Bullets of Elder Scott's Address

What are some of the empowering principles upon which faith is based?

• Trust in God and in His willingness to provide help when needed, no matter how challenging the circumstance.

• Obedience to His commandments and a life that demonstrates that He can trust you.

• Sensitivity to the quiet promptings of the Holy Spirit.

• Courageous implementation of that prompting.

• Patience and understanding when God lets you struggle to grow and when answers come a piece at a time over an extended period.

To summarize:

 • God uses your faith to mold your character.
• Character is the manifestation of what you are becoming.
• Strong character results from consistent correct choices.
• The bedrock of character is integrity.
• The more your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to exercise the power of faith.

May I share four principles which have brought the deepest feelings of peace and happiness into my own life? The Lord has established these cornerstones in His eternal plan, and each one is essential. All work together in harmony and reinforce one another. When they are applied with diligence and consistency, they produce strength of character, increasing ability to convert the challenges of life into stepping-stones of happiness now and forever. They are:

 

• Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His program to acquire the power to achieve.

• Repentance to rectify the consequences of mistakes of omission or commission.

• Obedience to the commandments of the Lord to provide strength and direction in our lives.

• Selfless service to enrich the lives of others.

The latest General Conference magizine is out and available for all! Not only in local LDS stores, but also on the internet  thanks to advancing technology that our Father in Heaven has blessed us with in these latter days. This is only a glimpse of what Elder Scott, an apostle of the Lord spoke about. Please take time to not only read but listen to what each has to say as they are truly inspired by the magnificant power of the Holy Ghost, who will also testify to you that these men are truly called of God to guide us out of these dark days into an eternally bright future.

Link to Prophets and Apostles of the Lord:  http://new.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2010/10?lang=eng

To get in contact with local messangers of the Lord: http://mormon.org/eng/

I know that as you trust in God by taking the simple step of clicking on these links and "listen with the intent to learn" (President Eyring, "Trust In God, Then Go and Do")that this will be the most important thing that you could do!

Current Prophet General Conference Address

For more information on Modern Day Prophets check out http://www.mormon.org/

President Eyring Conference Address

One of my TOP favorite talks this conference! For more words from the Lord's servants: http://www.new.lds.org/

President Uchtdorf Conference Address

"What Ye Have Seen Me Do."

24 Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed.

25 And ye see that I have commanded that none of you should go away, but rather have commanded that ye should come unto me, that ye might feel and see; even so shall ye do unto the world; and whosoever breaketh this commandment suffereth himself to be led into temptation.

(3 Nephi 18:24-25)

 

The third book of Nephi in the Book of Mormon (A Testament of Jesus Christ) is the account in which Christ comes to the Americas as a resurrected being. He directs the people on how to run His church. He teaches them and blesses them as He did with the people in Jerusalem. One of His teachings just so happens to be about "light". Imagine that. Once again He tells people to "hold up [their] light that it may shine unto the world." Instructing as He did in Jerusalem that we need to be beacons of hope that the world can turn to.

 

In addition He tells us what exactly the "light" is. Through my past blog posts I have referred to it as our gospel knowledge or our testimonies. Christ states that "[He is] the light which ye shall hold up". When we gain a knowledge of Christ's ministry and all that He has done for us, we also read within that that we should be like He is. Is it safe to say that when we have started on our path of understanding His plan we need to also start to exemplify that? He has "commanded that [we] should come unto [Him]". As we come to know and love the life of our Brother and Savior we will have that increase desire to share with others that happiness we have obtained. The feeling of being whole.

 

For those who wish to own a copy of the Book of Mormon for yourself, which I know will add to that light which you have, you can order a free copy at http://www.mormon.org/ or read/ listen to an online copy at http://www.lds.org/ . for additional questions or feedback please feel free to add me on http://www.facebook.com/ with a message attached with your questions and comments. I would love to chat with you!

Lights & Candlesticks

33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

(Luke 11:33-36)


Our knowledge of the gospel should bot be tucked away in a "secret place" or under a "bushel" but should be set on a condfident testimony ("candlestick") What is a testimony? It is a spiritual witness from the Holy Ghost of God's love for you and our Savior's Atonement (to give at least two examples). As you learn and recieve personal witness of Heavenly Father's plan and the fulness of His gospel you add to that testimony.

