Close to Home

Love and the Last Judgement

The Sunday of the Last Judgement is one of the preparatory lessons prior to Great Lent. Molly Sabourin reflects on the practical application for all of us which comes down to one word - Love.

The Hidden Garden

Molly expresses appreciation for The Hidden Garden, a new children's book by Jane G. Meyer. It's a great tool to explain the Orthodox view of salvation to your children!

Becoming and Being

Like most converts to Orthodoxy, Molly was prepared with her answers and defenses when asked why she took this "strange road." More recently however, she is finding herself less drawn to defending her decision and more toward exhibiting the essence of Orthodox Christianity. A letter from Mother Thekla to a convert helped open her eyes.

I Choose Joy

In this episode, Molly says "For joy to be miraculous and healing to others, and ourselves, it must be irrational – independent of our circumstances, and fierce in its determination to combat darkness and despair with intentional hopefulness and light."

First Things First

Do the hardest things first, wrote Fr. Thomas Hopko, which is what Molly concentrates on in today's episode.

Not the Righteous

Each of us struggle with our own deficiencies, but God is merciful.

I Can Be Hope

Molly is learning that repentance and hope walk hand in hand.

Go Forth in Peace

A trip to the county fair ends up giving a lesson in the acquisition of peace in spite of the disturbing news around us.

She Is Content

Molly learns an unexpected lesson from St. Euphrosynos while reading a children's book to her daughter at bedtime.

Aware

A spring break family trip to the Smokey's provides a reminder that we are desperately dependent on the mercy and faithfulness of God especially as we approach the finish line of Great Lent.

Extreme Heart Makeover

An important lesson learned in the beginning of the 3rd week of the Fast as Molly and the family head to Ikea and back again.

Cleaning House

On this first day of Great Lent, Molly compares the condition of her house with the condition of her soul.

A Better Way

We can choose to perpetuate our anxieties, despair, and defeatist attitudes or we can choose a better way.

The Bigger Picture

Molly learns a lesson in scale and perspective with her camera and discovers a analogy for her spiritual walk with Christ as a New Year begins.

Salt

If Christians are to be the salt of the earth, who will be the salt of Christians? Molly begins a series of reflections on her weekend experience at a monastery.

How Shall We Greet Him?

Molly says "Only by living solely for loving and serving others boldly, as Christ did while on earth, thereby accepting meekly the disdain of this world, as He did, will I attain salvation (from death, vanity, fear, hatred) or ever possibly be a light in the darkness."

The Saint Lydia’s Book Club

Today Molly introduces the Saint Lydia's Book Club hosted by Conciliar Press author Melinda Johnson (Letters to St. Lydia) and presents the first piece which will launch on the club's web site September 1.

Memory Eternal - Nancy Thompson

Molly reflects on the recent falling asleep of dear friend Nancy Thompson in Waynesburg, PA. How do we view death as Orthodox Christians?

Invincible

"What's so special about Lazarus Saturday?" This question from Molly Sabourin's kids sparked today's podcast as she relates a poem by a Russian prisoner to the raising of Lazarus by Jesus.

Serene Indifference

What do you want to be when you grow up? Molly draws on the wisdom of St. Dorotheus of Gaza for her answer.

2011 - Letting Go

A long winter hike in the woods and a reflection on what is really important to focus on in the New Year.

Guide My Thoughts and Feelings

As Molly continues her reflections on the Morning Prayer attributed to Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, she turns her attention to the phrase "guide my thoughts and feelings"

The Fly and The Bee

Being a Christian can sometimes be confused with being a judge. Molly reflects on the temptation to extract slivers from our neighbor's eye only to ignore the lumber in our own eye.

Bless My Dealings With All Who Surround Me

Molly continues her series on the Morning Prayer with this episode reflecting on what it means to live and love in community.

Living Fully in the Present

"In every hour of the day, reveal Your will to me." Today's reflection on the Morning Prayer talks about the challenge of living each day, each moment, in communion with God not thinking about yesterday or tomorrow.

Thy Will In All Things

"Help me in all things to rely on Your Holy Will" says the Morning Prayer. Molly talks about the challenge of accepting and embracing God's will.

