aunt found this special candle tucked away in her home and gave it to me!! It still has a fragrance after all these years
My oldest daughter passed away almost 12 years ago this month. When she transitioned, there was a bath and body lotion in her purse. I can't remember the name of it, but even now, when I think of her, I open my "unmentionables" drawer, remove the top from the tube and smell the lotion. What is amazing is that 12 years later, the lotion still smells good!
The smell of honeysuckle takes me back to my childhood. Before life experiences warped my perception of myself and the world.
The smell of green bean casserole reminds me of countless Sunday dinners at my Grandma's house.
Emily S
Azle, Texas
The aroma of apple pie baking in the oven makes me feel cozy. I was out walk a couple of nights ago and the air was crisp. I was instantly reminded of the comfort of warm apple pie.
AI love the smell of bread baking in the oven ~ reminds me of my Grandma's in KS,them baking bread for our visit-makes me think of happy times, times of slowing down and conversations at the table over some fresh bread. Those we're the good ole' days :)
When I smell a turkey cooking, it brings me back to Thanksgiving at my Grandma's house. I got to play with my cousins that lived out of state and it was always a happy time with my family.
The scent that comes to my mind is fresh dryer sheets coming out the dryer vent as I walked along the sidewalk at my old apartment. I felt free and peaceful during that time. What a wonderful feeling I have not felt in a long time!
The smell of burning leaves reminds me of my childhood, fall, football and my Dad!
The smell of the ocean reminds me of visiting my Nana each Sunday after church. She lives a lovelock from the ocean. I love all the memories associated with visits to her. Such a special lady!
Kristina s
Prince George
Canada
My favorite smell is pine sol. Both my mom and grandmother cleaned with it. It reminds me of my childhood. I loved going to my grandparents during the summer. Now when I clean, I am always reminded of my grandmother.
Melissa
Frisco TX
I have multiple favorite scents, so this has been a difficult challenge. My favorites tend to vary from one season to another, and maybe are even affected by my mood. I love the smell of fall...the crisp autumn air has a very distinct scent that I cannot really describe. I love the smell of chocolate chip cookies, and apple and pumpkin pies baking in the oven. I love the smell of vanilla candles, and vanilla frosting. Maybe b/c I used to stand next to the counter and watch my grandma make frosting flowers for wedding cakes. The funny thing is, all the smells I love do not evoke a fond memory. It is all the scents I dislike that take me back. LOL. I love the smell of petunias and lilacs especially in the spring and summer months.
My favorite smell is: fresh orange juice.
It reminds me my grandmother's house, was the place I was safe being a child, she use to make every morning fresh orange juice right after we came back from the market, holding our baskets with fresh fruit and food for the day, it reminds me my town in Mexico and the love that God pour on me trough my grand parents.
I love the smell of Chocolate Chip Cookies baking :) They remind me of my Grandma's house and her unconditional, non-judgemental love and acceptance. Cinnamon Rolls and Apple Crisp bring back the same smiles and feelings of warmth.
The smell of fresh cut grass makes me think of summers as a child and my dad mowing the lawn, and even letting us mow with the riding lawn mower. Good times and good memories!
Charity
boone, nc
There are so many that come to mind! One is the smell after it rains-clean and fresh and full of possibilities!
Martha T. from Cedar Rapids,Iowa
The smell of baklava baking is Christmas to me, and mothers love too.
The smell of gardenias is fresh and clean, and a smell I first smelled in 1980 on a visit to Greece. I love it, and pink roses, and jasmine. Makes me smile.
Thanks!
I think of lilac. We had a large lilac bush growing up, and it was the popular picture-taking back-drop. Many dances and other holiday occasions instantly come to mind when smelling this fragrance.
Lemon trees and their blossoms reminds me of my grandparents' Spanish-style home in California. The smell of tropical flowers reminds me of my home and the fresh flowers growing in India when I was a little girl. Pine trees and fresh, fresh air takes me back to Lake Arrowhead, California. Rain, and the clean smell of earth it leaves behind.
The smell of Vicks vapo-rub......my grand mother used it under her nose to help her breath. She had lung disease and I would sit with her for hours and hours watching sports on the Tv, or soap operas, or other shows.
The smell of red cabbage at Christmas. My grandparents were from Germany, and red cabbage was a MUST during the holidays. Cooking on the stove top, it puts off an amazing sent that brings me back to a warm house during a wintery season, laughter, and a house full of family.
Smells have such a strong influence - on me as well as alot of others in this post! What a great challenge! The first smell that came to mind was that of honeysuckle. We lived near the woods and my siblings and I would play in them all summer. The honeysuckle grew wild. The smell reminds me of freedom - summer break from school, playing in the woods and being amazed by God's wonder.
My grandmother made the best yeast donuts, even better than Krispy Kreme. I remember being with her in the kitchen, she would fry them and I would get to icing them. My grandmother was my Rock because she was the only one who made me as a child feel loved and accepted. Just seeing donuts reminds me of that love. I miss her dearly, but I know that when I see Jesus, she will be there waiting for me too.
I don't know the scent but a few years back I would be awaken by a sweet scent that would acually burn my nose. It happened several times and I ask God if it was him and he took me to scripture saying it was his sweet aroma.
A scent that I love is lavender, I took a yoga class at the school I work at and during the class she gave us lavender eye pillows to relax us. I loved it, I felt like I had just had an hour massage. I also looooove lavender vanilla from B&BW's when I was pregnant, and now when I need to relax I wash or take a bath in it. So good. :)
Deb -AZThe smell connected to a memory is one from childhood; it was "SEA WORLD". I remember the smell, the feel of the atmosphere, and well as the peace! Not to mention the fun...
