The other morning when I was coming into work, I smelled it. It was really strong.
I have no clue where it was, but the smell was permeating the air all around the Raws Memorial building. It was REALLY bad.
When I walked into the building, you could even smell it! It was awful.
I have no clue where it happened, but obviously, a skunk was around and most likely met it’s fate on the road.
You would have thought it was right outside the building. My guess it was all the way out on the highway.
Smells are interesting. Some smells bring back memories.
I went to Camp Sandy Hill in North East, Maryland when I was a kid.
My Uncle Pete was the cook, and there was a distinct smell around the kitchen of maple syrup when he was cooking. Whenever I smell maple syrup, it takes me right back to camp.
Some smells bring back good memories. Some smells bring back memories that are not so pleasant.
One thing that is weird about smells, especially bad ones, is that, for some reason, your sniffer seems to make you smell harder.
You know what I am talking about. Like with the skunk, it was almost like I was sniffing harder to figure out where it was.
Some smells make you gag and almost want to puke.
Sorry to be so graphic on a Monday morning.
For some reason, the smell of eggs makes me want to gag.
I could give you other smells that make me gag, but I don’t want to upset you.
In the Old Testament, when God instructed Moses and Aaron about sacrifices, there were ones that gave off an aroma that was pleasing to the Lord.
In the New Testament, Paul indicates that you and I have an aroma.
If we are honest, we have been around people who give off an aroma that is offensive.
Remember the smell of the locker room after gym class when we were in school?
Some people have really smelly feet and when they take their shoes off – yikes!
We had a friend who doused herself with perfume – you could tell she was around by the smell before you even saw her.
Here is what Paul wrote:
But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession.
Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.
Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)
I think the text is pretty clear. Doesn’t need much commentary or explanation.
Is my life giving off a Christ-like fragrance or one of the smell of death and doom?
When you walk into a room, does your aroma draw people to ask what that smell that opens the door for you to share Christ with them is?
Or does your odor repel people?
How about your words?
How do they smell?
Do they give off a good fragrance or one that smells like the stench of death?
In the words of Comedian Yakoff Smirnoff – bet you never thought it about your fragrance like that before – you will now!
Written by Bill Welte:President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
Think About This: “Note to self…. God is enough… knowing and believing this will help me to press on and hold on to Him regardless of what I face. He is enough and His grace is sufficient!! –Unknown Author
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Christan true and very clean and good food and speaker blessed bmy soul love it my home and will always come back again again for ever in the lord. Room was so beautiful . They work so hard to make you happy. Will try to bring family member to be... blessed hear also. I support all that they do to help men and woman find god. When I come to Keswick I didn't want to go home . That how happy and blessed I'm. Always pray for all of them daily. So glad I found this blessed placeread more
Ross Fichter
1710505821
Stayed here while we were visiting my in-laws at The Pines Living Facility. Exactly what we needed for lodging -- inexpensive compared to most motels without any loss of accommodations, and very Christ-centered environment. Plus they serve a great... breakfast every morning. No TV in the room, but that was not an issue for us, since there is nothing worth watching anyway. Staff were extremely friendly and did their jobs well. This place is a gem and a blessing to all who walk on their beautiful property.read more
Manuel Chávez Martínez
1709498094
Es un lugar maravilloso para disfrutar la palabra de Dios
Pianista Benjamín Arias
1708802888
Bien
William Dundas
1708697460
This place holds a special place in my life journey. I was Baptised there as I RE-DEDICATED myself. It was Febuary at night, so my review may not give it the right justice. What I can say, there were a ton of relaxing, peaceful locations to... re-connect with JESUS. Obviously, there was a pool, several lake's with benches. Gathering locations to celebrate, and break bread. A very wholesome Resort.read more
Adrian Obrien
1707934719
Spontaneous invite to girl talk! Loved it! Speaker was on point, fellowship and food , how better to start Valentines?
Ivelisse Romero
1707021027
Beautiful place to separate yourself for the Lord. Soo peaceful no technology which I love. Just you nature and God. I was there for a women's retreat.
Jennifer Crabtree
1706843166
A wonderful Christ- and family-oriented place! Beautiful grounds and welcoming staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the conference we attended as well as the community hymn-sing. Highly recommend.
Jason Zimolong
1706837733
They've been a 5 star treatment and resort...doing God's work!
Patricia Simpson
1705193514
Peaceful little spot, so close to home 🩵
James Kolchin
1704151396
It's A Good Place To Have Retreats And They Have GREAT FOOD AND GREAT MUSIC
Kaia Leeds
1703475382
This was a very nice place!! I sang here with my school!!
Geoffrey Brewster
1702920475
You can see GOD work in and throughAll that go there.
Sharon Bielski
1702502928
Went today early for Girl talk, it was great 👍
Pat Jacoby
1701871657
This is a wonderful place for family vacations, retreats, and conferences. They share a solid biblical view.
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 420 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
Christan true and very clean and good food and speaker blessed bmy soul love it my home and will always come back again again for ever in the lord. Room was so beautiful . They work so hard to make you happy. Will try to bring family member to be... blessed hear also. I support all that they do to help men and woman find god. When I come to Keswick I didn't want to go home . That how happy and blessed I'm. Always pray for all of them daily. So glad I found this blessed placeread more
Ross Fichter
1710505821
Stayed here while we were visiting my in-laws at The Pines Living Facility. Exactly what we needed for lodging -- inexpensive compared to most motels without any loss of accommodations, and very Christ-centered environment. Plus they serve a great... breakfast every morning. No TV in the room, but that was not an issue for us, since there is nothing worth watching anyway. Staff were extremely friendly and did their jobs well. This place is a gem and a blessing to all who walk on their beautiful property.read more
Manuel Chávez Martínez
1709498094
Es un lugar maravilloso para disfrutar la palabra de Dios
Pianista Benjamín Arias
1708802888
Bien
William Dundas
1708697460
This place holds a special place in my life journey. I was Baptised there as I RE-DEDICATED myself. It was Febuary at night, so my review may not give it the right justice. What I can say, there were a ton of relaxing, peaceful locations to... re-connect with JESUS. Obviously, there was a pool, several lake's with benches. Gathering locations to celebrate, and break bread. A very wholesome Resort.read more
Adrian Obrien
1707934719
Spontaneous invite to girl talk! Loved it! Speaker was on point, fellowship and food , how better to start Valentines?
Ivelisse Romero
1707021027
Beautiful place to separate yourself for the Lord. Soo peaceful no technology which I love. Just you nature and God. I was there for a women's retreat.
Jennifer Crabtree
1706843166
A wonderful Christ- and family-oriented place! Beautiful grounds and welcoming staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the conference we attended as well as the community hymn-sing. Highly recommend.
Jason Zimolong
1706837733
They've been a 5 star treatment and resort...doing God's work!
Patricia Simpson
1705193514
Peaceful little spot, so close to home 🩵
James Kolchin
1704151396
It's A Good Place To Have Retreats And They Have GREAT FOOD AND GREAT MUSIC
Kaia Leeds
1703475382
This was a very nice place!! I sang here with my school!!
Geoffrey Brewster
1702920475
You can see GOD work in and throughAll that go there.
Sharon Bielski
1702502928
Went today early for Girl talk, it was great 👍
Pat Jacoby
1701871657
This is a wonderful place for family vacations, retreats, and conferences. They share a solid biblical view.