In the Rough - The Blog of Joel McDonald Jr.

I had a wonderful day today. Any day where ones focus is on the Lord can only be counted as a good day.

I arrived at church 20 minutes early and walked into the sanctuary amid the sweet sound of organ music. I could hear the music before entering the sanctuary and it sounded so wonderful to me that I thought it was a CD being played, which has never been done before. When I did fully enter the room an elderly brother was playing. I feel a connection to him. He is a convert to the church, only baptized two weeks ago. His musical abilities parallel mine and we’ve spoken a few times before about playing organ and piano. He reads very little music. I may have had training in the treble clef, but the bass clef is difficult for me. This brother plays often, usually playing between talks. Today however he was responsible for playing the opening hymn…and was quite nervous about it. We, I and a few others, assured him that his playing was wonderful. When the time for the first hymn came around, he somewhat stumbled through it. I know from experience that it is quite nerve racking and difficult to play and have others sing to what you are playing. I’ve tried, and generally have given up part way through. This brother however pressed on and completed the 4 verse hymn. The newly ordained priest sitting with me on the stand chuckled a bit at his playing, but to me the music was wonderful as it came from the heart of a man who after many years had finally found the truth. He was happy to share his talents with us. For that I am grateful. I am also grateful for the wonderful blessing it is to be able to bless the sacrament. My time as a priest is coming quickly to an end. Finally we now have two other priests to take over the duty of blessing the sacrament. I am grateful that I have been able to be of service. After church we, my home teaching companion and I, were asked to go to the home of a member couple to administer the sacrament. They have been unable to come to church due to health reasons. I enthusiastically accepted the assignment. I am grateful for both the opportunities I was given to bless and sacrament.

Ben received his mission call Saturday. He’s going to be serving in the Sacramento California South Mission. Earlier this week Drew received his call to serve in the Boise Idaho Spanish Speaking Mission. Preceding that, another Ben, the Stake President’s son received his call to serve in the Salt Lake City South Mission. I offer my congratulations to all these future missionaries. I am anxiously awaiting my call to serve along with them.

Tonight we observed the 175th anniversary of the restoration of the Priesthood. A satellite broadcast was shown at the Stake Center where we were pleased to hear from a handful of General Authorities including the Presiding Bishop of the Church, the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the President and Prophet of the Church. It was a wonderful broadcast. Perhaps one of the major things that we as members, and especially those serving as missionaries, tell the world is that there is a proper priesthood authority on the earth who preside over ordinances such as baptism, the sacrament, confirmation, marriage, and others. This priesthood is headed by Christ himself and the linage of those ordained can be traced directly back to Him. It is a wonderful thing. It is something that Latter-day Saints should cherish and hold with high esteem.

I suppose that is about all for this entry. I hope others have had as great a day as I have. Take Care & God Bless!