Playing on the Strings of His Heart

I bought myself a viola today!!!!!!! It was the largest amount of money I've paid for something in my life, and I look forward to eventually mastering the instrument. I've been wanting to play since last October, and the time is finally here for me to learn :] My goal is to eventually be able to worship freely with it- to play on the "strings" of my Lord's heart!! Here are some pictures of the beauty! I might have to post some videos or sound clips sometime :D

*Sigh of Deep Peace*

This past week has been probably the best week of my entire life. It started with being back at home for Thanksgiving break. I was majorly blessed to drive down with my third cousin who started attending Simpson this school year. We carpooled because she lives half an hour from my house down south.
Church last weekend was good. I got to eat turkey dinner with them, and it was goooood, homemade food. Afterwards, I was sitting with some ladies listening to one that was sharing about how God has been teaching her to look for Him, to see what He is doing in this time and how He is moving. I wish I could remember all of it, but the part that stood out to me was when she talked about God taking us on a left turn. At first it may seem weird, because we have a set, strait path that we're headed on, but God wants to take us on an adventure because He has something really cool and different for us. I was impressed by what she had to say, and I stored it in my heart.
Since then, life is different and wonderful.  I've been asking God to show me things I wouldn't realize without his nudging, and He's more than delivered :] I've been prophesied over, had great encounters with the Father and my friends, and found out that I was accepted to go on a missions trip to Peru during spring break this coming March! :D I'm very excited to go there!! I'm going with 13 other Simpson students to join with a group called Inca Link. While there, I will be with orphans, helping to build a house for them, and going to the garbage dump where many scavenge for food. I am expectantly waiting for the time I will spend there, sharing the Love that I have been given with them and getting to know the students who I'm going to travel with more personally.  I look forward to growing and being influenced by the culture there as well.
It is currently "Dead Week" at school- the last week before finals!! I stayed up really late last night and my throat has hurt today. Eh, nothing a little peppermint tea won't fix ;] I'm off to write a philosophy paper and letters to people asking for money and prayer support for my trip.  Never have I done this before, so it will be interesting to see the results.  I know God has a hand in this, and so I completely know that He will help me and all my team memebers have enough coverage in both ways before, during and after the trip!
GAH! I'm so excited :D

What Are You Waiting For?

Today, I went to a mini-retreat with some girls from my school.  The woman who hosted the event gave us french toast with strawberries (oh, how I do love strawberries!), time to talk in pairs in order to share our struggles with each other and to encourage one another in prayer, and then gave us time to work on a craft: making a cover for a notepad! It was  extremely wonderful, being in a room of young women who I know, that were free to love on each other and express their own creativity God has blessed us each with. Here are the pictures of the front, back, and inside of the cover.

Front cover

Back cover

Inside cover/note pad

Sitting on the tables where we ate and worked were gift bags. And inside the bags, including gum, fruit leather (yum!) and other little goodies, was a book titled What Are You Waiting For? by Dannah Gresh. At first I found it odd that we would be given such a book- the subtitle says "The One Thing No One Ever Tells You About Sex"- but then I was suuuuper grateful to receive such a gift. I have found it rare to hear about the importance of healthy sexuality, even from the Church body, sadly, and also difficulties to live it out in this post-modern and humanistic society I live in. Dannah isn't afraid to cut to the chase and tell all about why waiting is good with Biblical research she has done personally, what makes it such a struggle, and how to practically battle for a thing called purity.
This afternoon, I sat down with God and we have currently read through the first seven and a half chapters together :] I enjoyed stopping after reading a sentence that struck a chord in me, and meditating on it with Holy Spirit. Or reading a statement that was confusing, and asking Papa for clarification. It has made clear things that were foggy in my mind, and reaffirmed many truths I was already aware of.  So, I recommend this book to all single women (and to single men, too :] )

The part in the book where I stopped, meditated, and got drunk on Holy Spirit's revelation :]

One part of the book that I want to share talks about Genesis 4:1 when it says, "Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain." The the Hebrew word used for "lay" (cause we all know he wasn't just lying there) is "yada", which literally means "To know, to be known, to be deeply respected."  And I realized, I deeply desire to be known. Not just in the physical, but even more so emotionally and mentally. I want my husband to know my favorite flower and randomly give me a bouquet of them, to know to order a side of chili instead of coleslaw as a side for me if I'm in the bathroom when the waiter is taking orders for my food, and other things that make me unique and set me apart from all other women in his eyes.  The cool thing about all this, is knowing that he will. I know he won't be perfect 100% of the time, but  he will pretty darn good at knowing me intimately. My favorite thing about being known, is that I am aware that God already knows me, and loved me so deeply, even before the day of my creation, to prepare for me everything that I have or will ever need in my life, as well as give me gifts that He knows I would enjoy, just to make my heart smile and my countenance light up.

And so the Author of Romance continues to draw me in relationship, being the supreme example of Love. <3 It's good stuff, peeps!

