Battle Born December 8, 2014

December 8, 2014

Thank you all for the Birthday wishes. It came so quickly, but I am now 21 years old. That is pretty crazy in and of itself. It has been a good one so far though. Just been packing mostly, but my good friend Austin Arevalo from the Highland Ranch ward, (remember him?) came and picked us up and took us shopping. Elder Katoa needed to get some new food as he is preparing to have Elder Flake as his new companion. He is pretty excited and I am excited for the both of them. :) Haha and I took the liberty to get myself a little birthday gift. So far so good :)

The last week of working here as a missionary has been a good one. As a mission, we have a standard of doing our best to teach 20 lessons a week. Some areas are a little harder to accomplish that. Here in our area, we get very close week in and week out, but I could never make it quite there for some reason or another. I was able to accomplish it though here in my final week. I feel like I just did everything I could to just lay it all out there. With spokes on my bike tires breaking and being soaking wet from Nevada's cold winter rains. I can say that I have no regrets. It is weird to think about heading out on Wednesday, but I am happy with what I have been able to do here on my mission. Through the good times and the hard times. Sometimes it was a battle to just get out and work or talk to people. But I made it through and maybe now I can say that I am "Battle Born" just like this great state of Nevada. It holds a dear place in my heart, and I am sad to leave. I am however, looking forward to what comes next. Looking forward to applying the things that I have been able to learn and experience here. I am grateful for each and every one of you and the support you have offered me over these past two years. Couldn't have done it without you. :)

I love and miss you. But I will see you soon enough :)

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

Ps. I am gonna be on for a little while longer so if you want to email back and forth for a bit, we can :)

Back to December - December 1, 2014

December 1, 2014

Well this week has passed quickly. Which is kinda weird to me because with Thanksgiving and all, it was a bit of a slower week as far as teaching goes. Anyways. Here I am on yet again another Monday. Back to December. All prepped and ready to report on my Thanksgiving week. Are you ready?

I have lots to be grateful for from this past week. First and foremost. I survived yet again another week on my bike. I am sure the Lord has been riding along side me these past two years, because I have been very blessed to have no serious accidents. I am also grateful for the ordinance of Baptism. I am sure you all have been anticipating to hear if the baptism we had scheduled this week had gone through. Well I am happy to say that it has. (Details and picture to follow) Above all though, I am grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who continues to listen and answer me. Who has played a major part in making my mission into what it has become.

I am going to list a few more of my blessings that I have taken notice of this past week.

My Heavenly Father has blessed me with physical talents that bring enjoyment. On Thanksgiving Day, much to my surprise, President allowed for us to have a zone activity. Which we decided to play football. My favorite. It was a good game for me too. I caught a touchdown, I was 3/3 as quarterback for 3 touchdowns to 3 different receivers. And on defense I had an interception. Now I was just playing with a group of missionaries, but it was fun. I am grateful for my ability to run, jump, and play. Also on Thanksgiving, we were able to have two dinners. One in the afternoon which was like lunch and another in the evening. I am grateful for the wonderful people of Nevada who have taken care of me over the past two years :)

I am also grateful for lost name tags. Now, that may sound funny. I am not happy about the fact that I lost my pocket name tag that has been my trusty form of identification for two years. I am, however, happy for what it helped me realize. This trusty name tag of mine contained on the back a fair amount of stickers. Each one representing a convert that I have been able to teach and be apart of their conversion. One for even myself, because the most important convert you have on your mission is yourself. This sentimental name tag managed to slide off my pocket and get lost while helping an investigator move this week. That night I went home, feeling sad for losing this memento of my mission. I remember looking at Dad's name tag with all the stickers on the back of his. Wanting to be just like that and wanting to be able to share it with future generations. So that night, I said a prayer asking Heavenly Father that if it was his will that my name tag be found. I explained why it was important to me to find the name tag, but again, I left it up to him. Our investigator kept an eye out for and let the lady in the front office of his apartment complex know. Still nothing. So what did I have to learn? Well I came to realize that I have plenty of ways to someday show the success stories of those I have had the opportunity to teach. Pictures, baptismal programs, etc. More importantly though, the success has come because of the Spirit and that Spirit has written it not only on my heart, but also the hearts of those I have been a part of. Which is something that can never be lost or taken away. I am so grateful for that.

Now speaking of conversions, I told you that I would give you further details on the one that has been in the works over the past few weeks or so and that resulted in a baptism on Saturday. This whole week it seemed like everything was going so smoothly as far as preparations and everything for the baptism. Which was weird for me, because this isn't my first rodeo. I knew Satan had something up his sleeve to try and prevent it from happening. As of Saturday though at about 1:30, 30 minutes before the baptism program was about to begin. Still nothing. Then the member who picked up Gabby for the baptism walked in and said. I have to tell you something. Gabby was there, but he said that the night before she had eaten something that didn't sit too well and she was not feeling well. She told the member though that she knew this is where she needed to be. So she came despite feeling sick and week. Talk about faith. I am so grateful for the faith that is shown through these awesome people I have been able to teach. Each one of their conversions are so unique and incredible. I am grateful for each and every one of them and the examples that they are too me.:)

Now I will close with the words of Alma. Form the 29th chapter and the 13th verse. "...that same God hath called me to a holy calling to preach the word unto this people, and hath given me much success, in the which my joy is full".

I am grateful for this mission opportunity. For that same God who listens to and loves me enough to teach me. :) He listens to and love you too :)

Dad- Thank you for your email and words of encouragement for these final 9 days. Pretty crazy stuff. I am also glad to hear that my package arrived. I have two other boxes on their way now via the family that was up here from Chandler. I need to go get my planner, because I forgot it in the apartment and then give you there number to get in contact with them so they can drop it off. Unfortunately they weren't able to take the bike, so I will be paying for that one, but they have helped immensely :) I don't plan on going to the singles ward. At least not yet anyways. That is crazy...I feel like I have been speaking a lot lately. Just add it to the list I guess. As for plans for my birthday. Nothing real big, I don't think. Isaac is taking me to dinner this Friday,because he will be going to New York during my birthday. A family in the ward is signed up to feed us...but yeah, I will mostly be just getting ready to head out. I mentioned that I want music and stuff to fix up my longboard. But as far as needs...maybe a phone? Or a car...haha. Just kidding. I got Fulton. But yeah..I don't know. I have plenty of clothes and stuff. So I should be ok. If I think of anything I will let you know next Monday. Until then. Have a good week and know that I love and miss you! :)

Mom- Well don't worry about last week. Thank you for all your pictures and email from this week :) I guess it just never stops. just gonna be busy busy each and every day. Haha. Glad to hear that you were able to have a good Thanksgiving. That is crazy what happened to Papa's car. Haha. Wow. As far as Birthday/Homecoming food.I think I told Dad last week that I would like Cheesecake Factory or My Big Fat Greek. I am really fine with whatever though. I just like food...and my anxiety may be kicked in so who knows how much I will eat for that first day or so. I hope that answers all your questions. Just know that I love and miss you and hope you have a good week! :)

Jeri Lin- Lots and Lots of things in December. No rest haha.I am excited though :) I am glad to hear that you are all doing well and that you were able to have a good Thanksgiving with the Browns. My address is 4255 Wedekind Rd. #1615 Sparks Nv 89431. Thank you for all you do. Glad the family is doing well. I love and miss ya Sis. Have a good week! :)

Keila- Soon.Miss Ya. Love ya. Smile. AND Have a good first week of December :)

Sydney- Thank you for your quick email. If you stay busy, the time is gonna go even faster! Haha Love and miss ya too! Have a good week :)

Leslie- That is pretty crazy that your class has a countdown. Pretty cool though. :) I love and miss you! Have a good week! :)

Brooke- See you soon, you cool cat you. Love you and miss you :)

Hayden- It is about that time my Brother. I will see you soon enough. I love and miss you :) Have a good week!

I love and miss you all!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

No Excuses, No Regrets November 24, 2014

November 24, 2014

hope the title of this email doesn't have some copyright infringement. It is the title of the book about Eric Weddle. It describes this week...or a moment of this week so perfectly though. I am sure they will understand.

It. The Final day. Is approaching very very quickly. The feeling however is hitting me oh so slowly. The sensation is...unreal. I got a good talking to by President this week with a small group of us that are returning home very shortly. It was his, "don't get trunky" pep talk. It came just after my final interview and just before the beginning of a very long final zone conference. It was a good Zone Conference though. We discussed a lot about how we can increase our faith and the way we do that is just by pushing ourselves past the points where we think we will break. President showed us a clip from a football movie. I am almost positive that it was from Facing the Giants. Anyways, in the clip, the players were all sitting down after a practice and one of the players asked about how good they thought one of the other schools was that year, and one of the players said, "a lot tougher than us". (I am paraphrasing of course). The coach then told him to get up and he had the player promise him to give him his best while doing the "Death Crawl" blindfolded. The player thought he could only get to the 50. Long story short, he made it the full length of the field before his arms finally gave up on him. The point President was trying to make was that we all can do more than we think. We just have to put down the mental blocks we put up and push past the point of exhaustion. That is my goal for the final two weeks, and I have had a good week so far since doing my best to do that. I want to leave this area better than I found it and was given some great suggestions during the Zone Conference that are also helping me stay focussed. They also sang Happy Birthday to me at the end of the conference and I got a package of Peanut M&Ms. So I was happy :)

And yes, you read that right. I did have my final interview this week as well. Nothing too crazy. I was happy with the interview. Happy to know that I was never on the "worry list"...which means Santa may have to be good to me this year ;) Haha. Then I received some advice of things to do when I get home, but also some advice to not fear coming home. And at the end, President asked me, "do you have any regrets from your mission?". To which I confidently responded. "No Regrets Sir". Ok...I didnt say it like that. Haha I did say that I have no regrets though, and that I have been grateful for the experiences that I have had on my mission. It has been everything, but at the same time nothing like I expected it to be. If that makes any sense. And I expect these final two weeks to be just the same and I am gonna do everything that lies in my power to make it that way.

The Baptism of Gabby this coming Saturday is one of those ways in which I am trying to finish strong. We are excited for her. This week we have a few more things that we need to go over with her and then have the interview and then we will be good to go for Saturday. Things are just continuing to go well.

My final thought for today is that the key to living with no excuses and no regrets is by taking and using the Atonement in our lives. Do everything you can to go 100% each and every day. My football coaches used to always tell me that it is much better to make a mistake going full speed than at half speed. I have come to know that it is so true, and the Atonement will make up for those mistakes. I am grateful this week for this mission I am on. I am grateful for all that I have learned and experienced up to this point. I am grateful for Jesus Christ and the Atonement.

What are you grateful for this week?

Dad- Ok,so I am glad you enjoyed some good football this week. Seems like there was some real nail-biters. I like games like that. When I am on the winning end of course :) We will make it back New York one of these days for sure. As far as my Thanksgiving, Unfortunately...No Turkey bowl. We aren't allowed to play as missionaries and I do not believe our ward is even doing one as a majority of our ward is about in their 60's. We are allowed to have two dinners that day though and it looks like that will most likely be the plan.One with the Ross family in the afternoon. Supposedly there is supposed to be about 60 people there. They have lots of relatives here,including some family from my first area. Then we should have one that evening as well. I hope everything goes well for you all that day and that you are able to enjoy watching Kaepernick lose. Did I ever tell you that I just barely missed a chance of meeting him? If not,I will have to tell you another time. Not a very exciting story...but yeah. haha. Anyways, I will take you up on that challenge. I hope you do the same with things you have learned over the past year or even two and also the things you are grateful for :) I also hear from Juan weekly and I think that would be awesome if you could do that for him. What a blessing for sure. As far as invites to the airport. I think small is good. Any family and maybe a couple close friends if they would like. I am not too picky though. If you want to make it big, that is fine too. Just make sure invites for my talk are extended though. Too as many as possible. Food. Well...I do like the Cheesecake factory as well as My Big Fat Greek. Umm...nothing in particular though. I just want biscuits and chocolate gravy the morning of the 11th though. If possible.Thank you so much for your email Dad. I sure do love and miss you and I hope you have an awesome week :)

Mom- Get some rest :) haha. I love and miss you Mom. Thank you for all you do. Especially for the little time you take to just express your love to me. I appreciate it probably more than you know. I hope you have a great week :)

Jeri Lin- As always, thank you for your short, sweet updates :) Glad all your kiddos and hubby are doing well and that you are hangin in there with them :) But yes. Holy Smoke! There is a lot coming around the corner. Lots of excitement. It is gonna be good :) I love you lots and hope you have a good week :) Smile!

Keila- I love and miss you :) Our Birthdays are coming super soon! Have a good week!

Sydney- Thank you for your email and the things that you shared with me. I just kept thinking about the things you shared from your fireside and from your lesson at church and how I have learned and come to understand all those things more fully on my mission. It excites me that you are learning those things already. I have come to develop a great love for so many different people with so many different personalities because of the opportunity that the mission has given me to look past myself and serve others. It is such an incredible experience and it is coming swiftly to an end. Maybe one day you may have the opportunity to do this. It is so worth it, I can tell you that :) Anyways,you are looking good. Looking forward to seeing you for real without braces.. Haha. Love and miss you! Have an awesome week :)

Leslie- My goodness, you are right. I am on the home stretch. I have never been one that is into the whole stretching thing, but I am doing my best to stretch myself even further at the end. Thank you for your encouragement. I love and miss you! Have a good week :)

Brooke- Hey. I am gonna see you in a couple weeks. How neat is that? :) I love and miss you! Have a good week!

Hayden- Hey kiddo. You are awesome :) Have a good week! I will give you art lessons soon. Love and miss ya Buddy :)

That is all I have for the week.

The pictures are a progression of my Baskin Robbins Ice Cream party a couple nights ago. Enjoy :)

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

Let's Build a House November 17, 2014

November 17, 2014

I will get to the title of the email in a minute, but first. I want you all to know that I LOVE YOU. And also know that I have had a pretty good week :) Despite the fact that the weather is cooling down. It definitely makes getting motivated to get out and work a lot more difficult for me. Nevertheless, we did get out and work and some good things are continuing to move right along. I have found that work brings positivity and I am grateful that I have been able to learn that lesson on my mission. :) I have learned lots of lessons on my mission. And this week I received in the mail something we like to call "Trunky Papers". My brain still hasn't wrapped itself around the fact of how much time I really have left to continue doing this awesome work. I am not sure it will until I am probably on the plane. Which isn't a bad thing, because I am just in that missionary mode and it helps me stay focussed as much as possible and get things done.

Now what happened this week. Well for about two weeks now every District Meeting, our zone leaders have been announcing that all the missionaries with cars this Saturday were going to have a mini missionary with them from the Carson City stake. I was thinking,"ha, don't have to worry about that. I don't have a car". Just as I always do when they make announcements that have anything to do with cars. Well, Saturday came. I am on companion exchanges in my area. Just eating breakfast and preparing for personal study and Elder Ihler tells me that the phone is being blown up. We had some text messages.A missed call, and our Zone Leaders were calling us again. I was wondering what the heck was going on and they told me that they were in need of me taking a mini missionary for the day. Wait..I thought it was only for the ones with the cars?? Well,there aren't enough with cars and we trust you. We will come drop him off they tell me. I have to tell you that I have become pretty good at hitting these curve balls that the mission likes to throw, because they like to throw them at me a lot. The good news is that we had a pretty good day. Bryce,our mini missionary, did a pretty good job keeping up with us on his borrowed bike. We had some good lessons. I just hope it was as good experience for him as it was for me.

On that day, we met with Gabby as well as Coral. They are both continuing to progress towards the days they have agreed to be baptized, so that is exciting. We met another less active family this week that would like for us to continue working with them. No new investigators this week,but a few more potential people. So things are just moving right along.

This week I also had the opportunity to speak in Sacrament Meeting. This ward likes to keep me busy I guess. That is where the title of the email comes from though, and I want to share a few of the thoughts that I did in my talk.

My topic that was assigned to me was the Book of Mormon. Many, if not all, know that I would like to be an Architect when I grow up. Right now, I want to build a home using the Book of Mormon.

First, every home needs a plan or a blueprint. The same is necessary for our study of the Book of Mormon. I have found on my mission that planning makes a huge difference. There have been times where I have had little or no plans, and others where I have plans on top of plans. When I have plans on top of plans, it makes life a whole lot easier. When building a home the more detailed and specific the plans, there is a lot less chance for error. The same goes for study. Set a plan.

Second, as your plan begins to unfold, there is a process. There is an order to things and the foundation needs to come first. The Book of Mormon provides a foundation of our testimony. President Dieter F. Uchdorf taught principles in this past general conference that are and have been the way to build a flawless, solid foundation for centuries.
1) Study
2) Consider, Ponder, and Strive to Believe
3) Pray
4) Live the Doctrine
As we do those four steps with the Book of Mormon, we are promised to have a solid foundation.

Third, we can now begin to actually build the structure that will be able to protect us and help us. That structure is a Testimony of Jesus Christ and his Gospel. Jesus Christ has suffered and gone through every pain and sorrow that we have and will experience. That is why he provides the safest, soundest structure for our homes. The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is convincing evidence that Jesus is The Christ. We will learn to rely on him and his Gospel as we read and study the Book of Mormon.

Fourth, we finally can put the finishing touches on our home. It is a lifelong process though. We are continually finding new and better things that bring peace and beauty into our homes. We find these new and improved things though the Book of Mormon. We apply its teachings in our lives. Which in turn brings us closer to our Heavenly Father. After all, "Heaven is a continuation of an ideal home".

And that is exactly what the Book of Mormon does. It helps us build an ideal home. I have been talking in a figurative sense, but the Book of Mormon helps us have an ideal home in a literal sense. I know that to be true, because I have witnessed it for myself. Now it doesn't mean that we won't have struggles and trials, but it will bring us real protection and real strength. I am grateful for the Book of Mormon :) I share those things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Dad-Thank you for your email :) I sure do have another one completed and congrats on you completing your race. Mom sent me a picture and you look pretty good :) As for my birthday, I just let you know what I would like. I don't want anything sent here, because I need to send stuff home as you know.Don't really want to pay extra baggage fees. haha. But yeah...music is always good. I like just about all of it,so you can't really go wrong. As far as plans that day. Probably finish packing. Breakfast with Isaac. Planning on Dinner with a family here in the ward. What we do between that time..I have no clue. We will just have to wait and see. I am glad you have had a good week and hope you haven another good one. I love and miss you Dad! :)

Mom- Thank you for all the pictures as always! I need to get better at doing that. I just haven't taken a whole lot, or I forget my camera. I am a slacker. Hopefully Isaac makes up for my slacking haha. As far as the MMR vaccination, I just texted Sister Hermansen. Hopefully she gets back to me soon, but I will try and get it done this week. It looks like you all did have fun for Hayden's birthday, and I am glad. I am glad you had a good week and I hope you have another good one! I love and miss you Mom. Thank you for all you do :)

Jeri Lin- I feel you with the freezing part. It is no fun for sure. Haha sometimes I want to just cry like Hyrum, but then somebody lets us in and my body recoups a little bit.haha. It sounds to me like you all are doing alright. I am looking forward to being able to see all of you. No matter when you come. It is going to be a very very good time :) I love and miss you Sis. Have a good week!

Keila- Hey. I love you :) Have a good week!

Sydney- Thank you for your funny story and for your email :) I am looking forward to having good and funny times with you and Leslie and Keila and Brooke and Hayden and Jeri Lin and Tony and Hyrum and Lindi. Eventually Baby Brown. Even Mom and Dad :) You know, all of us cool kids. haha Sounds like you have some good things happening and things to look forward to! I hope you have a good week! I love and miss you :)

Leslie- Thank you for the pictures. Looks like you had some good times at the zoo lights. I love and miss you and I hope you have some more good times this week :)

Brooke- Mom sent me a picture of you doing a handspring at JumpStreet. Impressive :) I can't even do that. You may have to teach me when I get home! I love and miss you! Have a good week :)

Hayden- It sounds and looks like you had a good birthday. I am glad you didn't get hurt at JumpStreet this year. I am also happy to hear that you won your football game this week. Good job! :) I love and miss ya man. Have a good week!

I love and miss you all!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

I Need Thee Every Hour November 10, 2014

November 10, 2014

This Hymn has been stuck in my head all week. Probably because my trusty companion and I were volunteered to sing a special musical number yesterday during Sacrament meeting. It actually went very well. It is nice when you sing with someone who actually knows how to sing. I just love to sing and that is about all I have going for me. Time does go faster while you are having fun and singing. :)

What else do I have to report on this week? Well last Monday was my companions Birthday.I may have mentioned that last week. I don't believe that I mentioned that I had a surprise for him that morning though. I woke up about 11:30 the night before and got up and drew on his whiteboard above his desk. Then I wrapped up some presents for him using old printed off conference talks, napkins,mormon.org card box, and band-aids. #missionarylife haha. While doing this, I planned on making it look like I was in the bathroom just in case he woke up. I turned on the light and shut the door. I forgot that the lock on the bathroom door is messed up though and that you are not able to open the door from the outside even if it is unlocked. So thinking I had gotten the surprise off cleanly. My heart sank when I realized I would now have to break into our bathroom without waking him up in order to turn off the light. "I Need Thee Every Hour" could not be more appropriate as it was about midnight at this point. I said a prayer and I was eventually able to open the door using two butter knives. I have to tell you that is was well worth it to see his surprise the next morning :)

I also had an experience on Tuesday night that I would like to share. There is a less active family we are working with,and that night while we were there, there was a bit of an argument and fight that broke out amongst them. I tried talking with them, and so did my companion. I was talking to the Mom while my companion was talking with the daughter. I was thinking about just giving them their space and giving them time to cool down. My companion on the other hand was thinking the exact opposite. Which ended up working out for the better. That night we were able to bring them closer as a family and also closer to us. I credit a lot of that to my companion. We worked together, but it was his desire and stubbornness that I lacked that allowed for us to have the experience that we did. Not only that, but it was also because the love of our Heavenly Father and the Spirit that was felt in that room that night. We needed him in that hour. No doubt about it. :)

Things continue to move forward. Like I said, Time goes quickly when you are having fun and listening to music. Even if you are just listening to your own voice while biking down the street. We were able to set our investigator, G. with a baptismal date of November 29th. She is the one that we were reading the Book of Mormon to because she is legally blind. We also have few more people we are beginning to teach and a few more potentials that we hope to begin working with soon.Which is just about the news for every week. Things are going well and I am happy to be a missionary. I am going to need Heavenly Father every hour as my hours are drawing to a close. I have no doubt that he will be here though. :)

Dad- It is looking like you are gonna need Heavenly Father every hour of the day today as well. Just do your best. That is all it takes. Thank you for updates on the football world. I am very happy to hear about ASU winning that is awesome! Do you think that they could make it to the playoff this year?? To answer your question, No. I hate shaving everyday and yes I am looking forward to not having to do it every day. My beard is getting a lot thicker too. Might be pretty nice when I am home haha. We will see. Thank you for all you love and encouragement. I love and support you Dad. Have a good week! I miss ya.

Mom- #NikeSwag You probably don't know what that means. Just know that it is a good thing :) The someone who sends you pictures and videos is Isaac. He is my very good friend and I am gonna miss him lots. He has been a huge help and support to me on my mission. As for a job. I have thought about it a little bit. Some thoughts that I have had have been possibly working for Nike actually. I would have to look more into that. Home Depot wouldn't be bad except for the whole Sunday thing. They make that very difficult. I also have thought that on the side I would like to maybe be a coach? I dunno. Not super stressed about it, but just some thoughts. Thank you for all your help. I sure do love you Mom and miss ya. I hope you have a great week!

Jeri Lin- Thank you for your emails :) I am glad you are doing well and that you were able to have an enjoyable Halloween :) That is crazy that Hyrum has to have glasses. I guess not too crazy as a majority of our family has them, but he is in the minority with me of being farsighted. haha. I do have to agree with you with the Day light savings time. I hate it. haha. It also makes missionary work a lot harder, because people automatically think you should not be outside when it is dark. Oh well. We just do our best. I hope that all continues to go well. I sure do love and miss you :) Have a good week!

Keila- Thank you for the update on your "boring" life haha. :) I am glad you are doing well! And also thank you for letting me know about Jordan. He is a good guy, and I am happy to hear that he is having success. I also will continue to keep up the "god" work. I think you meant to say good work. But hey. It works. I am doing both. Haha I love you and miss you :) See you soon! Have a good week!

Sydney- I Love and miss you! :) Have a good week!

Leslie- Thank you for a letter this week! You should get one from me very soon! :) And just know that you have no need to worry. Everything is gonna be alright :) I love and miss you! Have a good week!

Brooke- Hey kiddo! I love and miss you! Have a good week :)

Hayden- I hope you enjoy your videos and have a very Happy Birthday :) I love and miss you dude. Have a good week!

I love and miss you all!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

Reflection November 3, 2014

November 3, 2014

I am really just trying to reflect on what all happened this week.

I have been doing quite a bit of reflection on my mission as a whole this week as a matter of fact. On Tuesday, I was able to see one of my very good missionary friends before he departed for home. I reflected about the times we had in Spring Creek. They were some good times for sure. Always fun to do that. :)

Amongst all of this reflection that I have been doing. Both on the good and the bad. I did begin to feel a real sense of urgency to continue sprinting, but I also began to have some feelings of doubt of whether or not I have been as successful as I should have or could have been. It was kinda getting me down to be honest. However, I actually ended up coming across an old journal entry that I just skimmed through. And at that moment, I couldn't help but feeling like I have been a successful missionary because right in that entry, I expressed feelings of being successful. Everything happens for a reason. There is no doubt in my mind :)

So what else has happened this week. Oh! Halloween. That wasn't anything exciting though. It was cold and rainy here and we were supposed to be in by 6. No trick or treaters at our house, but it wasn't like we had anything to give them anyways. haha. OH! I just remembered on bummer deal we did have this week, my companions bike was stolen. Someone got an early Christmas present. He handled it a lot better than I would have, that is for sure. And we were able to get him a replacement quickly, so it didn't hinder the work too much.