When a testimony ("candlestick") is in the works a "candle" is lit and placed on top. From this, attention is drawn to your beliefs because of your "light" or in other words - your example (shawing your beliefs through your actions.)

In verse 34 we see that when we focus on God and doing His will we are "full of light". The opposite effect happens when we slip into worldly/evil desires, we become "full of darkness". If that is true and light reflects our outward actions, the same could be said if our souls are filled with darkness. We won't do God's will and we fall into sin, we in a literal sense withdraw from God.

Let us all search to do our Father In Heaven's will. By doing the small acts of service, exercising faith, praying, scripture study, church attendance, and grawing closer as a family I know that we will be able to have "no part dark" within us. It will require time & much effort, also trial and error (we ARE human), but we can be "Children of Light"! We will not only become what we were sent here to become, but also help others realize it as well! We can change the world for the better, we CAN be in harmony!

(For more/similar references to this specific topic of "Lights & Candlesticks" see Matthew 5:14-16 & Mark 4:21)

Like A Thief In The Night!

   

As I dove into my personal study this morning I came across an interesting title that is given to us. I had never heard this title before and if i had I sure wasn't paying attention like i am now. The title came from the Doctrine of Covenants (106) as a revelation given to Joseph Smith:

4 And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night—

  5 Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief. 

 

Interesting analogy that was used in this revelation. I thought it clever how it was said Christ second coming would be like a thief in the night. We all know that thieves need to be very sneaky and good at what they do or else they will be caught. From this thought process I wanted to dive deeper into this concept/title of "Children of Light". So I did and it led me to John (12):

 

35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

  36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. 

 

 Hm... so if we are surrounded in darkness we can't see the "thief" when he comes. We might be able to see a figure of a person but with that alone we cannot know for sure who that person is. Some may guess and have suspistions of who that person might be, but there is no SURE knowledge. Still, what does children of light even mean? Let's turn to Doctrine and Covenants again (6):

 

 21 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. 

 

Sweet! Christ is the "light", in other words we are "Children of Christ". Now on to the harder part of this subject. I say all this with love though. In order to know when the thief comes we need that light on inside of us. We need to KNOW Christ. When we try our best to understand who He is and all He has done we begin to grasp the image of Christ, that way when He comes He will not pass us by and us not know that He has come. Those who have not tried to know Christ are not only those who have never heard or read of Him, but those who have chosen to stray away from what He has taught. He taught that we should be like Him, knowing that we cannot be perfect in this life and that we mess up He gave us the ultimate gift of repentance. Which is the ability to change ourselves around, anything that is opposite of God's will.

 

Let ourselves be "unspotted from the world". Let us rekindle (if needed) that light of Christ within us, so that we may see Him as He is. To be part of those that will rejoice and sing because we know Him. Let us be Children of Light!

The Sites In Sight

Just want to extend a warm invitation to all those who have not had the awesome opportunity to visit the sacred and moving historic sites. Such as The Smith Home where the prophet of the restoration of Christ's full gospel saw God and Jesus Christ, the Hill Cumorah where the Book of Mormon was uncovered, and the Grandin Building where the Book of Mormon was published. We have amazing guides there that help answer any of your questions about the Mormon faith. Take advantage of the end of Summer and beginning of Fall to take in the wonderful, peaceful, spiritual experience that it is. I have found that it is a great get away from the world and all the "noise" that envelops it. Especially the truly Sacred Grove, behind the Smith Farm is a place of refuge for many that come to it with purpose. For me, knowing that I am standing in a place where God and my Savior have been makes the grove more sacred than just any ol' forest or park. I hope you all take the chance to experience it for yourselves and to not just take my word for it.

For more information about the sites email me at paul.erwin@myldsmail.net or message me on facebook by clicking on the link to the left.

Revelation = VITAL!

