For Men – Job’s Performance Review – Job 22:1–30 – October 11 – October 17, 2012

Former hockey goalie Jacques Plante once quipped, “How would you like a job where, if you make a mistake, a big red light goes on and eighteen thousand people boo?”

Job didn’t face eighteen thousand booing people. Just a few so-called friends who made false accusations about his performance as a righteous man. Eliphaz started his attack on Job by criticizing his supposed lack of holiness. He accused Job of withholding water from the thirsty, keeping food from the hungry and turning away widows. Eliphaz claimed that Job’s problems stemmed from his wicked heart.

However, Eliphaz’s criticism was unfounded. God wouldn’t have made Job the poster child of righteousness if he’d really committed such horrible acts.

We all deal with criticism. But how we respond to it often determines how we feel about ourselves. Most of us respond in one of three ways: (1) We deny the accusation; (2) we become defensive and feel victimized; or (3) we look for what might be true about the criticism and weed out what’s not true.

Quite often critics just want to help solve problems—they’re not out to get the person they’re evaluating. If someone’s criticism carries a seed of truth, we need to acknowledge our mistakes and make corrections in that area of life. By doing this, we honor the critic’s judgment. And we show a willingness to take responsibility without feeling victimized.

However, some critics use words to degrade and control others. We don’t have to let them make our lives miserable. Job allowed Eliphaz to vent, but Job didn’t let the criticism define him. He was secure in the integrity of his actions, and that allowed him to deflect unfounded criticism.

Poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Criticism should not be querulous and wasting, all knife and root-puller, but guiding, instructive, inspiring.” False criticism never needs to define your self-worth. If someone throws an unjust accusation your way, don’t let it get under your skin. Look past it and move on. But if a critic’s words ring true, use them to make yourself a better person.

How do you handle criticism?

How does pride affect the way you respond to criticism?

Would you describe your words of criticism toward others as cutting and destructive or as guiding, instructive and inspiring?

For Women – He Is The Bread of Life – John 6:48–51 – October 12 – October 16, 2012

God’s miraculous provision of manna in the desert only sustained physical life for a time. But Jesus is the bread of life who provides eternal life. Jesus called himself “the living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:51).

Are you allowing your worldly appetites to consume you? Such a lifestyle leads to disappointment, decay, disillusionment and death. Make the bread of life the whole of your diet. Unlike the fares of this world that never fully satisfy your appetite, you will taste and see that God is good (see Psalm 34:8) and that he fulfills you.

For Men – Job’s Performance Review – Job 22:1–30 – October 11 – October 17, 2012

Former hockey goalie Jacques Plante once quipped, “How would you like a job where, if you make a mistake, a big red light goes on and eighteen thousand people boo?”

Job didn’t face eighteen thousand booing people. Just a few so-called friends who made false accusations about his performance as a righteous man. Eliphaz started his attack on Job by criticizing his supposed lack of holiness. He accused Job of withholding water from the thirsty, keeping food from the hungry and turning away widows. Eliphaz claimed that Job’s problems stemmed from his wicked heart.

However, Eliphaz’s criticism was unfounded. God wouldn’t have made Job the poster child of righteousness if he’d really committed such horrible acts.

We all deal with criticism. But how we respond to it often determines how we feel about ourselves. Most of us respond in one of three ways: (1) We deny the accusation; (2) we become defensive and feel victimized; or (3) we look for what might be true about the criticism and weed out what’s not true.

Quite often critics just want to help solve problems—they’re not out to get the person they’re evaluating. If someone’s criticism carries a seed of truth, we need to acknowledge our mistakes and make corrections in that area of life. By doing this, we honor the critic’s judgment. And we show a willingness to take responsibility without feeling victimized.

However, some critics use words to degrade and control others. We don’t have to let them make our lives miserable. Job allowed Eliphaz to vent, but Job didn’t let the criticism define him. He was secure in the integrity of his actions, and that allowed him to deflect unfounded criticism.

Poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Criticism should not be querulous and wasting, all knife and root-puller, but guiding, instructive, inspiring.” False criticism never needs to define your self-worth. If someone throws an unjust accusation your way, don’t let it get under your skin. Look past it and move on. But if a critic’s words ring true, use them to make yourself a better person.

