Category Archives: Stories

Shimmering Delight

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

In March I was able to get away to Bowen Island for a few days of solitude. Often when I retreat there, I sit in the cottage watching the rain come and go. But this time it was sunny and … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystical, Reflections, Stories | Tagged Baptism of Christ, boxer bob, Dustin Gaffke, Esther Hizsa, Fr Lawrence Lew O.P., luke 3: 21 22, PT Money, Sparkling Water, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 2 Comments

The “Other” Who Saves Us

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

I was talking with a friend about how we need to radically welcome the “other”–those who are different and make us feel uncomfortable. Rev.Stephanie Spellers says, “We need them in our lives and communities for our salvation.” “How do they save us?” … Continue reading →

Posted in Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories | Tagged Acts 3:6, Art College Doormats, Esther Hizsa, Friday Requirement, good people, Marja Bergen, Martin Cathrae, Nicolas Poussin, Radical Welcome, rejection, Saints Peter and John Healing the Lame Man, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stephanie Spellers | Leave a comment

Turned

Posted on April 29, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

Something significant has happened to me a few times now. After a full day, unprocessed feelings can hang over me like a grey cloud. The theme of the conversation in my head often includes some disappointment in myself. I know these negative thoughts dissipate … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Reflections, Stories | Tagged Blue Skies of Scottsdale, Brooding Sky, consolation, desolation, Dru Bloomfield, Esther Hizsa, Ignatian Spirituality, Ignatius of Loyola, Jesus and Mary, John 20:16, Resurrection Day, Ridolfo Ghirlandaio, scyrene, spiritual deception, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stephen Rossetti, The Procession to Calvary, When the Lion Roars | 6 Comments

God So Loves the Earth

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

This earth, this world that God loves so much, is beautiful and broken. I have been asking God to show me ways I can participate in healing our planet. As I read and listen for God’s direction, I begin to see small steps I … Continue reading →

Posted in Creation, Ignatian Spirituality, Mindfulness, Reflections, Spiritual Direction | Tagged A Rocha, care for creation, Earth Day, Ecological Examen, Esther Hizsa, Evgeni Zotov, FarbenfroheWunderwelt, Jason Major, Joseph Carver, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Thich Naht Hanh | Leave a comment

Goodbye, Rob

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

On April 6 friend and mentor Rob Des Cotes passed into glory. Rob was a pastor, spiritual director and retreat leader as well as a husband, father, and grandfather, musician, writer and artist. Hearing God’s call to go deeper in contemplative … 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 | 1 Comment

The Other Side of the Line

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

After I got over the shock of discovering I’m one of “those people,” I began to wonder about the distinctions I make. What constitutes being “those people” anyway? We easily divide people into two kinds: life-giving people and life-draining people cup half-full people and cup … Continue reading →

A Pleasant Place of Shelter

Posted on April 1, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

The woman interrupted me mid-sentence. “You need to know that something you said two years ago really hurt me.” I stood there stunned by the pain on her face and the anger in her voice. She told me what I’d said … Continue reading →

Posted in Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories | Tagged Esther Hizsa, humility, Imercer, Isaiah 43: 16, Isaiah 43: 19, Jason R. Goode, Numb, Olivier Noirhomme, snowy chain, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, St. Francis, St. Thérèse of Lisieux | 3 Comments

God with Us to the End

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

I look at the naked, bloodied body next to me. “What’s he doing here?” A sinless man is being crucified beside us: me on his left, the other criminal on his right. The crucified always die in disgrace, our lives held up as negative examples. Yet, he is good. People call him rabbi, … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter, Holy Week, Lent, Stories | Tagged Anima Christi, Christ and the Rich Young Ruler, crucifixion, David L. Fleming SJ, Good Friday, Heinrich Hoffmann, Luke 23; 32-46, Soul of Christ, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 1 Comment

Gethsemane

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

See how tenderly the angels comfort Jesus in his anguish. He longed for such compassion from his friends, but they couldn’t do it. They disappeared into a panacea of sleep. We rely on Jesus to be with us in everything, but will we be with … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter, Holy Week, Ignatian Spirituality, Lent, Praying with the Imagination, Stories | Tagged Anthony Falbo, Contemplation of Place, Gethsemane, Ignatian Sprititual Exercises, lent, Matthew 13:44-46, Matthew 26:36-46, Maundy Thursday, praying with the imagination, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stay with me, The Hour is Near | Leave a comment

There You Are

Posted on March 18, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

Okay. Okay. I’m being still. I’m trying to pause between activities and regain my balance. But, I’ll be honest with you, God. It doesn’t feel like a lot’s happening here. I haven’t stopped overeating and Lent is nearly over. My heart … Continue reading →