June 18, 2006 "Do not let your hearts be troubled."
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3
Today, in light of Father’s Day, I am reminded of our Heavenly Father. He loves us unconditionally. He loves us in spite of our short comings and our sins. His love surpasses all that we can understand. In that while we were still sinners and in need, He sent His only Son to die for us. What a tremendous display of love for His creation. Christ gave His life for us and will one day come back for us because He loves us so much. What a tremendous show of love for His children, those that love Him and have given their life to Him. I thank God for His love.
I am reveling in the day today. It has been a gorgeous day for Whitney. After a good nights sleep (another sister night) Whitney gobbled up her breakfast. After which we spent some very good time as a family in reading God’s word and praying. It was special to listen as Whit prayed for God to forgive her sin and then praying for those families that have suffered so in this event.
We headed to our friends for the afternoon,Colleen, Carly, Laisa (Sandra is at Spring Hill), and Whitney. We transferred Whit into the Suburban and she smiled as we drove down the road listening to Guster, one of her favorite singing groups. At our friends’ home we were greeted by their Black Lab, Kirby, who bumped her with his back end so she would scratch it. The smell of steak coming from the front porch was all we needed to head in and sit around the table. Whitney ate a nice big piece of steak and a helping of mashed potatoes. Then after the great meal, Whitney presented me with a cake that she made all herself. I was truly impressed with that and the card she personally made. I have to tell you what it said, it was so precious, so please indulge me.
Inside the card were these words: “Dad, Happy Father’s Day. I’m glad I got to see you again! Good thing I did, huh Dad? Isn’t my card better than Sandra’s and Carly’s? I think it is and I am not away this summer. I love you, Dad.
Love, Whitney.” Well, I have to tell you this dad’s heart swelled and my eyes filled with tears. I thank God for this time that He has given to me to spend with my girls Whitney, Carly and Sandra. God has blessed me in ways that are so hard to put into words. In spite of me He has blessed me and I am humbled in His presence.
We are praying for a good day tomorrow after such a busy, love filled time today. I pray you had a good day with your children as well. God bless.
In Christ alone, Whitney’s dad
Today, in light of Father’s Day, I am reminded of our Heavenly Father. He loves us unconditionally. He loves us in spite of our short comings and our sins. His love surpasses all that we can understand. In that while we were still sinners and in need, He sent His only Son to die for us. What a tremendous display of love for His creation. Christ gave His life for us and will one day come back for us because He loves us so much. What a tremendous show of love for His children, those that love Him and have given their life to Him. I thank God for His love.
I am reveling in the day today. It has been a gorgeous day for Whitney. After a good nights sleep (another sister night) Whitney gobbled up her breakfast. After which we spent some very good time as a family in reading God’s word and praying. It was special to listen as Whit prayed for God to forgive her sin and then praying for those families that have suffered so in this event.
We headed to our friends for the afternoon,Colleen, Carly, Laisa (Sandra is at Spring Hill), and Whitney. We transferred Whit into the Suburban and she smiled as we drove down the road listening to Guster, one of her favorite singing groups. At our friends’ home we were greeted by their Black Lab, Kirby, who bumped her with his back end so she would scratch it. The smell of steak coming from the front porch was all we needed to head in and sit around the table. Whitney ate a nice big piece of steak and a helping of mashed potatoes. Then after the great meal, Whitney presented me with a cake that she made all herself. I was truly impressed with that and the card she personally made. I have to tell you what it said, it was so precious, so please indulge me.
Inside the card were these words: “Dad, Happy Father’s Day. I’m glad I got to see you again! Good thing I did, huh Dad? Isn’t my card better than Sandra’s and Carly’s? I think it is and I am not away this summer. I love you, Dad.
Love, Whitney.” Well, I have to tell you this dad’s heart swelled and my eyes filled with tears. I thank God for this time that He has given to me to spend with my girls Whitney, Carly and Sandra. God has blessed me in ways that are so hard to put into words. In spite of me He has blessed me and I am humbled in His presence.
We are praying for a good day tomorrow after such a busy, love filled time today. I pray you had a good day with your children as well. God bless.