As for the work here, it continues to go well. We are presented with new teaching opportunities pretty often and it is just a matter of making the most of them. In fact, there is a lady that lives here in our area, and I have run into her and talked with her a few times. Whenever we seem to run into her, she seems to be having a rough time, like she is hitting rock bottom. The first time I ran into her was shortly after she had gotten out of the hospital after being jumped and beat up. This time, she had just suffered a stroke a few days before. There is just so much negativity that is beating down on her and she wants to come to church, but her husband is not supportive. So, as we talked with her this week, I just was listening as she was crying and I just wasn't sure what I was gonna say to this lady except that I was sorry. Then, a scripture that I had seen in my personal study that morning popped into my head it was a scripture that at one point I had previously marked who knows when, but it was perfect and I asked if I could share it with her.

1 Peter 5: 6-7

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you

I have no doubt that the spirit put that into my mind and that moment in time and this scripture has been my scripture of the week. And that is what I share with you all this week. God loves us and cares for us. Cast on him your every care. He will be there to help you. No matter what :)

Dad- Thank you for your email Mr. Clean. That is a way good costume and I am proud of you for getting out of your comfort level and doing that. Was there any kind of prize for second place? :) I am also proud of you for completing Hell week. Keep up the good work :) And just keep doing your best to take everything in stride. It will all work out when the time is right, I have no doubt. Just remember the scripture I shared this week. Thank you as always for the updates. They are very appreciated :) And the prayers. Just know that you are in mine as well :) I love and miss you Dad. have a good week!

Mom- Thank you for your email. Mom, just know that I love and support you and your decisions no matter what. You have always done so for me. Just know that I am doing my very best out here in the field. I have been so very blessed thus far and I expect nothing less as it draws nearer and nearer to a close. Just remember that I sure do love and miss you and that I am always praying for you. Have a good week!

Jeri Lin- No Browns this week, but I love and miss you all the same :) Hope all is well :)

Keila- Hey. I love you and miss you. True story.

Sydney- Thank you for your email. That is no fun that your back has started hurting you! I hope you can get that all fixed up back to normal. And that is cool that you are getting your braces off soon! That will be a happy day for sure. I hope you have a good time on your date and have a good week! I love and miss you :)

Leslie- Letter is coming! Love and miss you :)

Brooke- Hey. what are you up to these days?? Love and miss you :)

Hayden- Good job on scoring a touchdown this week! Keep it up. You are awesome :) I love and miss you!

Well that is all I have for this week! Have an awesome week! :)

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

My Death Sentence October 27, 2014

October 27, 2014

As a missionary, missionary life is related to an actual life. You go to the MTC which is like the Pre Earth Life. Then you are born into the mission field to your trainer who is now known as your Father. You go throughout this mission life and continue to change and learn and grow. Eventually you begin to grow old and eventually you die. Last night I received my death sentence call. I am sure you all have been anticipating to hear just what that entails. The words I received on the other line were, "No Change". How is that for a last transfer call? Haha. It really was what I was expecting, but they could have made it at least a little more dramatic, right? Haha. I am excited though. It is good to be here in Sparks. It is good to be here with Elder Katoa. I am looking forward to finishing as strong as possible here.

We have some good things going that are really helping me in that area as well. These peeps are keeping me pretty busy. As for an update from last week, our investigator, Steve, did end up going to Arizona. Which is a bummer, but there were some things going on there that we weren't aware about before, so it might be for the best. We have some others though that took some steps forward. We have one lady who is set to be baptized December 27th. She has been so prepared, it is incredible. She has come to church the past two weeks, and she attended a missionary fireside with us last night. It was awesome because they have recent converts talk about their conversion stories and share their testimonies. The Spirit was definitely there, and I just kept thinking, "I hope she can feel this". I believe she did. :) Then we have a single Mom who we are teaching that was passed off to us from the Singles Ward Missionaries because she didn't have a good experience in that ward. She also happens to be legally blind, so for the past couple weeks we have been going over and have just been reading the Book of Mormon to her and her daughter. She was nervous to try coming to church again, so we were just taking it slow. We decided to invite her to the ward Halloween Party on Saturday night and she was super excited. She had a good experience and our ward mission leader invited her to church that night as he drove them home. They came and enjoyed it. I am so grateful to be working with such a supportive ward. It is a huge help and things are continuing to progress :)

I am trying to think if I have had any funny stories this week. I did forget to mention that I did crash on my bike two weeks ago. Haha. It was my fault as well as Elder Katoa's. He ran into the side of me as we were messing around. He managed to stay upright, but I took a tumble. The palms of my hands were scraped up, but nothing more. I tried rubbing some blood on my face as we were going to one of the part member families homes and we told them that we got in a fight. Haha good times :)

Missionary life is good. Thank you for all your love and support! :)

Dad- Well the transfer was not in the cards as you have now probably read. It is in my cards to stay on a bike my entire mission.Mission record holder right here. :) Haha. I must say that it sounds like Hell week, is good, but tough for sure. We played football a couple mornings ago and I had three dropped passes. I have a deal with myself that I have to do 25 push ups for every drop. I am still sore. My upper body isn't as good as my legs these days. Just as a side note, I may have a way to get into cross fit for cheaper when I am home. One of the sisters from Mesa that I am going home with may help us out. We shall see. Just keep working hard :) Thank you again for all the updates. I love and miss you Dad and I hope you have a good week! :)

Mom- Thank you for your heartfelt email and for your testimony. I just have to let you know that I am definitely and absolutely sure that everything happens for a reason. I also want you to know that I love you amidst any flaws that you may have. You are one of my greatest heros. You and Dad are my top two. I had someone recently ask me that question actually, who is your biggest hero? I immediately responded with My parents. No doubt. Thank you for being you. I love and miss you greatly and I hope that you have a good week this week :)

Jeri Lin- I am so happy to hear that everything is continuing to go well with the Brown family :) Thank you for sharing your camping stories and I am glad to hear that baby Brown is coming along. It is always good to hear that Hyrum remembers who I am even if he thinks other people look like me ;) I sure do love and miss you guys! I hope you have another good week! :)

Keila- Hey! I love and miss you :)

Sydney- Hey! I love and miss you too!

Leslie- Hey! I am sorry I have been slacking and haven't got your letter in the mail yet. Just know that I also love and miss you!

Brooke- I love and miss you :)

Hayden- Good job in your football game! Keep it up :) I love and miss you Man :)

That is all I have for now!

Love
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow October 20, 2014

I am here to witness to you that there truly is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Even though we may not see it right at the start. :)

This week we had the opportunity to attend the Reno Temple. It was a cloudy morning as we rode up the hills of Reno. While driving a magnificent, bright rainbow appeared and we all viewed it in awe (myself, Elder Katoa, and the Senior couple we were riding with). As we were driving I kept my eyes on the rainbow. Soon enough, the temple also came into view. Where did the rainbow lead to? Right to the temple. :)

Now let me relate that story to the rest of my week and to life :)

This week was another that was full of ups and downs. I believe on Thursday night, I was feeling a bit down and discouraged. After we had planned, I sat and contemplated,I finally decided to ask my companion for a blessing. After eating his second dinner, he agreed to do it. In Tongan. It was an interesting experience because I have no idea still what was said in the blessing. He wouldn't tell me. All I know is that I felt good afterwards my attitude and mood changed :) Priesthood power is real. No doubt.

On Saturday night, we were headed over to one of the part member families that we are working with. The husband who is not a member, is set with a baptismal date and we have developed a good relationship with them. However on the way over there, we got a text saying that the husband was going to be heading back down to Arizona and that he probably wouldn't be coming back. We were extremely bummed. We got over there and they told us he was getting on the bus in the morning. We still taught them, and then exchanged goodbyes. He had been so excited for baptism and as we left I just couldn't help but feel disappointed and ask Heavenly Father why this was happening. I also asked in my nightly prayer if there was anything he could do to change his mind. His wife and kids were still planning on coming to church and I was just happy about that. Told myself that I just needed to keep moving forward. Now it is Sunday and we are standing at the doors greeting people. Then who walks in? The whole family including Steve. He then explained to me that he was at the bus station that morning and something just told him he couldn't leave. So he called his wife and asked her to come pick him up. He stayed for all three hours of church. Sometimes we just need to keep moving forward. Keep your eyes on the rainbow or Heavenly Father. It will work out and you will be able to find that pot of gold. Whatever it may be.

Just keep a positive attitude, and when you need help, don't be afraid to ask. Those are the lessons that I learned this week and have been being taught to me my entire mission.

I am truly grateful for this opportunity and experience :)

Things are continuing to get better. Steve is staying. We also found two new investigators this week that both seem to be pretty solid. The ward is becoming more and more supportive each week. Transfer calls will be coming this week and I imagine I will be staying here for my last six weeks :)

Dad- Well I don't currently have an email from you. Sydney did send a picture of you at the Phoenix temple though, and you look good. :) I hope your week was as good as you look. Haha I love and miss ya Dad :) Have a good week this week! So...I just got your email. Thank you for your input and thoughts. I really do appreciate it. Thanks also for all the updates. Just remember that you are always in my prayers and that I appreciate you dearly. :) Thank you for being my Dad.

