-Lord....sometimes I get so turned off by all the Christianese....even though I regularly give myself permission to be pretty super spiritual! 
 I went to a funeral last night and the pastor was so heavy-handed and un-anointed, laying a guilt trip on all the "unsaved" people...trying to use this sad moment to hit his captive audience up  with the gospel. At least that's how it made me feel. It actually made me angry. Instead of love.....I felt his whole sermon was one of judgment....(of course, as you can see,  I was doing my fair share of judging in the pew!). It's just such a difficult balance....sharing faith in a way that draws. I think I just prefer LOVE being the witness.....and being ready to tell someone who asks what it is I believe. Anyway....please help me Lord with the yucky feelings that pastor's talk engendered. It made me want to run from all churches and just be with you in the woods. Your Presence is so unsullied in the woods. Guess it's best just to keep my mouth shut and take the plank out of my eye. Lord show me Your way....

+Hush, my little one.  Still your heart and your mind and your spirit.  Rest only in the knowledge of my deep and unyielding love.  I am your strong tower.  I am the dwelling place of secret joy and unhurried rest.  My peace transcends all the questions, all the storms that arise to pull you down and away.  Hang on only to Me and leave all unanswered questions safely in My Hand, like a child. Actually, the answers are not anywhere near as important as your swift and steady running to Me for all your needs.  Do not dwell on the things that cause you distress.  Dwell on Me and all the rest will fall away.  Remember, I am your impenetrable shield. I came to keep you safe, to rescue, not only your spirit and body, but also your mind from the restless and churning wiles of the enemy of your peace.  I am your Prince of Peace and My Peace I give you.  No one and nothing is more powerful or deep as this covenant of peace, which I have blessed you with.  When testings come – and they always will – use them as the path to your tower of refuge and strength. Know that, in Me, all is well and in Me, you can do all things. You can give mercy and grace to those who are clumsy and not the ambassadors for the kingdom that you would like them to be. The woods are a place of refreshment, but I do not call you to a life of retreat....I call you to Myself....and to a world that needs to see Who I am. I want to strengthen you,  no matter where you are so you can conquer any force that seeks to destroy you...even your own thoughts. Last night you wanted to run away from an image that contradicted your heart. But my beloved, you must always seek to hear with the ears of the Spirit. You let your heart be troubled and felt assaulted not wanting to be associated with this man's gospel. Despite the pain you felt, I know he was doing the best he could....trying to serve me. Is it possible to love this man who does  such damage to your idea of what it means to be a Christian? Yes...you most certainly can, because with God,“All things are possible”. The Holy Spirit... has been given to you to help you operate in strength and joy, in power and in love, from your secret place of quiet strength and confidence.  This is a mystery that is the source of all gladness and light-heartedness, for you know no matter what you face- even the most disappointing ministers of the faith - I AM, Who goes before you and lives within you – is the mighty conqueror of all. This is the day the Lord…your Lord – your King – your Hope – your Lover – your Maker…the One and only One True God has made.  So my dear one, get up and rejoice and be glad in and throughout it.  Your prayers are sweet to the Father’s ear.  Ever and always trust in His glorious plan to transform you.  Thank Him at every turn. Rejoice and be glad.  Laugh and reveal His perfect Love everywhere you go.  Each moment of your life is a gift.  Live your days with this understanding.  Love. Love. Love…even the people (especially the people) who turn you off.  When you feel this “turn off”…turn to Me and I will turn you back on!  It’s all about letting go of judgment…releasing, being willing to release, the yucky feelings and just being Mine in your minutes and hours.  Be Mine and know that I am yours.  I am!  This is the abundant life I came to give.  Live in this abundance and let your light shine!  Your light is ME!  Rejoice. I go before you every step of the way.  Live, move, breathe this day in Me. All is well.  All is well.