These past few days have been quite spiritually rewarding. To start off we had a special visit from Elder Pearson of the Seventy. He came to get an update on the online proselyting work that is being done. We each stated our name, how long we have been an online missionary, what we have seen work so far, what we would like to see change, so on and so forth. We each shared ideas and it turned into a wonderful discussion. Elder Pearson closed with his own remarks about us being a special mission. We have been given opportunities other mission areas do not have. We have the internet as another source of missionary work and even more so the availablity of the historical sites, where both God and His Son appeared to Joseph Smith. What a privilage to be here!

He then directed his remarks towards how the Holy Ghost and revelation cannot be seperated. For example, we as missionaries desire those that we teach to repent, to change their lives around. As they do so they are given the amazing experience of having the Holy Ghost near. Why do we want them to have the Holy Ghost near, so that the doors of revelation are opened to them, they recieve answers to their questions and solutions to their problems. He expoounded much more on this subject and it blew me away. We desire the Holy Ghost, not just to "feel good", we desire it because we unknowingly want personal revelation. We know that when the Holy Ghost is with us we have a sense of being whole, problems seem to "fix themselves" or "coincedences" seem to happen. But they are not coincedences, it is you acting upon the still small promptings of the Spirit.

He said many more things that are too personal to mention, but I could feel his spirit and sincerity. I know he is disciple of Christ. He was inspired and in tune with the Holy Ghost to be able to recieve the revelation that we needed at that time. Not only from that experience have I been spiritually fed but also from today and also (happily awaiting) tomorrows Zone Conferences with our Mission President, President Christianson. What an inspired servant of the Lord. He discussed about recieving revelation through church attendance. We take part in the sacrament and renew promises to God, which is to be more like His Son in word and deed. What is VITAL to those that attend church for the first time or for those coming back to church after not having attended for a time is the geniune love of the members of the church. We need to care for one another to ensure that not only the person you befriend but you as well have a meaningful and spiritually filled Sunday. This is nothing new. We have all taken on the promise to be examples of the Savior. What a wonderful past few days and I cannot wait to be even more stuffed with inspiration tomorrow!

A Matter Of Discussion

Well, look-e here! My companion and I just made a facebook group to discuss gospel topics and a means of asking and answering questions in a legit setting rather than through comments. Take a look, join, comment, DISCUSS. Hopefully this new idea will help in our efforts to reach out to all you web users with ease. Thanks for checking out my blog and just because I'm starting a discussion board doesn't mean my poor blog will be neglected. Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/crumsey3#!/group.php?gid=141723359195969&ref=mf

A "Change" Of Plans

Just in case any of you were wondering, I made it to Victor unharmed and with all my luggage. Let me explain how transfers work in the mission field. Each designated area around the world has a mission President who has juristiction over that area. He is called upon to recieve revelation for the missionaries that he watches over. When a transfer starts to come to a close (transfer = 1 1/2 months - 6 weeks) the mission president gets together with his assistants (who are also fellow missionaries) and starts the process of changing around missionaries to be with different companions and possibly in different surrounding areas. When this happens they make some changes on a giant board that has all of our pictures on it and who we are currently with. After those changes are considered they kneel in prayer and ask the Lord if it be right. (Also note that during this time they have been fasting - going without meals, to be more focused on spiritual matters rather than physical and showing a sacrifice for an increase of spiritual promptings.) So for about a week (the last week of the current transfer) they do this.

The time had come when we recieved phone calls that Sunday night of who and where. I was told that I would be going to Victor with a certain missionary that was not doing so well. I was chosen to be the one to "cheer him up" in a sense. I was not to fond of the assignment and to be completly honest a little angry. I was able to talk to one of the assistants and he explained to me that he knew it was a calling from the Lord.

As I pondered over this through the night and into the morning I began to realize that maybe, just maybe this was a test from the Lord, to use my talents and abilities that would help this elder out. I became content and through prayer and contemplation was reassured that I could do it. This lasted throughout the rest of my preperation day (Monday) and into Tuesday morning, right before transfers. I had been reading over my patriachral blessing which was a great comfort to me to see what God knew I was capable of.

