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.
At some point, the desperate need to shout fell away as if it were a worthless coin. It’s not that I didn’t want to be heard or at times stay awake at night plotting how I might be heard. But one day … Continue reading →
Posted in Reflections, Stories
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Tagged A Hidden Wholeness, coins, Esther Hizsa, inner teacher, Jeff Milner, Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, Parker J. Palmer, Psalm 32:3, Ron Frehner, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, Thomas Leuthard
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I sit by the roadside in Jericho begging. A crowd goes by and I ask, “What’s happening?” They tell me, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Without thinking, I shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who … Continue reading →
Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Praying with the Imagination, Reflections
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Tagged Ceridwen, Eric Gill, Esther Hizsa, Georges Rouault, gospel contemplation, Less organic waste, Luke 18:35-43, more healthy food, Psalm 116:2, ReFood, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver
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I told my spiritual director about a recent experience of feeling like a bull in a china shop. In situations like this, I’m reminded of the Nissan Bluebird we briefly owned. Two decades ago when our family was sailing around … Continue reading →
Posted in Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories
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Tagged C33 Nissan Laurel RD, deeper trust, Esther Hizsa, insecurity, JChubby, John 11:25, Johnny Sears, Nissan Bluebird, resurrection, spiritual direction, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver
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Sometimes I’m a bull in a china shop. No matter how cautiously I tread, I break a family heirloom or someone gets cut by shards of glass. I regret the mayhem I’ve caused and feelings of insecurity rise up. Will … Continue reading →
Posted in Poverty of Spirit, Prayer, Reflections
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Tagged Autumn Bench, Autumn Colors, change, Courtyard Japanese, Esther Hizsa, Garden, insecurity, Jim Choate, Johnny Sears, letting go, loss, Markus Stöber, peaceful-jp-scenery (busy), spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Transformation
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Here’s another one-day prayer/silent retreat outline. Boelle Kirby adapted it from sections of “Befriending Insecurity” by Johnny Sears in Weavings Journal, Nov/Dec/Jan 2016-17, and May I Have This Dance by Joyce Rupp. You’ll find the introduction to Do It Yourself group prayer retreats here and other … Continue reading →
Posted in Prayer Retreat Outline, Reflections
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Tagged Boelle Kirby, Carl Mueller, Creative Splurges, Esther Hizsa, fall leaves, Horse Chestnut terminal bud in winter, Johnny Sears, Joyce Rupp, leaf, Rob Howard, Sharon, Shaun C. Williams, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver
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It’s this time of year, when the nights are long and the days cold and rainy, that I begin to accompany people through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises Retreat in Daily Life. These retreatants embark on a nine-month journey with Christ, asking … Continue reading →
Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Poverty of Spirit, Prayer, Reflections
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Tagged Audrey Assad, Christmas Cactus, Early Bud, Esther Hizsa, I Shall Not Want, Ignatian Spirituality, Ignatian Sprititual Exercises, Lonely, Michael.PortrayingLife.com, Psalm 23:1, R. Halfpaap, spiritual direction, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver
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For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. –Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) God, you promised to help me, your right hand guiding, with a cautious squeeze or a confident tug. … Continue reading →
Posted in Poetry, Poverty of Spirit, Prayer, Reflections
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Tagged Alone, Andrei Niemimäki, Banana Land, Chiquita Banana, cold, Esther Hizsa, Isaiah 41:13, Luis Alveart, Psalm 10:1, spiritual direction, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver
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I loved the idea that, despite my misguided actions, God saw my intent and looked upon me with kindness. But it didn’t take me long to realize that it was God who brought those actions to my attention in the … Continue reading →
Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Reflections, Wednesday Lunch Club
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Tagged Community Builder of the Year, Douglas College, Ed Dahl, Esther Hizsa, Father Elton Fernandes, Jacquoline Martin, Luke 12:29-31, Martha Soukup, Notice what you notice, ReFood, relax, spiritual direction, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, volunteering
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“Let me carry you,” I heard Jesus say during morning prayers part way through co-facilitating the Living from the Heart intensive. I liked the idea of being picked up and carried, but as I imagined Jesus cradling me in his arms, I … Continue reading →
Posted in Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories
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Tagged 1 Samuel 16:17, Autumn Leaves 2, Beth Carlson-Malena, Esther Hizsa, Living from the Heart, Mark Fox, Open Way Community Church, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Steve Imbach, Thomas Green
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I’ve been on Bowen Island co-facilitating Living from the Heart, so I’ve had no time to write. But I think you’ll like this post (originally published in 2014) which follows up what I posted last week. The quote at the bottom … Continue reading →
Posted in Helpful Images, Popular Posts, Poverty of Spirit
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Tagged abide in me, Beach Sunset, Christian Asuh, consent to be loved, Darrell Johnson, Esther Hizsa, Father Thomas Keating, God's love, John 15:4, John 17, leaky bucket, Living from the Heart, Mark Pegrum, one with God, Open Mind Open Heart, Regent College, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Yallingup
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