June 30, 2006 "Now have come the salvation..."
"Now have come the salvation and the power the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser (Satan) of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Revelations 12:10-11 NIV
Praise God for His saving salvation!! As we sit with Whitney and talked, she has mentioned on several occasions her concern for people to know Christ as Savior and Lord. Christ intervenes on our behalf before God the Father each and everyday. Satan has no power over us anymore because death can not keep us from the love of God. If we know Christ as our personal Savior and Lord then we do not shrink from death. We do not love our lives here on this earth so much that we do not look forward to the day when we are with Him. Even though we have this time with Whitney here on this earth our eyes are still on Heaven and God's glory. What a day that will be!! Our meeting those who have gone on before us to Heaven. That is the hope we hold to. That is going to be one fine reunion! God be praised!!!
I just want to let you know that Whitney is responding well to her new digs. Hope Network - Sojourners - is somewhat like a dorm setting. She and her sister are roommates of sorts and it is what Whit needs at this time! We again thank God for places like Hope! She is becoming more and more independant...still a long way to go...but the progress is still on the up slope.
Her first full day was a long day and it tired her out. She started early (for her) in the morning, around 8:30am and was in therapy till about 4:30pm. She is such a hard worker but she finally had to say "uncle". lol She was able to hop with her walker over 100' in the morning and combined 162' in the afternoon. She so wants that needle to the belly to stop soon as possible. She enjoyed lunch out today with two of her therapists...had an omlett (?) and a cinammon role.
She moves about easier than ever...getting in and out of bed; going to the bathroom; going to the kitchen and her therapies on her own. She is really becoming the independant lady that we knew from before...still a ways to go though. Two of our very close friends came by to visit and brought strawberry shortcake. Whit loved that and ate very well. Then she went to sleep a little earlier and slept like a log.
She is improving greatly for which we continue to praise God! She has a way to go, however, in getting her brain to function as before, but the therapies have been awesome and it is such a joy to see her growth from week to week and day to day. She would say that she hasnt made that much improvement but when she got to see the differences in her writing she was amazed that it was she that wrote that scribble before. Please continue to pray for her healing. We thank God for all the prayers on her behalf.
We also thank God for the prayers being offered daily on all the other's behalf as well. We want you also to know that we pray for those who ask for prayer in their comments too. We are amazed at what God can do...we probably shouldnt be amazed but we ARE!
In Christ alone, Whitney's dad
Praise God for His saving salvation!! As we sit with Whitney and talked, she has mentioned on several occasions her concern for people to know Christ as Savior and Lord. Christ intervenes on our behalf before God the Father each and everyday. Satan has no power over us anymore because death can not keep us from the love of God. If we know Christ as our personal Savior and Lord then we do not shrink from death. We do not love our lives here on this earth so much that we do not look forward to the day when we are with Him. Even though we have this time with Whitney here on this earth our eyes are still on Heaven and God's glory. What a day that will be!! Our meeting those who have gone on before us to Heaven. That is the hope we hold to. That is going to be one fine reunion! God be praised!!!
I just want to let you know that Whitney is responding well to her new digs. Hope Network - Sojourners - is somewhat like a dorm setting. She and her sister are roommates of sorts and it is what Whit needs at this time! We again thank God for places like Hope! She is becoming more and more independant...still a long way to go...but the progress is still on the up slope.
Her first full day was a long day and it tired her out. She started early (for her) in the morning, around 8:30am and was in therapy till about 4:30pm. She is such a hard worker but she finally had to say "uncle". lol She was able to hop with her walker over 100' in the morning and combined 162' in the afternoon. She so wants that needle to the belly to stop soon as possible. She enjoyed lunch out today with two of her therapists...had an omlett (?) and a cinammon role.
She moves about easier than ever...getting in and out of bed; going to the bathroom; going to the kitchen and her therapies on her own. She is really becoming the independant lady that we knew from before...still a ways to go though. Two of our very close friends came by to visit and brought strawberry shortcake. Whit loved that and ate very well. Then she went to sleep a little earlier and slept like a log.
