Author Archives: fromareportersnotebook

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About fromareportersnotebook

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.

Morning Offering: 12. 12. 24

Today’s Reflection: Lord, guide us  to be instruments of peace and kindness. Open our hearts to compassion, our hands to service and our minds to wisdom. Help us to see your light in every person. — Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration 

Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 12. 11. 24

Today’s Reflection: Lord, as my life becomes holiday-hectic, remind me that your birthday is to be celebrated not in stores or while battling traffic or by racing around at the last minute. When I forget that your coming is more important than material things, let the scent of evergreens, the vivid red of poinsettia and the fragrance of the feast continually remind me that your coming is at hand. Amen. — Maureen Gilmer, in God in the Garden

Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 12. 10. 24

Today’s Reflection: Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder, and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.— Thomas Merton

Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 12. 09. 24

Today’s Reflection:  I pray that happiness be at your door. May it knock early, stay late, and leave the gift of God’s peace, love, joy and good health behind. Amen. — Unattributed

Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 12. 08. 24

Today’s Reflection (Second Sunday of Advent):  The Light of the Candles 

Come Lord of us all,
stir up the darkness.
We light just one candle
to keep us awake.

Come Lord of nature,
wise and just ruler.
The light of two candles
shows us how to live.

Come Lord of our life.
Deserts are greening.
The light of three candles
show that you are near.

Come Son of David,
he who was promised.
By four candles’ brightness
the true king will come.  — Sue Allerton/CAFOD

Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 12. 07. 24

Today’s Reflection:  A gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a Word of God that doesn’t get under  anyone’s skin, a Word of God that doesn’t touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed – what gospel is that? — St. Oscar Romero    

Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 12. 06. 24

Today’s Reflection:  Advent Prayer 

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!’

Amen. — Henri J.M. Nouwen 

Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 12. 05. 24

Today’s Reflection:  Service of the Poor

Make us worthy, Lord, to serve others throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger.
Give them through our hands this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love, give peace and joy. Amen.— Attributed to Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 12. 04. 24

Today’s Reflection ADVENT PRAYER: Advent is a season of expectant waiting, of remembering God’s promises and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. Join in praying that the Lord will strengthen us to put aside fear, challenge injustice and radiate hope. — CAFOD Catholic social justice site

Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.

Morning Offering: 12. 03. 24

Today’s Reflection MORNING PRAYER: As the sun rises in the sky, may our day be filled with laughter, love, and beautiful moments. May every step we take today be guided by God’s grace. Let us pray for one another, for happiness, success and well-being. — Bodmin Hermit

Morning Offering is a daily post by Joe Barkovich who lives in his hometown of Welland, Ontario. Daily photo by Joe Barkovich.

Morning Offering is posted by 8 a.m.