For over 40 years I was paid to pray. Whether before or after a Sunday morning sermon, or to end a counseling session, or to kick-off a small group meeting, I prayed professionally, as if on-demand. Still, as a semi-retired pastor, when sharing a meal with friends or family, all eyes tend to look towards me when the moment comes to give thanks. It seems I cannot escape being a professional prayer.

The roundabout way may not be the most direct route, but it represents a wonderful era in the spiritual life when God shows up in very tangible ways that assure us of his presence on the journey.” – Ruth Haley Barton

This past week the world has witnessed a man who’s waited a very long time, over 70 years, to ascend to the British throne. This makes Charles the oldest and longest- serving heir apparent in British history.

One of the most challenging things about being a follower of Jesus is the illogic of so many of the things He calls us to do. We know that He calls us to obedience, but the illogic of His thinking can be a real impediment to obeying Him.

I learned this week that one of my favorite writers, Frederick Buechner, passed away at age 96. Although he was from a different tradition (Mainline Protestant) than me, I discovered his books in my early thirties and was so drawn in by them that I wrote him a letter.

Everyone has a story, including organizations like Bay Area School of Ministry (BASOM). People often ask me why I started BASOM, so I’m going to share that story in four (very short) chapters.