Taking Flight

Tonight, I will be flying on an airplane, all by myself.  For the first time.  I've always flown with my family, and this summer I went on a trip with my brother in a group, so I'm very comfortable with flying.  But I've never gone by myself.  I feel so grown up :]  I'll be flying home from the Redding airport to San Francisco, switching planes and then flying to the San Luis Obispo airport.  I am so blessed that my parents were willing to pay for the tickets- I honestly wasn't sure if they were going to do that or not.  The reason I am going is because tomorrow morning is my grandpa's funeral tomorrow [my mom's stepdad]. 
I went home for Thanksgiving break last Tuesday evening. I felt so disoriented being in my room.... I don't know how else to explain it.  The next day my family and Rich drove down to Disneyland so we could enjoy the park for Thanksgiving Day.  Although I didn't quite get all the rest that I wanted, I enjoyed the company of my family, which I haven't done for the past three months.  And it was strange to drive back up to Simpson again and start school again.  Yet, it felt so normal to be back, like my new home is here. 
I did get to ride my horse last Saturday. I am looking forward to riding again this weekend as well :]

11/11 at 11:11pm :]

First off, I am continuing to have an amazing time here at Simpson.  The love of Jesus continually flows through my veins and encourages me daily <3 I have been learning the concept of not taking responsibility for other people when it's not my place to do so. I'm also learning how much He loves me, how much His death on the cross overrules anything I do, and that when I serve Him, His love continues to spread like fire :]
Secondly, I am thinking about changing my major from Accounting to Business and Administrations. I'm still praying about it and would love your prayers on this too! I feel like I will be able to have qualifications for a wider range of jobs as a business major than as an accounting major.  The classes required are very similar, but not exact.
Thirdly, I'm wanting to take up snowboarding. There is a class offered here, but I'd have to minor in Outdoor Leadership to take the class. Which would be very fun, I think, but I'd have to take extra classes over the summer or stay extra semesters to do it.  What I could do is just get my own snowboard and go to the snow when I want and not take the class [because I already know how, I just want to practice]. This way, I might be able to go with friends whenever they go for a day, and I wouldn't loose 4 Saturdays in a row next semester. I'd appreciate prayer for that too.
Fourthly, my laptop screen is a disaster! it has shattered. Sad day. I'll be getting it repaired next week. Thank the Lord, a friend of mine is lending me his monitor, so my laptop is now connected to it so I can use it.
Lastly, I am having a lot of fun with my room mates Emily and Eva. I so want you to meet them- they are wonderful young ladies of Jesus Christ, and I want to take them home with me :]

Weekends and Week Days

It is now the middle of October, and the middle of the week.  Already. 

My life here at Simpson is steadily chugging along. God is doing great and little things in my life.  I have been juggling school work with "free time" and growing in relationships.

I'm having a difficult time describing my life as of this moment, to give you a snap shot of my day.  There is SO much that is packed into one day that I can barely keep up with it all.  I need someone to follow me to document it all! hahaha....

For Columbus Day weekend, Simpson U gave us last Friday and this Monday, so one of my lovely room mates, Emily Suryan, invited me to go home with her, which is near Fremont in the bay area.  We watched Secretariat on the big screen- a movie I so reccomend- and also spent time shopping/ window shopping at the mall. 

This weekend, my parents are coming up to Redding for the Parents' Weekend event being hosted at the school.  I am excited to see my family again!!! 

I have recently thought about how I don't feel like I have a real home anymore.  The house in San Luis Obispo  won't see me except for during breaks, and Simpson isn't a permanent dwelling place in the long run.  I find it strange that after I graduate from college, that, unless I get married, I will have to find my own appartment for myself until I do.  I will have the opportunity to create my own living space, decorate it how I want it to look, and live with the full responsibility of paying for rent, a car, food and other such needs for myself.  Now, that is a strange thought.  For now, at least.  I trust that God will prepare me so that I will be ready to do so when the time comes.

Mean while, back at the ranch,  being a freshman I realize that I don't need to worry about my future now, just the next test for Old Testament that is worth 25% of my grade. Oh my! 

 This is The Rock.   The one place at our school where you can paint anything on it.

 It's a living mural.The girls of 2nd floor in the Irwin dorm went out late one night and painted it!

