Tag Archives: Advent

A Quarter Turn

Posted on December 3, 2021 by Esther Hizsa

I suddenly knew I was looking at it from the wrong angle, and I gave the cloth in my hand a quarter turn. Immediately I saw a beautiful and coherent golden pattern…. In wonder, the pattern had emerged, to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Mindfulness, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Being the Odd One Out

Posted on November 26, 2021 by Esther Hizsa

Finally, I thought as I placed a mat in front of our door. Now our doorway matched the other three that open onto the breezeway. We are no longer the odd one out. On a Zoom call that week, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

You Are Worthy to Leave This Sadness

Posted on November 12, 2021 by Esther Hizsa

He Desired Me So I Came Close No one can near God unless He has prepared a bed for you. A thousand souls hear His call every second, but most every one then looks into their life’s mirror and says, … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Mystical, Poetry, Prayer, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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 , , , , , , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments