Tag Archives: Advent

Preparing the Way Home

Posted on December 18, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

From the moment I stepped into this chapel, it felt like home. Wood, stone, glass, and flame together breathed a silent welcome. . . . Advent invites us to prepare the way for the Holy One who comes to meet … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas, community, compassion, Creation, Mindfulness, Mystical, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged 3ter Advent, 4 Advent, Advent, Anton Raphael Mengs, Esther Hizsa, grosskopf_photography, Illuminated Advent Retreat, Jan L. Richardson, John 14:20, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, St. John the Baptist | 2 Comments

Peacemaking

Posted on December 4, 2020 by Esther Hizsa

“Sensing your feet on the floor. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing,” Maureen said. It was her turn to accompany me in a focusing session. “Bringing your inhale inward through your head, use your inhale to make deep … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Overeating, Reflections, Stories | Tagged Advent, calm, Donna Varnau, embodied presence, Esther Hizsa, Felipe Bastos, focusing, grosskopf_photography, John 14:27, Mike Green, Overeating, Psalm 133:1, Rumi, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Guest House | 1 Comment

Advent IV: Say Yes

Posted on December 20, 2019 by Esther Hizsa

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas, community, Poetry, Reflections, Songs | Tagged 1 Kings 19:11-13, Advent, Christopher Bulle, Esther Hizsa, Lois Shuford, Ready My Heart, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Steve Bell | 2 Comments

Advent III: Retreat

Posted on December 13, 2019 by Esther Hizsa

Three cancelled appointments and a no show at Bible study gave me the breathing room I needed. I know that was You looking after me. Sometimes You’re about as quiet as a three-year-old trying to sneak up on mommy. Then … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Poetry, Prayer, Reflections | Tagged Advent, Bark Cabin Natural Area, Bowen Island, Esther Hizsa, John Pavlovitz, Josh Kelahan, Low: An Honest Advent Devotional, Nicholas A Tonelli, prayer retreat, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | Leave a comment

Advent 1: Interruption and Disappointment

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

What if we found new words for our Advent candle-lighting wreaths this year? Instead of the traditional Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, what words would you choose to mark each week in this season of waiting? Two words jump out at … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Aging, Reflections | Tagged Advent, anoldent, Esther Hizsa, First Sunday in Advent, Jan L. Richardson, Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Susanne Nilsson | Leave a comment

God Desires Us

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

Today I am on the last day of my eight-day retreat. So I offer you this post from 2015 which illustrates the loving God I am retreating with. “You can’t catch the Macdonald bus here,” a man says to me at … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystical, Poetry, Popular Posts, Stories | Tagged #22 Macdonald, Advent, Creation of Adam, Daniel Ladinsky, Esther Hizsa, He Desired Me Sio I Came Close, Love Poems from God, Sistine Chapel, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Teresa of Avila | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in Advent, Reflections | Tagged Advent, Barry Stock, Esther Hizsa, Genesis 1:1, New Life Community Church, peace, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Susanne Nilsson, Wednesday Lunch Club | 5 Comments

Satisfying the Desires of All

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

“Insights are a dime a dozen,” Father Richard explained to the small gathering of spiritual directors last Sunday afternoon. “It doesn’t matter so much what an experience in prayer means; what matters is that we stay with God in it.” Relief washed … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Spiritual Direction | Tagged Advent, Esther Hizsa, Father Richard Soo, kidney transplant, Psalm 145:16, Ron Frehner, Royce Bair, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, vintage Christmas card | 2 Comments

Where I Am

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” sings Andy Williams over the store’s loud speakers. I can’t get out of the mall fast enough. On my walk home, I remember that it’s the second week of Advent, and we still haven’t put up our … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas | Tagged Advent, Esther Hizsa, Fra Angelico, Isaiah 40:11, Journey Home, Liturgical Works, Matthew 18:12-13, More Than A Roof, Paul Townsend, Scrooge, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Good Shepherd | 5 Comments

This Annunciation

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

This Annunciation I was the angel chosen to greet the one with God in her womb light illuminated her face her hands her words light warm with wonder hushed held my soul yet no Fra Angelico will ever paint this annunciation … Continue reading →