This is the back of the finished rock- with my initials and a flower that I personally added :)

The Stirring- No Shame

This past Sunday evening I went to The Stirring with some Simpson U students.  The church started a series called, "Jealous Love" last week, and it's about God's jealous love for us.  I was struck by what the pastor had to say about the difference bewteen guilt and shame.  "Guilt is good!" He said, "because it is God's way of helping us to become aware of a wrong done. But shame is when all the guilt piles up and consumes you, making you have a feeling of a false humily, like thinking that you're not worthy of God's love, or that you're not that awesome, when in fact He cries out that you are wonderfully made." Ok, so those weren't his exact words.  But that's what I got out of the message.  The message punched me in the gut of my mind at that.  Knowing that I constantly build up shame, unaware of it until my mind overflows with saddness for lack of self-love.

When he brought up Genesis 2:25 "The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.", he explained how the text shows us as created in God's image, and without shame.  We were never meant to live in shame. Then he read Genesis 3:7-11; I was frozen in understanding. "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they sewed fig leaves together and made coverins for themselves.  Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from theLORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, 'Where are you?' He answered, 'I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.' 
And he said, 'Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?"  God asks this, showing that we are not created as poorly as we are often told and believe. God doesn't see our shame, and doesn't call us that.  So, whenever shame filled thoughts invade my thinking, I am becoming more and more aware of how 99% of it is not from God.  He LOVES me! He created me to exist in his own image to enjoy this world- why would he be ashamed of me?

With all that being observed, I am now admitting to the shame that I've carried, but God's taking over with His Love.  It's a continual journey and battle, but it's soo worth the fight. I get to sit on my Papa's lap all the time :]

2 Weeks In!

it's now 2:22 am, and my room mate Eva and I are both on our laptops facebook stalking. And the pictures are HILARIOUS!!!! especially this early in the morning.

Idk why I'm even up this late. Two of my roommates are gone for the weekend, so Eva and I went to Bethel Church for their Friday night revival service. it was fantastic! Lots of prayer and healings going on :]  We then proceeded to the gas station on our way back to the dorm, and bought some snacks. The man working at the counter is going to the Bethel school, and talked with us for a bit.  Then, in the parking back at Simpson, we had a little heart to heart. It was freeing and wonderful :D  We didn't come inside until around 12:30, and we had no idea what time it was. And now, we are glued to our computer screens. At 2:30  in the morning. I haven't stayed up this late since.... the beginning of summer, I think.

Anyways, While at Bethel, I had prayer for healing in forgiving and trusting. It was VERY freeing, and I am *reminded* to forgive, of the healings that I've seen or heard, and of how much God loves me.

He loves me! Oh, how He loves me!!!  Oh, how He loves you!! He loves you <3

My roommates have labled me as crazy. I have been full of energy- idk where to put all this Joy, the Fire of His greatness in my life, and the happiness that overflows into "flapping". Flapping is SUPER FUN- I can't contain Jesus Love- He's lavishing me with His love <3     Glory to Him :]

Joy Comes With the Morning

I'm very excited for tomorrow! I have my first classes at Simpson: world civilizations and 1st year experience. Tomorrow is the first day of my college career!

In honor of this monumental momen, I drew on our mirror in the dorm room. I'd take a picture, but it won't come out very good right now, so I have to wait till tomorrow to take one and post it.  I drew it as a bit of encouragement for my dorm mates because they all start early in the morning, so I waited till they got in bed or in the shower. sneaky me hehehh!

I am anticipating tomorrow, but I don't have enough energy to blog as much as I would like on things that I've been doing here at Simpson, like the square dance, orientation, 1st year experience competitions, floor meetings in the dorm, and evening walk, and meeting new people at meal times.  Thanks for prayers from you people! I love you so much, and miss the SLO life! But not enough to go back now- time is moving forward, and so am I. These changes that have shifted in my soul are great, with Papa at my side every step of the way <3.  So, I'm off to bed. I'll try to remember to post a picture tomorrow of the mirror and of my room.         Lots of Love!!!

P.S. If you wanna snail mail me, here's my address:

Mikayla Sutherland #666
2211 College View Dr.
Redding, CA 96003

His highest priority

His Amazing Attraction to us is unparalleled to any magnetic field- how wonderful and lovely is His kindness and care for us <3  I'm so in love with God my heavenly father :D My Utmost for His Highest!!!! He holds his children so close, and cares so deeply, deeper than any well- how majestic are His plans for our destinies!


