Tag Archives: Nan C. Merrill

Claim Your Home

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

The Spirit is the one who makes all things new, and everawaits our “Yes” to the Dance. … come. Claim your home in theUniversal heart.from Psalm 110, Nan C. Merrill, Psalms for Praying  Hold…what happened lift it up in your cupped hands,up out … Continue reading →

Posted in community, compassion, Justice, Poetry, Prayer, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Path of Wholeness

Posted on May 25, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

You make me whole again,steering me off worn, hard paths.–Psalm 23:3 (The Voice, adapted) A part of me gets pretty loudwhen space isn’t given to others,equality isn’t honoured,feelings are dismissed,or fear is preached. I squirm in my seat,anger prickling.I want … Continue reading →

Posted in community, compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Signs of Resurrection

Posted on April 26, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

On Sunday morning while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. –John 20:1 (CEV) The first sign of Christ’s resurrection came early.I recognized it when … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Easter, Mindfulness, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Plan A

Posted on March 15, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

I was invited into the desert with You,led there by the Spiritinto a barren placewith no food. You were temptedto turn stones into bread.You could have done it,but you refused. If I could have,I would have.Why wait for God to … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Mindfulness, Poetry, Praying with the Imagination, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Revelation

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

By the miracle of medicine and grace, my mother woke from the malaise of dementia. For two days, her quick mind was back. She laughed and shared stories. She hugged me and thanked me for taking care of her. As I … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Childhood, compassion, Poetry, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

As a New Year Begins

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

I’m more than a little nervousof what this new year might hold–so many uncertainties. There’s no safety foundin settling intowhat I can lose–my things, my body, my mind, my loves–though I won’t stop trying,and they need tending. It’s good to … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Mindfulness, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Free

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

O Beloved, how numerous are my fears!They rise up within me whisperingthere is no help for you.  Yet You, O Beloved,are a shield about me…When I cry out to You,You answer within my heart.–Psalm 3:1-4 Nan C. Merrill, Psalms for Praying … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Courage and Curiosity

Posted on March 8, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

For my courage is in You, O Love, You who are the Lover hidden in every heart. –Psalm 3:6 Paraphrase by Nan C. Merrill,Psalms for Praying People do things that annoy and disturb us,challenge and hurt us. Sometimes Wisdom says,“Keep your distance.Stay out … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Lent, Mindfulness, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My Second Podcast Interview

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

In this Hints of Gladness podcast, Rod Janz asks me about my new book In the Heart of the Beloved and the Everyday Pilgrim series. It was a fun conversation. I hope you enjoy listening to it. CLICK HERE TO … Continue reading →

Posted in In the Heart of the Beloved, Reflections, Seed Cracked Open | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What I Heard Before Falling Asleep

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Esther Hizsa

On the daymy sister ended a Zoom callwith a heartfelt “I love you,” a directee dried her eyes and said, “Thank you,” the warm embrace of a friendstill lingered in my body, the rain stopped long enoughfor me to go … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Poetry, Prayer, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment