Category Archives: Stories

Advent II: Peace

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

Why couldn’t I just settle down and be present? Have I not been spending enough time in silence? Am I suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder? Is this more evidence that I have ADHD? I looked around the sanctuary artfully decorated … Continue reading →

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New Coins in My Pocket

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

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 →

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I Shouted

Posted on November 24, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

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 →

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The Last Word

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

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 →

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DIY Prayer Retreat #10: The Days of Autumn

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

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 →

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Silently Blooming

Posted on November 3, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

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 →

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A Prayer for When You’re in the Middle of the Story

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

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 →

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A Little More Freedom, Trust and Grace

Posted on October 20, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

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 →

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Carried

Posted on October 13, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

“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 →

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