How do you handle criticism?

How does pride affect the way you respond to criticism?

Would you describe your words of criticism toward others as cutting and destructive or as guiding, instructive and inspiring?

The Sweet Scent of Democracy – October 1- October 15, 2012

It’s that time of year again — time to exercise your right to vote and let your nose be heard! It’s Bring Back My Bar time! Vote for your favorite retired Scentsy fragrances and reunite with the lush florals, juicy fruits, and spicy herbs still lingering in your memory.

Which fragrance candidate deserves your vote? Do you stand behind the Root Beer Float platform? Does Garden Paradise best represent your ideals? Can Clarity bring about the change you seek? Review the candidates and their descriptions, study their fragrant qualities, and vote with confidence. Choice never smelled so good!

There will be two voting periods — a primary (Oct. 1-15) and general election (Oct. 17-31) — where you’ll have an opportunity to vote 30 times per each election.

For the primary, choose your top three fragrances from a list of over 250 retired scents. The 30 scents with the most votes will proceed to the general election for another round of voting.

In the general, elect your three favorites from the remaining fragrances and help decide the final 20 scents that will be available for the month of January 2013 only.

Now, go forth and ballot for your bars, stump for your scents, and warm the vote!

Vote Now!

View Our A-Z List of Eligible Fragrances

Visit My Online Scentsy Store

Men of the Bible – Felix – The Man Who Procrastinated – October 12 – October 14, 2012

As a true preacher, Paul pressed home the truth until it pricked the conscience of Felix so much so that he “trembled.” He did not resent Paul’s plain speaking but postponed the interview “till a more convenient season.” Such a “convenient season,” however, did not come, and Felix became a type of many whose consciences are stirred by the preached Word, but whose hopes of eternal security are ruined by a like procrastination. The two sworn enemies of the soul are “Yesterday” and “Tomorrow.”

Yesterday slays its thousands. Past sins plunge many into darkness and despair. Priceless opportunities were trampled upon, and the harvest is past. But God says there is mercy still and free forgiveness through repentance.

Tomorrow slays its tens of thousands. Vows, promises, resolutions are never fulfilled. “Some other time,” many say, when urged to repent and believe. They fail to realize that now is the acceptable time. How pitiful it is that the convenient season never dawns for them! The pathway to their hell is strewn with good resolutions, and as they cross “The Great Divide,” the mocking voice cries out: “Too late! Too late!”

For Women – He Is The Bread of Life – John 6:48–51 – October 12 – October 14, 2012

God’s miraculous provision of manna in the desert only sustained physical life for a time. But Jesus is the bread of life who provides eternal life. Jesus called himself “the living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:51).

Are you allowing your worldly appetites to consume you? Such a lifestyle leads to disappointment, decay, disillusionment and death. Make the bread of life the whole of your diet. Unlike the fares of this world that never fully satisfy your appetite, you will taste and see that God is good (see Psalm 34:8) and that he fulfills you.

For Moms – F-I-G-H-T! – Genesis 37:12–35 – October 8 – October 14, 2012

F-I-G-H-T! That’s the battle cry of kids in so many families today. Before we reach the car door, brother and sister are close to blows over who gets to sit in the front. “He pinched me!” “She pulled my hair!” And so it goes.

Siblings have often been rivals. Even back in Bible times. Think about Cain and Abel and Joseph and his eleven brothers. As in these very serious situations, some sibling squabbles can have disastrous results.

Is there a way to mitigate the negative aspects of sibling fights? When carefully monitored by parents, can they actually foster growth? Experts list three benefits to in-house fighting:

1. Interpersonal empathy. Fights offer children the opportunity to learn sensitivity to the feelings of others.

2. Emotional processing. Fights give children a chance to express and process emotions.

3. Resolution skills. Fights give children experience in establishing nonviolent solutions like compromise and cooperation.

While God can and does bring good out of even the worst of situations, we can help our children grow well by teaching them how to “fight” well.

