In the Rough - The Blog of Joel McDonald Jr.

Hey!

Ever feel like you have it all together, know what you need to know, and are doing what you are supposed to be doing? It’s a great feeling isn’t it? Ever in a blink of an eye feel like you have nothing together, know nothing, and don’t have a clue what your supposed to be doing? Yeah…that’s no so great, but this is what I’m experiencing right now. I just hope I can pull out of it soon.

So…what do you think of Jesus Christ? I’ve been thinking about Him a lot lately. You want to know what I truly think? I think He is more awesome than we can imagine and his scrafice means more than we’ll ever know, and that His love and His grace extend farther than we can even fathom. Ever step back and think of what He did for you? It leaves me speechless. I don’t have words to express it. I am convinced that neither life, nor death, nor angels, nor principalities, nor height, nor depth, no any other created thing is able to seperate me (and you!) from the love of God! Which love is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

I don’t have much to say about my mission specifically right now. Things are slow…very slow.

Thanks to all those who right. I plead to all those who don’t. I would love to hear from you. Take Care.

God Bless,
- Elder Joel A. McDonald Jr.
Colorado Colorado Springs Mission

The border is Country Road 125…not 152.

God Bless,
- Elder Joel A. McDonald Jr.
Colorado Colorado Springs Mission

11 Months Out….13 to Go!

Hello There!

This is Elder McDonald with yet another update. Yesterday was my 11 month mark. Next month is my year mark. I’m excited about that, but at the same time looking toward the next year wondering what it will bring.

This week was pretty ineventful, about the same as last week. Still taking time to sort of figure things out.

Took a drive to the edge of our area a few days ago. That was fun. It turns out that the edge of our area is actually the border between the Colorado Springs Mission and the Denver South Mission. The edge of our area is Country Road 152…which I’ve included a picture of.

Elizabeth is way out here and there’s not much to it besides empty space. Thankfully, I was able to spend the day in Parker yesterday…which was a nice change. I don’t think I could ever live in a rural area…I think I’d go crazy.

It’s been fun reading and responding to your replies whether by e-mail or on my live journal. Thanks for writing. It’s good to hear from you.

Take Luck!

God Bless,
- Elder Joel A. McDonald Jr.
Colorado Colorado Springs Mission

Hello!

Thank you to all those who have been replying to my updates. It is great to read your messages of encouragement and hear about your on goings. Thank you.

I have spent a lot of time pondering on who God is lately. Of course that process will always continue as I believe that the complete picture of who God is, is beyond our comprehension. As I have been thinking (and writing down my thoughts) I am coming to conclusions that bring peace and understanding. These conclusions are yet in their infancy, but have aided in my being able to understand my role. I think more people should step back and really think about the world around them and not stay in their narrow view of things.

We have been working hard mostly without any real success. Yesterday was a difficult day indeed. I find that out in the country there is a general feeling of not wanting to be bothered (after all…isn’t that why they live that far out in the first place?), some good did come out of it as far as visiting members and trying to help them.

I feel old. LOL. I received a wedding announcement of a friend of mine from Virginia (who not lives in Utah). That makes two (that I know of). It’s crazy…we’re growing up. It seems like just last week I was still in high school and marriage and the sort seemed so far off. I suppose time marches on.

The other night there were tornado warnings out west of us (the clouds were dark green). I tried to capture some pictures, but unfortunately the pictures didn’t do the storm justice. I am including the best one though. I’m also including pictures of a parade we had in conjunction with the local rodeo that took place this past weekend. Also, there is an old church building, which is now used as a house. It is the oldest building in town (105 years), and perhaps the oldest building in the county. I thought it was interesting, so I’m passing a picture along to you.

I wish you well. Thank you for your thoughts, messages, and prayers. I need them.

God Bless,
- Elder Joel A. McDonald Jr.
Colorado Colorado Springs Mission