June 17, 2006 " And I pray that you..."

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:18-19

We have power together with all the saints but we have yet to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. We are constantly impressed and hold in awe the wonder of God Himself. It is too much to behold yet it is sufficient enough for our needs here on this earth. We are held in His loving care and know that as we have taken time to look back and see His hand holding us up throughout our entire life. But it is indeed very evident at this specific time. We continue to thank God for His faithfulness.

Today was a great day for Whitney. She had a good nights sleep after a couple of short nights due to her surgery. She and her sister Carly had a sister night last night giving Colleen and I our first night away. But we realized that we missed Whit so much that we couldn't wait to get back to her as soon as possible. She looked so beautiful when we opened the door and she smiled a 'good morning' to us.

She had a therapy session in the morning. Her left arm is becoming more and more flexible as time has gone by and today she tossed a ball with it, caught with it, and began to push off with it. Her knee that gave her such a difficult time the first night back, is now less painful. Today she had her first therapy with that as well...the range of movement is very, very good (at least to us).

Today was a special day for Whit as two very good friends from TU came by and brought her Chicago pizza. Brad and Matt showed up at lunch time and made Whitney's cheeks hurt from all the smiling and laughing. It was the therapy she needed after being so tired from all the medication she had to take. She is amazing with how her wit is so sharp even now.

We look forward to tomorrow with great anticipation. No one is more excited than Whit except possibly me. The steak, she can almost smell. The strawberries and ice cream, cause her a big satisfied smile even before she parttakes in them. I pray that the ride will not be too much for her and tires her out so that she can't enjoy the day out. But God has brought Whit this far, so tired or not it will be blessing for us all simply to be together.

Many of you have wondered about the past Mother's Day for Colleen. While it was a sad at that time, some very good friends of ours took us out to eat and we had a wonderful time. After youth group that Sunday night, Colleen had the opportunity to lead a young girl to Jesus Christ. We shared that with Carly on the phone who then said, "What a great Mother's Day present that Whitney has given you, Mom. Even from Heaven she has reached out to you." That was a very special present that made Colleen tear up and smile. Although sad at the time, what joy to know that God had used Whit's life to touch another.

God bless you all. And Happy Father's Day. To Don VanRyn and the Larsons, Smiths, Erbs, and the Felvers my prayers are with you as your children share in this day with you. What a blessing to know that Laua and her friends are safe in the arms of their Heavenly Father.

In Christ alone, Whit's dad