All Posts (657)
Sort by
Maybe I had a problem, came across a bulk butter tart package.
Fasting Butter Tarts this month.
more to follow ...
Squirrel
Antiquer finds century-old Coca-Cola bottle—then discovers its worth
An antiques collector made an extraordinary discovery when he came across a sealed Coca-Cola bottle believed to date back to the early 1900s.
At the time, he couldn't afford the $100 price tag, so instead, he took a photograph and moved on.
**************
Reminds me that these coca cola bottles were bottled in the communities vs being shipped across the country. It looks like they made the bottles as well, thus the various glass works in these smaller communities. Interesting observation, I have thought the NEW should have it's own glass bottle company vs buying them in from China or Spain.
*************
If we could just figure out how to freeze the bottles without them busting, that would be a benefit indeed.
************
Well Done Go Deeper in your prayer live. Pray without seeking. Message from Lisa Nova from Australia
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer Changes Everything
Because it releases God’s wisdom into your circumstances.
We often treat prayer like a last resort.
Something we reach for when we’ve exhausted our strength, our ideas, and our control.
But prayer was never meant to be our backup plan.
It’s the doorway to divine wisdom, peace, and power.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
Prayer invites God into the center of our reality.
It’s how we surrender our limited understanding and receive His infinite wisdom.
And when God’s wisdom enters a situation, everything changes.
Why Does Prayer Matter?
Because when you pray, you are:
• Seeking God's will above your own.
• Aligning your heart with Heaven’s perspective.
• Opening your life to His counsel, correction, and comfort.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6
You may not see the answer immediately.
The situation may still look the same.
But prayer begins a shift not just around you, but within you.
It renews your mind, calms your heart and unlocks wisdom.
And it reminds you that you are not alone.
When You Don’t Know What to Do…
Sometimes we don’t need more information, we need revelation. True, right??
God’s wisdom is holy instruction.
It leads to peace when the world says panic.
Says, “wait,” when the flesh says, “act.”
Gives strength when you want to give up.
So pray.
Pray like it matters because it does.
Pray like God is listening, because He is.
And pray knowing this: you never leave prayer the same.
Prayer
Lord, I confess that I often run to solutions before I run to You. But today, I pause and pray.
I ask for Your wisdom to lead me, correct me, and strengthen me. Guide my decisions. Calm my anxious thoughts. Replace confusion with clarity. Your ways are higher than mine, and I trust You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
Want to go deeper in your walk with God?
My book "Sin the Great Joker" reveals the importance of a life led by God’s Word and grounded in His truth.
👉 Gift yourself a copy today and stand firm on your faith journey of wisdom, freedom, and purpose.
✅️ And if you've read and loved the book, please leave a meaningful and heartfelt review on Amazon—it would be the greatest gift. Your words might lead someone else to say yes to Jesus.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Valentine 💘
“To love is to will the good of the other.”
—Thomas Aquinas, "Summa Theologica"
Reminders
Trail Walks
Thrifting Adventures
Deep Dark Chocolate
Run Time
Mushroom exploring
Time together
Our Referral Link for those that would like to start their own networked community on the Ning.com platform.
Video Prager U - What is Currency?
Video Prager U - Saving so You are not Broke
https://www.prageru.com/videos/budget?playlist=financial-foundations
Video Prager U - What is a Budget - Getting Smart with Your Money?
https://www.prageru.com/videos/budget?playlist=financial-foundations
Well Done Begins with Well Started
Day 9 Chapters covered today, Highlights
Proverbs 9 ...
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser:
teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:
and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
For by me thy days shall be multiplied,
and the years of thy life shall be increased.
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself:
but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
Ecclesiastic 9...
For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
Song of Solomon 2...
I am the rose of Sharon,
and the lily of the valleys.
As the lily among thorns,
so is my love among the daughters.
Take us the foxes,
the little foxes, that spoil the vines:
for our vines have tender grapes.
Psalms 9...
I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart;
I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in thee:
I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
John 9...
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
Genesis 9...
And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.
Keep Giving Him Your Best
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV®)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
We expect a quick return on our investments. We go online to see if the money we have invested has increased in value that day. We do something nice and expect the recipients to express their gratitude. We make an investment in God’s Kingdom and expect to see immediate results. But the rewards we receive from God are not like that. He expects us to give Him our best every day, and He will give us His best in return. But our reward will not always come in the moment—or even in that day, month, or year. We need to approach our spiritual service thinking, I’m going to give You my best today, Lord. And if I don’t see a return on this until eternity, I’ll still keep giving You my best. So, let’s stop checking our spiritual mailboxes to see if a reward is there. God delights in blessing His people, and He will reward us in His own time—whether that’s today or in eternity.
THINK ABOUT IT
Whatever the Lord values, He wants to bring that into your life. So, are you giving your best to Him? Are you “all in” or looking for the minimal daily requirement?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, forgive me for when I have not given my best to You. You are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. You have showered my life with blessings and watched over me with grace. I will give You the honor You deserve and bring You my best, rejoicing in Your great provision for me. Holy Spirit, grant me an awareness of God’s love so I might serve Him without reservation. In Jesus' name, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson
Studying the Real Thing: A Lesson from Counterfeit Currency
Taylor uses a powerful illustration from the film Catch Me If You Can. Frank Abagnale Jr. succeeds as a forger not by inventing fake money from scratch, but by studying the real thing in obsessive detail—down to the ink, paper, and watermarks.
Ironically, that expertise later makes him invaluable to the FBI.
Banks don’t train tellers by showing them every possible fake. They train them by handing them genuine currency until authenticity becomes instinctive.
The same is true of Scripture. Discernment doesn’t come from memorizing every error—it comes from knowing God’s Word so deeply that when something sounds “almost right,” you can feel that it isn’t.
Catch me if you can is a show I watched, fantastic show and interesting man, listened to some of his training, a great speaker. Jim Rohn, mentoring advise connects with this, we need to study the evil side.
1
Jim Rohn’s primary quote regarding the "evil side" emphasizes accepting that some people will inevitably choose that path, advising leaders to focus on identifying them rather than questioning why. It highlights thatevil/negativity is a normal part of life that requires active, conscious resistance.
Key Quotes on the "Evil Side" & Negativity:
- "Leaders must understand that some people will inevitably sell out to the evil side. Don't waste your time wondering why; spend your time discovering who." — QuoteFancy
- "If good does not arouse itself and become active, guess what moves in, evil." — Scribd
- "It seems like opposites are in conflict and we are in the middle. Evil on one side, good on the other side; Illness on one side, good health on the other side; Darkness on one side, light on the other side and they are in conflict." — wisdom.ge
Rohn described evil or negative people as those who attempt to diminish accomplishments, mask malice as advice, and act as "weeds" that can ruin a metaphorical garden if not managed.
https://bdhfoundation.com/get-involved/palliative-care-telethon/
In-person donations will also be accepted at RICHARD’S COFFEEHOUSE –
234 King Street West, Brockville – from 9:00am – 4:00pm on February 21.
Online https://bdhf.my.site.com/donate/
Rotary Request to Help Palliative Care at BGH
|
Dear Tim Ross, We have received a request from the Palliative Care Team (PCT) of BGH to help support their annual fund raising drive. The Palliative Care Unit at BGH serves a wide ranging Brockville centered rural area. Lots of communities in Ontario don't have a palliative care unit; ours here in Brockville is truly state-of-the-art. We are very fortunate to have it. The challenging part is that although the Palliative Care Unit is attached directly to the BGH, which is a good thing, it is not operated as part of the BGH budget. The running of the unit is funded by charitable donations from the community. In the past, the Palliative Care fundraiser has been primarily a telethon; in these modern times the Palliative Care Team (PCT) has noticed that a significant portion of their donations come directly by e-transfer or cheque rather than in response to the telethon, and in fact, many of the telethon volunteers sit waiting for quiet phones to ring. Accordingly, this year PCT is not asking us to help man the telephones. Instead, they are asking that we share their need with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues and invite them to contribute directly. Arrangements can be made directly through BGH Foundation at 613-345-4478 or through Christine Radford OR Via the actual Telethon
Attached is a one-page description of the services provided by the Brockville Palliative Care Unit. Lets all do this. John
|
According to Thy Word
“Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.” (Psalm 119:169)
The closing 22nd stanza of Psalm 119 repeats many of the themes of the previous 21 and summarizes this epic to the majesty of the Word of God.