Conciliar Press has a nice wall plaque with this prayer available HERE. View Attachment

Work Out Your Faith

In her continuing series on the Morning Prayer attributed to Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, Molly talks about the work of faith involved in our salvation.

Greet This Day In Peace

Today Molly begins a series of reflections on the widely used Morning Prayer most often attributed to Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow. In her introduction, she talks about anxiety and fears and the perspective opened up to her when she embraced the Orthodox faith. View Attachment

Good Will Toward Men

During this Nativity season, Molly reflects on what it means to love our Neighbor - even if they have different beliefs, moral standards, or no belief at all.

A Difference Of Opinion

While society denigrates into a series of angry and uncivil arguments, Molly reflects on the temptation to always be "right" vs. the need to be "righteous."

For They Shall Be Comforted

Blessed are they who throw off all inhibitions, forging bloodstained through the crowd, for the unbiased hem of Christ’s garment.

This essay was featured in the Summer, 2009 issue of The Handmaiden.

On The Necessity Of Beauty

Why all the fuss about pageantry and beauty in Orthodoxy? Molly contends it is not God who needs it but us!

Enlightenment

"Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others," says the morning prayer of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow. So, does that include our children? Molly catches herself forgetting that fact.

Simplicity

Life for many of us has degenerated into an endless series of self-evaluations and pretense which only serve to complicate the simple fact that we are all imperfect human beings in need of forgiveness.

Thrive

How much time do we waste waiting for life to happen and worrying about things that might or might not happen? Molly is challenging herself and others to live and thrive now.

Pardoned

What is unconditional love and forgiveness? Molly Sabourin says, "Blessed are those who rejoice in the compassion so generously showered upon them and in thankfulness respond by spreading out that same mercy like a blanket of impartiality on a world whose fragile inhabitants are in desperate need of warmth and kindness."

Waiting For Change

Just about the time you think you have one stage of your children's development figured out, they move on to the next one with all of the uncertainties and fears associated with it. This article is from the current edition of The Handmaiden magazine, published by Conciliar Press.

Letdown

Life can be full of disappointments and unmet expectations especially for a young mother. Molly Sabourin finds hope in the realness of life and the stability of the Church.

Promise

As Holy Week begins, we are tempted to lament the failings of Lent. Molly is challenging herself and others to stand up again and anticipate Pascha with joy and the promise of new life!

Naming The Child

Molly is prompted to write a letter to the baby she miscarried 9 years ago after reading the newly released book by Matushka Jenny Schroedel entitled "Naming the Child."

Arise

"My soul, my soul, arise! Why are you sleeping? The end is drawing near, and you will be confounded. Awake, then, and, be watchful, that Christ our God may spare you, Who is everywhere present and fills all things." – Kontakion from the Canon of Saint Andrew.

A House United

Molly demonstrates the importance of a husband who, while far from perfect, is at the very least devoted to his wife, to his family, and to his God. Originally published in the Winter 2009 issue of The Handmaiden.

Close to Home—the Book!

If you're a fan of Close to Home, then you'll want to order the book. Molly Sabourin's Close to Home: One Orthodox Mother's Quest for Peace, Patience, and Perseverance can now be purchased in advance at ConciliarPress.com. Here, Molly briefly explains what prompted the book, as well as how it will expand upon her popular podcast and blog.

Community

By becoming integrated, through communal worship and a shared partaking of the Holy Mysteries, into the larger Body of Christ, we are often times called upon to carry on our shoulders those who are struggling, and just as often to accept our need to be carried, when we are dry as bone and have nothing to give.

Absorption

Thank goodness for fresh starts and new beginnings. In this New Year, Molly challenges herself and all of us to absorb life with the attitude: Thy Will – Thy Perfect Will Be Done.

Silent

What gifts are you bringing to the Savior this Nativity season?

St. Nicholas Day At The Sabourin’s

In this encore presentation, Molly interviews son Elijah about St. Nicholas and shares the dramatic story of this venerable Saint.

Thankful

Before you make out your list to read at the table this coming Thursday, think about those things to be thankful for that have contributed to your salvation.

