Author Archives: Esther Hizsa

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About Esther Hizsa

Esther is a writer, spiritual director, and cofacilitates contemplative retreats and courses. She lives in Vernon, B.C. with her husband, Fred.

Say No

I don’t like saying no. I don’t like disappointing people, missing out on opportunities, and not being where the action is. Saying yes gives me a sense of purpose and solidifies my identity as a valuable person. It can also … Continue reading

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Advent IV: Say Yes

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the … Continue reading

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Advent III: Retreat

Three cancelled appointments and a no show at Bible study gave me the breathing room I needed. I know that was You looking after me. Sometimes You’re about as quiet as a three-year-old trying to sneak up on mommy. Then … Continue reading

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Advent II: Choose

God comes to you disguised as your life. –Paula D’Arcy It wasn’t Jesus who thanked me for not to giving up on him. It was God in disguise. God in my neighbour, my body, my Christmas cactus. God invites me … Continue reading

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Advent I: Step into this Season

Do not run or fly away in order to become free. Rather go deep into the narrow space given you. There you will find God and all things. –Gustave Thibon It’s Thursday morning, and I’m just sitting down now to … Continue reading

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Grateful

“You looked so happy,” Fred said Friday night after the book launch. We were sitting in front of a crackling fire with a glass of wine. I was happy. We had a good turnout of people excited about Seed Cracked … Continue reading

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Turn to Wonder

Everything belongs: God uses everything. There are no dead ends. There is no wasted energy. Everything is recycled. –Richard Rohr, Everything Belongs Saturday morning of the opening weekend of Living from the Heart in Abbotsford, we gathered for morning prayers … Continue reading

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Fred Saves the Day

“I have my passport,” Fred said on Sunday night, “but I can’t find yours.” We were going to Bellingham, Washington the next day to pick up my books and have lunch with friends. We needed our passports to cross the … Continue reading

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Into the Light

Life has slowed down. My books have arrived; my calendar isn’t jammed. I can linger over meals and leave my phone in my pocket when I walk to the store. I shed an old skin in the rough darkness. After … Continue reading

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The Narrow Space Given

This fall life has been packed tightly, jobs tucked into every spare moment. I write emails on the fly, make phone calls while I walk. I have to keep moving. It isn’t just that I have more commitments than usual. … Continue reading

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