She is improving greatly for which we continue to praise God! She has a way to go, however, in getting her brain to function as before, but the therapies have been awesome and it is such a joy to see her growth from week to week and day to day. She would say that she hasnt made that much improvement but when she got to see the differences in her writing she was amazed that it was she that wrote that scribble before. Please continue to pray for her healing. We thank God for all the prayers on her behalf.
We also thank God for the prayers being offered daily on all the other's behalf as well. We want you also to know that we pray for those who ask for prayer in their comments too. We are amazed at what God can do...we probably shouldnt be amazed but we ARE!
In Christ alone, Whitney's dad
posted by ncerak | 8:51 AM
61 Comments:
Since there is only one nasty post, and I have never posted a comment but, read up on Whitney's progress every day, I want to tell you to ignore the attention seeking comment that disgusting person made. You are a very strong and corageous person. I admire you and your family for the strength you have shown through all of this. I don't know that I would be able to keep my faith like you have if I were in the same situation. God Bless you all!
Praise the Lord, Ceraks! Your testimony may never be fully realized until Glory but be certain that God is using your lives to reach thousands. Our prayers are with you as Whit's recovering!
Thank you so much for the updates and being willing to share your family's story. It has touched many. May Whitney continue to strengthen both physically and spiritually! God bless.
P.S. The nasty comment was likely spam. To prevent unwanted spam comments, you may want to consider going into the blogger system, selecting "settings," then "comments," then turning on word verification. Anybody can still leave comments, but they will need to first type in some characters.
Hi again. We're so glad that things continue to move in such a positive direction for all of you. I just have to let you know that Wyndham has been in rehab and therapy programs through Hope Network at a facility near our home since we left Gaylord last spring. She has made some amazing strides- in all areas- and we couldn't be more pleased with all the people who have helped her along, and been such a great support to our family. You are in good hands. And if Whitney "works out" with either Penny Richards or Kristi Hopper, tell them "hello" from Wyndham. They would love it! We will continue to pray daily for you. The road is long and slow at times, but you are not alone. We praise God for the strength of your faith and the testimony you all can be of His glory and grace. Have a good weekend. Much care from all our family~
Way to go Whitney!!!!!!
It's amazing how much progress you have made, truly a blessing!
What an amazing real life story and an amazing young lady, keep up the good work!!!
Praying for you in New Jersey.
Thank you Cerak family for taking time out and continuing to post daily--it is such a joy to 'see' the progress your daughter is making!! Whitney and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. I've never met Whitney, but Colleen & Newell were my youth group leaders in Upland, and I thank God for their willingness to be used by the Lord and the impact you made on my life. Your love and support for Whitney (along with God's) is the best therapy and medicine! I look forward to rejoicing on the day when you blog that you've changed your address again and you're back 'home'.
I have been reading for a while and today's entry hit home for me. A close member of my famile passed away yesterday and you have reminded me that I will see him again! Because I believe the Lord is my savior who died for me, I will see him again. Thank you for reminding me of that.
I am a Christian college Admission Counselor in California. I was first alerted to the terrible TU accident by NACCAP - an organization for Christian Admission Professionals - asking us to pray. I went on TU's website and my heart was broken as I looked at the pictures (Witney's included) of the students who had died. My eyes were specifically drawn to Whitney's face - I graduated from a Christian university just this year and Whitney reminded me of someone I would have been friends with. You could not believe my shock when I saw on the news just recently about the terrible mix-up. I have been reading this blog ever since and the testimony that the Cerak's are giving to the world is amazing. Whitney, I don't know why this happened to you...but I want you to know that what Satan meant for evil God will use for good. A month ago most of the world never even knew you existed. Now...who knows how many people have been touched and changed and perhaps began to seek Christ because of your and your families testimony. Thank you, thank you, thank you for shareing this difficult time with the world and working to glorify God and His awesome power in this situation. I have been encouraged...and will continue to pray for the Cerak and VanRyn families daily.
