Tag Archives: Esther Hizsa
DIY Retreat #8: God: Almighty Gentleness
Here is another one-day prayer/silent retreat outline prepared by my friend Joy Richardson, a spiritual director in Coquitlam. You’ll find the introduction to DIY group prayer retreats here and other outlines under resources. GOD: ALMIGHTY GENTLENESS After people have gathered, begin with a time of … Continue reading →
Christmas Spent
I didn’t intend to have an unsentimental Christmas. It just turned out that way. I enjoyed gatherings with friends and family, giving gifts of homemade granola, and watching A Charlie Brown Christmas again. But the tinsel and romance of the season left me … Continue reading →
From Weakness to Weakness
There is a dog in Loyola House that soothes the aching soul. Perhaps you’ve heard of the “balm in Gilead that makes the wounded whole”? Apparently someone at Loyola House in Guelph, Ontario has a dog who does the same thing. People who go there for … Continue reading →
Weakness: The Heart of Belonging
My old friend, Insecurity, showed up again when I attended a two-day SoulStream board meeting. Even though I was among people who are open, accepting, and kind, I felt uneasy. Someone mentioned a book I hadn’t read or music I hadn’t … Continue reading →
The God We Got
God could have come with battle lines drawn, an army of trumpeting archangels, and a legion of patriarchs. But God came in vulnerability, a baby without a home . . . –from “The Arrival” by Ann Siddall Why did God … Continue reading →
God Became Weak
“O come, o come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,” we sing. We too “mourn in lowly exile here” until the Son of God appears. We long for God to come in power and right our injustice, heal our ills, dispel our confusion, and … Continue reading →
A Patch of Fog
“Turn on your lights and slow down,” Fred said. The fog on the road was so thick, we couldn’t see more that a few metres in front of us. I drove slowly, silently, looking for red tail lights and road signs … Continue reading →
A Sense of God’s Presence
This month I returned to Bowen Island to spend a few days alone with God. I hoped it would help me get through the dark months ahead. I didn’t have much of a sense of God’s presence until I passed by a church and … Continue reading →
The King of Kensington
“I have some sad news for you,” the minister said and paused. “Ken Ryan asked me to give you a call. He’s got lung cancer. Stage 4. He’d like to see you.” If you’ve read my book, you may recall Ken, … Continue reading →
God Isn’t Always Trying to Teach Us Stuff
Sorry folks. No new piece of writing came together for me this week. I hope you enjoy this post, originally published in 2013. God knows my thoughts even before I do.* And having heard all my thoughts, God must have a … Continue reading →