Mom- I dunno if I was "graceful like a gazelle" back then. I have had a lot of improvement since I was on the Tigers soccer team haha. That is pretty funny. Thank you for sharing that and for sharing the story about the Mormon Crickets. It seems to me that Hayden may be as funny as me someday ;) Haha I love that kid. Congratulations on your new calling! And I am glad you all were able to enjoy time at the Phoenix temple as a family :) It sounds to me like things continue to go well and thank you for all the pictures :) And that scripture. :) Isaac told me that you sent him a huge thank you for the pictures and the video. :) I hope you have another good week Mom. I love and miss ya!

Jeri Lin- Well it looks like I don't have much news on the Browns this week either. Just know that I love and miss you too and hope that you have a good week! :)

Keila- Taking naps in the school parking lot. Nice ;) Haha I love and miss ya Wei! Have a good week :)

Sydney- Thank you for your email and for the pictures :) Just remember to keep your eyes on the rainbow, there is a pot of gold at the end :) Good luck in your meet. Just keep working hard to the very end :) I love and miss ya Syd. Thank you for being my Sister :) Have a good week!

Leslie- I got your letter and I am gonna try sending you one this week! I hope you have a good week. Just remember to smile :) Love and miss ya!

Brooke and Hayden- Keep being awesome :) I love and miss you two :)

I love and miss you all!

Love
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

Never Stop Improving October 13, 2014

October 13, 2014

Did you all have a good week this past week? I had a pretty good week. As far as the work goes, it was a bit slow. Just with appointments falling through and all that fun stuff, but we have some good things going on here in the Wild Creek ward.

So, good thing number one is that we had a baptism on Saturday. Hooray! The whole thing happening the way it did was a miracle. I will send the picture and I am sure the faces will look familiar to most of you. That is because just a month ago, we baptized the husband. The night of his baptism, his wife was admitted to the hospital as she had caught Pneumonia. Things were not looking good for her, which was not good news, because she had been wanting to be baptized on the same day, but had some things to work through, and then this trial arose. However, it ended up being a blessing in disguise. Like I mentioned, the wife had some things that she had to work through, but being in the hospital for so long allowed her the time to be able to do that and she kept up after she was discharged from the rehab center. So, with her husband being a newly ordained Priest, he was able to baptize her. I was asked to be in the font as well just as assistance with lowering her into the water,etc. It was a neat experience. Then Elder Katoa had the opportunity to be the voice in the confirmation yesterday. It was just good all around. We went to Buffalo Wild Wings that night with our neighbor, who is less active member of our ward who we are working with, to celebrate :)

That was the big story. Another neat experience we had this week was that we were able to get special permission to go to one of the hospitals in Reno and give Elder Katoa's aunt a blessing. The reason it was so cool was that he gave the blessing in Tongan. I have no clue what was said, but the Spirit was definitely there :)

Good things are happening. We are starting to get member trust back, which was really starting to dissipate with the previous missionaries. It is always so nice when members of the ward council come up and thank you for the good work we do and tell us that it appears as if we have some good things going. Which we do, we just need to keep it going in an upward trend so that I am able to leave this area better than I found it. That is my goal. Never Stop Improving.

Dad- Thank you for letting me know about the homecoming talk. That will be fun. I am looking forward to it. It will be a busy Sunday for sure :) I must say that I wish it wasn't so late for my release time, but I have been doing this for 2 years. What will a few hours matter? :) I am sorry to hear the news about your team, but once again, thank you for letting me know about the Chargers. I am happy with the team we have this year. Even though I don't know all the dynamics. We have Weddle, Rivers, Allen, Gates, and the rest. We are set :) As for the pictures, those come from Isaac. He is the Stake Executive Secretary here and I became very good friends with him my first go round here in Sparks. He just likes to take care of missionaries :) Also, thanks for helping take care of me wit the package. I received it last Monday evening and it has been a huge help and blessing :) I love and miss you Dad. Have a great week!

Mom- Thank you for the encouraging pep talk! It is very appreciated. :) Good luck with all you are trying to accomplish and do. Especially in finding goggles. You are in my prayers as well. I also would like to thank you for the package and your prayers in my behalf. I love and miss you Mom. I hope you have a good day and week!

Jeri Lin- I am sorry to hear that the sickness has been going around. Hopefully it only goes up from here. Which I have no doubt that it will because it seems to me that you are all continue to do well despite the sickness. It is good to hear that your kiddos are growing and learning :) I pray and hope that you all will have another good week. I sure do love and miss you all :)

Keila- I know you are counting...but 8 weeks. How crazy is that?! I love and miss ya :) Have a good week!

Sydney- Thank You for your email and for telling Cody to stop and talk to me next time. That little punk haha! I am bummed I didn't see him. Oh, and by the way good luck in you 500. I am sure you will do great. I love challenges like that. Just push yourself. It will definitely be worth it. I am glad you are doing well. I love and miss ya :)

Leslie- Hey, Mom tells me that you have some adventures to tell me about. I would love to hear about them when you get the chance. :) I hope you have a good week. I love and miss ya Sles :)

Brooke and Hayden- I will see you two yahoos soon! Just remember to smile and have a good week :) I love and miss you two!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

Dear Family October 6, 2014

This week sure has been a busy one. Which is good. Do not think for one minute that I am complaining :) So, lets get down to why it was so busy. On Wednesday we were able to meet at the church building as a group of missionaries and watch the new movie that is coming out, "Meet The Mormons". Holy smokes. It is an awesome movie. If you have the chance. I highly encourage you to go and see it. It follows the lives of six different LDS people from around the world and just has them share their beliefs and why they do what they do. I am not a very emotional person, but I even got teary eyes. I sat next to Elder Flake and when the lights came on after it was over, he looked at me and was like..."did you cry?". I responded that I did a little bit. He said, "me too". Haha. I love that guy :) But for real. Good movie. Well worth the time and money :)

Also on Wednesday, we had our quarterly interviews with President. We don't have a whole lot of time with him, because there are so many to do. I had a good interview with him though. He asked me if I had any questions, and I told him that I know I asked him like a year ago if I could have a car, and I was asking him now. Just as a joke of course. He was actually surprised that I have been on a bike this whole mission experience. I told him that I don't even want a car any more. Just keep me on my bike :) He also asked me if I was happy with my mission. I told him that I don't think I could be any happier.This has been so great. I love it. :)

Now, going off that. I think I have shared some of the ups and downs of my mission. Probably more of the ups. Something that stuck out to me in conference this weekend though was the talk from...I believe it was Quentin L Cook in the Priesthood session. Don't quote me, because I don't have my notes with me. He said something along the lines of not being "fake"with our lives on social media,etc. So I am going to be real with you for a second here. Believe it or not, I have not been a perfect missionary. Surprise! I have made my fair share of mistakes. However, I have been able to overcome those mistakes and have come to develop a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father through the Atonement. Doing so has brought greater peace into my life. Which makes me happy and at peace with my mission. There is nothing better :)

Conference kept us busy this week as well. We had some investigators watch it with us. Like I said, I forgot my notes, but I will be sure to share more in the coming weeks. I think one of my favorite talks was Dieter F. Uchdorf's during the Priesthood session. I can tell you though that I had my testimony strengthened of those men being truly inspired, servants of our Heavenly Father once again. The questions I have been having and the council I needed were addressed and I am very grateful for General Conference :)

We also stayed busy with setting new baptismal dates for one of our investigators and then planning out the baptism for this coming Saturday. Things are continuing to move on forward here in Sparks. :)

Dad- Well I will definitely be sending pictures today. Lucky you ;) Haha I am glad you enjoyed conference. I also always enjoy the Priesthood Session. Good to hear that my teams did good this week. Good luck to your team tonight! Glad to hear that you are doing well this week. Crazy that Skyler is now home. I am happy for him. Let him know I say hi if you see him again. Speaking of which. Do you have any idea of when my home coming talk will be given? I have people planning on being there and I would like to let them know as soon as possible. Thank you for all your love and support Dad. I sure do love and support you :) I hope you have another good week!

Mom- I appreciate the pictures :) Just know that I also love and miss you and pray that you have a good week this week as well :)

Jeri Lin- Well I hope you are still happy and healthy and the rest of the Browns as well. I love and miss you guys! Have a good week :)

Keila- Hey.Smile.:) Haha I love ya Keila :) Have a good week!