In the middle of reading the phone rang. It was the assistant I had talked to the previous day. He told me I would still be serving in Victor but that my companion would not be who I was told it would be. Later, as I arrived at the chapel where we were to meet for a transfer meeting my mission president, President Christianson, pulled me aside and explained that he was grateful that I accepted the responsibility that WAS going to be mine, but because of that additude he and the Lord knew I would do anything asked of me. "And that was enough." Because they both could tell that they could trust me with whatever assignment that was given me is why my president was prompted in the middle of the night to make some changes.

This will always be an experience that I will cherish forever, seeing that the Lord does certain things to just see how we will react. He saw that I had subjected to all things and that is what He needed to know. Wow... what an increase of testimony on the power of inspiration and revelation! He truly does know all and has a plan for each of us, even in the most smallest of settings. This is the Lord's work and gospel. It is true. Now I need to follow the Lord's call for me to be here with my new companion Elder Campbell and do what we were sent here to do. And so, the gospel goes forth.

Three More To Go...

Well, another transfer down. So, I got the call last night. "Elder Erwin, you're going to Victor." I'll be serving in Victor, New York for at least the next month and a half. I not only have heard many great things about Victor, but I have also been able to visit some of the families there as well. What a wonderful place to be called to! I'm excited to see what this new area brings and all the many things the Lord will be teaching me as I go through my third to last transfer. Change is good. We all can learn a lot from the small to the drastic changes in each of our lives, which most often happen everyday. What a perfect example to fit in with the theme of my blog "Changing Me". With change comes growth, growing into who God made us to become. This truly is His work and there really is no greater cause than this!

"Your Home Away From Home"

I seemed to have been in a trance yesterday. After posting my most recent blog I started to zone out as I listened to the choir. I scanned the room around me and while looking at all the people that were in it, only me and my companion were those that I knew for certain knew the restored gospel. We both have the Holy Ghost with us, that constant "good" feeling surrounding us. My mind wasn't racing like it was before I pulled up my blog. I felt the peace I normally feel in a church meeting or while studying my scriptures, how I feel when I pray even. I pondered over this for a little while and it struck me. My blog, for me, had turned into one of the many safe places I could run to. It became a sanctuary.

We all have our personal sanctuaries. Whether it be the house we grew up in, a park, a loved ones grave, our bedroom where we kneel in prayer, or in this instance a blog. Anywhere that uplifts and inspires us to Think, Be, and Do good is a sanctuary we can go to to be more in tune with the Spirit of God. Not only can you have that cherished feeling of His Spirit with you but, with the right heart and thoughts, you can open a window of revelation that helps you make decisions, recieve promptings, and recognize blessings. Our literal Father In Heaven wants to help us, wants to be with us always. His promptings come in small simple means, but we must be focused and at peace to recognize all the loving messages He is giving us every day. What are some of your sanctuaries I wonder?

Be Believing

"One of the most trying times in the history of the Church, both in terms of its impact on the Church generally and in the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith personally, occurred during the winter of 1838–39. The Prophet, who bore the brunt of the persecution in that period, had been imprisoned in the ironically named Liberty Jail. . . .

"In one way or another, great or small, dramatic or incidental, every one of us is going to spend a little time in Liberty Jail—spiritually speaking. We will face things we do not want to face for reasons that may not be our fault. Indeed, we may face difficult circumstances for reasons that were absolutely right and proper, reasons that came because we were trying to keep the commandments of the Lord. We may face persecution, we may endure heartache and separation from loved ones, we may be hungry and cold and forlorn. Yes, before our lives are over we may all be given a little taste of what the prophets faced often in their lives.

"But the lessons of the winter of 1838–39 teach us that every experience can become a redemptive experience if we remain bonded to our Father in Heaven through it. These difficult lessons teach us that man's extremity is God's opportunity, and if we will be humble and faithful, if we will be believing and not curse God for our problems, He can turn the unfair and inhumane and debilitating prisons of our lives into temples—or at least into a circumstance that can bring comfort and revelation, divine companionship and peace."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lessons from Liberty Jail," Ensign, Sept. 2009, 26, 28

Autumn Was On It's Way

I just recently added the "Mormon Channel" widget to my Blog. I hope this will be something that will be used by many. It's a great way to listen to the prophets and apostles of the church and even the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I'm slowly learning how to work this Blog and make it the best that I can for all of you! So as Autumn makes its way in, the season of change. Please feel free to suggest and advise me on how I can make this Blog the best it can be. I won't have it for too much longer so I want this temporary Blog to have a the best longest lasting impact I know it can make for all of you. Go ahead and ask questions as well amd those that feel confident enough can answer them, especially during the times that I am not able to be online. Thank you all for your support and you are all great. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true and He desires all of us to enjoy the blessings of it!

