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.

Umm, Excuse Me Mr.....Your Tie is a Little Crooked. Merry Christmas! December 23, 2013

December 23, 2013

Dear Familia,

News, News, News. Where to start. This week has seemed to fly by, but when I look back at it, there was a lot that has happened. I wouldn't say there were a whole lot of huge, crazy things happened...just a lot more little things. Now it is Christmas time. It got here so fast. It is also super weird to think that this week will mark my second Christmas away from home. I am just looking forward to being able to talk with all your beautiful faces this Christmas. :)

Ok, but like I was saying, this past week has flown by. It was a good one though. I have a couple experiences that I would like to take away from it and share with you. You all know that Brenda and her two kids have decided to be baptized on January 4th. So on Tuesday, we met with them to go over the baptismal interview questions. They did a great job, so we went ahead and set up the interviews for Thursday. We got a ride into Elko from my good friends, Elder Prescott and Martindale. They interviewed the kids. (Who Passed with Flying Colors). While President Shumway, Second Councilor in the mission presidency, interviewed Brenda. He, President Shumway, called us all in after Brenda's interview and told us that it was right for this baptism to move forward and happen. Then he gave us the opportunities to bare our testimonies. Pure Awesomeness. That is what it is all about. I have had two other experiences such as this one on my mission. The feeling is just the same, and it never gets old. It happened with Juan, Raina, and now Brenda and her kids. It makes all the hard work and struggles worth it. In my opinion, it has made this Christmas just that much better :) OH...and I almost forgot to explain the title of my email...so while we were all gathered together after the interviews, President Shumway was talking to us and Connor raises his hand and say..."Umm...excuse me Mr...Your tie is a little crooked" Eh..no big deal. Just telling him like it is. I just had to laugh. I love the kid :)

Also speaking of Christmas surprises, I had one at church yesterday. I was just sitting there...standing there...at the door, handing out the programs. Normal Sunday. THEN. I. SEE. Kelly walking through the door. I am not quite sure if I have really talked about her. She is the mother of Seth, who was baptized right before I was transferred out here. So we have been working with him as well as her. She decided to surprise me as well as Elder Anderson, and show up for Sacrament Meeting. It was awesome. :)

I think that is the most exciting news from this week though. I am looking forward to the stress of making preparations for the baptism. :)

Dad- Happy Late Birthday! And may I just say that I hear you when you say that what is it with getting junk food when you don't want it. This past week has been...ridiculous. I am grateful yes, but it is quite overwhelming in a sense. Just hoping I don't get fat I guess. Thank goodness for P-day basketball ;) Let's just say I will be looking forward to the workouts with you after the mission :) I am sorry to hear about you 'Hawks...poor guys. I am glad the Chargers won. Now I just need Baltimore and Miami to lose, and we have to win next week. Basically...it is gonna be tough for us to make it this year. Oh well. I will just be happy if they finish strong. I am looking forward to talking with you guys. Swimming in December. You lucky dog. Haha. I really miss water...in its non-frozen state. I am glad to hear that Hayden will be able to enjoy it though. He is gonna bounce back and hit the field hard, just like Adrian Peterson. MVP! haha I love and miss ya Dad! I will see you on a screen in a couple of days. Until then! Have a good week and Merry Christmas :)

Mom- That picture you just sent me is super cool. Thank you for that :) And thank you for those happy Christmas wishes. My Christmas just seems to be looking like it is getting better and better each and every day. I am most looking forward to being able to see everybody and talk with everybody while you all enjoy my warm, relaxing birthplace :) I love and miss ya Mom! Have a good week! Merry Christmas

Jeri Lin- Ok...so I feel super bad. For some reason, I was thinking that you and Tony were gonna be in Texas or Utah this Christmas. I was planning on making you a card or something...but I didn't know your new address. So..I am a slacker, and didn't prepare anything for you for Christmas. I am sorry. I can still do something, it may just be late. I am looking forward to seeing all of you guys on Wednesday and seeing little Lindi and goofy Hyrum. I am a lucky uncle :) Thanks for your email! I love and miss ya! Have a good week!

I love you all and miss ya! Have an awesome week. I will see you soon!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

Year Marks and Pep Talks December 16, 2013

December 16, 2013

Dear Family,

Obviously, this week was the week of my year mark. It was spent at zone conference and at the Elko and Spring Creek Christmas party. I had a good time spending it with my Big Hawaiian friend, Elder Prescott. My fellow Arizona peep, Elder Martindale. And one of my very good friends Elder Stevens. It was fun. It was a fun time. :) It definitely was what I needed. I had a rough start to the week. Which brings us to the second part of my letter.