~ Lydia in California
It is very sad that someone would leave such terrible comments...they need the Lord so I will pray for them...and the rest of us will just overlook their yukky comments...we should feel very sorry for them..
Wow.
As a Taylor Grad (a long while back), I've been reading your blog on a regular basis. What a wonderful testimony to the power of our God.
Now, from some of the comments being left, it seems we all have another opportunity to see God's power at work. Those who mocked our Lord as he died were loved by Him just the same. I will be adding these people to my prayers. When God's people pray, amazing things happen, and its a sure bet that an outpooring of love is not what some expect. Even so, it is all they will get from me.
love you whit!! i'm prayin for you every day!! i wake up every morning and read about all you accomplished the day before.. it's AWESOME. its so exciting to see all the progress you are making, and all the strenght you are re-gaining. it was soo good to see you in june, i'm so glad i got to visit and sneak back into your room:) keep it up girl... you're such a trooper:)
-Malee
I wondered how long it might take for someone to try to ruin this blog and i pray it doesnt work.
Is there any way to stop that guy from posting? He's disgusting and wanting nothing but attention.
Dear Cerek Family,
I eagerly await my lunch hour each day so that I can check this site to see the progress that Whitney has made. This has been most amazing and inspirational! Sometimes when I am having a bad day and grousing about my own trivial problems, I imagine Whitney, whom I have never met, working hard in therapy and I immediately begin looking at my world differently. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story with all of us. This blog spreads hope, faith and God's love to so many people, near and far.
I am not a Christian. I do, however, have a strong faith in God and I will continue to pray for all of the families affected by this accident. Please know that no matter how many nasty, inappropriate comments are posted here, the unselfishness and spirit that the VanRyn's and the Cerek’s have exuded is the message that will travel a lot farther. God Bless you all.
Jill in Indiana
love you all
In Phx and praying for all
It is my initial instinct to be extremely angry and unforgiving of the person that is trying to distract from the beauty and message of this page. But it is obvious that this person is calling out for attention. There must be some reason that his/her comments are so angry and hateful. I feel that this person has been lead to this site so that those of us with God in our hearts may pray for for him/her. I hope some of you will join me.
You bring glory to God's holy name. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers daily. Praying for you all to be home soon.
Friends from church
Yes,I will join you in praying for the guy who left the crude comments. I agree that he must have found his way here so that we could pray for him.
Go, Whitney, Go!
Newell, thank you for posting so dilligently. It is always a pleasure to read the latest update!
And to the families of Brad, Bestsy, Monica, Laurel, and Laura: Please know that you are being lifted up in prayer, and that you are thought of each time this blog is read.
Chicago
Please let us try to ignore the crude ugly comments by someone who obiviously needs the Lord.....do not let it stop us from praying and enjoying these comments.
What comments are we talking about? Am I missing something?
Never mind.. just saw the comments. ugh. This person(s) need Jesus and we need to pray for them. This is just a reminder to those of us who have been fortunate enough to have found Christ that their is a hurting/blind world that desperately needs Him. Lord forgive, for they know not what they do or whom they mock.
make that "there" ha!
I'm reminded of the scripture that tells us our battle is NOT against flesh and blood but against principalities of this dark world. Put on the whole armor of God so you might be ready to take your stand against the darts of the evil one. This battle belongs to the Lord. Feels awesome to be on the winning side!! Amen?!!!
Thank you Cerak's for faithfully updating us on Whitney's progress. Keeping you all in my prayers.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:11-12
Cerak family,
Your comments today brought this quote to mind, "The trials we experience wean us from excessive love of this present life." We do, as believers in the Lord Jesus, long to be present with Him. There will be no recovery, no therapy, only completeness and sweet reunions. How blessed you are as a family to share this same hope. May God continue to strengthen Whitney in her new surroundings, as she takes one more step toward going home. What a go-getter she proves herself to be. Our prayers are with you all.
