Kids love the bright-colored fruit stickers that smell like oranges, watermelons and strawberries. Women who want to “try before they buy” appreciate the perfume samples handed out in the stores or tucked inside a magazine. It's technical name is micro fragrance or microencapsulation, but it is popularly known as "scratch 'n' sniff." How does it work? The idea is to keep a fragrance contained until someone wishes to smell it.
The people who make scratch 'n' sniff products start with a tiny plastic capsule, too small to see. The scent is enclosed in the capsule by mixing perfume oil with water to form tiny droplets. These drops are sprinkled on a surface and then coated with plastic. The droplets are sometimes heated and sometimes left alone until they have set in the plastic. Then a coat of resin is applied which sticks the whole thing to paper. When the paper is scratched, or a sticky seal is broken, the capsules release the fragrance.
The idea was developed in the 1960's by the 3M company. At one time there was even a scratch 'n' sniff movie. Members of the audience were given sheets with numbered samples. When the movie screen showed number three, for instance, everyone would scratch number three and then smell roses, or popcorn, or whatever scent matched the picture the screen.
God made all our senses, so he knows how pleasant it is for us to smell something fragrant. He meant for us to enjoy our sense of smell and to be delighted with an appealing scent. He uses the following comparison to encourage us to use kind words, " The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume or incense." (Proverbs 27: 9)
You don't ever have to be critical or stern, bossy or spiteful when you speak to someone. Instead, find a way to deliver your message with peaceful words, encouraging words, and words of hope and help. The people who hear you will listen much more carefully - drawn to your kindness in the same way that they would move toward the smell of fresh - baked - cookies.
" Heavenly Father help us to be kind and to speak kindly to others. In Jesus name we pray. " Amen
God Bless,
Linda Shields