I received a little package and story about a camel from a family I have come to love very dearly out here on my mission. The Hagler family.That brings me to the second part of the title of my email. It, the story, was definitely a pep talk that I was in need of. The start of the week was looking like it would be one of the best. Monday was pretty good. Then Tuesday came. We are sitting in District Meeting and our phone rings. Nancy is calling us, so my companion walks out and answers the phone. I here him yell in the hallway...walks back in, throws the phone at me, and says, "Nancy, just dropped us." I was confused as...ever. Ha. I just kept trying to think what happened to make her want to "take a break". My thoughts kept going back to my patriarchal blessing...when it tells me, "Not all will follow upon what they feel". I kept wanting to do more though. I then got that package from you on Wednesday. The part that stuck out to me was the part where it talks about the importance of prayer. I have a very strong testimony of prayer. I know Heavenly Father listens and answers. I had been praying, but that was a nice reminder to help make my prayers more meaningful.

Other than that, things are going well. The baptism for Brenda and her two kids is still on track for the 4th of January. We have a new investigator as of Monday, his name is Brandon. He is a kid in a part member family that we are working with. We are also working with his little brother Blake, who is 8 years old. Pretty cool. We have a few more potentials that we will hopefully be meeting with this week. Things are going well. Time continues to fly by.

As for Christmas...I would like some Khaki pants. Jeri Lin, have you made a book for me for this past six months? I love those. But honestly...I think you guys know what I like. I don't think I am in dire need of anything though.

Dad-Well it seems to me that I have a family full of crazy fools. Haha first it is Mom, then it is Hayden. It seems that things are going pretty well though. I was so happy to hear that the Chargers pulled it off. I am glad you are doing well with your workouts. I don't think I know Justin Wright, but that is cool that he supported you and that you are supporting him. I am glad that workouts have been such a blessing in your life. Keep it up :) I love and miss ya.

Mom- Thank you for your short sweet messages :) I totally understand that you are super busy, so I am glad that you at least take a little bit of time to write me. Thank you for being my Mom. You are definitely one of my super heroes :) I love and miss ya!

Jeri Lin- To answer your question...it feels super weird to be halfway done. Time is racing by like Lightning McQueen. Ka-Chow! I think I answered your other questions about wants and needs for Christmas. I just had another thought. Nike Socks. I like dem. So..if at all possible :) I am glad your family is doing well. I love ya Sis. Thank you for everything :) Say hi to the kiddos for me. Have a good week, I love and miss ya! :)

I love you all. Tell everyone hello for me. I miss ya. I will be seeing you guys on the Skype next week! Have a good one :)

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

The Smigelskis. They are on their way out. Gonna miss Elder Smigelskis jokes and training. Mostly his jokes ;)

Stevens, Martindale, and I. Buddies.

Stevens. Gutierrez, and I. Mas Buddies.

Super Heroes and Birthdays December 9, 2013

December 9, 2013

So...Title explanation. No, I did not dress up as a super hero for my birthday. No the Knudsens did not hire a super hero to come surprise me on my birthday. To be completely honest, the two have pretty much absolutely nothing to do with each other. So...just be patient and I will get around to explaining as this email continues to progress. :)

First, I did not get the birthday package until this morning, but thank you so very much. Hopefully those thermals will keep me warm...because it has been absolutely freezing. I HATE THE COLD. We have arranged with some members to get rides and everything though. So we should be alright. It does help getting into peoples doors though. Sometimes. Haha. Again, thank you mucho. My birthday was really awesome. I got a package from my Hagler family and Juan who are back in Sparks. I got a Taylor Swift calendar from Elder Munns. PRETTY SWEET. I also got a book from the Knudsens. No Excuses, No Regrets. The Eric Weddle Story. :) Super Awesome. Then Brenda gave me some cake and gave me a mint plant to give my appartment or basement some nice plant life and a small way to freshen up my breath from time to time. Pretty neat, eh? :) President didn't call me though...pretty bummed about that. He just sent me a text this morning at 6:29. Come on President...I still have one more minute of sleepy time. ;) Then we had dinner and cheesecake at the Knudsens. Dinner was some good old fried rice and Orange Chicken :) haha. It was a good birthday all in all. My year mark will be spent at Zone Conference and at a Mission Christmas party for Elko and Spring Creek.

Now for the explanation on super heroes. It all began about...last night. While I was sleeping. I had a dream that me and a bunch of missionaries that I have served around were dressed up as super heroes. Kinda weird, right? It got me thinking though, that is for sure. I thought I would share with you those thoughts. Here it goes. Elder Stevens and I have been spending a lot of time reminiscing about the good times we had in Sparks and the people we helped and bonded with. Juan for instance, we are now eternal best friends. I could venture to say, and I don't think he would disagree, that we are a couple heroes in his life. So my thoughts are that. I am a super hero. Along with all missionaries. Pretty neat, right? :)

News on the investigators. Brenda just sent us a text saying that the plan for the baptism is January 4th. I am so excited for that. Especially since it is right before transfers! So I will be able to see them baptized right before I leave if that is the case. I couldn't be happier. :) As far as Nancy goes, she has finished reading the Book of Mormon. Our focus right now is just to help her to receive and recognize the answers to her prayers. Things are definitely going well. We have two lessons set up tonight. Both with Part Member families. And we are continuing to work with the Less actives and find more of them to visit with. It almost seems like it is weekly thing. But yeah...as far as work goes, it is progressing :)

Dad- The Chargers play on my year mark. I really hope they win, cuz it would just make it that much sweeter. Too bad the Seahawks lost, I guess it is a good thing that it wasn't really a "must win" game. I think they will make it all the way. I am super impressed by Wilson. He is a champ for sure. I am glad Snickers is still doing alright, even if he has slowed down a bit. He is a good dog. Miss him. Too bad that ASU lost. I am still impressed on their improvement this year though. Gotta keep moving on up. Thank you for everything you do for me Dad. I love and miss ya. Have a good week!