Sydney-Thanks for your quick email :) I love and miss you as well! Have a good week off of school! :)

Leslie- Don't worry, be happy! :) Classic song. Haha I love and miss ya Sles! Have a good week :)

Brooke and Hayden- I love you too. Always :)

I love and miss you all! Have a good week!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

Nearer My God to Thee - September 29, 2014

September 29, 2014

Hymn on page 100. It is my absolute favorite by far. Come Thou Fount of Every blessing is also a close favorite, but it isn't in the hymn book, so I guess I can't count it. Wow...I just tried to use this computer as if it had a touch screen...the heck. Haha anyways...now I am way off topic. So, Nearer My God to Thee. I feel like that is how I can describe my entire mission, but this past week has been no exception.

On Wednesday we had an awesome opportunity. All the missionaries from Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fallon, and Quincy got together here in my area with yellow "Helping Hands" vests and we cleaned up a park for the city of Sparks. I was out snipping down willows the entire time. The force of 170 missionaries was able to knock the project out pretty quickly. It not only was exciting to see so many of my good missionary friends, but it was nice to be able to do that service. I truly have a testimony of service. It brings us closer to our Heavenly Father. Mosiah 2:17 "And behold I tell you these things that you may learn wisdom; that you may learn that when you are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God". Doing that service brought me nearer to God this week.

I bet you can guess what else brought me nearer to God this week. Yep. My bike. It is the most frustrating thing I think I have ever had to deal with. However, it causes me to pray a lot. So, yes my bike has brought me nearer to God this week.

Singing has brought me nearer to God this week. There is a Less Active lady that we visit here, and we always start our lessons with her with a song. I enjoy it. This week we actually sang, "Nearer My God to Thee". I love singing. Even though I am not too good at it.

There are so many things that are able to bring us closer to our Heavenly Father. I mention a lot of them each and every week. This week we have the opportunity to be able to listen to our Prophet and Apostles in General Conference. I know that is definitely a way that we are able to come nearer to our Heavenly Father, because as we listen, there will be something said that will touch us. We will be able to recognize that Heavenly Father really is talking to us. I encourage you all to be prepared for it :)

So, to give you a little update on those we are teaching. Things are actually going pretty well. My companion is a crazy Tongan, and just when I think I can't take it any more, we start a new day, and things are good. We have to use team work to not only teach, but to break into our own bathroom. Funny story. For some reason all of a sudden, we can no longer open the bathroom door from the outside, even if it is unlocked. Super weird. We had a great time breaking in though. Good bonding experiences. The late night talks also help a lot. My companion is crazy, but I love him :)

Now...that had nothing to do with those we are teaching. We have two people set with a baptismal date for October 11th. One is pretty solid, the other will probably have to be moved, but we will see. We have others that are progressing, but it is relatively slowly. We actually have started working with an awesome part member family this past week and so far, things are looking promising there. They came to church yesterday. I really feel like things are picking up here,and it is exciting, and definitely helpful. As it helps me remain focused. So yeah, things are going well for me and September is already basically done. Woah. It is going quickly!

Dad- Thanks for all the news. It is definitely appreciated. I figured my team would have a W this week. I am happy :) That is a bummer about ASU though. Shucks. Did they drop in their ranking?? The Tongan is going good. I know how to say yes and liar. haha. The important stuff ;) Let's just say, I have had quite a few of the interesting guys as companions. Haha. Jeri Lin did give me the exciting news :) As for conference. I am gonna see if we can watch it in members or less active or even investigators homes. If we can't find anyone then we will be headed up the road to the church building. I hope that answers your questions. I also hope that you have a good week this week. I love and miss you Dad :)

Mom- Thanks for sharing haha :) I was actually talking about that ambulance to someone...it might have been a while ago. I don't remember haha. Anyways I hope you have had a good week Mom and I hope you have another good one this week. I sure do love and miss you :)

Jeri Lin- Thank you for the loves from Texas :) Well that is no fun about the sickness. I am glad that the excitement is there for the new baby though :) I am glad you continue to see the good in all the little things. Continue to do that this week and have another good one :) I love and miss ya!

Keila- I hear you got to go to the ASU game. Lucky. Even though they lost. I hope you have had a good week. I love and miss ya :)

Sydney- Thanks for your email :) It has been kinda cold, just rainy. The fall is coming for sure. I am gonna be happy to miss the real cold here. I will probably get a little of it, but not the whole thing. Thank goodness :) Good job on your swimming! That is awesome. Keep it up :) I love and miss you :)

Leslie- Thank you for sharing with me what you shared in your devotional. That is awesome :) I really do love and miss you too. Keep being awesome and have a good week :)

Brooke and Hayden- I love you two! :) Smile :)

Well that is all I have for today and this week. Keep being awesome!
I love and miss you all!

Love
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

Origin -September 22, 2014

September 22, 2014

This week sure has been full of its ups and downs. At times, I felt as high as a kite and at other times I felt pretty down. I will explain some of those times.

Tuesday morning at about 9:30 I received a call from one of the Assistants to President. He called to tell me that they were doing some last minute transfer arrangements. The companion I was told I was originally gonna be with stayed in his area and I have given the opportunity to be companions now with Elder Katoa. I was super excited! My companion was born in Hawaii but grew up in Tonga! This is as close to Tonga as I can get on my mission, which is where I always wanted to serve. It is a lot of fun. He is still working on learning English better, but we have had a good first week together. Other missionaries are always saying, "I dunno how you do it, you are so patient". I just have fun. That's it, that's all. There is my secret. :)

That was one of my ups. Now for one of my downs. I have been riding a bike for so long, that my back tire finally gave up on me. I rode it down to the tube, and before that I got about 5 flats within a couple of hours. I ran out of patches, so I was cutting up old tubes and using rubber cement to patch my tires. If that isn't frustrating, I dunno what is. However, there is a positive to this story. Someone here was generous enough to buy me a new back tire. Without me asking. I am very blessed, because I was very unsure about what I would do for the next few weeks without one.

I will now end with a positive note. Yesterday, my companion and I were able to speak in Sacrament. I was left with about 25 minutes to fill. I did it! I was pretty proud of myself haha. Anyways, I would just like to share a little bit of what I spoke about yesterday. That is where the title of this email comes in. I was asked to give a background of myself and how I have received my testimony. I explained to them, I am an Arizona boy, with a big Mormon family, blah blah blah. The good stuff. Then I explained the three major aspects of how my testimony has developed over the years. It comes from the three simple "primary answers" I guess you could say. Church, Prayer, and Scripture study. My testimony has taken time to develop. I haven't always been the best at doing those three things, but the little things here have lead me to the point of where I am at today. On my mission, it has only increased more. I have improved in those areas myself, and seen the effect is has on others lives. They are true and powerful principles. A few weeks ago...maybe it was this week...I dunno. The time is running together. Anyways, I prayed to have the feeling of truly loving and wanting to be a missionary. As I have seen my friends now complete their missions, I see that desire that many of them have to continue doing what they are doing as missionaries. I enjoy being a missionary, but I feel like I didn't have that...fire I guess. I dunno. So I prayed for that fire. As I was sharing how I received my testimony and as I was out sharing that testimony yesterday afternoon. It came to me. I really enjoy doing this. I enjoy sharing what I know to be true, as it has become part of me. It has taken some time, but it is there, and I was able to recognize it. It helps me keep pushing forward now. It is my drive. Even if people decide to throw pizza crust at me from there car as I am talking to people on the street. I am grateful for my testimony. I am grateful for all of you. Each one has played a part in helping me develop that testimony. I know that this work and this church is true. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father. I know he has restored the Gospel on the earth today through modern prophets in order to bless our families. The way it comes is through our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Which is developed through Prayer, Church, and Scripture Study. I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Here is one of my absolute favorite Mormon Messages

http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages/topics/prayer?v=2505987918001

I am going to enjoy these last 11 weeks!

Remember to keep going to Church, reading, and praying!!

Dad- I still haven't gotten anything from you this week. Just know that I love and miss ya, muchly. I saw that your Seahawks beat the Broncos, good work :) I also got a tire, so if you haven't gotten one already. Don't worry. :) I hope you have a good week. You are awesome :) I love you and miss you!

Mom- Thank you again for your pictures and the email. I always enjoy the report of a good week :) That is cool that Sydney and Leslie were able to compete against each other. I think it would be fun to compete against a sibling. :) Thank you for sending me the Gibbons gazette as well. It is good to be updated :) I am just glad you and everyone are still doing well. I love and miss you Mom, and I hope you have another good week :)

Jeri Lin- Well it looks like I have missed an email from you this week as well. Don't feel bad, it is all good :) I think Mom mentioned some sort of big news though? You will have to get me updated on that as soon as you can. :) I hope you have had a good week and have a good one this week! I love and miss ya :)

Keila- Mom also mentioned to me some big plans that you have as well! All this big news and I still haven't heard anything :) Haha I love and miss ya, and hope to hear soon! :)

Sydney- Well I am glad you enjoyed your week! I am also glad that you had a good time on your date and that you were able to make good friends with Lisa, weird to think she is getting married. That is what happens though. Thanks for keeping me posted. I hope you have another good week! Love and miss ya!

