Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Secret of Happiness

We are glad to have one surgery out of the way, even though it has been pretty tough. Britten had a very rough night and even a tougher day. All we can do is try to comfort him, through this difficult time. Sometimes it is very hard, to come home at night and try to write and express the events of the day. We are so grateful for the Spirit that abides with us, that also allows us to think of our blessings. As I was going through Elder Schenk's suitcase I found a journal full of quotes that must have inspired him. I would like to share some of these quotes with you, over the next few weeks. "The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their troubles." -Anonymous. It has been a blessing for us, to be able to share our testimony every night and thank Our Heavenly Father for all he has given us, including our Savior Jesus Christ. We know He lives, because He has been with us every day. All our love, Steven and Karla

9 comments:

  1. Sorry that it has been such a tough day. Will pray and hope for a better night and an even better tomorrow!
    I love that David referred to Britten as a warrior. He certainly is! It is a great description of him. He will win this fight.
    Hugs to you all!
    Love,
    Melanie

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  2. Britten is one of the strongest people I know and he is truly a warrior. We hope you have a restful night and a great tomorrow. Britten, we hope you know you are loved by so many and we all pray for for you daily. Steven and Karla, we are so blessed to have our wonderful families. We pray for you guys also. Each one of you have taught us many truths about the Gospel. Thank you.
    Keep smiling as we all are!
    Love, David, Mary and the kids.

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  3. Hello Schenk Family,

    I have been following your story since the first day you started the blog. I have fallen in love with your darling Elder and the entire family through your honest, heartfelt entries each night. We, too have a missionary serving in the field right now and as a missionary mom I feel a certain bond with you, Karla. Your faith in the Lord and your ability to see beyond the moment is very inspiring and exemplary. I have learned so much from reading your entries and from your rock solid testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ. May you be blessed with a strength that can sustain you and comfort you during this extremely sensitive and difficult time. Heavenly Father is a kind and just man. He knows how much you can handle and how much Britten can endure. I marvel at your ability to carry on and to keep such a positive outlook. Know that the prayers of our family are with you always and that we long for the day that dear Elder Schenk can be happy and pain free. I get a little teary eyed every time I see his cute smile in this picture to the right. What a wonderful young man! You must be so proud of the fine young man he has become and what a marvelous job he did on his mission. We are behind you all the way!

    Love,

    The Weisenburger Family in Weston, Florida

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  4. Britten has been in our fervent prayers, especially as he underwent surgery. We know what a milestone this represents for his healing, and how challenging the first few post-op days can be. We are praying for the very specific things he needs at this time. We know these prayers are heard and answered by a kind and wise Heavenly Father. We pray that you will all be strengthened and comforted.

    Love,
    Trevor & Cherie Johnson

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  5. Just remember Britten, that every second that passes is one more second AWAY from the pain and suffering, and one more second TOWARD your healing and recovery. And day 4 or 5 is the worst!!! Then it's up from there! Be as positive as you can be- our family prays for you every night. You will recover. Love, Rachel Hill and Family

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  6. Thinking of you all tonight and praying for a better night & great tomorrow!
    All of our love,
    Matt & Kate

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  7. I just want you to know we love you all so dearly. It is so hard to think of all the pain Britten is in. Wish we could all take a bit of it away...We continue to pray...And I want you to know that you are very, very special people to have the strength each night to write on this blog. It is so unbelievable to me that you can share yourselves like this in the midst of such a trial. You truly bless all those who read and their families. Thank you for being our friends. We KNOW the Lord loves you and our sweet Britten.
    Jane Stoddard

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  8. We are still praying for you every day. Just keep smiling. It will get better. Kathy

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  9. Hello dear family, I just wanted to share the prayer and hope of a good recovery for Britten. Yes it is something to be worked and supported, the hard work for his recovery to a normal life, and yes it can easier with the Lord's help and how we can know in our heart that He is there with us if we really get Him into our hearts. So after another great challenge and effort to help Britten there is the power that can come from up high to give us strength and power during the challenging situations. I have seen in many situations where the trust and confidence in the Lord can make the difficult times of health, spirit and mental power. The trust in the Lord is best we can do, and with His help over come all the challenges. We keep on prayers and desire to bless you with that need, for your son and for him to return to his perfect health with gratitude for all he has been helped with!! love from us in Brazil!!

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