These thirty-one devotionals are written by an eighty-five-year-old for those saints looking for ways to relate to biblical passages for wisdom and guidance. This search presents some unique challenges for those who have been gifted with cutting-edge years. Familiar passages that tell us how best to live life on this earth can now take on different meanings. These devotional passages focus on the reader's renewed relationship with God and living by faith, encouraging the reader's spiritual growth. Spiritual Foods for Senior Saints Devotions for 80 Years and Beyond By Patt M. Devitt AuthorHouse Copyright © 2016 Patt M. Devitt All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-5246-4571-7 Contents Acknowledgements, v, Introduction, ix, Resting, 1, Going Toward the Unknown, 5, Freedom, 9, I am known, 13, Overwhelmed, 17, Broken heart, 21, Lonely, 23, All Things, 27, Questions, 31, Fear, 35, What Purpose?, 39, Anger, 43, Be Still, 47, Shame, 51, All Alone, 55, Hopeless, 59, Joyful Noise, 63, Prejudice, 67, Determination, 71, Remembrance, 75, Asking, 79, Fatigue, 83, Prayer, 87, Anxiety, 91, Rejection, 95, Aching Bones – Slow Steps, 99, Joy, 103, Living Life Now, 107, Kindness, 111, Live Gratefully!, 115, Death, 119, Devotions And Texts, 123, CHAPTER 1 Resting * * * "So the people rested on the seventh day." Exodus 16: 22-30 I heaved myself out of bed this morning, put both feet on the floor, made coffee and read the paper, took a shower, dressed and wanted to go back to bed. My body says will this be another 'slow day.' But before I fret and fume about not being able to do everything for everyone else all the time, I need to acknowledge the reality of my situation and accept myself exactly as I am today – with an aging body that needs more rest – saying with Katherine de Schlegel, "Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side." The Bible, in several places, says the Lord emphasizes the need for rest as His people. He knows we can't be on the go 24/7, especially in our elderly years. He sets us an example. The least I can do is to return this sentiment by admitting I am what I am and what I am is wonderful. And to take care of this aging body with gratitude. So when I have a 'slow day' – days I need to catch up on my rest – I will pamper myself with simple things. I might have an extra nap or paint my toenails green instead of red or watch a favorite video. Or I might do nothing, have a quiet time with an extra cup of decaf on the balcony watching the Lord's world unfold. It's a day of renewal. Today I need to be there for myself. Thank you, Lord, for loving me and through the Holy Spirit and scripture teaching me how to take care of this body you gifted me. Help me learn how to join you in your sustaining rest. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. CHAPTER 2 D Going Toward the Unknown * * * "Answer my when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress, be gracious to me and hear my prayer." Psalm 4 As I journey into the elderly years I need more than ever to know that the Lord is with me. The unknown is dark and scary to me. Darkness hides all sorts of potentially harmful things: ferocious animals (health and financial snares), venous snakes (uncaring health care people and loss of ability to care for myself), lurking enemies (changes I don't want). Any could be waiting just out of sight. That's the trouble with the unknown – you just don't know what's waiting there. A couple of wrong moves could bring disaster. In the words of Psalm 4 I hear words to still my anxious heart. When I ask God to have mercy and hear my prayer, He does. As a faithful follower of Christ, God will 'take personal care' of me, counseling and guiding me about dangers I might overlook. He will make known to me His will through the Comforter and be with me as I face the challenges of growing older every day. I have reason to be apprehensive but when I am in the right relationship with God I need not fear. I will do my part: laugh, love and learn something new every day. Dear Heavenly Father, may I ever seek to know your will for me trusting You will provide for me. Amen. CHAPTER 3 Freedom * * * "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32 My daughter visited us at the beach for a few days without her family. When she was leaving she said, "You know, Mom, you have the best of all worlds! You have congenial people living around you that you may visit when you want, yet you have the privacy of your home when you want. You and Vince eat meals in a restaurant or cook at home – and go to a movie when you like. My goodness, such freedom!" I never thought of being older in years and being 'free' in the same context but she is right. During this time I am grateful to get to write my own script for living each day which is a delicious type of freedom. Another type of freedom, a mor