Category Archives: Mystical

Thin Places

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

God Is Waiting There I know a place where God dwells, the heart whispers. Let us go there. Why, God is everywhere, the head replies. There is no place where God is not. Yes, says the heart, but there are thin places where … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystical, Poetry, Popular Posts | Tagged Bowen Island, God's love, Jaison Cianelli, Mike Stewart, No Crowds Present, Psalm 139, Psalm 84:1-4, Thin Places, Tofino, Tony Horabin, Transformation, Vancouver Island | 3 Comments

A Retreat with God

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

As I prepared to go to Bowen Island for a three-day retreat, I got a divine nudge. “Leave your laptop at home,” God seemed to say. “Just come and be with me.” But I couldn’t possibly write much without my electronic friend. Hmm. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystical, Popular Posts, Prayer, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged Bowen Island, Fresh Wind Press, God's love, Jeremiah 31:3, Kathrin Burleson, Mike Stewart, Neil Brock, No Crowds Present, rest, retreat, work | 1 Comment

The Unending Miracle of Love

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

I felt my heart “strangely warmed,” like what happened to John Wesley at Aldersgate in 1738 when he knew for certain that he was saved, The same thing happened to the two travellers on the road to Emmaus. While they didn’t recognize the risen Christ walking … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Mystical, Popular Posts, Praying with the Imagination, Stories | Tagged embracing God, Emmaus Road, Fred, heart strangely warmed, Jaison Cianelli, John Wesley, Luke 24:35, mystical experience, The Cloud of Unknowing, unending miracle of love, Warm Embrace | 5 Comments

The Secret Place

Posted on February 21, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

I was in New Life’s Community Free Store the other day and found a book called The Ice Cream Store. I scooped (!) it up. I loved reading Alligator Pie to my kids when they were young. Here was another book written by … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Mystical, Poetry | Tagged Alligator Pie, Canadian, centre, David McPhail, Dennis Lee, Finding Grace at the Centre, grace, grandchildren, Kelly Dycavinu, Knit Together, poet, Psalm 139:15, secret place, The Ice Cream Store, Thomas E. Clarke | Leave a comment

Immersed in an Ocean of Love

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Esther Hizsa

I awake with an emotional heaviness at 4 a.m. and remember what caused this feeling. I got hoodwinked by fear in a legitimate disguise: I saw an injustice and pushed the panic button–again. I ended up making a fuss over … Continue reading →

Posted in Helpful Images, Mystical, Popular Posts, Poverty of Spirit, Praying with the Imagination, Rob Des Cotes, Stories | Tagged Chris Niekel, Donna Geissler, fear, God's love, Imago Dei Communities, immersed in God's love, leaky bucket, ocean of love, Psalm 139:18, Rob Des Cotes, Sandy Beach, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Waves, weakness | 10 Comments

Feeding a Fragile Desire

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

I guess it’s time, I thought as I biked along. And in my spirit I knew I was ready to face my shame about overeating. I meet with Karen, my spiritual director, regularly. The sacred space we share allows me … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystical, Popular Posts, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged attachment, Everything Belongs, Julie Falk, Kindness 2, Overeating, places in us that are trying to say yes, Richard Rohr, spiritual direction, veres | 5 Comments

Will I Open My Heart to God?

Posted on October 25, 2013 by Esther Hizsa

Blessed Trinity, I receive your love, your presence and this day as a gift from you. I open my heart to you. Please lead me deeper into your transforming love as we live these next hours together. Amen. Every morning, along with others … Continue reading →