Leslie- You are awesome. Just thought I would let you know that. Also, wanted to wish you a good week this week! Love ya and miss ya!

Brooke- Mom told me that you had to spray the weeds this week. Good work! I hope school is going well! I love and miss you :)

Hayden- I love ya man! I will see you soon!!

I love and miss you all!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

Sweet 16 - September 15, 2014

September 15, 2014

Well I am sitting here. Yep. Enjoying all the good news I have received via the emails. Thank you for that. I am also sitting here, feeling terrible, because I ate entirely too much for lunch this afternoon. A footlong, Italian BMT from Subway (5$ Sub of the Month) and then I had 16oz of Frozen Yogurt from U Swirl. I suppose it is a good thing that my transfer call from last night told me that I will be staying in the area, and I will just continue biking. I am sure that is not much of a surprise to anyone.I had been hoping this week that I would get a call to train a new missionary again, but I didn't even get one of those. I am getting a new companion though. Don't know him all to well, so I guess more details will come next week. I do believe that he is a Spanish speaker, which will be a huge help here in the area. It seems that just about every person I try to talk to here only speaks Spanish. So..yeah. That is the transfer news as today marks the beginning of Sweet 16. It is my 16th transfer here in the mission field. How crazy is that? :)

As for this past week, it actually has been quite slow over all. My companion caught a bug. Not like a cricket or ants, but like a sick bug. I guess it just has been making its way around. So, he spent a lot of time resting. Meanwhile,I drew pictures, read the scriptures, just anything to keep me busy.It was kinda rough, but I survived. Just because it was a slow week does not mean that it was an unsuccessful week though. The biggest highlights I believe are that we now have two people set with a baptismal date. Both set for the 11th of October.Things are moving right along :)

Speaking of things moving right along, my trainer is going home in a couple days. Along with a few other very good friends of mine. Including one of my very best friends, Elder Stevens. I remember feeling like the first 12 weeks were an eternity. Now, that is all I have left.Things surely are just moving right along.

So...I am trying to think of a good story for the week. Hmm. Well yesterday, after sacrament meeting, our ward mission leader came up to us and said that he was worried about the man we baptized just a couple weeks ago, because he went to go pick him up for church, but there was no answer.He asked us if we would be willing to go with him during the Sunday School hour to go check on him. We agreed. We got to his apartment. No sound. Not even the dog was barking. This was worrying us, because of the health condition he is in. So...we tried seeing if the leasing office had an extra key. Nothing. Next option, check with his wife who has been in the hospital for pneumonia. We drive there and she tells us to try going around the back and knocking on the window. Luckily we were able to do that and everything was alright. It was an adventure,going back and forth around town. What I got from it all? Some tree sap in my hair. Haha lucky me. Just to make a comparison, I think that may be how Heavenly Father feels when he doesn't hear back from us. Communication is key. We are extremely blessed to have the ability to communicate with one another. I look forward to it each and every week. We are extremely blessed to be able to communicate daily with our Heavenly Father. Don't you forget that :)

Dad- I am happy to say that I was surprised to hear about the loss of my Chargers to Arizona, but pleasantly surprised about our win against Seattle. That gives me great hopes for the rest of this year. I am just sorry that it had to come to the expense of your team. I am glad that you were able to have some fun at the pool this week. I hope you have a good time with Hayden at Cabela's this week too :) Just keep doing your best. I continue praying for you to have the opportunities that you want and need and that will be best for you and the family.Just put yourself in a position to succeed and it will all work out :) I love you and miss you Dad. Have a Great week! :)

OH! ps. I need new tread for my bike tires. I have been riding bald for a few months now, my personal debit card doesn't seem to work any more though. Would you be able to order some, or what is the plan of action I should take??

Mom- Well thank you for your email.It is always nice to have updates and pictures. I am glad the kiddos are all doing well and that you all were able to have some fun,celebrating Brooke's birthday. It sounds like fun. I am also glad that the kids are doing things that help you out. That is something I definitely wish I was better at while I was there at home. I am glad you are doing well Mom. Keep it up and have a good week. I love and miss you :)

Jeri Lin- I was wondering when I was going to get that news. It looks like my prayers have been answered! Thank you so much for all you do. You are a huge help :) You said you had a pretty boring week, but it doesn't seem to me to have been all that boring. Bed Frames, Birthday, and fun kids. Sounds good :) I hope you have another good, "boring" week ;) Smile! I love and miss you!!

Keila- Well I hope you have had a good week!! I sure love ya and miss ya. Hope school and work are going well :)

Sydney-I hope you are having a good Monday so far! I also hope that you have a good week! :)

Leslie, Brooke, and Hayden. I love and miss you all too! Have a good, fun week!

I love and miss you all!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

All Leads to Sunday September 8, 2014

I was thinking about this last night. What is "this" you ask? Well the title of this email of course. In my head, I make many comparisons of this missionary work to sports. It makes the tough times a little more bearable. Anyways, with football season starting up again here again, I realized that on a mission, everything comes down to Sunday. All the work and preparation from the entire week comes to that day. You are able to see if the ones you have been teaching and committing to come to church will actually be there. If you have had a baptism, the confirmation happens on Sunday. And of course, we have the weekly call in report on Sunday night where we evaluate how we have done and see the areas where we could use some improvement for the next week. Interesting how football works in a very similar way. :)

As it came to Sunday, I realized that we had a very good week. In my books, we could put up a W at the end of this week. Now let's take a look at the highlights for the week. I went on exchanges on Wednesday and I was with a missionary who has been out for just about a month now. It was fun teaching with a youngster. Kinda makes me want to train again. It was a good day. On that day, we found two new investigators and a potential investigator and taught four solid lessons. It was enjoyable :) Then we move to Saturday and Brother Flanigan was indeed baptized. It was a simple baptism. Not too many people. It was a good one though. I was asked to be a witness. I also talked and taught the Restoration of the Gospel by myself during the time while they were changing into dry clothes. That is something President has encouraged us to do, as it keeps the Spirit there. Then I was asked to also say the closing prayer. It was a busy baptism. Like I said though, it was a great one. There is nothing better than being able to see the joy and the change that comes into peoples lives after they make that covenant. That joy then continued on into Sunday as I was asked to confirm him during Sacrament meeting. That was another great experience for me :) Then after sacrament, we were invited into the Bishop's office and were asked to participate in his Priesthood ordination. Awesome. :) Now we will move to Sunday night. The stake has been preparing a missionary fireside for about a month now and last night it all came into effect. It was about how families can be together forever. My companion and I probably gave out a little more than 30 invitations over the past few weeks, and we had a total of 1 person show up. Worth it. I was able to see a few people from the good ol' ward I served in at the beginning of my mission. The best one though was as I was sitting there during the meeting, I leaned back and looked to the row behind me. And who did I see? Raina. I dunno if you all remember her, but I baptized her just before I left Sparks. I was so incredibly happy to see her. Of course after the meeting, I rushed as fast as I could through the crowd to find her and say hello. I was just super glad that she recognized me. It was an awesome reunion. :) Like I said, it all leads to Sunday. And this week was a success :)

As for our all of the others we are teaching. They all are doing pretty well. The progression is just kinda slow at this point. Mostly all of them just have struggles here and there that are holding them back. Which is nothing new, and nothing we can't handle. Just gotta continue to be patient and continue to find others to teach :)

Dad- I didn't get an update of the Chargers and Tards from ya. Haha. I am glad your team did well though. That is way awesome. That is crazy about the rain too. Some people had mentioned it too me, but I didn't realize that it was that bad! That is crazy. I miss all the craziness. I missed the snow last year and then this crazy rain. Oh well. It is starting to cool down quite a bit here. Which I am not too excited for. Gonna have to be busting out the thermals here pretty soon. Time is just flying by. It is unreal.Thanks for all your love and support. I sure do miss you and love you. I hope you have a good week. :)

Mom- I think I missed ya this week, but I want you to know that I don't love ya any less. You are the best Mom I could ask for :) I just hope that you have had a good week and that you have another one this week :) I love you and miss ya!

Jeri Lin- Time sure doesn't pass the same as it used to. I remember the first 12 weeks in the mission field were like an eternity and I was wondering if I would ever make it to the end. After this week, I will only have 12 weeks left. Woah. It is really crazy stuff. I am glad to hear that you and the Tony and the kiddos had another good, fun week :) Jumping fish and all. I remember being a Fremont Flying Fish back in the day when I was trying to be a Michael Phelps. Anyways...haha. I hope you have another good week. I love and miss you :) Also! Happy Birthday to Tony!!

Keila- I am glad you are excited. :) Haha Thanks for the update. That is way cool that school was cancelled. Who would think that would ever happen over there in the good ol' AZ?? :) I hope you do get to work and that it goes well and that you have another good week! I love and miss you Wei :)

Sydney- Well I let Hailey know that your hair looks good, so I will let you know. Your hair looks good :) I am glad swimming is going well. :) Thank you also for sharing the essay you wrote. That is good. It is weird, but sometimes I miss writing :) I hope you have another good week and are able to stay as dry as possible! :) I love and miss ya Syd!