Mom- I just want to say thank you for the birthday package and note. I am sure I will be a little bit warmer now. Thanks to the Thermals and the help from the Spring Creekers. I love it out here. I am having tons of fun and doing good work. Thank you for everything you do for me. I love ya and miss ya Mom. Have a good week!

Jeri Lin- Well I hope you have a fun week with the Browns and Goodwins. Also hope that you keep staying safe with your new security system. I am glad everyone is doing well. Love and miss ya Sis! :) Have an wonderful week!

I love you all. Tell everyone Hi for me.

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

 Balloons

 Cake at Brenda's

Cheesecake

 Munchies and Mountain Dew

T-Swizzle Calendar

Side note: The beanie is a birthday gift from Elder Stevens

19 Years of Age December 2, 2013

December 2, 2013

This is the last email I will be sending as a young whipper-snapping teenager. When I come home...I will no longer be a teenager. *Sighs* Oh well. I think I have a pretty good Birthday planned out. If everything goes according to plan of course. Thank you all for your birthday wishes thus far. Even if it does make me feel like an old man. :) But like I was saying...it should be good. Sister Knudsen is gonna make me a cheesecake and we may even have dinner of there. Then the Harwart family, a part member family also offered...well their thirteen year old daughter offered to throw me a birthday party. Haha. We shall see what happens. I love those people. I dunno if I have told you the story on them yet. So I think I will do that now.

Elder Anderson and I met them as we were trying to clear up our ward directory. We had records of a family that may have moved out, so we went to the house just to double check and make sure that was accurate and to see if the people that had moved in knew where the people who had moved out were. Just so we could get the records moved out of our ward. We knock on the door and hear someone say, "It's the missionaries!". Long story short, we meet the Harwarts. The kids have all been baptized. April, the mom, was a convert in Reno a few years back....and has kind of had a rough go, with family and what not. I don't want to go into personal details. Anyways, she is now married to Donald, who is not a member of the church. Such an awesome guy. Anyways...this past Saturday, we went over there. April asked for a blessing on their home. So we did that, and then they asked for personal blessings as well.

(side note) I remember the first time I gave a blessing. Pretty darn nerve racking. Now...I still get a little anxious I think, but it really isn't that bad. :)

They also had a non member friend there that wanted a blessing as well. I was able to give her a blessing. After we left, we got a text from April saying that Fate, the friend, definitely felt something and that she was almost crying. Hopefully we can have more opportunities there. :)

Let's see. What else happened this week. My good friend Tyler got his mission call! He has been called to serve in the good country of Mexico. It was cool to be able to watch him have that experience and then reflect on my own. Boy was that a long day waiting to open mine up. I remember just watching NFL Network all day just trying to get my mind off it. Then, everyone was gathered around. Waiting. Anticipating. Nevada Reno Mission. Woah. Haha weird. Ok. I can do this :) And after this week I have been reflecting a lot about it. I am approaching a year and I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to be a missionary here. I am working to make the most of it. Thank you for all your support :)

Dad- Well it sounds to me that you had a pretty darn good week. With Thanksgiving and all. :) My Thanksgiving was good. We spent lunch with Brenda, her kids were in Reno, and Travis and his two kids. Played spoons and some bball. Well we played speed to be exact :) But that was fun. Then we went and had dinner with the Knudsens and played Scum and Double Scum the card game :) It was fun. :) Brenda, her kids, and Nancy are still continuing to progress well. January for Brenda's baptism. Then we will be meeting with Nancy on Wednesday. And it is kinda weird to think that I will be with Elder Anderson for that long. Things are going well though, so I can't complain :) I love and miss ya. Hope you have another good week!

Mom- I too am hoping to see the progress of Brenda and Nancy continue to move forward. They are doing well. I am doing well too. Not freezing too much yet. I really wish they would give a car to this wimpy Az boy. Oh well though. I am glad to hear that you had a good Thanksgiving as well. Poor kid. I was telling the Knudsens about Chocolate gravy. Boy do I miss that stuff :) I hope you have a good week Mom! I love and miss ya!

Jeri Lin- Wild week for sure. Jimminy Christmas. I am glad that everyone is alright though. Hopefully everything will work out in finding them. It seems that other than that things are going well though. I hope work continues to go well. Before you know it Tony will be working like 10 jobs it seems like. Haha, but that is a good thing. Cuz then you will be able to pay for your security system. :) But for real. I am glad you are doing well. I love and miss you!

I think that is all I have for now. I love and miss you guys. Thank you for everything!

Your Brother
Your Son
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle