Five 2 Eleven

 

This is the daily time of review. I pray a shortened version of the Bedtime Sh'ma earlier in the evening with my 11-year-old grandson, who lives in another city. I use this time just before retiring for the night to pray for my beloved family members and friends.

    Having done that, I will fall asleep listening to a Torah teaching. That time is fast approaching. Zzz

    After my late-night FFOZ study on Sunday nights, I find it difficult to switch off and go to sleep, but somehow last night I got a good, uninterrupted 7 hours.

    I woke up early and spent most of the morning doing the 8 things on my morning To Do List - and I completed each and every one of them, with God's help, of course. I even added a few extra ones.

    I saw my stratified apple sprouting seed hitting its little head on the top of the short container I had put it in, so - before he or she got a sore neck - I took him or her outside and potted him or her in a small pot, arranging his or her new domicile just in front of my big radish plants.

    The LORD sent some beautiful rain today as well. I'm always so thankful for the precipitation.

    We prayed Mincha together as usual this afternoon, followed by two Hebrew and two Afrikaans classes. In between all these sessions I spoke to my beloved grandson for an unprecedented 13 minutes!

    I found myself walking around my little house today, thanking God for His manifold blessings in my life, and for loving me.

    I've just watched the recording of yesterday's Land of Israel Fellowship - https://thelandofisrael.com/fellowship/ -  where Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel was saying, again, how we, the non-Jews, are welcome to come to the God of Israel. It's so heartwarming to be welcomed. He has just written a book called "Shabbat for all nations", which is apparently causing quite a stir in the Land of Israel. Apparently, the Rabbis are finally seeing that it is God Himself who is calling us in. Hallelujah!

    I thank the LORD for giving me strength when I am weak, for giving me a reason to go on, to get up in the morning. My handful of students keep me on my toes and I am thankful for them. Also my little garden. I plant a few things here and a few things there - just enough for me. It makes me happy to play in the soil - and it's good for the soul!

    I have very little admin to do tomorrow morning. The day seems to come in twos, though: 2 Hebrew lessons, 2 Afrikaans lessons, 2 prayer meetings, 2 Torah studies, 2 phonecalls to make.

    We'll see what else crops up - I have a total of 5 hours free, though they are scattered all through the day in small bits. I'm sure the LORD will provide something to fill them with, whether it's working out in the garden, reading, studying, prepping lessons in advance, working on my curriculum, cooking or doing household chores. Life is never boring when the LORD is in charge.

    May He bless your home and everyone in it.

Layla Tov!