Tenacity

Pre-occupied with your own fears, self-doubt, and petty interests? Nothing that a little tenacious elbow grease won't cure.

Rest

It is tempting to make things more complicated than they need to be when we cannot wrap our minds around a Love that's not dependent on our actions or intentions. It requires restraint to ignore our doubts and take Christ at His word.

Checklist

Do you measure yourelf as an Orthodox Christian by some self imposed checklist to assure that you look the part? Molly has some insight for all of us but especially for mothers.

Aflame

Our failings and inadequacies don't hold a "candle" to the Holy Flame - Glory to Thee Who Has Shown Us the Light!

Honorable

We often suffer with our children when they are misunderstood or falsely accused but how is Mary shown to us as the ultimate example of love and compassion through the sufferings of her own Son?

Photo Opportunity

From the pages of the current edition of The Handmaiden, Molly reflects on her patron Saint Anna.

Boundaries

Molly reflects on both friendships and evangelism and the investment of ourselves in both.

Resignation

Moms are bombarded with books, articles and self-help plans toward better motherhood. But, what if you don't fit any of the molds? Here is one mother's resigned acknowledgment in the form of a letter to her kids.

Marriage

Last week, Molly and Troy celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary and today, Molly reflects on the lessons learned over the years and gets some help from St. John Chrysostom.

Sacred

In a throw-away society, there is healing and redemption to be found in the Orthodox view of the sacred.

Expression

What's in a song? From a mother's composition expressing love for her children to the great and theologically rich themes of the Church, music has an undeniable role to play in our lives.

Healing

Molly is deeply touched by the story of OCMC missionary Lynette Hoppe as told in the book compiled by Fr. Luke Veronis and published by Conciliar Press - Lynette's Hope.

Assumptions

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle - Philo of Alexandria

Still

Every encounter with disappointment and injustice is a chance to be purified of our stubborn and egocentric passions.

Liberation

Molly explores the healthy boundaries found in the guidelines of our faith.

Feast

"The table is full-laden; feast ye all sumptuously", said St. John in his Paschal homily. The goal is to enjoy life in light of the truth of the resurrection!

Delusion

"There are two kinds of people," said CS Lewis. "Those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says 'All right then, have it your way.'" In this episode, Molly talks about faith and doubt.

Despair

"Poor me" can be the common sentiment during Great Lent but we have so much reason not to despair!

An Impracticality Reconsidered

Today Molly reads her article from the current edition of The Handmaiden magazine. Balancing your spiritual intake with your day to day interests and needs can be a challenge for a busy mother.

Forgetful

Weakness in soul and body can lead to spiritual amnesia especially during Great Lent.
(7:37)

Faithful

Looking for a place to serve? Where outside of our own homes could so many opportunities exist for being stretched and for serving God by serving others this Lent?

Cultivation

We can all be too good at transforming our desires into necessities. But, what is the lesson to be learned during Great Lent?

Forgiveness

As Great Lent begins, we turn our attention to the relationships we have with our fellow Christians and ask for their forgiveness.

Sidetracked

How do we make it through to other side of restlessness, finding peace in a moment of not doing, not telling, not asking, not trying but just being in the presence of Jesus?

Metamorphosis

The transition is not easy and may even seem weird at first, but in this podcast, Molly urges you to "Come and See."

Saved

Are you saved? A familiar question if you come from evangelical background but what does it mean to an Orthodox Christian?

Opportunity

Life presents regular opportunities to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. But is it the catastrophic or the routine where that is most played out?

Dead Ends

Grudges, envy, Internet surfing, self-pity, curiosity, and anxiousness. These detract from, not encourage, our ability to act intentionally throughout the day, wringing out of it every sacred opportunity that we can to grow in faith. If you doubt it, just ask Scrunch Bob Short Pants.

Satisfaction

If only I could have . . . . fill in the blank - A new car? a new spouse? A new job? Molly helps us find the true source of satisfaction.

Participation

We all have a role to play in the continuing drama that tells the story of our salvation.

Excellence

Molly reads an excerpt from Brothers Karamazov which directs us to a more excellent way.

Resolution

What are your New Year's resolutions? Do they sound vaguely familiar from previous years?