Seven passages contain prayer for “understanding,” which depends on the gracious ministry of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds (John 14:26). Our finite minds cannot understand God’s eternal truths apart from revelation and the “mind of Christ” granted at salvation (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Thirteen passages use “according to thy word.” Nothing that we can do pleases God more than our efforts to “magnify” His Word in our lives and ministries (Psalm 138:2). Every sentient creature will be judged by what is “written in the books, according to their works” (Revelation 20:12).
Eight stanzas include the prayer to have God teach. Again, apart from the Holy Spirit in our “new creature” we would be empty of both understanding and wisdom (2 Corinthians 5:17). Through reading and meditating on God’s Word after salvation, we grow effective and gain maturity.
The writer also promised in eight stanzas to not forget. Our minds need to become stabilized with memorized Scripture and our hearts ready and sanctified with the stored Word of God so that we can “give an answer” both to those who ask us (1 Peter 3:15) and when we need guidance for our own life decisions (Colossians 1:10).
The psalm ends with a prayer for all: “Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments” (Psalm 119:173–176). HMM III
Top Tax Deductions for Freelancers, Side-hustlers, and Self-employed: Are You Missing Out?
Source: RBC Royal Bank
https://share.google/dQe5BV3XUAGL5Cz0v
Some great reflections from our Certified Kingdom Advisors resources
https://www.faithfi.com/faithfi/how-to-choose-a-trustworthy-tax-preparer-this-season-8650
https://www.faithfi.com/faithfi/money-in-marriage-its-a-matter-of-value-with-shaunti-feldhahn-8652
* Think Like an Owner—Become One
------------------------------------------------------------
The individual who approaches their work with the care, discipline, and pride of ownership sets themselves apart. When you treat your role as if the business were your own, you develop the judgment, initiative, and responsibility that ownership demands. In time, that mindset often leads to greater opportunity—sometimes ownership of the very enterprise you serve, or an even better one.
Organizations that encourage employee ownership understand this principle well. When people have a stake in the outcome, they become more loyal, more innovative, and more attentive to costs and customers alike. But even when formal ownership programs are unavailable, the principle remains unchanged. Conduct yourself as an owner today—think long-term, act responsibly, and serve with intention—and sooner or later, opportunity will recognize you as one. Ownership begins in the mind before it ever appears on paper.
** “You become what you think about most of the time.”
—Napoleon Hill
------------------------------------------------------------
Suggested Reading:
Think and Grow Rich,
Timothy Ross, CKA®
613-345-0016 Office
A wonderful reflection from a fellow Certified Kingdom Advisor ® (CKA®)
Why Being a Certified Kingdom Advisor Matters – Lorne Robinson's Blog
https://word4now.com/2026/02/09/why-being-a-certified-kingdom-advisor-matters/
Based on his 2024 social media and conference messages, here are several quotes and key messages from Louie Giglio:
- On Trusting God: "Storms come. Either Jesus calms them. Or more likely, from my experience, He keeps us (grows us, strengthens us, refines us, refocuses us, disciplines us, awakens us) through them... Jesus brings us through. Even if the storm lasts a lifetime. On heaven's shore, it will pass." (June 11, 2024 - Instagram)
- On Overcoming Trials: "When you’re in the midst of a storm, it’s hard to remember that God is always good and glorious, and that God’s plans will always prevail, even when yours don't." (2024 - Various)
- On Focus: "What holds your attention, shapes your life." (June 30, 2024 - Instagram)
- On Humility: "God opposes the proud. but shows favor to the humble. ... Occupy your God-given space." (May 28, 2024 - Instagram)
- On Identity: "You were made by God and for God. In that one truth, you find your existence, your value, and your purpose." (Jan 11, 2026 / 2024 Context)
- On Purpose: "It's not how big your meetings are, it's what happens afterward that means anything." (January 7, 2024 - Instagram quoting Dr. John Hannah)
- On Faith/Action: "Faith is not about standing still and waiting, it's about moving forward and creating... Falling forward into faith. We keep going. We keep trying. We keep fighting." (2024 - Facebook)
Giglio also focused heavily on the themes of "Winning the Descent" (managing the emotional, physical, and spiritual letdown after a major spiritual mountain-top experience) and "Calling on Heaven" during 2024.