In Christ alone, Whitney’s dad
posted by ncerak | 7:08 PM
76 Comments:
I've been following this story for awhile, and it makes me so happy to hear that Whitney is doing better. I wish you all the best, and i'm glad you had a good Father's Day.
I hate to post something negative in light of all of the positive that has been seen on your site, but, am hoping that there are 2 different groups with the names of "Guster". I often check the blog with my children present, and after reading today's I did a Google search for GUSTER, and randomly chose a song to listen to from their audio selections. I was very disappointed to be subjected to the "f" word within the first couple of lines of the song. I feel that your testimony to our AWESOME GOD has been SO powerful, that I can't imagine that you would jeopardize it with the condoning of music with such lyrics.
Happy Father's Day Mr. Cerak! I am glad you had a wonderful day! May God continue to bless you all abundantly!
This blog made me cry...to think about what she wrote, and to think that 6 weeks or so ago you thought you had lost her. I am so happy for you all, that God has allowed you more time together. I'm praying for you Whitney!
Love, a sister in Christ
Newell, Happy Father's Day! What a special one for you and your family! I love you and Colleen for all you've invested in the lives of people like me. We pray for your family daily.
Kathryn Hess Purdy
"I’m glad I got to see you again!" and "I am not away this summer." that would bring even the toughest man to tears after what we've all be through.
blessed be the name of the Lord!!!
Ceraks,
Again your post has brought tears to my eyes, however they are happy tears!So happy that you guys had a great day and hope that there are many, many more to come! Hang in there Whit,we love and miss you and continue to pray for your complete recovery. Hope to see you all real soon. Take care, CYH(consider yourselves hugged!)
I have this image in my mind of two little girls several years ago on Fathers Day. Colleen you had bought Newell two new shirts and had the girls put them on and go wish their Dad Happy Fathers Day.
It sounds like you had a very Blessed Fathers Day Newell. We are so happy that you were able to spend it with all your girls.
You are in our prayers. Love Sandy and Tom
I am SOOOO glad that you guys had a great Fathers day!! I can't wait to see you all! I love you guys SOOO MUCH! I'm praying for you all and thinking about you constantly!
Whitney it is so great to hear you are doingso well, god has a specila purpose for you!! Happy Fathers Day Mr. Cerak and may you have many more!!
I think it is very legalistic to bring up Guster...Guster is simply a group that Whitney likes and their music is great! I am a strong Christian and believer in a very Almighty God...and like Guster
What a special day for you. I'm just curious what your situation is there... do you all stay at a temporary housing place all week? Do you go back and forth? How does that work?
Marci marci@ottcreative.com
Actually I believe her favorite artist is Eminem. Do a Google search on that.
To the person who stated they did not want to post something negative, next time don't you are very insensitive.
Happy Father's Day, Mr. Cerak. It sounds like you had a great one! I am happy to hear you all had a nice day together as a family. I continue to pray for you all daily.
"We always thank God for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, we continually remember before God your work produced by FAITH, your labor prompted by LOVE and ENDURANCE inspired by the HOPE in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3.
As I went through this chapter i thought of you guys. It has been amazing as a TU student and friend of Whit to be able to proclaim our GOD and Father to all those that ask me about the accident. Being from Taylor will forever change how people look at us and i have the PRIVILEDGE and HONOR to tell of your families faith, the faith of the other families and how AMAZING our God is!! I hope this is encouraging because it is the truth. O and tell Whitney we still will need her pitching skills for the softball team!!!
tears in the eyes! I'm so happy your day was so beautiful with Whitney today. And thanks for sharing part of Whitney's sense of humor by sharing what she wrote in the card. :-) Precious. I cannot believe the emotions you guys have been through.... and how AMAZING it would have felt to read the card from your daughter on your day.... even though you thought just a few weeks ago that you'd never see her on earth again. Wow. How amazing!
Happy Father's Day! :-D We love you guys!!!
It is so great to read of Whitneys progress and to hear she is doing better. She will have one amazing welcome back to school when she returns! God bless you Ceraks. You are in my constant thoughts and prayers.