P.S. Your family picture in People magazine was great!! :-)
I am praying for Whitney's continued recovery. One day at a time must be a pace that she is not used to :) She sounds like a very motivated and determined young woman. I will pray for her to have patience with herself.
It's omelett Newell. :) I'm thinking and praying about you guys, and I really enjoy reading Whit's progress on here. Thanks for keeping me informed! Love you!!
Holly
What a blessing to have your sister for a room mate.. Keep up the good work Whitney. We love you and pray daily for your complete recovery!
The mom of a Taylor grad in MI.
It is unfortunate that we can't live in a *perfect* world where there is not such condemnation. Part of being a Christian is to stand strong under persecution. One person thinks he can shut down something so wonderful by ugly comments. I think that it just gives us another precious someone to pray for.
You're an inspiration to not only me, but everyone who knows of you. I am so proud of how well you are overcoming all of this. Continue to feel better! Love you, and miss you.
Julie
Praise God for your testimony and people that you are bringing to Christ!! I am amazed daily by the way God uses each and every one of us in His own way. Whitney, you can't even begin to comprehend the lives you have touched.
I continue to pray for you daily. My sister was in an accident several years ago and had some problem similar to yours. She is doing great now. Keep up the good work!!
Blessed be the name of Jesus!!
As I think of you all today, I am reminded of Paul's words in Philippians 3:7-11, as I believe they portray your lives & desires as well:
"But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I many gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowhip of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."
Isn't it profound to think that when you suffer for the cause of Christ as you hold forth His Name, that you are joining Him in the fellowship of His sufferings? Oh that we would all KNOW Christ, as Paul desired with such passion, through the power of His resurrection and fellowship of His sufferings.
One other thing about you that blesses me... in a world where people want to exalt themselves or be prideful and impress others, you instead want to reflect and glorify God, to please Him, to be fascinated by Him, to consider your relationship with Him more vital than anything else. You are showing us how that is lived out in such a humble way that makes us want to know Christ more, too. Thank you.
Dear Ceraks,
It is with great joy that we read of the progress that Whitney is making. We were not able to get on the Blog for a few days, so it is just amazing to see what has taken place. We praise God that so many folks have adopted Whit and the family and are walking along with you all each step of the way.
Your journey as a family is being observed by perhaps millions of people around the world. Each time you put something on the blog, someone - somewhere is being confronted with the unconditional love of God.
Only eternity will reveal how huge
your testimony as a family has been. In the meantime, keep looking up and pressing on!
The future is as bright as the promises of God!
Joyfully,
Jim & Edna
This is my first post on your site, thanks to the sad person with the nasty blog. I am going to pray for wobblingscruffbag. Let's all turn what Satan is trying to accomplish through this person into something for the glory of Christ!
Ceraks, please continue to witness via this blog! Your blog may very well be the only way to reach persons such as wobblingscruffbag and others like him/her. I think we can all agree that this person needs our earnest prayer on his/her behalf. Show them love and let God do the rest.
Again I am amazed at your daughter's progress! I will continue to keep her, all of you, her therapists, her doctors, and the other families involved in this "tragicle" (tragedy/miracle) in my daily thoughts and prayers.
What a blessing you & the VanRyns have been to those who surround you and to those of us who view your blog. Thank you.
This is my first time writing, but after your message of salvation, I had to. I feel Whitney has the potential to reach many lives with her story. I feel you and your wife can reach so many lives with how you devote your life to God. I want to love God the way you love God.
still faithfully praying. Hope you have a great day tomorrow, Ceraks ;-) I'm tempted to come meet Whitney this weekend. I'll send my love with Alysha and Aaron (I heard that you talked with her about me. :-) Neat). Anyway, I'll pray for a safe trip and a good, relaxing time of fellowship. God is good! God bless you :-)
I think of your family often and finally found your blog online tonight. I have a copy of People magazine with the article, and I look at it and pray for Whitney and your family.