Timothy Ross, CKA®
613-345-0016 Office
Well Done Never Ending Observation Monday Morning Feb 9, 2026
Proverbs 9:9 ...
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser:
teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:
and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
For by me thy days shall be multiplied,
and the years of thy life shall be increased.
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself:
but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
Ecclesiastics 9:9...
Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Song of Solomon 1:15...
Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair;
thou hast doves' eyes.
Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant:
also our bed is green.
The beams of our house are cedar,
and our rafters of fir.
Psalms 9:1...
I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart;
I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in thee:
I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psalm 9:11
Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion:
declare among the people his doings.
John 9:4-5
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Genesis 9:11-17
And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.
Job 9:27
If I say, I will forget my complaint,
I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself:
https://youtube.com/shorts/juSgBWQPTxk?si=T4TI4Skyn0htulbO
https://youtube.com/shorts/pA4-cZhK1Co?si=xbW9n9n7J19EEsJB
https://www.theatlantic.com/economy/2026/01/california-wealth-tax-billionaire-migration/685779/
Reminds me Canada is now going to impose a VAT on the retail wealth clients, so a wealth tax on the mutual fund assets , will be a significant tax on the investor 13% on trailer fees which are approximately 1% of the asset base. The wealth management firm can deduct the ITC on this, so not as impactful on them, the already figure this out on their fee based assets. It does level the playing field I suppose, however it appears to me a tax advantage for the government and a disadvantage to a large percentage of investors across Canada who previously did not pay this tax, maybe I am wrong, looking like a good fund raiser and non tax deductible expense on the backs of the wealth of a large percentage of Canadians. I might add, all the articles I have read on this is how important it is for the mutual fund company to up date their accounting system to collect the tax, keep track of the ITC that the already pay out so the can send the correct net difference to CRA . Media matter's . Be interesting what the number is estimated to cost investors and what the net gain will be for the Country ( CRA is just the tax collector and enforcement department )
Reflection on the situation , good article, seems balanced, sounds like the goose is on life support, perhaps it's needed to save the goose that lays the golden eggs. No doubt the goose eats to much . I have family who moved there a generation ago and made a beautiful life there , I do get the impression that they feel taxed heavily, it has changed , I have a impression that the weather is pleasant there. It's -25C 2 feet from me at the moment , 11C outside at my cousins where they live in California in the night warming up to 25 C this afternoon, pleasant enough, everything in perspective, we got no rattlesnakes in my back yard. No high steel fences or a line of automatic gates around each property down or road or in our town. Yes the goose eats to much, we all could most likely eat a little less and be better off.
A good estimate on taxes is wise management. Everyones risk perspective is different, best practice is to leave a buffer after a solid estimate of taxes is determined, then and one can make a safe distribution without stalling all payouts to beneficiaries. Our Family Office at Brock Shores Financial provide this service for our clients and often is a turning point where a family makes a decision to seek us out or they get referred to us by one of our advocates. A second opinion, a review can save an executor significant financial cost , reduce risk and provide a valuable resource which helps help them and benefits the family through this significant financial situation. Please reach out to our office, give us a call at 613-345-0016 and the team can coordinate a time to see how we can help. TLR
“The misfortune of the wise is better than the prosperity of the fool.”
—Epicurus
Morning Routines JR
It's necessary to become a morning person , be in charge of your day, own it before it begins, plan it
I need to have this done for me , my email box is not well, nearing 40,000 unread current, have not been able to catch up.
I haven't read my emails since June 2022.
That's when I hired my first Executive Assistant Ann and completely changed how I operate.
That single hire freed up 15+ hours weekly.
Here's the system we use (so you can replicate it for yourself):
Step 1: Master the twice-daily inbox protocol
Goal: Inbox zero by 10 AM and 4 PM every day.
- Sort every email into 4 buckets: "Action needed," "Review required," "Waiting on response," "Archive"
- Handle 80% immediately with templates: "This is [Name], Dan's assistant. I got your email before he did and thought you'd appreciate a speedy reply..."