-a Taylor student '08
The Cerak and VanRyn Families have been sources of incredible inspiration to all of us who know, have read or heard about them. I am pretty darn pleased just to count myself in the latter two categories. I've only read or heard about you all. Thanks to your friends who have been there for today and tomorrow.
Regarding the previous post from anonymous, who said that he or she "hate[d] to post something negative"-- Let's talk. I'm sorry you feel that way, but here's a tip: You might not "hate" to post negative thoughts if you didn't post them. Save us the grief of your assumed guilt. I know more people in this world who consider the "f" word to be FEELINGS than whatever other word that might be referenced. Do you have any idea how much more powerful that message is to people who use all kinds of words??
My mental snapshot of these wonderful families from a distance is that of humans. Humans with tremendous faith, hope, tenacity and resiliency. I was dismayed that anyone would presume to judge, or more precisely, pre-judge them. Alas, my heart is troubled by that anonymous judgment. Last time I checked, Christ had not retired, only to leave judgment up to a bunch of rookies like those of us still on earth.
To the Cerak Family and Whitney in particular: I have no idea who "Guster" is, and probably won't try to figure out who they are. But after reading your daily posts and those of the VanRyns, I don't have to listen to anyone else to know that my Labrador would love you all. 'Nuff said and then some. Take good care. J
I am so happy for you and Whitney and your family. God has blessed you that you can be together again on Father's day.
I pray most of all for the VanRyn family, and that the angels will surround them and keep them in God's care.
I don't think the anonymous who posted a concern about Guster was being insensitive or legalistic. A lost world is watching. It was a gentle, legitimate post. Doesn't the God who has done so much for this family and the rest of us deserve better, in terms of what we listen to, how we spend our time?
Hi - I don't know any of you people out there, but I have been following this story for quite awhile. I even bought People magazine (which I never buy) just to get a bit more information. I was very disappointed about the negative comments about some group Whitney listens to. This obviously got lots of people, including me, on the defense. Let's not soil this blog with that sort of behavior. These are truly wonderful role models... From what I have read, Whitney can certainly make up her own mind about lyrics of a song and their meaning. She sounds like the perfect daughter... one that anyone would love to treasure. Lighten up, enjoy this blog and revel in the beauty of the world. The Ceraks certainly do.
From a Canadian who cares....
Yay!!!!! I am praying for another great day today! I cried (no huge shock there, I know) when I read this; I can't put into words how much I am rejoicing with all of you in this.
Love from your nine-fingered friend and her family :)
We are so happy to hear that you and your family had a great Sunday. I am addicted to reading the blog every morning. I don't know Whitney but I feel like I do after following the weeks posts. Have a great Monday Whit. We are thinking about you daily.
-The Lange's
My thoughts & prayers were with you and all of the dads on Father's Day. I'm sure it was a bittersweet day - joy tempered with sorrow.
We pray often for you and Whitney; our son Kyle is also a returning sophomore and sings with the Chorale & hopes to play in the chapel band this year.
May God's grace be poured on all of you this week in wonderful ways.
May God cleanse all your hearts and stop this ranting about who listens to what, and so on and so forth. This is just a site to update us on her condition. Not a place for everyone to voice their opinions. I have been amazed at the numerous blog sites and other sites that are quoting this blog. Let this nonsense stop today. Read, pray and be thankful for a life saved. Keep your comments to yourselves!
May God cleanse all your hearts and stop this ranting about who listens to what, and so on and so forth. This is just a site to update us on her condition. Not a place for everyone to voice their opinions. I have been amazed at the numerous blog sites and other sites that are quoting this blog. Let this nonsense stop today. Read, pray and be thankful for a life saved. Keep your comments to yourselves!
God bless you Cerak family!! You ARE a positive influence in a negative world!!
Thanks for your daily updates. You have captured the attention of millions. I'm one of them.
What a precious card and precious gift of love. I am sure that this will be the best Father's Day ever for you! What a blessing and praise it is that Whitney was able to go out and enjoy this day with you! I so love to read this journal, as Whitney has become a sort of role model to me, even if she is younger than me. You are always in my thoughts and prayers!