It is such a blessing that you are able to share your faith in such a powerful way. We will continue to pray for you all!
That wasn't a "NASTY COMMENT !! It was "VULGAR" to say the least.
That person needs to know the love and forgivness of Christ. Poor Soul ):
I have never posted befor, but have been deeply moved by the events that have transpired, I wept with joy at your recieving your beloved daughter back from the dead, and wept with sorrow for the VanRyn's. Even so what joy is Laura's to be in the presence of Christ and to have put on IMMORTALITY. I ponder what that is like. And if the creation is so awesome what must our Heavenly dwelling place be.
That was not a "nasty comment" it was vulgar so say the least. That person desperatly needs to come to know the love and forgivness of Christ. poor soul ):
I have never posted before. However, I have been deeply moved by the events that have transpired and inspired by the steadfast faith of the families involved. I wept with joy at your recieving your beloved daughter back from the dead, and wept with heart ach and sorrow for the VanRyns. Yet what unspeakable joy we know is Laura's as she is in the presence of Christ and has put on immortality. If the creation is so beautiful what must our heavenly dwelling be!!
God Bless
Of Course Satan had to step in. Would this blog be of God and his testimony if he didn't? Satan is always in the midst of good and peace... because he just cannot stand it! He wants to destroy it. Praise God he can't! No matter how hard he may try. The Cerak's will not allow this to stop them as they are already aware this is what he wants from them. Cerak's please do not even acknowledge the comments of ignorance when you update the rest of us. You would be given Satan recognition! Obviously this person is reading and hearing the word and the work of Jesus Christ! Praise be to God. For the rest of us... how about if we stop commenting on the evil that stepped in and tried to destroy. We are giving him too much attention as well.
-For they know not what they do.
Keep up the good work Whitney! You'll be snuggled up in your very own bed before you know it!!!
XO Chicago
If I remember right from a previous blog on blogger.com, there is a feature which requires the blog author, or administrator (in this case the Ceraks) to approve comments (which are saved until they do so), before they are actually posted for public viewing on the WWW. If not approved first, they can be deleted and never be posted, so that comments such as the ones from the "babbling scumbag" don't have to mar this blog about Whitney's progress.
Yes enough said about the satanic filth.
WAY TO GO GIRL!!
God Bless You Sweety
Dear Cerak Family,
I went to a small Christian college and felt pain when I first read about the accident. The ensuing news stories and the mix up led me to the Van Ryn's blog and then on to yours. Please know there are thousands of us out here who are keeping your family in prayer.
Nothing about this ordeal is easy, but God has and is working through the details and touching many lives. Thank you for taking us along your journey.
I pray for Whitney. And for all of you. I am an occupational therapist, and have followed this blog. You are of unbelievable faith. Take care, and know that there are many out here rooting for Whitney.
Ceraks,
You may consider 'removing' posted blogs on this site that are inappropriate. I believe you have that ability, but may not be aware of how to use it.
Whitney, I hope you are encouraged in your spirit by the prayers being lifted up for you each day.
Thank you, Newell, for faithfully writing on Whit's behalf. I am one of thousands I'm sure, who eagerly check your site 1st thing in the morning when i turn my computer on at work. Praise God for your testimony.
OK EVERYONE - STOP posting about the rude comments, and move on!! It just keeps it before us, and causes people to back up and read the mucky stuff. Enough!!
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!!! HE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED. Let's hear an AMEN to that instead of the other stuff.
Thank you Ceraks for the amazing updates. We have been praying since the day of the accident. We were called not long after it happened and our hearts have been touched all a long.
Hello to Whit and her family...my family is praying for yours and for the families who lost their sweet ones that horrid night in April.
The Lord is truly blessed from the goodness of this blog...so Ceraks please keep posting we are thriving and learning more about Him each day.
Thank you from a mother in mt zion.
God is good!!! Amen to moving on!
To all of the Cerak family,
God loves you and I love you. However, I know Newell and Colleen and Matt the best I feel that I know all of you in a very great CHRISTIAN way and that all of this God has done for HIS reason.
