Category Archives: Stories

Questioned by a Strawflower

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

Five tight buds, glossy purple lollipops, greeted me as I passed them on my way to morning prayers. Many flowers that I recognized were blooming at Twin Creeks Lodge–iris, geraniums, petunias, pansies, and daisies–but I had never seen buds like these before. … Continue reading →

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The Other Voice in My Head

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

I’m doing it wrong. The voice in my head didn’t mince words. What “it” referred to wasn’t something innocuous like following a recipe; it was my whole spiritual life. Sometimes I’m so confident. I write confidently; I live confidently. Other times … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Popular Posts, Poverty of Spirit, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 239 Comments

Life in the Slow Lane

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

After eight slow days on the “mountain” with God, I wanted to maintain a more leisurely pace back in the valley of the shadow of life. I took a hard look at my calendar and wondered how I was going to do everything without rushing. … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Poverty of Spirit, Stories, Wednesday Lunch Club | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Measuring Up

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

This boy reminds me of our grandson. In the fall, we took our grandchildren to an indoor pool with two water slides. Fred accompanied the seven-year-old cousins up, up, up the stairs to the top of the slides, only to find out … Continue reading →

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Sojourners in a New Land

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

Twenty years ago Fred, Rudy, Heidi and I sailed the forty-foot boat we used to own west around the world from Vancouver to Turkey. The voyage took three years and we visited seventeen countries. People often ask which one was our favourite, and … Continue reading →

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Smitten

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

“God is smitten with us,” Steve Bell said between songs at a recent concert. “Lent is about love and returning to the Lover who is absolutely smitten with us.” To get us in the mood for Lent, Steve sang love … Continue reading →

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Sharing the Weight, Revealing the Glory

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

When I told a friend about my dream, she was moved by what came out of it. “Why do you think God gave you that dream now?” she asked. “That’s a very good question,” I said. We both knew it was a question … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

Posted on February 27, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

I dream that I’m at an event in an unfamiliar place. I find a list of the seminars offered and choose one to attend. But when I go to check the room number, the schedule is gone. Now, what do … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Mystical, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

DIY Prayer Retreat #2: God Is Love Loving

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

Read the introduction in DIY Prayer Retreat #1 for general instructions on how to facilitate a prayer retreat. 10:00- 10:30: Gather  It is helpful to begin this retreat by sharing loving images of God. You may use artwork or a story like … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Prayer Retreat Outline, Resource, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

She Who Hesitates

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

I was ten kilometres into my ride on a sunny January day, when I got a flat tire. I searched my bike’s panniers, but the levers weren’t there. Without them, it would be impossible to fix the flat. I hate … Continue reading →

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