Deni
Let him who is without sin cast the first stone. The last perfect person to walk this earth was Jesus Christ. That's why every one of us so desperately needs to look to Him (and not man) to save us since we are incapable of freeing ourselves from this sinful nature and must humbly admit that. Give the girl a break, she's 19. We're all human and trying to work out our own salvation as the bible instructs. Man looks on the outward but God, He looks at the heart.
Glad to hear you all had a wonderful day together and Whitney wasn't too tired to enjoy herself!! I imagine she'll be catching up on sleep today if she can. Praying for her continuously! I pray for Carly also that she will feel the presence of God in all of this and not find herself lost in the shuffle. She is of such value to Christ and a testimony of His love to the world. Lord continue to bless your family with His unfailing grace and tender mercy.
Whit's favorite musical artist is 50 Cent. Especially his song, "Gotta Make It to Heaven". The lyrics are amazing, and words we should all hide in our hearts.
Whit, I just thought of you in many ways, from reading this blog of course but also I'm watching The Price is Right, right now. I never knew you liked that show just as much as me until the accident, when someone told me you went there live. I was very jelious! You should watch an episode sooner or later maybe that would make you feel better as well:).
The only words we should be hiding in our heart is the word of God. :)
I pray for rest...physical and emotional for all of you. Rest in God's hands!
Thank you for keeping us updated. I know that being in the public eye is an extra strain...please find the rest that you all need and hold tightly to God as a family. You are amazing and have touched so many lives. Please take care of each of you. You all know what you need, for mental and physical health....it is ok to take care of yourselves too... God is in Control! Praise God for his many blessings and for his strength and for rest and peace to all that ask.
Happy Father's Day Newell (albeit a day late)!!!
Way to go Whitney! That was a great card. How was your steak? I'm so proud of you girl. You are healing physically, growing spiritually, and LIVING God's love and power. Blessings, love & prayers!
Dear Ceraks...May God continue to bless and encourage you daily. Please do not let negative remarks discourage you from continuing this blog. You are showing the world what walking with Jesus is all about. We (those of us who know you only through this blog page) do not want to lose our connection with you. We love you and pray for you and so love reading about Whitney's progress and your constant faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. May God hold you tight today!
PRAISE JESUS!
ps I love Guster too
God Bless you Whitney and your family. I have a daughter who is not much older than you and she was given 6 months to live (due to a rare brain tumor), and that was over three years ago, I know how God works in our lives and the Blessings he gives us.
God Bless you Whitney and your family. I have a daughter who is not much older than you and she was given 6 months to live (due to a rare brain tumor), and that was over three years ago, I know how God works in our lives and the Blessings He gives us.
Today Morgan and i went out for lunch and read the "People" article about Whitney and Laura. We would just like to say that we miss you all and that the pictures of the family and of Whitney and Matt are extrememly cute.
Love, Tara & Morgan
Dear Cerak Family,
Continued prayers for Whitney's recovery and strength for your family. You all are a wonderful example of Christ's presence in this world. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. I'm just sorry that some feel the need to be critical. We live in the Indianapolis area and have been following the events of this tragic story. We continue to pray for the other families involved in the accident(as well as the driver who caused it).
I have been following your story since I first saw it on AOL news. I bought the People magazine and now I'm visiting your site almost daily. I love your website and the updates are so inspirational. What a wonderful family you are. And what an amazing Christian influence you are to all of the people coming to the website just to read a story.
just wanted you all to know i'm praying for you. who knew a silly music reference would spark so many comments. praise be to god for all he has done and continues to do through your family. thanks for loving on us as a community through your blog and sharing your lives. i actually enjoyed knowing what cd whit wanted to hear... it is so so so good that she finally gets to resume doing some things that make her who she is and listening and watching things she likes! it is such a good sign that she can check out for a weekend! god bless you.
Dear sweet Whitney,
So you DID have a coloring contest of sorts! I'm proud of you. Of course yours would be better than 'you know who's'...like she could color...ha! I loved hearing your voice on Friday. I cried, but tears of joy felt so good. I love you, Whit! mm
I wish I could explain how much you are bringing to people by posting this blog. Of course everyone is thrilled to read the progress of Whitney as she improves everyday but you give us more than even that. I am not as educated in the Word of God as I should be and I am sometimes even uncomfortable around people discussing God and religious beliefs but your words of gratefulness and love in your praise of Jesus in relating to your daily lives and your family is very inspiring. It has a very powerful impact on me. Thank you for that.
