‭‭Psalms‬ ‭90‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

In today’s verse, David is instructing us on how to gain wisdom by numbering our days. The Message version says, teach us to live wisely and well. Advent is also the beginning of the new liturgical church calendar. It can be the beginning of new growth found in our Christmas and ceremonial rituals.

Deborah and I first started our Water Walkers blog after being encouraged to take a social media class. We were stepping way out of our comfort zone. Today’s Advent calendar activity suggests writing affirmations. One of the suggested affirmations reads, “my potential is limitless, and I trust my journey and its beautiful twists.” Think about how limitless God is, the Savior of the world was a newborn baby. What are some limitless ways that you can grow spiritually? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for teaching me to number my days so that I can gain a heart of wisdom. Show me ways that I can grow spiritually closer to you as I prepare for the birth of Your son. In the name of Jesus’ I pray, Amen.

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV — So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.‬‬

Mary probably didn’t think she was worthy to carry baby Jesus. Take a moment to think about the status of women during that time, yet she was chosen to be a vessel to carry out the prophecy. I imagine God saw fruit-bearing characteristics in Mary.

Did you know that before a fruit tree grows fruit, it grows flowers? Fruit trees also produce oxygen. Christ Jesus is like oxygen. We need Him in our lives to blossom. When you look in the mirror do you see fruit-bearing characteristics? Today’s Advent calendar activity suggests making your own face mask. As we wash our faces today let’s be reminded that we are God’s children, worthy of His sacrificial cleanse and His call to bear fruit. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for being my Heavenly Father. Help me to be reminded that I am worthy and called to bear fruit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Are you tired? God wants us to soar but on whose strength? Isaiah says our hope is in the Lord, therefore it’s God’s strength and not our own. Today’s Advent calendar activity suggests a digital detox. Think about how much energy we use on our digital devices and/or our social media channels. 

Let’s set the intention for the day. We can start by choosing to engage with people, activities, and hobbies that will keep us in the present moment. Think about Mary and Joseph, who didn’t have digital devices. The Christmas season is busy but we must keep the reason for the season as our focus and not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for how far communication has come since the birth of Jesus. Help me put down my digital devices today. Help me to rely on Your strength and not grow weary with all the festivities. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — He says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

The Advent wreath consists of laurel, pine, holly, yew, and pine cones. It’s that time of year when we burn our holiday-scented candles. Can you start to imagine what a live Advent wreath would smell like? Today’s Advent calendar activity suggests going on a nature walk. If you can get outside today, notice the trees and pine cones. Do they remind you of the season we are in? 

I wonder what it was like for Mary to be still in her situation. I am sure the anticipation was overwhelming. If you can’t get outside, I suggest burning or warming a holiday scent that reminds you of the Christmas season. Take that time to be still, surrendering your thoughts both mentally and emotionally. Really experience God’s mighty, yet gentle presence.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the opportunities to be still and to experience Your presence. Thank You for the trees and all the holiday scents that remind me of Christmas. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV — For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm to you, plans to give you hope and a future.‬‬

Advent is four weeks of preparing for the coming of Jesus’ birth. It can be a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Do you participate in Advent, whether at church or on an activity calendar in your home? This year Deborah and I are trying something new. We are taking this time of the Advent Christmas season for self-care. We are following a book that suggests a different activity each day. Today’s suggested activity is using lavender and/or chamomile essential oils to create a calming space to breathe deeply and reflect.

In reading today’s verse, think about Mary and how she carried the hope of Jesus in her womb for nine months. I wonder if she understood that the baby she carried would prosper her and not only give her hope, but hope for all mankind. Imagine her times of solitude and reflection on her present situation and what was to come. Whatever our present situations are, I encourage us to seek God’s perfect will, knowing His plan is to prosper us and give us hope.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your plans to prosper me and give me hope. Help me to follow Your perfect will for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Ephesians 5:10 MSG —- Figure out what will please the Christ, then do it.

What are your take-aways from this week on intention? Click here as we discuss our take-aways and thoughts in today’s See You Saturday video.

Isaiah 40:31 KJV — But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.

Today’s verse is the same I shared on Sunday of this week. As I mentioned on Sunday, this is my life verse. This verse encompasses my faith journey. As we finish this week together, I encourage you to identify your life verse. We would love to hear from you and have you share your life verse with us. Comment on this post on WordPress, Facebook or Instagram. Share with us the verse and/or the reason the verse is important to you.

I pray this week you have become aware and examined your intentions. May God open each of our eyes not only to His presence but also to our intentionality within the days He has gifted us. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the time I have. Open my eyes to my intentions. May I reflect You in all I say and do. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Interesting fact about my birth — My parents spent their time focusing on my arrival and learning to adjust to life with a newborn. My dad didn’t spend any time preparing a sermon because he planned to use the one he had prepared but didn’t preach the day I was born. On the Saturday following my birth he contacted the Lay Leader who filled in for him to thank him. Only then did he find out the Lay Leader had read dad’s sermon that was left on the pulpit. Back to the drawing board!