Category Archives: Stories

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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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Appearances

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

The same day I resigned myself to watching, waitingand being with my longingYou saw me. I was accompanying my mom to her suite,and the first resident I met at the seniors’ home caught my eye.I saw in her face what … Continue reading →

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Waiting for Resurrection

Posted on April 5, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

I’m not unhappy. Life is full and good, but the joy of Your resurrection eludes me. I went to the empty tomb, the garden, the locked room.I walked to Emmaus and back to Galilee.You appeared to thembut not to me. I hear … Continue reading →

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The End of a Story

Posted on March 23, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

On each of my dyings,shed your light and your love.–Soul of Christ Prayer, paraphrased by David L. Fleming I’m haunted by the ending of a story.The boy dies from his compulsion to save the earth.The father can’t save his son;he … Continue reading →

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Free

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

O Beloved, how numerous are my fears!They rise up within me whisperingthere is no help for you.  Yet You, O Beloved,are a shield about me…When I cry out to You,You answer within my heart.–Psalm 3:1-4 Nan C. Merrill, Psalms for Praying … Continue reading →

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Courage and Curiosity

Posted on March 8, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

For my courage is in You, O Love, You who are the Lover hidden in every heart. –Psalm 3:6 Paraphrase by Nan C. Merrill,Psalms for Praying People do things that annoy and disturb us,challenge and hurt us. Sometimes Wisdom says,“Keep your distance.Stay out … Continue reading →

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