Careful
Artist: Guster
And you walked out when I asked you to stay
As usual you will get your way
You closed the door and shuffled down to the street
Where you wring your hands
and drag your feet
Where the words can't find you
To crawl inside you
I'm ringing all the warning bells
Careful or you'll hurt yourself
Others lie, lie, lie, they adore you
I'll be the one to tell you
Careful or you'll hurt yourself
Gonna try, try, try till the morning comes
But you can't hide standing under these stars
They know everything, they know where you are
You're in your head, you're all turned around with it
And they're shining down their light to bring you back again
Back where I can find you
To crawl inside you
I'm ringing all the warning bells
Careful or you'll hurt yourself
Others lie, lie, lie, they adore you
I'll be the one to tell you
Careful or you'll hurt yourself
Gonna try, try, try till the morning comes
All you want to see is make believe it's nothin
but way down underneath
I'm ringing all the warning bells
Careful you don't hurt yourself
Others lie, lie, lie, they adore you
I'll be the one to tell you
Careful or you'll hurt yourself
Gonna try, try, try till the morning comes
Artist: Guster
Album: Ganging Up On The Sun (2006)
Song: Hang On
Country: USA
Hang On
Here we are outside a novel
Waiting for an end
We don't know the others of the book
Maybe someone's writing chapters
For us while we sleep
From a million miles away
Stuck without a captain or a chart
No one seems to know just who to follow anymore
Hang on
Hang on
There's a twilight
A nighttime and a dawn
Who knows
How long
So hang on
Hang on
So we fall inside a forest
Doesn't make a sound
Doesn't seem there's anyone around
Days are long but carry on
We still don't understand
We're a million miles away
Stuck without a captain or a chart
No one seems to know just who to follow anymore
Hang on
Hang on
There's a twilight
A nighttime and a dawn
Who knows
How long
So hang on
Hang on
Hang on
Hang on
When all is shattered
When all your hope is gone
Who knows
How long
There is a twilight
A nighttime and a dawn
Be brave
Be proud
Hold my hand
Pretend
When your hope is gone
So hang on
Hang on
Happy Fathers Day Mr. Cerak. I'd like to say how sorry i am to the VanRyn family for the loss of Laura. I have followed this story from the start and have prayed that your daughter will get better. I think with everyone looking after Whit that things will turn out to be good for your family and her. Keep up the good work on getting better. Just believe that God has a purpose for you to be on this earth now and when your better you'll know what that will be. God bless you and your family
What a wonderful impact all of this has had on so many people. I pray that your words will continue to imspire others to come and know our wonderful and loving God. He has blessed us with so many gifts....so many that there would never be enough time on this earth to list them all. One of those many gifts is the country we live in.....the great USA. In the USA we have been blessed with freedom of speech which I believe that is what that individual was doing when they brought up the whole Guster thing. Although, I have never heard of the band, I don't feel it is necessary to inspect or review what others listen to. This person in my opinion was just giving their 2 cents worth. Perhaps it would have been one of those things they could have addressed to the Ceraks in a more private way rather then posting it to the blog where literaly millions are reading it. I do believe we will be held accountable for our actions so who are we to judge others. I personally do not want to be standing in front of the Lord and having Him asking me....."why were you doing my job?" In light of everything that has happened to Whitney and her family, isn't it just possible that the fact she is now expressing things she wants to do (like listening to some favorite band of hers) shows great progress on her part? Shouldn't we be concentrating on the positives and less on negativity? God Bless this family for all they are going through. Colleen.....can't wait to see you again! Take care Ceraks....lots are praying for you. I am one of them.
Dear Newell, Colleen and Carly,
As part of your "blog family", I want to thank you for the updates on Whitney, the Word you are so faithful to spread and the personal bits of your lives that you share with us. It is a great privilege for us to be a part of your lives and we urge you to continue. My daughter is a friend of Whitney's from TU and today, as she traveled to Colorado, called me as soon as she could, to get the update on how your Father's Day together went. We continue to lift up your family and the others involved to the Great Physician and Comforter many times each day!! With our love from St. Louis!!
