Dear Familia January 27, 2014

January 27, 2014

Dear Familia,

I have had a pretty good time this week. Lets see...Well after this week we have a total of two baptisms planned for the month of February. If those follow through the Spring Creek 5th ward will have a total of 7 convert baptisms thus far for the year. We must be doing something right! :) Brother Urenda is planning on being baptized on Valentine's Day, February 14th :) And Kelly is planning for exactly two weeks later on February 28th. Hers is a little more tentative, because of her smoking habit, but we wanted to give her a positive goal to give her some more encouragement to quit. Things are going well though. It is great :) Mom made the comment in her email today that it will be good for the Urenda's to have their dad baptized, because it will bring the Priesthood into their home. I think I knew that, but I just didn't really make that connection. I have had many opportunities to exercise the Priesthood I have been given the past few weeks. I am so grateful for it! I was able to give the Bishop in my ward a blessing. I had to anoint Elder Anderson yesterday as he was feeling sick, and then last night a woman in the ward asked me to give her a blessing. I am so grateful to have the trust of the members here in Spring Creek, so that I can be someone they can turn to when they are in need. And I couldn't do it without the help from my Heavenly Father. :) My testimony of the Priesthood has definitely increased dramatically just in the past few weeks. It wouldn't have happened if I wasn't out here on my mission. I love it :)

I say it was a good time, but yesterday I experienced having a sick companion for the first time yesterday. Elder Anderson woke up at 5 yesterday morning puking. I had no idea. I was sleeping. Then he woke back up at 6:30 and I thought he was just in the shower, but I guess he was puking more. He didn't tell me any of this. So we go to church...and all during sacrament meeting, he was looking awful. So I ask him, and he was like lets go home. So we left church after sacrament. And...sat around yesterday. Kinda boring, but it is what it is. He is feeling better today. So that is good.

Other than that, I dunno if there is anything else really new and exciting going on though. Life is good. I love it :)

Dad- I will be sure to keep her in my prayers. And guess what? You are such a baller. I wish I could be there playing there some days, but I am here doing well, so I can't complain :) That is awesome that you were able to have that experience with the Temple. It looks really good. Probably one of my favorites for sure. I can't wait to see it for reals :) And I feel ya on that...I have been cussed out and called lots of things just walking down the street. Doesn't make the church any less true though. No worries on being late though. I appreciate what you did have to say though. Love and Miss ya Dad! Have a good week :)

Mom- Well I am glad you enjoyed the picture of me dunking. Hopefully we can get some more pictures of me dunking people into the water ;) Things are definitely going well for me. I am glad you had a good training. We have a special training on Wednesday. Hopefully I can learn lots there :) Thank you for all those pictures and stories. Hayden cracks me up. I hope you have another good week! I love and miss ya Mom!

Jeri Lin- One question. Were those waffles better than IHOP's New York Cheesecake Pancakes? Because that sounded delicious :) I will definitely keep you guys in my prayers. I already do, but now I have something specific to pray about. After all, specific prayers get specific answers :) And don't worry, I am waiting till I have kids of my own. I am excited for it though. It seems like a lot of fun hard work :) As for exercise...Pushups..sit ups. Lifting. Basketball. Nothing too special. Oh! Riding bikes also ;) I love and miss ya Sis! Have a good week :)

I have a couple pictures I will be sending your way. I love you guys :)

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

Three of my five companions thus far...

 Didn't even get sick or pass out.

Elder Prescott before he got transferred out.

Dear Family January 20, 2014

January 20, 2014

Where to start this week....Hmmm. Well some of the most exciting news first I suppose.

I believe that I told you all last Monday about Brother Urenda and his desire to be baptized. So far so good. We confirm the appointment on Thursday and head over there with one of the Members of the ward. When we walk in though, we are informed that Brother Urenda is not feeling well and is sleeping. I was like..."Seriously? Oh well, the least we can do is visit with his family who have been less active for quite some time". So we do...we have lots of good gospel conversation. And then...He comes from the hall and comes and sits down. We continue visiting with the family and he begins to participate as well. Long story short, we invite him to read the Book of Mormon, come to church on Sunday, and be baptized when he comes to know the truth. He commits to all three. Yesterday he was at church with his family. And tonight we have another appointment with them and we are hoping to set him with a baptismal date. Pretty sweet, eh? I am excited. Also...I can honestly say that before and when we got there I was a bit more on the judgmental side of things. When he came out and we started talking, my love just grew immensely for the guy and for his family. It is kinda crazy how it all happens.

Also, we may have another potential baptism in February. Kelly is currently working towards kicking her smoking habit and said her goal is by the end of February. She has also started going to church. She goes with a friend in Elko after her graveyard shifts at wal-mart. She is definitely progressing and making moves in the right direction. We will meet with her and Seth again on Friday. :)

Other than that...things are continuing to go well for me. Elder Anderson and I didn't see a whole lot of results this week from the time we put in. I mean we tried to visit nearly every less active family on our list and talked to and offered service to everyone we saw. Not a whole lot came from it. The lessons we did have were amazing though. Things are continuing to move forward. We have some good things planned for this week as well.