A Good Example of "Think On Christ"

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

"I'm On the Up and Up"

I started the book of Helamen today in the Book of Mormon and I was pretty impressed by the Nephites that were righteous. Their reaction to how some of the prideful people in the church treated them.

“33 And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church—not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God—



34 And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.


35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.”

- Helamen Chapter 3: 33-35 (emphasis added)

So we see that when we are faced with persecution what better time to increase our connection with the One who understands us, the One who sees us for who we really are. We can find true consolation in our Maker.

Below is a section of lyrics from a song that really helps illustrate find peace of mind as I count the many blessings God has given me:

"You never cease

To supply me with

What I need For a good life

So when I'm down

I'll hold my head up high

Cause you're the reason why

I'm on the up and up"

(Relient K - "Up & Up")

Let us all hold our heads up high and look to our loving Father in Heaven.

"Think On Christ"

"If thoughts make us what we are, and we are to be like Christ, then we must think Christlike thoughts. Let me repeat that: If thoughts make us what we are, and we are to be like Christ, we must think Christlike thoughts." - President Ezra Taft Benson

There was a little crippled boy who ran a small newsstand in a crowded railroad station. He must have been about twelve years old. Every day he would sell papers, candy, gum, and magazines to the thousands of commuters passing through the terminal.


One night two men were rushing through the crowded station to catch a train. One was fifteen or twenty yards in front of the other. It was Christmas Eve. Their train was scheduled to depart in a matter of minutes.


The first man turned a corner and in his haste to get home to a Christmas cocktail party plowed right into the little crippled boy. He knocked him off his stool, and candy, newspapers, and gum were scattered everywhere. Without so much as stopping, he cursed the little fellow for being there and rushed on to catch the train that would take him to celebrate Christmas in the way he had chosen for himself.


It was only a matter of seconds before the second commuter arrived on the scene. He stopped, knelt, and gently picked up the boy. After making sure the child was unhurt, the man gathered up the scattered newspapers, sweets, and magazines. Then he took his wallet and gave the boy a five-dollar bill. "Son," he said, "I think this will take care of what was lost or soiled. Merry Christmas!"


Without waiting for a reply the commuter now picked up his briefcase and started to hurry away. As he did, the little crippled boy cupped his hands together and called out: "Mister, Mister!"


The man stopped as the boy asked, "Are you Jesus Christ?"


By the look on his face, it was obvious the commuter was embarrassed by the question. But he smiled and said, "No, son. I am not Jesus Christ, but I am trying hard to do what He would do if He were here."

And that, my friend, is what it means to be a Christian, even on Christmas Eve. It's a matter of impersonation. [American Opinion, December 1971, pp. 13–14]

(A devotional given by President Benson in October 1983)
http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=6893

"Oh, you know. Just pondering the importance of families."

Interesting how revelations and ponderous thoughts that have nothing to do with what you’re studying come about. I was reading this morning in Alma (I’m getting closer and closer to the end). It’s the war chapters where it’s just one major war between the Nephites (followers of Christ) and the Lamanites (those who rebel against God). I’ve been reading battle after battle, then I stopped to think about what I read and my thoughts turned to home. Now, don’t misunderstand me. That doesn’t mean I’m trunky (homesick).

I reflected back on the past. All growing up, before my mission, I had adult figures (such as my parents and grandparents) that were always trying to teach me things. Whether they are life lessons or just simple skills that could one day be useful if I was to ever be in a fix. I went back in time to instances where we would either be working out in the yard, cleaning the house, or running errands a grown up would deem it an appropriate time to teach me a little trick that they learned or “something to always remember”. Back then I had the attention span of a fly. It seemed that no matter what they were trying to teach me it just didn’t matter to me. I was pretty stubborn and selfish and thought I knew enough. The mission changed all that.