Goodmorning,Newell,Colleen,Carly and Whit
I am so glad to hear that you were able to go out for fathers day.
Before you know it Whit you will be home. Keep on doing your PT. Pat is home now. Call anytime if you need anything. Grand Rapids is not far away. Heather worked Gus Macker this weekend and when there was a problem she used Whitneys saying from last year "Just play ball!" You all are in our daily prayers. We love you all. The Ronans
Dearest Cerak family,
I do not know any of you personally but felt the need to respond today for the first time. Our family has been praying for Whitney's recovery from day 1 of the accident. We continue to ask God to strengthen all of you. Thank you for your faithfulness to our Lord and Savior. Many of today's comments have sort of gotten us off track on what the purpose of this blog is for. I, along with so many others, have appreciated all the details that you have so graciously shared--not having to share anything but by doing so you have allowed us to be a part of Whitney's life. As I have read the updates over the past weeks, never once have I sensed that we were to follow in the footsteps of the Cerak family. We have been faithfully encouraged to follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. All of us who are Christians are on this road together. It is not alway easy. Let us encourage one another in love. Let us continue as one body in Christ to pray for Whitney, Mr. and Mrs. Cerak, Carly and Sandra.
Love,
A fellow believer
'God is good. All the time. All the time, God is good.' Just a few great lines that are worth saying over and over. Thanks for sharing Whitney's progress.
Like everyone else, I read the blog every day anxious to hear the latest from Whit. I never knew 23 years ago how lucky or blessed I would be when I took the name of Cerak. Each day is proof of how fortunate I am and thankful to have you all in my life. We love you Whit and look forward to seeing you all. Hugs and Kisses to everyone.
"I feel that your testimony to our AWESOME GOD has been SO powerful, that I can't imagine that you would jeopardize it with the condoning of music with such lyrics."
I was always a fan of Saint Paul, until I heard he had a thorn in his flesh.
If this blog were being read by Christians only, I could stomach this thread. But I find this a bad time and place to start throwing stones.
The Ceraks, I'm sure, will respond correctly in not wanting to become a stumbling block to you.
I, however, find your public display of righteousness far from helpful in advancing the Kingdom.
But that's just me - and maybe Matthew 18:15.
Despite one person's reply today, I usually enjoy reading others responses as well. I especially love the reply from the girl that Colleen help lead to the Lord and there was many others that have accepted Christ or renewed there faith in Christ. How awesome!!!!! It is a privilege and a joy that the Cerak's are letting us share in their daily journey for a moment. Let us not forget that. I hope members of Guster do read whitney's blog and investigate the Jesus we know (if some of them don't already.) Praying for many people, christian and non-christian is a great concept. Thank you again Cerak family, keep impacting the world for Christ.
I hope so very much that the Cerak's can delete any negative posts! I also hope they do not let that Devil stop them from continuing to update on this blog! Gods work is so clearly being spread here. BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD :)
I, too, have not heard of Guster but I would like us all to remember this blog is not a battle field and we are here to get updates on Whitney's amazing journey and feel GOD's amazing grace. Hope you guys had a great day and I LOVED the text in the card!
Emily in Ohio
I as well as many, have been following Whitney's story for weeks and am so touched with her recovery. Just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers with your family!
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Adding the pressure of the judgements of strangers while Whitney recovers in the spotlight is probally NOT productive to this poor TEENAGER'S recovery. She is clearly a God-fearing young girl that GOD has chosen to keep here on this Earth for a time longer. PRAISE GOD for that! Pray for Whitney and her family as she not only has a long road of physical recovery ahead, but thanks to mis-guided "anonymous" strangers, she apparently needs to some how travel BACK through time and pick a different favorite musical group because sometime in her future she will be become the new poster child for christian perfection! Alot to expect of a healthy teenager to make ALL the right choices, let alone one trying to recover from all of this. PRAISE GOD she even REMEMBERS her favorite group. Thank you Ceraks for your generosity in sharing the recovery of your daughter with the world! As with anything else, don't let the few misguided speak for the rest of us Christians out here! Thank you and you and your family are in our DAILY prayers!