Love love love meditating on the lyrics to this video- enjoy before bed or after waking up :]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7eykbxv2Cs




Malachi 3:16-18: The Book to be Remembered.

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened to them. And the names of those who worshiped the Lord and honored Him were written down before Him in a book to be remembered.

"They will be Mine," says the Lord of All, "on that day that i gather My special people. I will have loving-pity on them as a man has loving-pity on his own son who serves him."

Then you will again see the difference between those who are right and good, and those who are sinful. You will see the difference between one who servres God and one who does not serve Him.




Isaiah 62:2-12: Something New for Zion

The nations will see that you are righteous and good.
All kings will see your shining greatness.
And you will be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will bestow.
You will be a crown of slendor in the hand of the Lord, a royald diadem in the hand of your God.
No longer will they call you "Deserted."
Your land will no longer be called "Forgotten."
But you will be called "My delight is in her," and your land "Married."
For the Lord delights in you, and to Him your land will be married.
For as a young man marries a maiden, so will your Builder marry you.
And as the bridegroom finds joy in his bride, so your God will find joy in you.
On your walls, O Jerusalem, i have put men to keep watch.
All day and all night they will never be quiet.
You who help the Lord remember, do not rest.
And give Him no rest until He builds Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth.
The Lord has sworn by His right hand and by His strong arm,
"I will never again gibe you grain to be food fo those who hate you. And strangers will never again drink your new wine that you have worked hard to make. But those who have worked hard on it will eat it and praise the Lord. And those who gather it will drink it in the open spaces inside My holy house."
Go through, go through the open gates. Open the way for the people. Build up, build up the road. Take away the stones, and raise the banner over the people. See, the Lord has made it known to the end of the earth: Say to the Daughter of Zion,
"Look, the One who saves you is coming! See, He is bringing with Him the reward He is to give."
And they will call them "The Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord."
And you will be called "Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted."

Jaw Breaker

For my 19th birthday, my lovely brother Joshua gave me a 4" jaw breaker.

As of now, I have counted 2,000 licks over the past week, and there's hardly a dent.

I now have something to do if I'm ever bored at Simpson. :]  MLIA.

7 Days Left

Seven Days Left Until: The Adventures of Redding!

What does one do in the last week of their hometown, before heading off to school, for three months- for the first time in one's life?


I've been pondering which places of SLO and the surrounding cities I want the most fresh in my mind before I leave.  Of course, packing and surveying everything that I'll be bringing with me, along with the usuall house chores and Joshua being back in school and just having my birthday a few days ago are adding to the confusion. [I'm 19 now! Wow!]

I've been searching for peace these past few weeks. Peace of mind, peace of soul, even peace for my body.  I've had restless nights, lying in bed for an hour before drifting off to sleepland. Part of this is probably in part due to the past few days of heat that have graced the central coast.  I am starting to get a taste of Redding weather!  Part of the restlessness is an attack onto my soul, from music, errands, visiting the barn, the internet, and packing for college while trying to enjoy the last moments here with my friends and family.  My mind WON'T stop buzzing, needing something to think about and rush on like a gushing spring, when I long for a mellow creek bed of thoughs and things to do.  I have prayed about it, but honestly, I need more accountability to steer clear of allowing the distraction to grip and tug at my mind.        Help.

Prayer is oober welcome :]

Invitation to the Thirsty : Isaiah 55

Isaiah 55 

Invitation to the Thirsty

"Come, all you who are thirsty,

      come to the waters;

 and you who have no money,

       come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

     without money and without cost.

Why spend money on what is not bread,

     and your laor on what does not sastisfy?

Listen, listen to me, and eat

       what is good,

   and your soul will delight in

       the richest of fare.

Give ear and come to me;

     hear me, that your soul may live.

I will make an everlasting covenant with you,

     my faithful love promised to David.

See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,

     a leader and commander of the peoples.

Surely youwill summon nations you know not,

     and nations that do not know you will hasten to you,

because of the LORD  your God,

            the Holy One of Israel,

            for he has endowd you with splendor."   

declares the LORD.

Seek the LORD while he may be found;

     call on him while he is near.

Let the wicked forsake his way

     and the evil man his thoughts.

Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,

     and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

     neither are your ways my ways,"                   

                                                                          declares the LORD.