Accounting and Missions- Quite the Combo

One thing you may or may not know about me [but now you do] is that I am an accounting major. Woot! haha
Yes, my goal is to become a CPA. I do not know if that is what my career will be for my entire life, because I do expect to take time off to raise my beautiful children when they come along, but for now, that is the plan.

Today, my accounting professor drove two classmates and myself down to Sacramento for a student luncheon.  It was hosted by CalCPA, and it gave some time for us to network with different accounting firms as well as a very good meal and a wonderful day off campus. :] It was a wonderful experience, and I hope more people go next year.

This evening, a few hours after I got back to campus, I was interviewed by two lovely people who are taking several students to Peru on a missions trip this coming Spring Break! I am starting to get more and more excited about it, and I don't even know if I will be accepted to go. There are only 12 spots, and more than 12 people applied.  I'm definitely praying for God's will. If I I do get the opportunity to go, then I will be able to love on orphaned kids who live in garbage dumps, and also help build a house that a church is currently working on!! How sweet is that!? I want to bless them so much, and I am already praying for the darlings. If I don't get to go, then I am thinking about applying to another missionary program that plants churches around the world, and I could pick wherever I want to go, and either help with the church planting or help in some business building. I really would love to help underdeveloped countries through business!!!

So, yeah.  Story of my heart right now.  Laters :D

One one one one.... etc.

How are you doing? I've been studying hard and learning lots in school as well as in my God who provides with perfect timing and His abundant love for all.

I got re-baptized on 11/11/11! It was a spur of the moment thing. I was at someone's house because Gavi (a little girl who calls me Sissy:]) was getting baptized. Before we went outside to do the baptism, the wife of the household offered a chance for anyone who wanted to be baptized to do so. I felt God telling me, "Look, it's a great opportunity to rededicate yourself to me. Plus, the view is amazing!" Hahaha! I couldn't help but feel convicted, because of so much growth, change and life I have experienced in the past few months, learning and listening to God speak, and the difficulties I encountered and suffered in relationship this past summer as well.  I have been healing from this relationship due to my Lord's overwhelming love and compassion for me, having given me a spirit,  "...not of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 Nothing else drives me to live more than Holy Spirit, who encourages me, Jesus Christ, who has,  "...set me as a seal upon [His] heart, as a seal upon [His] arm; For love is as strong as death, Jealousy as cruel as the grave...  Many waters cannot quench love." Song of Solomon 8:6-7.  I know it is strong, because when Israel turned from God, He spoke to Ezekiel, telling him, "...I was crushed by their adulterous hearts which had departed from Me,..." Ezekiel 6:9. How tender is Love?! "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31. I cannot comprehend this kind of love, and yet I long to feel and express this sort of love to my God as well as to others. This past week in my single life workshop I am in, I realized that I am afraid to love fully, at the capacity that God created me to love.  I have always thought my brothers in Christ are great, but I'm realizing that I was holding back the friendship from them that I have always desired to express, but worried that I would give the wrong impression.  I have been freed of that negative pressure, and I am practicing loving on them in a healthy way that allows me to be even more true to myself than I have been in the past.

Ok..... Off the rabbit trail. Later on that same day, I went to Twin View, a satellite campus of Bethel, because Bethel was hosting a 48-hr prayer and worship time. Memories of worship back in elementary school flooded my mind. I wondered ifI could become worn out from worship (I danced/soaked/sang for 4hours that night; the next few days my legs would literally cramp when I walked, especially down stairs haha), but I realized that I can't get enough of it because I get refreshment from glorifying God and get filled up by the Holy Spirit. My heart danced with joy at this revelation.

 So, I am a new creation, all over again! The spirit is still alive in me, and I have rededicated my life after 11 years (the last time being in a pool when my church was called River Rock.) I have been exploring, learning and enjoying fellowship here at Simpson University with my roommates, friends, and even one of my teachers. And it has been amazing!


Today, my friend Emily and I were on our way to the cafeteria today for dinner, and we stopped on the path because there was a bunch of fallen leaves.  I started pushing them into a small pile, which turned into a huge pile that we both worked on and eventually jumped in. I enjoyed it.




Just felt like sharing this significant little bit with you.  :]

Jesus

So.  I love Jesus.   He is wonderful, growing me in ways that blow my mind.
My roommate Eva read this poem to me, and it helped me feel so much better about myself. That it's okay to grow into a magnificent oak tree, even if I leave others "behind". Cause I'm not leaving them; they are growing in a different way than I am.

The Oak and The Rose
by Shel Silverstein 
An oak tree and a rosebush grew,
Young and green together,
Talking the talk of growing things-
Wind and water and weather. 
And while the rosebush sweetly bloomed
The oak tree grew so high
That now it spoke of newer things-
Eagles, mountain peaks and sky.
"I guess you think you're pretty great,"
The rose was heard to cry, 
Screaming as loud as it possibly could 
To the treetop in the sky.
"And you have no time for flower talk,
Now that you've grown so tall."
"It's no so much that I've grow," said the tree,
"It's just that you've stayed so small."