- Flag only emails that need strategic thinking (usually 3-5 daily)
- Archive everything else with proper labels (Receipts, Newsletters, Investment, etc.)
Never let emails pile up. Process everything immediately.
Step 2: Build the 10-minute daily sync agenda
This eliminates random interruptions all day.
- Yesterday's meeting action items and follow-ups
- Today's calendar review with missing details filled in
- Emails flagged that need my input (pre-sorted and prioritized)
- Current projects requiring decisions (with 3 solution options each)
- Tomorrow's priority planning
Same agenda every single day. Takes exactly 10 minutes.
Step 3: Create the perfect calendar system
Every meeting gets color-coded and audited.
- Red: Client work (never moved)
- Yellow: Team meetings (flexible timing)
- Blue: Protected time blocks (workouts, family, deep work)
- Green: Travel and logistics
Plus every invite requires: clear agenda, contact phone numbers, 20-minute default timing.
Step 4: Create meeting preparation standards
Walk into every conversation fully briefed.
- Background research on all attendees
- Previous conversation history and notes
- Relevant documents organized and accessible
- Clear agenda with desired outcomes defined
- Contact information for backup communication
Never get caught off guard again.
The transformation:
Email time: 2+ hours daily → 15 minutes daily
Calendar chaos: Constant stress → Smooth operations
Meeting prep: Scrambling → Always ready
Those reclaimed hours became business strategy, family time, and actual growth work.
Whether you implement these systems yourself or delegate them, the frameworks remain the same.
Most entrepreneurs think they can't afford this level of support.
The math is backwards: every hour you spend on $25/hour work costs you 20x in missed opportunities.
Stop trying to get better at work you shouldn't be doing. Start investing in people who can do it better than you ever will.
-DM
P.S. Want my complete 23-page EA implementation playbook with every template, system, and process my EA uses daily? Message me "EA" and I'll send you the full guide that shows exactly how to set this up step-by-step. My gift to you 👊
I sent request , and note to M
** Some individuals appear to be “allergic” to honest work, but opportunity is equally allergic to them.
------------------------------------------------------------
Some people shy away from honest work—and opportunity keeps its distance from them just as faithfully. In every profession and role, there comes a moment when results outweigh promises. Words may carry you for a time, but eventually performance tells the real story.
If you recognize a gap between what you say and what you do, let today mark a decision to change. It is possible to drift through life by doing only what is required, but doing so guarantees one thing: you will never know how far you could have gone had you been willing to give more. Opportunity is always drawn to those who respect effort and repelled by those who avoid it.
** “Every failure brings with it the seed of an equivalent advantage.”
—Napoleon Hill
------------------------------------------------------------
** Suggested Reading:
------------------------------------------------------------
Think and Grow Rich, Chapter 7: Organized Planning (Going the Extra Mile)
Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.” (Psalm 3:2)
The word Selah occurs 74 times in the Bible (three of which are in the prophetic psalm of Habakkuk, with the other 71 in the book of Psalms). The first of these occurrences is here in Psalm 3:2, and it also occurs at the end of verses 4 and 8, thus in effect dividing Psalm 3into three “stanzas.”
However, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most authorities think it is some kind of musical notation to be applied when the psalm was being sung with accompanying musical instrumentation. It suggests a pause of some kind, perhaps to allow the instruments to play a few notes while the singers were silent before proceeding with the next portion, possibly changing to a different key.
When the psalm is merely being read, however, as must often be the case, this explanation would be pointless. Thus, some think it indicates a brief pause for reflection on the truth just revealed before proceeding to the next point. Selah might, therefore, mean something like “think of that!”
In Psalm 3, as the first instance, verse 2 notes that many (perhaps originally those involved in Absalom’s rebellion against King David) are saying, “Not even God can help him now!” But then the psalmist remembers God’s promises. He prays and God answers, so now he can say, “Well, what do you think about that?” Both exclamations seem implied by his Selah.
Then in the third stanza, he stresses his security in his Lord. He can sleep and “not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. . . . Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people” (Psalm 3:6, 8). So, what can you say about that, you enemies of God and His Word? (Selah). HMM
https://youtube.com/shorts/9Vrd41lLW1c?si=LZ_Fz7h96z6_PvnT
Timothy Ross
613-345-0016 Office
Subject: “No one gonna give you more because you made them feel bad”🤔😔😳 credit @m...