The smell of pumpkin pie in the Fall. Makes me think about my childhood, cooking Thanksgiving dinner with my mom. :)
My favorite smell is pumpkin pie because it reminds me of the pies mom used to bake before she was able to get around.
Janet D.
Galax, VA
I can get a whif of hunnysuckle and I am back at my Great Granny's house when I was about 10 years old. She had a vanity with a seatee that held her talc, brush, and perfume. I think she only wore her favorite fragrance on Sunday and the day my Granny and I took her grocery shopping. It's been 30 long years since I was able to wrap my arms around her, but I love the memories I have of her.
The smell of bread baking brings peace to my mind. Every Saturday my grandmother would bake bread. She would call my mother and ask for us to walk to her house to receive our loaf. It tasted as good as it smelled.
Julie S.
Walnut Creek, OH
Rosalba.
believe it or not when I close my eyes the first scent that comes to my mind is wet soil, it brings me to my grandmother's house. I remember playing with mud and making my facial mask while lying down. so relaxing.
Thanks
Mine is really different! My daddy ran a woodworking plant in my hometown for about 50 years. It just closed last October. I spent weekends in that plant as a child sweeping sawdust to earn 50 cents! When I graduated from high school I worked there to help put myself through college. I worked there after college when no one would hire me (for having no experience!) Anyway, when I walk into some place like Lowe's it brings back memories of working for my daddy and all the fun we had. We were very close during those years. Brings tears to my eyes sometimes...or is that the formaldehyde?! LOL
The smell of pomegranite. It's just a soft, smoothing smell. It just calms me.
The smell I love the most is the smell of pomegranite! It's just soothing and fresh.
I love reading everyone comments. My favorite smell is my husband's deodorant. He wears Red Zone by Old Spice. After 14 years of marriage, I love this man and this smell excites me! I can't keep my hands off of him!
Amber, Bloomington, IL
My favorite scent is that of the barn...horses, cattle and warm fresh milk. This brings back wonderful memories of summers and other times spent on my grandma's dairy farm. They are warm and loving memories.
Lucretia
Shepherd, mt
Hawaiian White Ginger. I used to spend my summers with my grandparents. Grampie would get up first and leave Grammy there. I would then sneak into bed with her. Grammie's favorite scent was white ginger and snuggling with her was like the scent of heaven. I felt loved and special.
I have two favorite scents. The first is the smell of saw dust. My father was a contractor, and I spent many days with him either on the job site or watching him work on something in the garage. Everytime I smell sawdust, I relive memories of spending time with him. My second favorite scent is that of oranges. I grew up in Florida, and our neighborhood was surrounded by orange groves. We spent many hours building forts, climbing trees, and playing hide & seek among the trees. I have many good memories of those years.
DMW
San Jose, CA
The smell of baby shampoo reminds me of when my kids were small babies that I could cuddle with all day.
The smell of baked pies. They remind me of my grandma and all her children and grandchildren at Christmas time. I miss her so much!
Thank you for this devotional. I really needed to hear it right now. I love apple cinnamon because I also love Christmas time!
I walked down the baby aisle at the grocery store this week and the smell of baby lotion/powder just made me smile. It brings back sweet memories of my children.
The smell of the original Jergens' hand lotion. That cherry almond aroma reminds me of my Great Aunt. She had the softest hands.
My smell is a musty Michigan basement I love that smell going down into a basement reminds me of my grandmother and mother canning food, love , laughter, and the smell of lilac trees reminds me of my grandma and grandpa's house. The smell of dirt (Michigan) reminds me of my mom and working in the gradens and flowers God's peace to you,Mandy Avory from Avondale AZ
Ahhh, the scent of fresh lilacs takes me back to a time in childhood when things were much simpler. Jenny C. Leesburg, VA
I remember the smells of my mothers homemade sauce growing. My mother was always up early and her spaghetti sauce would be on the stove by 5 or 6. Homemade cooking was her way of sharing and showing love to her family.
My mother's home-made biscuits & gravy on a wood burning stove. The wonderful smell of my childhood on a cold winter night,but cozy & warm in the shelter of my parents & siblings.
The smell of my mom baking buns. Very homey and welcoming.
Another scent that brings back good memories, is my sister putting on some perfume. It reminds me of the time when she was confident and free to be herself. She's had many rough years with her husband putting her down, and although it has gotten better, I long for the time when she can be totally free again.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are blessed with beautiful, organic lavender farms. I simply love the purity of this herb and the balance its fragrant flowers bring to my weary days.
One of my favorite places to relax is Langley, a small town on Whidbey Island just north of Seattle. Lavender always takes me to the quiet shores of this inlet tuck-away, or the tranquil memories of massage.
The Lord blesses me as I still my thoughts and return my focus to quiet thankfulness in His loving embrace. Lavender soothes my mind, heals my body, and nourishes my soul, nurturing me to that centered place of contentment as I continue my journey with Jesus.
Melanye Fletcher
Seattle, Washington USA
Favorite Places ~ Langley, Whidbey Island: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1022462564637&set=a.1022461564612.2004299.1317404744&type=1&ref=nf
Spent much time praying about a smell that stood out........ a smell that comes to mind and has a memory for me is the smell of Diesel.Why you might be asking does the smell of a gasoline bring great memories to me........ It is because the only time ever spent with my father as a child was when he took me to his job and let me ride along with him on the heavy construction equipment. And the only time I knew my father was home was when the smell of diesel was in the house. He worked from before sunrise to after sunset and I never saw him until he would take me to his worksights on weekends from time to time!
I associate cinnamon with baking. Both grandmothers baked, but my maternal grandparents home was my safe haven until I got married.
I just love the clean baby smell and think back to when my babies were actually babies. I also love the scent of pumpkin pie - it just reminds me of home and autumn which is my absolute favorite season.
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