Leslie- Well I hope you got my letter this week. I also hope you are still doing well in Swim. Stay awesome and keep working hard :) I love and miss you :)

Brooke- I hope you are having a good day! I hope you have 7 more good days until I can send you another short little note. Your Birthday is in like 5 days. So Happy Birthday to you :) I love and miss ya!

Hayden-I hope you are still doing well little brother :) Have a good week! I love and miss ya :)

That is all I have for now. I love and miss you all!! Have a good week :)

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

Jesus Loves You September 1, 2014

September 1, 2014

Labor day. I hope you all had a good one. I really don't like it all that much as a missionary. It makes things get all thrown off. That is why I am emailing you today. I did not forget about you all. Moving on from Labor Day to the rest of my week. Thankfully there is no correlation between the two.

This week I have had more confirmations of that I am where I need to be. One of our investigators stopped me in the middle of reading a verse while we teaching him and just went on to tell me the amount of respect that he has for me. Just knowing that I am appreciated goes a long way. In other news for the area, we are having a baptism this coming Saturday. It isn't a convert baptism, but it is a man that we have been teaching who is coming back to the church. We are also working with his wife and she will be a convert baptism. We are working for hers to happen within the next couple weeks as well. :) Things are going well in the area, but always trying to find more opportunities to teach.

On Friday we had Zone Conference. In this Zone Conference we focused on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. During the opening remarks by President we were just discussing just how vast the Atonement truly is. After all, it is infinite. For a moment I felt really small in comparison. Then I got this amazing feeling of peace as I remembered the prayers and answers and relationship I have been able to develop with our Heavenly Father. I know that he knows me personally. The Atonement is for each one of us as individuals.

That brings me to an experience that I had previously in the week. We were riding around and we stopped to talk to a few people. Most of them weren't very interested. However, there was one guy that we started talking to. Just a genuine conversation between me and him about art. He busted some art out of his backpack and then some sharpies and a plank of wood. He drew me a picture and then flipped it over and told me to draw him something. A blank canvas is intimidating. I took the challenge and began making a quick sketch of a portrait of the Savior. While doing so, my companion began talking with him about the Gospel. He began telling him or us about how he was mad at God for a variety of different reasons. While listening, I decided to just top off the drawing by writing "Jesus Loves You". As I handed it back to him, the smile and excitement was priceless :) It is a simple testimony, but I know that Jesus Loves You.

Dad- I am glad you enjoyed your Labor Day :) It is super weird to think that we were in New York two years ago. That was a great time. Some of my very most favorite memories for sure :) I am glad that you are still doing well. Just keep in mind that Jesus does love you and have another good week! Also remember that I love and miss you as well :)

Mom- I am glad you all are home safe from Luna now. I am glad that you were able to have some good experiences though. Surprised by Jeri Lin and all. I found it interesting that we both were focused on the Atonement this week. Thank you for sharing that story with me. There is no doubt that the Atonement is here for each and every one of us to change. I have experienced it myself on this mission and seen others experience it :) Thanks again! I am glad you and all the kiddos are doing well too. Thanks for the pictures and updates. Have another good week Mom. I love and miss you!

Jeri Lin- I am happy that you were able to go have some fun up in Luna. Surprises are always fun. Good work :) Tell Hyrum that I am also excited to be at Christmas. It is going to be a good time :) Thanks for the quick update! I love ya and miss ya and your familia. Have a good week!

Keila- You told me how your first day of college was...how has it been since then? Better I hope :) I am doing well myself. Can't complain too much. I love and miss ya too. Time is going quick. I will see you soon enough! Have a good week!

Sydney- Thanks for your quick email. I hope swimming and school are continuing to go well. I love and miss ya! Have a good week! :)

Leslie- I got a letter headed your way, so be on the lookout :) I love and miss ya! Have a good week and work hard in swimming fast :)

Brooke- Hope you are still doing well! Stay happy and cool! Your Birthday is coming soon! :)

Hayden- Mom told me that football is starting soon. That is super exciting. Play hard and score lots of touchdowns for me! I love ya man and miss ya :)

That is all I have for now. I sure do love and miss you all. Have an awesome week! :)

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

Missionary Life August 25, 2014

August 25, 2014

Missionary life. What can I say about it? It has been exactly what I needed. I was reflecting on it last night after a lesson we had in which the Assistants to President passed off one of their investigators to us who they felt would benefit from us teaching her. One of the assistants and I were just talking about how great the mission has been up to this point. It is definitely a blessing. One of the things he said was, how foolish it is and would have been to think about possibly not going and taking these two years to learn, progress, and experience miracles. The time is getting shorter and shorter for me. I had a realization this week as to why I am with the companion I have at this point in my mission. His focus and dedication is incredible, which in turn helps me. There is no room for any trunkyness. Too much to get done. Too many hills to ride my bike up. Too many people to talk too. I am grateful for a companion who continues to work hard and strives to improve each and every day.

When we are on the same page, it helps the work increase dramatically and the effectiveness goes up. Then that is the time that we are able to see miracles. There is a little miracle that I would just like to share that I experienced this week. In our companionship studies we are encouraged to role play and practice teaching situations. In all honesty, I hate them. However, I do know the purpose behind them, and they do work. I know that, because I experienced it. A few days ago we were practicing street contacting in our role play and the situation I was presented with was that the man I was talking to had a concern about getting a job. I brought it back to the fact that our Heavenly Father truly does love us, and that he wants to help us. Sometimes, all we have to do is ask through prayer. It was a pretty good role play. Now, fast forward to that night. We were biking up, the biggest hill in our area, and as I get to the top, I see a man, sitting on the sidewalk. I ride over to him and just start talking with him. Then I hop off my bike and my companion and I just start talking with him. He is a super nice guy, which is always a plus. As we talked though, he brought up a similar type of concern as to the one that we had role played for. I was prepared and the spirit was definitely there. It was an awesome experience for myself. In Doctrine and Covenants 11:21 it says "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men." I know that is true, because I experienced it this week. I hope the man we talked to was able to feel what I felt. We had to send him off as referral, so I am hoping for the best :)

So yeah, I have had some more good experiences this week. The work continues to progress. Now we just gotta help these people we are working with to commit to a baptismal date. Hopefully we can have some of those in the coming week. I really can't complain though. Missionary life. It is great.

Dad- You are a lucky guy. Haha I miss football. Those sound like some good plans though. I will be looking forward to whatever comes. Keep me posted for sure :) I have definitely become more acclimated with the area. My companion thinks I know it better than him, and he has been here for like 8 months. I also have spent most of my mission in the Reno/Sparks area though, so I know the streets pretty well at this point. Not perfectly, but well enough to know what I am doing and to give people some decent directions :) I am glad that you are getting by at work and that you are also staying busy. I still hope and pray that you can get those positions filled as well. I hope you have another good week! I love and miss you! :)

Mom- Thank you for sending that letter and for the key chain. I like it lots :) On your letters though, you wrote apartment 1625, it is actually 1615. Just for future reference. They still got to me. :) I am glad that you are looking forward to Luna. You will have to be sure to let me know how it all goes this weekend. I am glad you are still doing well and that you were able to receive some awards at work. Keep working hard, but more importantly, work smart. :) I love ya and miss ya Mom. I hope you have a good week! Tell everyone hi for me in Luna!

Jeri Lin- First of all, thanks for all you do to help me out. You are awesome :) Second, of all it seems like you always have some pretty busy, fun filled weeks. It is always fun to hear about what you and the kiddos are up to :) I have to tell you that I think scripture study in the morning is the best. it is definitely a habit that I have built on my mission that I want to continue after. Just gotta know what works for you :) I am glad you are doing well and are enjoying your calling with serving your sunbeams. Keep it up! I love ya and miss ya! :)

Keila- How many days is it?? Haha :) i love ya and miss ya. Hope you have a great week! :)

Syd- Good job on making the swim team, that is way awesome! :) Keep me posted on how it all goes. :) I am glad you are enjoying school so far. I am also glad to hear that you had a good day with Hailey. Did she do a good job with your hair?? :) She is pretty awesome, and I am glad you think so as well :) I hope you have another good week and that you have fun in Luna. I love and miss you :)

Leslie- Thanks for your letter! I am doing my best to get one sent your way as soon as possible :) I love you and miss you! Have a good week :)

Brooke- Mom tells me that you are pretty cool. I am glad you are cool. We can be cool pals when I get home :) I love and miss you! Have a good week!

Hayden- Man, I miss you :) I am so lucky to have you as my brother. Have a good week! I love ya and miss you!

Well it is the last week of August. Make the most of it!

I love and miss you all!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)