For Men – Job’s Performance Review – Job 22:1–30 – October 11 – October 17, 2012

Former hockey goalie Jacques Plante once quipped, “How would you like a job where, if you make a mistake, a big red light goes on and eighteen thousand people boo?”

Job didn’t face eighteen thousand booing people. Just a few so-called friends who made false accusations about his performance as a righteous man. Eliphaz started his attack on Job by criticizing his supposed lack of holiness. He accused Job of withholding water from the thirsty, keeping food from the hungry and turning away widows. Eliphaz claimed that Job’s problems stemmed from his wicked heart.

However, Eliphaz’s criticism was unfounded. God wouldn’t have made Job the poster child of righteousness if he’d really committed such horrible acts.

We all deal with criticism. But how we respond to it often determines how we feel about ourselves. Most of us respond in one of three ways: (1) We deny the accusation; (2) we become defensive and feel victimized; or (3) we look for what might be true about the criticism and weed out what’s not true.

Quite often critics just want to help solve problems—they’re not out to get the person they’re evaluating. If someone’s criticism carries a seed of truth, we need to acknowledge our mistakes and make corrections in that area of life. By doing this, we honor the critic’s judgment. And we show a willingness to take responsibility without feeling victimized.

However, some critics use words to degrade and control others. We don’t have to let them make our lives miserable. Job allowed Eliphaz to vent, but Job didn’t let the criticism define him. He was secure in the integrity of his actions, and that allowed him to deflect unfounded criticism.

Poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Criticism should not be querulous and wasting, all knife and root-puller, but guiding, instructive, inspiring.” False criticism never needs to define your self-worth. If someone throws an unjust accusation your way, don’t let it get under your skin. Look past it and move on. But if a critic’s words ring true, use them to make yourself a better person.

How do you handle criticism?

How does pride affect the way you respond to criticism?

Would you describe your words of criticism toward others as cutting and destructive or as guiding, instructive and inspiring?

The Sweet Scent of Democracy – October 1- October 15, 2012

It’s that time of year again — time to exercise your right to vote and let your nose be heard! It’s Bring Back My Bar time! Vote for your favorite retired Scentsy fragrances and reunite with the lush florals, juicy fruits, and spicy herbs still lingering in your memory.

Which fragrance candidate deserves your vote? Do you stand behind the Root Beer Float platform? Does Garden Paradise best represent your ideals? Can Clarity bring about the change you seek? Review the candidates and their descriptions, study their fragrant qualities, and vote with confidence. Choice never smelled so good!

There will be two voting periods — a primary (Oct. 1-15) and general election (Oct. 17-31) — where you’ll have an opportunity to vote 30 times per each election.

For the primary, choose your top three fragrances from a list of over 250 retired scents. The 30 scents with the most votes will proceed to the general election for another round of voting.

In the general, elect your three favorites from the remaining fragrances and help decide the final 20 scents that will be available for the month of January 2013 only.

Now, go forth and ballot for your bars, stump for your scents, and warm the vote!

Vote Now!

View Our A-Z List of Eligible Fragrances

Visit My Online Scentsy Store

The Sweet Scent of Democracy – October 1- October 15, 2012

It’s that time of year again — time to exercise your right to vote and let your nose be heard! It’s Bring Back My Bar time! Vote for your favorite retired Scentsy fragrances and reunite with the lush florals, juicy fruits, and spicy herbs still lingering in your memory.

Which fragrance candidate deserves your vote? Do you stand behind the Root Beer Float platform? Does Garden Paradise best represent your ideals? Can Clarity bring about the change you seek? Review the candidates and their descriptions, study their fragrant qualities, and vote with confidence. Choice never smelled so good!

There will be two voting periods — a primary (Oct. 1-15) and general election (Oct. 17-31) — where you’ll have an opportunity to vote 30 times per each election.

For the primary, choose your top three fragrances from a list of over 250 retired scents. The 30 scents with the most votes will proceed to the general election for another round of voting.

In the general, elect your three favorites from the remaining fragrances and help decide the final 20 scents that will be available for the month of January 2013 only.

Now, go forth and ballot for your bars, stump for your scents, and warm the vote!

Vote Now!

View Our A-Z List of Eligible Fragrances

Visit My Online Scentsy Store