Building a cordwood house involves laying log ends transversely within a mortar matrix, creating thick, insulated, and structurally sound walls. Key resources include Rob Roy's Essential Cordwood Building and Earthwood (often available as PDF/ebooks), which detail using lime-based mortar, sawdust insulation, and post-and-beam frameworks. Walls are typically 12-24 inches thick, with 40-60% wood.
Key Steps and Techniques for Cordwood Construction
- Materials: Use debarked, seasoned softwood (white cedar, pine, or spruce) to prevent shrinkage gaps.
- Mortar Mix: A recommended mix is 5 parts sand to 1 part lime putty, which allows the wall to "breathe" better than pure cement.
- Wall Construction: Apply two parallel mortar beds on the exterior and interior, leaving a gap in the center for insulation (sawdust/lime mixture) to create a thermal break.
- Layout: Logs are laid like bricks, with smaller pieces filling gaps to ensure a tight, visually appealing finish.
- Framework: Using a timber frame (post and beam) is recommended, as it allows the roof to be built first, protecting the walls during construction.
- Moisture Management: The mortar should be kept moist during curing to prevent cracking, and logs should slope slightly outward to drain water away.
Essential Resources/PDFs
- Essential Cordwood Building by Rob Roy: A comprehensive, step-by-step guide from a leading expert.
- Cordwood Construction by Appalachia-Science in the Public Interest: A detailed pamphlet outlining best practices, including log preparation.
- Scribd Cordwood Construction PDF: Overview of techniques and drying requirements for wood.
Tips for Success
- Plan for Utilities: Run electric and plumbing through the insulation cavity before finalizing the walls.
- Include "Bottle Ends": Incorporate glass bottles into the walls to add natural light and artistic flair.
- Seasoning: Ensure wood is dried for at least a year to prevent significant shrinkage.
Let's make sure this is not a someday wish. Like life we should strive to let it be said "Well Done , good and faithful servant, you have been faithful in your Sunday activities, you did the basics, you made it to the church service, you greated friends and met strangers and introduced yourself to many of them. You payed attention to the announcements, you entered into worship, sang, listened, internalize the meaning of the poetry arranged to music and you worshiped like David. Maybe you kept your clothes on, but you certainly took your coat off. You left your hat at the cloak room with your coat. You gave your tithes, and you checked the math beforehand and worked that in your budget so it was part of your life, your Economic Domain with God in the centre of that part of your live. You listened and took notes as the pastors shared his message and you let the spirit challenge you as the message was received. You went to the alter to pray and pray for others. You got past your shyness and laid hands and prayed for those you are called to pray for. Let the Holy Spirit guide you, and you prayed for others by putting a hand on their shoulders and you raised the other in praise to the Lord, like you do in worship as you are worshiping, you speak encouraging words over your brother and you speak with the tongues of the angel as God knows what is required, May His will be done in your brothers life. You raise your hands in your worship times during the service and you sing praises to the Lord 🎶 You prayed for your wife and laid hands on her while you prayed and like wise for you child you carried him in your arms while you still can. He soon will be to big and will stand on his own. You linger after alter time and great brothers and sisters, you shake their hands, encourage them with a smile and a good word. When you get a chance you thank the pastor for his good word, encourage him and likewise for the worship team members that you meet.
Make your way home after the service and enjoy the rest of the day with your family.
Later you listen to the pastors message to reinforce his message. We have those records online this day.
Do some extra Bible reading and other good books , embrace the rest , the pause of the Sunday. Well Done beginnings for a Sunday.
Listen to Jim Rohn's message, full of encouragement, advise on how to be enough, time to do, to act, to become, make your life a good story, a story of legacy. You absolutely control your life's depth, make it your legacy, make it count.
https://youtu.be/dhHEjoFqsFg
Social Media Fasting for a Week Reduces Depression by 25 Percent | The Epoch Times
"Cutting social media use to just 30 minutes a day can reduce depression symptoms by nearly 25 percent in young adults within a single week, research suggests."