Snow!!!

So I woke up early this morning for my eight o'clock class, and it was cloudy slash rainy. I groggily walked to the cafeteria for breakfast, gearing up to start the day, despite the fact that I was running late.  After eating, I swiftly exit, zipping up to weather the cold environment outside. To my delight, there were snow clumps falling merrily as I lifted my face to the sky. While the clock tower stuck eight, I jumped after large chunks with my mouth, and the cool burst of water was so refreshing that I was distracted for several seconds before I remembered that I needed to be in class.  Skipping and sliding through the slush I went joyfully :D

Since then, I have been in six snowball fights [because the snow is sticking-YAY!!!] had a foot cramp in my right food due to snow getting in my rain boot, eaten snow from the sky, made a huuuuuuge heart in the snow on one of the several lawns on campus, and have seen several snow men and one snow family.  What a wonderful life!!

This is me heading to class :]

And to think, just last week felt like May and there are pink and white blossoms on several trees now, all of which are holding the fresh snow. How delightful! :D

Revived

        Tonight, about thirty students met in our small chapel room on campus.  We worshiped our Lord, prayed for one another and shared healing and life testimonies from some of the group.  It was wonderful- I felt completely in my element.  The Holy Spirit moves in magnificent ways when we make room for it to do so. :]  I am so at peace, because God's love fulfills my every need over and over and over again.  He is all-powerful, letting me know that I can do anything when He gives me strength to do so.  Yay Jesus!!!

        Yesterday I gave a speech to be class president next year in front of the whole school... very intimidating.  I couldn't sleep very well the night before- I woke up four times! /:  Right before it all started, three of my friends came up to me and prayed for peace on my mind.  It sure worked, because when I was up on stage giving my speech and answering questions I wasn't scared, just a little jittery when answering questions that I didn't know were going to be asked of me.  I'm giving this up to God- I don't know if I will get it or not, but He'll definitely use me one way or another next year. :]

          I can feel God's blessing on me, that He's cheering me on saying, "You can do it!!" as I step out of my comfort zone and allow God to use me in areas I previously thought were not for me.  I'm learning that I don't need to start a revival here on campus either; Jesus is living in me, and I am the revival whenever I spread His authority and joy over people I see in my daily life.  He is filling me up and I'm so willing to pour out His Spirit to others who are thirsty. :]

New Cut For A New Year

    I am now back at Simpson. What a strange feeling.  I haven't seen too many people here yet, and two of my room mates are not here yet.
    Two days ago, I got my hair cut. My hair is in the mail to Locks of Love :]
    Yesterday I saw my mom off as she went to board her airplane.  I was very sad to see her go- I was just getting used to being with her and my family the past few weeks, and then I have to leave them again.   :'(
   I was able to spend my weekend at the Garcia's house with my mom, which was very nice.  Gavrielle is my eight-year-old sissy and we got to play together a lot.  I took her to school this morning, which was very strange for me because I am not used to driving before eight o'clock in the morning.  We saw the sun rising up near Mount Lassen as we speed in the freezing weather towards Bethel Church. 
   I have a great view of what is to come this next semester. I know it will be great! :D

Twirling, Unsettled Thoughts

With the year two-thousand and eleven upon us, I suppose that, like me, many people are reflecting on the year two-thousand and ten, how wonderful it was, but at the same time they are looking forward to what is ahead.  I have been wishing that I had journaled more about my first semester at Simpson and documented wonderful moments with a camera to display for loved ones and for myself when I desire to look back on my teen years decades from now. However, I am constantly conflicted with this thought: I could start now with diligence in recording my life, but I am not sure how focused on this I sould be.  I feel like my time that I spend right now is already chalk full of events that occur, and I don't want to stop whatever I am in the middle of to blog or journal about it.  Thus, my tug-of-war has begun, because journaling does help me clear my thoughts.  Writing helps concepts in my brain to become organized and complete, and I am able to scribble things that could later encourage me. For example, in two-thousand and seven I wrote a letter to my future husband for fun. I found it a week ago when I was going through things in my room, and I read its contents.  While reading, I discovered many similarities and some changes in my world view over the past three years. So, I wrote another letter, and felt relieved to express my thoughts freely to someone by following the curvy trail of my muddled thoughts. It felt very good, and I realized that the fear that stopped me from writing was that I would consume too much time there and not focus on important things in life.  What a queer fear that is!
I suppose,my new year's resulution, in effect, is to write, scribble, draw and follow my thoughts and experiences without being fully distracted by journaling without getting in the way of spending time with Jesus, friends and school work. I know that although I won't be very consistant, I want and desire to keep up with this throughout the year. When two-thousand and eleven closes in three-hundred and sixty days or so, I believe I will not be hard on myself; instead I will be able to have tid-bits of the year to reflect on and remember the growth and changes that occur.
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and has a wonderful New Year :] I love you dearly- thanks for reading!

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.