This piddly bickering about non-issues is exactly what the world hates about Christians. Look at the big picture and lets get the plank out of our eyes. Give God the glory, great things He hath done.
And tomorrow is a new day, a fresh start! Praise be to God!!
GOD BLESS YOU!
Your blog has become a ministry to people all over the world. Thank you for that.
Elkhart, IN
I bet cake has never tasted so good!! What a special Father's Day for you and your family Newell. What a gift from God this day was. Reminds me of a song by Fernando Ortega:
This good day
It is a gift from You.
The world is turning in its place
because You made it to.
I lift my voice
To sing a song of praise
On this good day!
Rejoicing with you today and thanking God for Whitney's progress and returning memory.
Ceraks!! God is being glorified through your faith and example you are setting for thousands of people. Keep pressing on!! You have thousands more who are on your team fighting alongside you with the angels and we are all stomping on the devil together in Christ!! We are praying for you! Keep up the good fight!
I'm glad you had a good daddy's day. I love you all and never stop praying for you. God is good. Love ya- and I can't wait to see whit!!!
Just wanted to say something short and sweet to all of you: This is not a forum to debate the validity of someone's music preferences. If you want to debate this, please start your own blog!
Emily from Ohio
Newell, Colleen, Carley, Whitney, Sandra and Matt, while praying for you this scripture from 2Chronicles (20:17) came to mind.
"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you... Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "
How awesome that we can rest in His love and the understanding that the battle belongs to the Lord and He is with us... He will go before you. His light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then His righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard! (Isaiah 58)
For Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 1Corinthians 4:10
Much love and big hugs!
To the person who blogged expressing disappointment about the fact that whitney likes Guster; PLEASE! Anyone following Whitney's progress can clearly see that she, through Christ, can overcome great difficulties, and uses discernment wisely, including not being influenced by occasional poor vocabulary of the world. Your disappointment in such a trivial matter, compared to what Whitney and her family have had, and still have to overcome, is irrelevant and uncalled for. We can only protect our children for so long; the main thing is, that when they reach adulthood, we have taught them to stand strong and remain true to God in a world of sin. Whitney is a fine example of that kind of upbringing. She is Christ's child, and although she "May be of the world, the world is not in her." Most of Guster's music is fine- just because she likes the group doesn't mean she agrees with ALL of it, and obviously she is mature enough to realize the difference.
I wasn't going to post a comment but I was reading my devotions tonight and came across these verses and thought they were appropriate for the person who commented negatively about Whitney's favorite group. Here they are: Romans 14:2-4 "One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand."
I just felt I needed to share that since I know the Ceraks personally. So, glad you all had a great Father's Day. You are continually in my prayers. Love,
Sue Jackson
Hi Cerak family,
This is the Malecki family again. You are in our constant thoughts and prayers. We loved the picture of you in People Magazine!
Whitney's progress sounds amazing! Your strength and faith is a wonderful testimony to everyone around you.
Your friends from New Jersey,
The Malecki's
for all throwing the grace card.
I think Matthew 18:6 sums that up nicely "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."
Thanks, family for your uplifting updates.
I have also been one of the lucky "kid's" to have been reading the progress of Whitney's recovery..a miracle in itself. I don't read all of the posts made by others, but I did catch one today by "anonymous". I have always been taught to not judge others.. in what seems to be the most awesome time in this family's life..being able to overcome in some ways a tragedy, I think Whitney's ability to even listen to her favorite band is awesome.. Cerak's - I love music.. and not all people are perfect. God is our judge, God is our Father..We should respect eachother.. and who know's, maybe she didn't realize there were "F" words in there.. but for me F means..FANTASTIC WHITNEY!! You're an awesome inspiration to a 22 year old girl who had no hope 3 years ago..but has tons of hope today..if I can acheieve -- you can too!
With all of God's love..
As part of the Taylor family I am continually reading your blog. I am praying for your family and the others involved.
In our prayers!
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