Humbled

Thy Nativity O Christ God has shown to the world the light of wisdom - and humility.

Wonder

"God is with us, understand all ye nations and submit yourselves. For God is with us!" (Isa. 8:9) So, what are the implications of this reality?

Disappointment

Godliness with contentment is great gain (I Tim. 6:6). What are you hoping for this Christmas?

Truth

"You can't handle the truth," said Jack Nicholson's character in A Few Good Men. Can we?

The Real St. Nick

Molly has a special guest on this festal edition of Close to Home in preparation for St. Nicholas Day Dec. 6.

Sunday Morning Chaos

There is nothing like Sunday morning preparation for church to test a family's patience!

Love

Today we eavesdrop on a tender letter Molly has written to her children.

Sentimental

While we were created with emotions, sentimentality can often get in the way of authentic faith.

Significant

HIgh expectations don't always line up with real life. Today, Molly is reflecting on our connection to the subtance of life as found in the Church.

Prudence

That line between gullability and prudence can sometimes get blurred.

Sleepless

Our heart's desire is that our children follow Christ and it is so wonderful when they see that desire exhibited in us.

Miracle

Miracles still happen - even for three year olds!

Uncluttered

What is cluttering our lives and keeping us from obedience to Christ and His commandments?

Unflappable

"Be Anxious For Nothing" is a scriptural admonishment that can be easier for some than others.

Resistance

Do good. Sounds reasonable enough, right?

Screamer

Be careful what you pray for because His answer may burn like a branding iron.

Trendy

Fashion comes and goes but the Faith of the Apostles endures despite the trendiness of society and modern religion.

Change

Some things are just not worth holding on to in light of eternity.

Idle Talk

We pray the prayer of St. Ephraim during Great Lent and understand the big items, but what about this one?

Communication

Communicating implies staying in touch including in our relationship with God.

Sacred

Bringing up our children in an increasingly hostile world is the subject Molly addresses in today's episode.

Shame

To love like we have been loved is the ultimate goal of the Christian.

Roots

It takes time to develop roots and blossom in foreign soil.

Inconvenient

Sometimes we need to abandon the good and choose the better even if it is inconvenient.

Anniversary

On the occasion of her 10th anniversary, Molly gives tribute to her husband, Troy.

Extraordinary

“Acquire the Spirit of Peace,” said St. Seraphim of Sarov, “and thousands of souls around you will be saved.”

Boredom

If your children are bored this summer, you will be able to relate to Molly's dilemma. Look for a helpful application in teaching our children to appreciate the liturgy.

Persecution

Those small inconveniences and embarassments we experience don't begin to compare with the sufferings endured by the great martyrs of the faith.

Entangled

Like sticky gum, our worries and fears can entangle our minds but there is hope.

Family

Through thick and thin, the journey toward salvation is a family project!

Wisdom

The coming of the Holy Spirit gives hope for bringing up our children wisely.

Hero

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who served as well as those who will serve. Here is a story that truly hits "Close to Home."

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Including those who genuinely mourn over their sin.

Home

Molly explores the fulfillment of life to be found in the community of faith called Church.

Living Water

How thirsty are you?

Rise and Walk

Lessons from the story of the Paralytic

Time

This day is a perfect day for standing still.

Possession

Releasing the good and grasping the better through the power of the Resurrection.

Indeed He Is Risen!

Incorporating the reality of a risen Savior into the life of an eight year old.

Death and Resurrection

Molly reflects on the realities of our daily experience in light of Christ's Passion.

St. Mary of Egypt

Molly reflects on her early misunderstandings of this revered Saint.

Spring

The signs of spring bring hope of Resurrection

Fire

Molly reflects on the danger of allowing the spark of God's love to get drown out by the cares of the world.

Hunger for Righteousness

Another in Molly Sabourin's series on the Beatitudes.

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Part of a series of Reflections on the Beatitudes by Molly Sabourin.

Epiphany

Tradition

Guidance

Advent

Sunday Morning Chaos

Forgiveness - Mat. Jenny Schroedel

Confession

Read more of Molly Sabourin's writings at her blog site Close to Home.