“diversify their portfolio” by engaging in real-world activities beyond social media
Reducing Screen Time
“When it comes to the concept of a digital detox, it is important to also recognize that electronic screens are a reality in the day-to-day life of most young adults,” Sovec said. He advises parents to have open, honest conversations about their concerns over excessive use and to collaborate with their child on creating a screen-use plan.Sovec recommends the following practical strategies:
- Start by cutting screen time by 25 percent for everyone in the household.
- Avoid phone use for one hour before bedtime.
- Try a screen-free hour after school and fill it with activities involving friends or family, such as visiting a park or reading together.
- Choose one day each week to take a complete break from screens.
- Spend time outdoors or engage in face-to-face game nights.
Reading through the list, they did not mention this site www.ImprovingFutures.ca so keep reading, also they did not mention YouTube, so enjoy our channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TimRossWire and no mention of our radio show , so enjoy https://www.spreaker.com/user/timothy-ross--6808023 and Linked In was not mentioned , lots of options there www.TimothyRoss.ca or https://www.linkedin.com/in/omegastewardship/
Fasting - The Call for February 2026, Feb 2 to 22nd, Prayer & Fasting
Search results ....
Christian fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food (and sometimes drink) for spiritual purposes, such as drawing closer to God, seeking guidance, repentance, or strengthening prayer. Rooted in the Bible—modeled by Jesus and the early church—it is a discipline to subdue the flesh and focus on spiritual growth. Common practices include one-day, three-day, or partial fasts (like the Daniel Fast), often observed during Lent.
Key Aspects of Christian Fasting
- Purpose: Primarily to humble oneself before God, not to manipulate a divine response, and to gain spiritual strength.
- Types of Fasts:
- Normal Fast: No food, only water.
- Absolute Fast: No food or water (usually short-term).
- Partial Fast: Omitting specific foods (e.g., Daniel Fast: no meat, sweets, or alcohol) or eating only during certain hours.
- Non-food Fast: Abstaining from things like technology or intimacy (1 Corinthians 7:5).
- Biblical Examples: Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness. Others include Moses, Elijah, Esther, and the early church (Acts 13:2).
- When to Fast: Often practiced during Lent (especially Ash Wednesday and Good Friday), during times of spiritual crisis, or to seek direction.
- How to Fast: Jesus taught that fasting should be private, not for show (Matthew 6:16-18). It should be accompanied by prayer and, as noted in Isaiah 58, accompanied by works of justice and charity.
Important Considerations
- Safety: The body should be prepared and broken from a fast gradually, especially after a 21-day fast, starting with light soups or fruit.
- Heart Attitude: The focus should be on repentance and seeking God, rather than just the physical act of skipping meals.
Read a article this morning about how money doesn't necessarily make you happy. Elon Musk reflecting on this was the basis of the business article. He is right, it's complicated.
Jim Rohn spoke about being happy and money, bottom line, it can make it easier to be happier when your bills are paid, net worth rising. However it's not the only measure.
This insight from NH advocates for service to others, part of a happy happy foundation.
Cheers !
** The Path That Pays You Back
------------------------------------------------------------
Happiness is rarely found at the finish line. Research into human motivation consistently shows that fulfillment comes from engagement—the steady, purposeful effort toward something meaningful. It is the process of contributing, improving, and showing up that energizes the mind and nourishes the spirit.
When your pursuit of success is grounded in service to others, the rewards multiply. You gain progress and purpose. Every profession, role, or calling becomes richer when approached with the intention to help, support, or uplift. Service transforms ordinary work into meaningful contribution.
The deepest satisfaction comes from knowing your effort mattered—that someone’s journey was improved because you chose to give your time, talent, or care. Long after outcomes fade, the sense of impact remains. Service doesn’t distract from success; it quietly builds it.
** “True success is not measured by what you gain, but by the value you leave behind.”
— Napoleon Hill
---------------------------
For parents with a Toddler, big high fives when the aim is accurate, real life happiness ✔️🤸♂️😊🥳
Lady Peace backed by the view of Maple leaf shaped rays breaking through the rain clouds, she is the allegorical image of peace "PAX" standing on a shoreline, supported by maple leaves
Canada's Motto , A Mari Usque Ad Mare "From sea to sea"
🍁 🇨🇦 ✌️
While attending a funeral today the Blessing was read by the minister. I pray a short form of this over my son every night when I put him down for the night for the last couple years, be close to all his life. To hear it read today was good for my soul. It also prompted me to expanding this prayer time for him. It is a powerful prayer, full of blessing. So I will work on it. First step is to find it.