Funny story for the week. So...Elder Stevens was with me on Friday, we were on companion exchanges. We were biking around..feeling out of shape. Having a good time. Looking for people to teach. And he was cruising up ahead of me and decided to endo...I wasn't looking where I was going. Just plugging along and then I look up to see him stopped right in front of me. I slam on my brakes and jump off my peddles but my front tire hits his back tire and the back end of my bike flies up and the bike frame caught my right under my left butt cheek. I didn't fall, but my but was sore for a couple of days. haha We were laughing pretty good. Reminded us of some good times back in Sparks :)

I think that is all I got for now from this past week though.

Dad- Well I am gonna stick by the saying that Defense wins Championships and I will be cheering for your Seahawks in the Super Bowl. I was hoping that my Chargers were gonna pull some upsets and make it in there with the Chickens, but it just wouldn't be right if we weren't able to watch that together. Maybe next year ;) That would be cool if you were able to go up there and do that run. Let me know what you decide. :) I just want to thank you again for all your prayers and support. I love and miss ya Dad. Have a great week and a great day off of work!

Mom- Well Dad just informed me that you are teaching your class at the gym. I want you to know that I love and miss you. Thank you for all you do. I hope you have a good week. You are always in my prayers :)


Jeri Lin- Thank you muchos for the loves. It is so good to hear that you and Tony are still doing well with your kiddos and that you are achieving the goals that you have set. Goals definitely make a huge difference and I want to thank you for your example to me of setting goals. I love and miss ya sis. Have an awesome week! :)

Spring Creek Zoo

Dunkin'

Growing Up January 13, 2014

January 13, 2014

This week has been awesome to say the least. I feel like I have grown up a whole lot this past week. Let me explain.

So...as you know I wasn't looking forward too much to being with Elder Anderson for another 6 weeks. After my email last Monday and reading the emails I received it was like...a humbling experience. As if you guys were saying to me, "Come on Bryton, You are better than this". So I talked with Elder Anderson and we sat down and kinda figured what we were expecting from each other and out of ourselves this transfer. Before my mission, I really don't think I would have done that. So...that is one thing I noticed.

Then I had one of my very best friends ask me for a blessing, just out of the blue. I even asked him if he was serious...that is how surprised I was. I did give him a blessing. It was an emotional experience for sure. It really hit me hard though. Priesthood power is real. I really want to do my very best to be worthy of that power at all times. I want to be able to have that in my home when I have a family of my own. I couldn't help but compare that experience to a possibility in my future with my future kids asking me for a blessing. I guess it just put things into perspective and showed me that I have come a long way since a year ago.

As for miracles this week. We received a call telling us that the husband of a part member family that we have been trying to meet with for forever wants to be baptized in February. The ward is such a huge help here. We are planning on meeting them this Thursday. So that was good news. We also have a few potentials that we will be meeting with that day. Hopefully some good comes from that. Gonna continue working with the Wilkies. Life is good here in the Spring Creek. And those Transfer goals that Elder Anderson and I set, may just be broken. We are working for the best.

I believe I have told you that I really have been trying to focus on becoming more selfless ever since I got here to the creek. My quote I am trying to live by this transfer is as follows, "Good teams become great ones when the members are willing to surrender the 'Me' for the 'We'" --Phil Jackson

My Testimony has grown this week. I know that the Priesthood power is real and that it is a gift that Heavenly Father has given to us and it is something we need to take special care of. I know that Joseph Smith restored the church and that he was a true prophet. I am so grateful for the knowledge I do have. I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Dad- That is cool that you were able to baptize Hayden this week. Looks like he is becoming a real stud muffin. He must get it from his older brother ;) Haha I am glad you had a good stake conference. Keep up the good work with the working out. You are in my prayers as well. I love and miss ya. Have an awesome week!

Mom- Well I am glad you enjoyed my email last week. I enjoy yours every week. And Sister Hagler has been talking to you I suppose? And I am glad that Hayden is doing well. He is a good kid. I can't wait to hang out with him :) I am glad that you guys live in a good ward. I am living in a good ward too. Life is just good. I love you Mom. Miss ya tons! Have a good week!

Jeri Lin- Well I didnt get an email from ya. I want you to know that you guys are in my prayers and that I love and miss you. Have an awesome week!

I love and miss all you guys. :)

Have a great week!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

Come What May and Love It January 6, 2014

January 6, 2014

"Come What May and Love it" --Joseph B. Wirthlin

This comment or quote has been something I have tried to live by since the day it was said in General Conference a few years ago. At times it is easier to live by than others. For some reason. it continued to come back to me time and time again.

