Category Archives: Stories

My Peace, I Give You

Posted on June 22, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

You came through locked doors and into our anxious hearts and said, “Peace, be with you.” We passed it off, a greeting. You said it again, “Peace be with you.” And we remembered,You promised to give us your peace otherworldly and unaffected by circumstance.You … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Mindfulness, Mystical, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Door and lock, Esther Hizsa, John 14:27, John 20:19-21, Lawrence OP, Luke 13:18-20, rainy city, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | Leave a comment

The Truth That Set You Free

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Sitting on the hillside,listening to the preacher,you can’t remember the words exactly–something about the kingdom of Godand the list of who are blessed and belong–and it dawned on you:it’s everyone.Everyone.Everyone belongs in God’s forever kingdom of love,including you. Tears filled … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, community, compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Esther Hizsa, James Finley, John 8:32, Luke 23:34, Matthew 5:1-12, Sermon on the Mount, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 4 Comments

Paradise Today

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”–Luke 23:43 When You told the criminal,“Today, you will be with me in paradise.”I’ve always heard a promise of heaven,his final destination. But for the first time, … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged -Reji, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Esther Hizsa, John 1:5, Luke 23:43, Quiet Melody at Dawn, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Theives on the cross | Leave a comment

Ghostly Visitations

Posted on June 2, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

As soon as I heard his words, my mind left the room and entered the moment of regret. I wondered what I could have done, should have done. While Blame was accusing,not just pointing out my faultbut rubbing it in,Widsom interruptedand pointed out a … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Helpful Images, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged 2 Corinthians 3:17, Curtains, Esther Hizsa, freedom, Ghosts, JR_Paris, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Yulianti is away | Leave a comment

Julian’s Prayer

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

God, of your goodness, give me yourself; you are enough for me.—Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love Under the treesin the early morning,I listened to the birds sing to each otherand breathed a prayerthat was once only words: God, … Continue reading →

Posted in Creation, Mystical, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Deb Arndt, Esther Hizsa, Jim Stanton, Julian of Norwich, Living from the Heart, Living from the Heart Podcast, Revelations of Divine Love, Rod Janz, SoulStream, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | Leave a comment

What It Means to Live from the Heart: A Podcast Conversation

Posted on May 18, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity of being interviewed by my friend and colleague Deb Arndt, for the second episode of the Living from the Heart podcast. In it, I shared my experiences of living from the heart and receiving … Continue reading →

Posted in community, compassion, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories, Writing | Tagged A Taste of Living from the Heart, Brent Unrau, Deb Arndt, Esther Hizsa, Irene Fennema, Living from the Heart, Living from the Heart Podcast, Maureen Miller, Rod Janz, SoulStream, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | Leave a comment

Spared

Posted on May 11, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Tell me, what is it you plan to dowith your one wild and precious life?-Mary Oliver, “The Summer Day“ Biking on a country road,eyes full of beauty,wind in my ears,I didn’t hear,didn’t look,didn’t see the car coming.As I was about … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Aurora borealis, Christopher Chapman, Esther Hizsa, Mary Oliver, Protopian Pickle Jar, Richard Rohr, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | Leave a comment

Message Received

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

I stood by the mail roomwaiting for Mom and Dad to come down on the elevator,and she saw me again.Yvonne smiled and said something funny–I can’t remember what–then she pausedand told me againwhat a great job I’m doinglooking after my … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged anji barton, Bleeding Hearts, Esther Hizsa, Julian of Norwich, Lisa Ruokis, Mirabai Starr, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Wade Simmons | Leave a comment

Manna

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. –Psalm 139:2 (MSG) I notice that when the details of my life are attended toI feel calmer.Then I think, But I shouldn’t need that to be calm.You know what I’m thinking,and … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections | Tagged Ercole de' Roberti, Esther Hizsa, Exodus 16:1-4, Gathering Manna, Isaiah 55:8, Manna, Psalm 139:2, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Thinking, Tiger500 | Leave a comment

Two Prayers for Those Who Fear Scarcity

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Last Saturday, I joined a dozen contemplatives for a Quiet Morning. When it was my turn to check in around the circle, I confessed my current and lifelong fear of scarcity. Thinking of my parents’ cost of care which had … Continue reading →