First find was the song. Let's start there.
The Blessing
Song by Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship, and Kari Jobe ‧ 2020
Overview
Lyrics
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
Amen, amen, amen (we sing, we sing)
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you (I know, I know)
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you (I know, I know)
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen
May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Chris Brown / Steven Furtick / Cody Carnes / Kari Brooke Jobe
The Blessing lyrics © Worship Together Music, Capitol Cmg Paragon, Be Essential Songs, United Pursuit Music, Kari Jobe Carnes Music, Writers Roof Publishing
The Song, The Blessing
Numbers 6:24-26 which says, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” This verse is a reminder of God's promise to be with us and to bless us.
Some PS advice to my team this morning , good advice, in my humble opinion, for anyone who is interested in a better life.
PS, please check out my domain link below. It would be great if everyone updated their LinkedIn profiles. It’s important to look good in the marketplace. I recently setup this short email signature on my phone, the link gets to the profile. I love my 2 page signature but it uses a lot of space, the profile link hopefully provides curious minds that opportunity to learn more. This can help with our client relationship's , and reduce paperwork for our client experience, and overtime move prospects to customer, customers to clients and clients to advocates. TLR
Bonus - Here is my main online mentor, I met Jim many years ago, was mentored by his teachings and have been encouraged by his messages over the decades. Now most of his teachings are available on YouTube for free ! I believe we can all have better lives following the principles he speaks about. This one is on habits https://youtu.be/_b7fwaMh5d0 Today with phones and computers, tablets, connected TV's, you can listen and learn, self development at your convenience. When I started I had tapes, books, then CD's, then DVD's, one would travel days to hear him speak and take notes. Today is easy, let's not mistake easy for not beneficial . I wish you all wonderful successful lives. Hopefully Jim helps inspires you to build those lives. These messages are not one and done, they are a life time investment. Wishing you all the best on your individual personal development ! TLR
Timothy Ross
613-345-0016 Office
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/well-done-statement-daily-prayer-rythms--69770767
April 15,2025
Pastors message
We all struggle, we all have to complete the journey…. I practice 3 small rhythms to anchor my soul. (Mini version) 1. Mornings: Before my feet hit the floor, I whisper a short prayer like: “Jesus, help me carry only what You’ve asked of me today.” 2. Midday Reset (5 minutes): I step outside, breathe deeply, say nothing, and just let myself be. 3. Evenings: I thank God out loud for one thing from the day—even if it’s small. Then remind myself: “I don’t have to solve everything tonight.” Read this as a declaration over yourself… Today, I don’t have to do it all. I don’t have to fix everything. I only need to walk in what God has placed in front of me. I am not defined by how much I produce. My value is not measured by busyness. I am loved by God—fully, deeply, right now. Even if the day is full, I will find space to breathe. I will pause to be still. I will notice the good. I will let grace lead, not guilt. Jesus is with me in this. He’s not asking me to run on empty. He is my strength, my peace, my wisdom, and my rest. I will lead from a place of love—not pressure. I will trust that God is working, even in the things I can’t control. I don’t have to carry what isn’t mine. And what is mine—I don’t carry alone. Your BEST days are ALWAYS just ahead…. Keep moving. Pastor JrR #ResurrectionSundayIsOnTheWay #HeIsRisen #HeConqueredDeath
** Why Effort Beyond the Paycheck Always Pays Off
------------------------------------------------------------
When you consistently give more value than your job description requires—whether as a professional, executive, hourly employee, or entrepreneur—you begin to separate yourself from the ordinary. Compensation does not always arrive immediately, but it always follows sustained excellence.
Those who deliver better service than expected become indispensable. Customers notice. Leaders notice. In a world where truly outstanding service is rare, even simple consistency and care can set you apart. By choosing to exceed expectations rather than merely meet them, you create opportunities that cannot be ignored—and rewards that eventually exceed what you were originally paid to do.
** “One who renders more service than he is paid to render will soon be paid for more than he renders.”
—Napoleon Hill
------------------------------------------------------------
