Welcome to the Counter
For the days that feel heavy—and the faith that feels quiet.
A quiet space for real conversations about faith, life, and the moments that don’t always have easy answers.
Pull up a chair—you don’t have to carry it alone.
Not loud. Not rushed. Just real.
This isn’t a space for quick fixes or perfect answers.
It’s a space for slowing down, noticing what’s real, and trusting that God is present—even in the quiet, in-between places.
Whether you’re driving, folding laundry, or sitting with a cup of coffee, you’re invited to pause for a moment and just be.
👋 Welcome, friend.
I’m Laura—also known as The Baking Pastor.
I’m a licensed minister, writer, and soul care guide who creates gentle spaces for people to slow down, breathe, and be honest about what they’re carrying.
I’ve spent years walking alongside people through grief, transition, burnout, and those in-between seasons where faith can feel quiet. What I’ve learned is this: most of us are carrying more than we let on—and we need a safe place to say it out loud.
That’s what this space is.
At the Counter, you’re invited to come as you are—to sit, to listen, and to notice where God is meeting you right in the middle of everyday life.
My hope?
That you feel less alone.
That you find space to breathe.
And that, in time, you begin to sense God’s gentle presence again—even here.
When I’m not here, you’ll usually find me with my husband Todd, our cat Sassy 🐾, a good cup of coffee ☕, a field of sunflowers 🌻, or dreaming about the next place to explore.
There’s a seat for you here.
Come Sit for a While
Each episode is a small space to pause, reflect, and listen for God’s quiet presence in everyday life.
Whether you’re driving, folding laundry, or sitting with a cup of coffee—you’re invited.
If you’ve been carrying more than you’ve had space to name, this Special Edition Soul Pause Journal was created for you.
A quiet place to reflect, pray, and sit with what’s real—one small pause at a time.
If these conversations have encouraged you, comforted you, or helped you feel a little less alone…
thank you for helping keep the coffee warm at the counter. ☕
Your support helps keep these gentle conversations, podcasts, soul care resources,
and everyday faith spaces continuing to reach people who need them. 💛
What Others Are Saying
🎙️Voices from the Counter
Sometimes it's easier to say things out loud.
Share a question, reflection, prayer request, or tell me what stayed with you from an episode.
Your message may be featured in a future episode.
If You’re Looking for a Little More Support
If you’re walking through something heavy or just need a space to be heard, I offer gentle soul care conversations designed to meet you where you are.
Interested in a conversation?
(Sassy doesn’t take meetings… but she occasionally joins the conversation.) 🐾
If this space has met you in a meaningful way and you’d like to say thank you, you’re welcome to do that here.
(Sassy fully supports additional coffee… mostly for the whipped cream.) 🐾