In the Rough - The Blog of Joel McDonald Jr.

Hello There!

I’m overjoyed to announce that I received my Mission Call to serve as a full time missionary for the Lord today!

I am going to be serving for two years in the Colorado Springs, Colorado Mission! When I first read where I was going, it just felt right…like I was supposed to be there.

I report to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on July 14th.

I want to thank those who have supported me and encouraged me to serve the Lord. There is nothing else that I would rather do for the next two years.

Take Care & God Bles!

- Elder McDonald

When I go home after work, my mission call might be waiting for me ::big grin::

Got into an interesting conversation this morning with one of the sales reps and the owner. I mentoioned I was attending a choral concert at Regent University this evening. I cracked a joke about not be excited about being in that building…for fear of evil spirits and such. This sparked a conversation centering on my disdain and mistrust of Pat Robertson. Perhaps to sum the entire conversations up, a quote from the owner, “He’s never taken upon him the title of being a prophet, unlike the Mormons.” Anyway, after a couple of stories from the sales rep, who used to work as a musician for CBN, I started thinking and I came up with this conclusion.

1.) I’ve always felt that God works through people in and out of His church. Perhaps Robertson is one of those people.

2.) Even still…he should become a Latter-day Saint…he’s actually make a good one as per what I’ve heard.

Anyway…did I mention I might have my mission call this evening? wOoT!

Today was a hopping day at work. I go through those days where I don’t speak to any of my contacts once, and then I have those days where I talk to each one three times. Today was the latter. It’s all good through. Yesterday I ran a report which showed that I had over $300K in contracts awaiting to be financed. The process is slow due to the fact that many of our customers can’t get straight loans, refinancing seems to be quite popular. I’m feeling really good about things though because one of our customers got their loan closed today. This is a first for our two month existance, the latter half of that being me managing these deals. Good stuff, good stuff. Within the next couple of weeks we should have over $25K in contracts approved. Good times…good times.

After a good break from jogging, I picked it up again today. Everytime I go out I’m improving a bit, and that’s great. I never really considered the value of exercise until now. It just makes me feel good, and seems to be a wonderful stess reliever, which I needed and should have employed beginning Monday.

I can’t believe that it is possible to have my mission call in two days! Wow! If I get it on Friday, then it is likely that there will be noone home when I open it, as everyone will be out at the camp-resort for the weekend. Should I open it anyways? Or should I take it out to camp with me to share in the excitement? I don’t know if I can handle a 40 minute drive out to camp with the envelope sitting next to me.

Anyway…so yeah…things are going good. I hope all is well out there in LJ land!

Perhaps there is no other force that is comparable to the power held by the creativity of man, save the power of God. This concept being not limited to art which hangs on the walls of museums, or any other depository officially recognized or not, but extends to the very concepts that are born in the minds of mankind. Such concepts enrage cultures to war, people to seek peace, to prosper, or to accept poverty. Such concepts draw borders on virgin land, and give power to those who are as imperfect and weak as those they rule. These very same concepts give value to pieces of paper, and bits of metal. These are the concepts of man. There is an ever present struggle between the two forces mentioned, that of the creativity of man, and the power of God. One carnal and one divine. One an illusion and one real.

Which do you value more; Pieces of paper and bits of metal, or the love of God? The authority of those whom you elect or the authority of your creator? Which is more significant; the ill drawn borders of nations, or the perfect plan of God?

If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve; whether it be the gods cast in paper, gold, and silver, or the gods of political and military power of the nation you reside: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

I thought I’d be productive and make an update instead of just posting quizes…gotta love those things.

I’m really proud of myself. I went jogging three days this week. I started on Tuesday, it stormed Wednesday, and then I went again on Thursday and Friday. Each day I improve a bit…I’m not able to run the back stretch of the track. This isn’t your typical 1/4 mile track, but is a paved path around the lake of Mt. Trashmore park. I estimate that it’s maybe about .35 of a mile on the back stretch. I really need to find out the distance around. Anyway, I just feel good that I’m actually doing something good for me and pushing my body to do better everyday.

Junior year in high school my group of friends begain writing our second co-authored story, titled “Ver Tor”. Our first story was creatively titled “The Story” and had two installments, the second of which was never completed. The first time arround all authors wrote from the perspective of a character. This time each author controls their own races and civilizations along with a main character. It’s a bit complex but very cool to organize. Anyway, Mid-school year the group had a bit of a falling out and “Ver Tor” fell by the wayside. The project was ressurected this week and we are pushing forward. I’m just sad that I only have a few more months to contribute as I will be leaving to serve a mission.

Speaking of missions, tonight I was reminded I could get my call as early as this Friday! WoOt! We just had another guy in our stake get his call…he’s going to Brazil. Interesting to note that he will not be attending the MTC in Provo, but will be attending the MTC in South America. I bet that’s a bit of a culture shock…step off the plane and not be able to speak to anyone around you. I wish him the best.

Well…I can’t really think of anything else. If I do, I’ll let you know. Take care out there!