On Thursday night, Elder Anderson and I planned to meet with Brenda. Just to make sure everything was still good for Saturday and whatnot. As soon as she opened the door I could tell something was up. She wasn't her happy witty self like normal. She invites us in, we sit down. She starts talking with Travis and just starts to lose it. Oh dear. She is having a rough week...well mostly a rough day. Just one thing after another. We change up our lesson plans up a little bit at that point, while she is still talking with Travis. We decide to watch the Mormon Messages "Come What May, and Love It" and "Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time". Perfect. I then go on to explain to her that you know we are gonna have trials, Satan is gonna try to get to us when we are doing what we are supposed to, but we have the Atonement and someone who understands. While I was explaining this, Brenda stops me and says, "You're Right!". Uhh...what?? Brenda is saying I am right and not giving me some witty remark? Cool. Haha. But she went on to explain that one of the Sisters in the ward had sat next to her in relief society the previous Sunday and told her that she was special and that this week would be very tough as she came closer to her day of baptism. All I have to say is that the baptism probably would not have happened if it weren't for the Spirit and the help from the ward. With God, all things are possible. That brings us to the baptism.

The Wilkie Family was baptized on January 4th. It was a very happy day and I have pictures to prove it. :) I mean it could be seen when Connor and I got up to go into the font. He sprinted his way there and I was honestly surprised he remembered to take off his glasses. Brenda later told us in her testimony the next day that the Baptism was a miracle because Connor woke up at 6:30. Showered. Brushed his teeth (Which Brenda says is a miracle in and of itself). And was all dressed and ready to go get baptized by 7 am. Haha. It really was great to help them all the way through and help them enter into their first covenant. Then on Sunday I was also able to confirm Brittany. That was a first time experience for me. It was very cool. :) I am glad I am part of that memory in their lives. They are lifelong friends for sure.

So at this point, my week could not be going any better. I also get news that my Chargers won their playoff game. Woo! Life is great. The transfer calls were still lingering in the distance though and my nerves were killing me. They came, and to say I was excited them would be a lie. I normally hate change, but I think I was really looking forward and hoping for some this time. It didn't come. I will be here in Spring Creek 5th ward for another six weeks and my companion is still Elder Anderson. I love the kid, don't you get me wrong. I felt like enough was enough though. My patience has been tested. Why?? The first transfer call I have truly questioned. I have been pondering on it from the time it came. And my thoughts keep coming back to, "Come What May, and Love It". So that is exactly what I am gonna do. I am gonna do the very best I can to make the very most of the next six weeks. "It doesn't matter where you serve, but how". Obviously I still have something to do and/or learn. :)

Dad- Well I think I have kinda already touched on a lot of what you said in your email. I want to make the comment that it is so true that it is important for recent converts have a friend. I must say that it is one of the best feelings just to hear how well converts are doing. It is also good to see how well YOU are doing! That is way awesome :) I am looking forward to returning home this year as well. Almost 11 months to go. Keep up the good work. Love ya Dad. Have another good week!

Mom- Thank you for your email and testimony. :) I dunno if you got my letter yet or not but if not, it should be there soon. I hope you have a great week and figure out your new kindle :) I love ya Mom!

Jeri Lin- Don't stress too hard about writing me. I know you are busy. Short little updates are good and in about 11 months, we will be able to get all caught up :) I love an miss ya! Have a good week :)

I love and miss you guys! Have an awesome week!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

 One of my best friends :)

 Cute new p-day outfit.

 The Wilkie Baptism

Christmas Week December 30, 2013

December 30, 2013

Well like you guys mentioned, there isn't a whole lot to report on seeing that I talked to you guys just a few days ago. It was super nice to see you all. :) And as far as the rest of the week goes, it was pretty darn slow. The good news is that the baptism is all set and moving forward for Sunday. We have like a total of six baptisms scheduled for our zone that day. It will be busy busy busy :) What else is happening....OH! Juan is coming to visit Elder Stevens and I out here in Spring Creek today! I am super stoked :)

Transfer calls are also coming this Saturday. It will be interesting to see what happens there. That is all I gots though.

Dad- I was super surprised that the Chargers made it, but I seriously could not be happier. I am not expecting them to necessarily get super far, but it makes the shirt that you got me with the 2013 Schedule on the back worth wearing. In fact, I am wearing it right now :) It's good to hear that you are continuing to progress with losing weight. I hope you have a good week. I love and miss ya :) Have a happy New Year!

Mom- Happy New Year Mom! :) I hope it is a good one and that you can do well with all your goals. I also am glad that you enjoyed skyping, because I sure did. It was a good day and week, even though it was a tad bit slow as far as missionary work goes. And thank you for sharing that story about the Christus. And thank you for all the pictures :) I also hope you have a good week! I love and miss ya Mom! :) 

Jeri Lin- Haha thank you for that picture. It was nice to be able to talk with you. I can't wait till we get to hang out too! It will be fun. A fun time :) Thank you for being my sister! I hope you have a good week and a great New Year! I love and miss ya :)

I love you guys.
And miss you.

It's almost 2014!

Got to visit with the family on Christmas. We laughed until we cried.