"As the heavens are higher than the earh,

      so are my ways higher than your ways,

      and my thoughts than your thoughts.

As the rain and snow

      come down from heaven

and do not return to it

      without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

      so that it yeilds seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

      It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

      and achieve the purpos for which I sent it.

You will go out in joy

      and be led in peace;

the mountains and hills

     will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field

     will clap their hands.

Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,

     and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.

This will be for the LORD's renown,

     for an everlasting sigh,

     which will not be destroyed."

I read this passage last night when I couldn't fall asleep for over an hour. I hope you read this and are quenched by His unfathomable faithfullness and love for you.

Burns

Today was great. I started off helping out at a horse show at the barn where I ride, and then went to church at Mercy Church. I don't usually go there, but I decided to check in with some of my church family who do regularly attend. It was good to see them again and check in with them.
Then this afternoon I went to the beach with my great friend Rachel, and got slight burns on my sholders and face from the wonderful summer weather that I'm finally being able to enjoy, at the beach.
Later, I went to bring my horse Victoria out of the pasture, and I put her halter on her head to lead her out. But she flipped her head over mine, which wrapped the lead rope around my neck, and took off. I immediately let go of the rope so it wouldn't get caught around my neck, but it was very long.  It rubbed really fast against my neck, and caused a wide and long rope burn on my neck. Not the best feeling, of course.  Thankfully, my uncle recommended neosporine and it eased the pain and has helped start the healing process.

Speaking of healing process, ...  After all this, I went to another church group to Starbucks for a while. We caught up with one another's weeks, and prayed for eachother. I am soooooooo thank full for God's blessings for me and for my family who were there. It was incredible, as always, to feel the Holy Spirit working in all of our lives.  This season that I have been going through all of summer, and even since before I graduated, has been an amazing one.  I have been changing a lot in many ways, and I'm very excited for this up coming semester at Simpson. I have been growing in God's love, and learing to enjoy him like Mary did. The Spirit has been moving me and morphing me, adjusting the lense that I use to view life. I am thrilled for these changes, and I can't wait to share all that is to come.

Ta-ta. That's all for now

It's Facebook Official!

Welcome to your first blog post!

Since about 7/8ths of my friends have blogs and I am never able to comment because I didn't have a blogger account, I broke down and signed up. yehaw!

I can't promise regularity in postings, nor anything that will strike your fancy everytime I sit down to type.  I am assuming I'll post here often like I would in a journal, but less dark secrets and more things that I feel the world needs to see at some point in it's very long life.

Intro to Mikayla Rosalie

Hello. My name is Mikayla.

I am currently 18 years old, although my 19th birthday is approaching. 13 days to be exact. I was born at 8:27pm on Aug. 23rd, although I was supposed to be born a week  or more before that. 

This statement seems to explain a bit about me, or so I think. 

It is some of the excuse for my tardiness at times, but I also blame this on the Hawaiian time, which is where my dad grew up, and has engrained the 'lax temperment I often portray (HI being 3 hours behind CA time) .  

I have a beautiful Irish Sport horse named Victoria. She is grey, large, and soft. My favorite smell in the world is her.

My second favorite is freshly cut grass in the morning.

My third favorite smell is flowers. Roses, lavender, tuberose, wildflowers [which sometimes bother my nose], honeysuckle, and lily of the valley are my top favorites.

I have a rosebud on my purity ring, and also on my top retainer, which I just got a week and a half ago after having brace for all of high school. Seriously- the summer before freshman year to the summer after senior year. Thankfully before this fall.

Which leads me to the topic of college.  I will be attending Simpson University, a private Christian college in Redding California. I am excited and feel led to be there.  I just recently met my 3 roommates on Facebook, and I can't wait to meet them on Sept. 3rd during orientation.  We'll be sharing a dorm room, and I am nervous because I'm not used to having a sister, let alone three.

My family will be going with me when I move my stuff. It is a 7 1/2+ hour drive up, and I will miss my parents, brother (named Joshua), my friends from here in SLO, and my horse. Prayers are very welcome :]

I decided to streamline my thoughts on here- some intro info about me. 

I hope that although my topics are scattered, you get a general ideao of how I sort of define myself. Slightly.

Because I thnk no one can be defined or truly define themselves. 

That's God's job- He created us, so I'm leaving that up to Him. 

Peace and Grace to you!