Hi Shannon and
My first 'decent' scope was a 114mm newt similar to yours. My mount was a bit more steady though but I improved it no end by hanging a reasonable weight down off it between the legs. About 5 kg of solid steel helped by stabilising the whole thing on a bit of chain attached up by the head.
And even in suburban skies in Auckland I can make out dustclouds in the Great Neb in Orion, Eta Carina and a lot more.
It's more a matter of getting used to what you are looking for and some dark adaptation. I still use my 114 because it is quick and easy to setup and am adapting it for eventual use as an Astrograph.
I tend to use either a GSO 20mm or 15mm Superview for most viewing. The high power EPs tend to demand better seeing conditions so get used rarely. Lowest I'd use is a 9 mm TMB planetary and that would be pushing it.
I hope you've loaded Stellarium onto your PC. It's a huge help in learning the skies and what to expect.