Former reporter and city editor at The Tribune, Welland, On. Active in various community groups and initiatives, married with two grown children, interested in roses specifically and gardening in general. A collection of previously-written columns was published in book form in the fall of 2013 and is available by contacting the writer at: fromareportersnotebook@gmail.com. It sells for $20.
God knows me and calls me by my name.… He has created me to do some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission—I never may know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next.
Somehow, I am necessary for His purposes… I have a part in this great work; I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do His work; I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it, if I do but keep His commandments and serve Him in my calling.
Therefore I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; In perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which is quite beyond us. He does nothing in vain; He may prolong my life, He may shorten it; He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends, He may throw me among strangers, He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide the future from me— still He knows what He is about.… Let me be Thy blind instrument. I ask not to see— I ask not to know—I ask simply to be used. — St. John Henry Newman
Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.
Today’s Reflection: I pray for focus today, dear God, because during Advent, my mind and attention tend to wander. There are so many distractions, many of them well-meaning. But nothing gives my heart rest like resting in You. I pray that I keep You at the focus of my day today, because I know the peace that only You offer. Amen. — Jesuit prayer site
Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.
Today’s Reflection: Lord Jesus, thank you for the times you “bother” my heart, stirring me from comfort and calling me to care deeply. When I see injustice, suffering, or need, let that holy discomfort move me to action. Help me to pray persistently and seek your guidance, trusting that through you, my small actions will make a difference. Amen. — Jackie Schulte
Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.
As the days grow shorter and the nights become colder, we look for signs of hope during this Advent Season. There is hope in the evergreens that brave the snow. There is hope in children’s hearts as they look forward to Christmas. There is hope as more candles are lit on the Advent Wreath. But the greatest hope is the promise: “You are to conceive and bear a son and you are to name him Jesus. He will be great and be called Son of the Most High.” – Advent Reflection
Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.
Today’s Reflection: It seems to me that some of us value information over wonder and noise over silence. And I feel that we need a lot more wonder and a lot more silence in our lives. — Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers)
Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich, who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.
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