Remember when you opened up your home every Tuesday night to those in need of prayer or that were touch by Whit's life? Well it is quit obvious to me that this blog of Whit's life has been touching 100's of thousand lives around the world and that is the way that God planned it.
So the person that wrote the not so nice blog entry was brought here to read God's word and how this was touched everyone. Including him/her. I feel that he/she is reaching out for help or they would have never chosen to "post on this web site".
So my request is to PRAY PRAY PRAY for him/her incesant but please do not leave out the other families that are involved also.
I will also have him/her in the Sunday night prayer group too for those who do not have internet service.
Blessings,
Beth
Every single time someone makes a comment about the events that transpired on this site... we are not ONLY opening and refreshing the wound, but we are giving this person the fame he desired.
Can we all please allow this to be the last post with any reference to the past. Let's write about what matters.
Continue uplifting the Cerak's in prayer and positive feedback and let's together (as people who love) put a STOP to the recognition we are giving evil.
Lets just STOP! NO MORE!
"If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem." -Eldridge Cleaver
I have to disagree. Ignoring evil does not get rid of it, it allows it to fester. The person who wrote the posts does need tremendous prayer. I have been praying for him since yesterday and will continue to do so. We must cry out to the Lord!
I did not ask you to ignore it. I suggested that by continuing to post about it... only keeps it fresh. Do we want this blog to become a breeding ground and a constant reminder of the evil this world is full of? Or do we want this blog to be about Whitney, her family, and all the others who are suffering from this tragidy... along with all the positives including constant love and support for the Cerak's?
Your correct that prayer is the key. You can do this however without posting about it. You do not have to ignore it... however must we continue to write about it? My goodness gracious. Move on folks. Let this be about Whitney and her recovery! Nothing more.
Stop The HUB UB. Enough is enough.
Again....
"If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem." - Elderage Cleaver
XO Chicago
Must the Cerak's log on only to read about something they want to move past? I agree that this should be a soft place to fall. full of ONLY love and support for Whitney and her famly. We can leave our personal beliefs about the recent negativity out of our well wishes and pray as we so desire without constantly posting about it. Is it not obvious the Cerak's want us to pray for the salvation of those who are lost? This blog is becoming exactly what Satan wants... every single time someone post about it Satan is getting praise. Can you not imagine (this person) as he is reading all of our post and thinking... "Wow... I really had an impact on this blog! Just as I wanted."
Here, Here! Enough is enough!
HEAR! HEAR! as in listen, not location.
Hi guys! It's me Kalyn Harms. Whitney used to babysit my siblings and I. I just want to say that you guys are so amazing! You have been so strong and have persevered through so much! Even though you may not see the big picture now, God is going to use this whole experience to do great things. Keep your eyes focused on Him. I'll be praying for all of you. God Bless!
Hi! I´m a girl from Sweden who´d heard about the terrifying accident. Don´t know how to show how much I care. But keep it up girl!
Love, all way from Sweden.
Whitney -
I am a 40 year old mother of two who stumbled upon your blog the summer of 2006. I read every entry faithfully and was moved and amazed by the witness of faith your family shared. Now, almost two years later I have finished your book in one day. I will continue to pray for you, the Van Ryn's, and the other victims of this accident, and want you to know that you don't have to feel pressure to accomplish something great in your life. I believe you already have!
I am speechless at God's amazing deeds and sovereignty. Praise the LORD. His wonders are new each day! I'm in the process of reading Mistaken Identity, and... Wow. May God bless all of you. for He has indeed blessed all of the people that He has used you to touch.
I know it has been awhile since the accident and I do remember it happening, but I just read your book and it was truly amazing. What inspired me the most as everyones faith. It made me start really looking deep inside of myself to find God. It has been so long since I have even thought of that. But reading about how both of your families made it through all of this made me want to have that in my life. Thank you for publishing this book. You will never know how much it is touching the lives of so many. God bless you all and thank you
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