It is true that when you move away from home for two years you miss home. It’s a fact. For me, I do more than just long to be home, I yearn to make up for chances I’ve missed out on. We all have so much to learn from those who have seriously “already been there” and “done that”. I started to look forward to the days that I will be able to spend with my Dad, working out in the yard. He was teaching me more than just “how to work hard”. I’ll spend more time with my Mom, in the kitchen, learning how to make my own dinner rather than pull it out of a microwave.


The one thing that I absolutely cannot wait for is to get to know them. Really pay attention to their life story. Find the similarities that are there and being able to understand one another. We have so much to learn from our parents and grandparents, focusing more on their testimonies and spiritual experiences. I know I already have a good relationship with my parents and grandparents but there is room for major growth. The relationship I have with them can become more impacting. That is not to mean impacting my life alone but also their lives forever. I am grateful for families and more specifically grateful my mission taught me the importance of families.

Allow Me To Introduce Myself...

My name is (Elder) Paul Erwin. Elder is a title given to me as a missionary (or teacher) for Christ church here on the earth. I was called by a prophet of God, Thomas S. Monson, to live here in the Rochester, New York area. While here, I introduce myself to everyone I meet and seek out those who are prepared to receive the message I have for them. I have been living here for almost a year and eight months (20 months). It's been an amazing learning experience being here. I have met so many wonderful people who, now, have also changed their lives for the better.




Now, I'll let you get a glimpse of who this Elder Erwin is. I love Art. In return I have a very unique imagination that has amazed me time and time again with characters, creatures, settings, and stories that I try to bring to life. I am striving to become an Illustrator through my schooling and while pursuing that authoring a series called "The Adventures of Corn Ladyman". I love to walk and ponder life (including all that God has given me). I obsess over Music, it has a strong power in this world, bringing out the best of emotions, but also the worst. It has definitely been a driving force in my life. Last of all, I have fallen in love with Love. I love Love. I adore the feeling of being loved and spreading my own love. This causes me to (without a doubt) love my family. I love the peace and protection from the judgments of the world that I feel when I am with my family. My love has spread further to my friends. My friends, in some aspect have become my "family". I always yearn to be with them because they look past the faults and weaknesses and focus only on the positive. The greatest thing about Love that I love is that both groups (family and friend) only desire my happiness with no thought of anything in return. That is true Love, and I love it!



That is me. A changing me. A "me" that never would have been if it were not for this golden opportunity I have been given from my Father in Heaven to be able to go to an unfamiliar area and to show my love to the people here. Love them so much to desire other people’s salvation with no thought of reward. I love this work and being a part of Christ true original church restored in this day. And I would love to see you there.

The Welcoming of All Welcomes Has Finally Welcomed Itself!

Hey everyone! Now don't be scared. This is not an alarm. You are now looking at my latest and (hopefully) greatest idea to get you (the reader) more involved. I have to admit though, I am DEFINITLY not the first to come up with this. In fact I'm probably the last of all missionaries that are "Internet Missionaries" to make a Blog. As some may say, I'm "a little slow on the times." (Or whatever the saying is.) I want to welcome you all to my blog, where (so none of you get confused... or chew me out) it will be a "live journal" of the goings-on in the life that is Elder Paul Erwin. Feel free to comment as much as you please.

I hope that this will be a great way for all of you, whether you be in New York or Utah to follow me (if you so choose) throughout the last stretch of my mission. It is my hope that this will be a means where people from all over may be able to see just what a LDS missionary's life is like. I hope that it will open up a whole new area of questions (or in my case, questions period) that will help spread the very thing that has made my life such an amazingly happy one. What am I refering to? You might ask. Well, it is the answers to the PURPOSE OF LIFE, where we find that FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER, and the knowledge that I am not alone , there is ONE THAT UNDERSTANDS ME. This is all from one source, The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, my Savior, my teacher, my friend.