July 31, 2006 "Be strong and courageous..."
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 18:8 NIV
“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 NIV
Monday was one more good day for Whitney. She moves ahead on her road to total recovery, still not as quickly as she would like, but moving ahead. She went grocery shopping which is one of those things that was never really an enjoyable moment for her. She is going to use the stove to make a meal and she will do that with utmost ease. Swimming was part of her day and a great choice on such an oppressively hot day. She bumped into an old friend at the pool which added another bright spot in her day. Then out to eat some wings…after devouring those we sat and enjoyed each other’s company.
Returning we listened as each shared about their day and how God had impacted us in it. God continues His work in us all…Whitney shared that she is so aware of how our plans for this summer were changed so drastically. Then she said how comforting it is to know that God hasn’t changed, that what He was in the past…He is still today and will be forever. It was awesome and gratifying to hear because it is so true for all of us, but more so because Whitney finds peace in this knowledge.
Carly continues to have a great experience at her internship, learning more and more. While it has not been what was planned she is very aware of how God has gone before her, directing and blessing.
Colleen and I count our blessings each day. We are amazed at God’s love and faithfulness. Oh, we knew about it before, but the depth and the vastness of it we are still in the process of comprehending.
We continue in prayer for the VanRyns, the Erbs, the Larsons, the Smiths and the Felvers. We pray for each to remain strong in God, finding comfort and peace in His promises.
In Christ alone, the Ceraks
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 18:8 NIV
“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 NIV
Monday was one more good day for Whitney. She moves ahead on her road to total recovery, still not as quickly as she would like, but moving ahead. She went grocery shopping which is one of those things that was never really an enjoyable moment for her. She is going to use the stove to make a meal and she will do that with utmost ease. Swimming was part of her day and a great choice on such an oppressively hot day. She bumped into an old friend at the pool which added another bright spot in her day. Then out to eat some wings…after devouring those we sat and enjoyed each other’s company.
Returning we listened as each shared about their day and how God had impacted us in it. God continues His work in us all…Whitney shared that she is so aware of how our plans for this summer were changed so drastically. Then she said how comforting it is to know that God hasn’t changed, that what He was in the past…He is still today and will be forever. It was awesome and gratifying to hear because it is so true for all of us, but more so because Whitney finds peace in this knowledge.
Carly continues to have a great experience at her internship, learning more and more. While it has not been what was planned she is very aware of how God has gone before her, directing and blessing.
Colleen and I count our blessings each day. We are amazed at God’s love and faithfulness. Oh, we knew about it before, but the depth and the vastness of it we are still in the process of comprehending.
We continue in prayer for the VanRyns, the Erbs, the Larsons, the Smiths and the Felvers. We pray for each to remain strong in God, finding comfort and peace in His promises.
In Christ alone, the Ceraks
posted by ncerak | 7:15 AM
25 Comments:
In Christ Alone. Thanks for continuing to update a watching world.
Hello to you all,
AMEN!!!! To your post today.... God is always the same..today, tomorrow and yesterday. What a wonderful God we have. Praises be to him. I want to thank you for continuing to share Whit's progress and to share your Godly wisdom with the world. Way to go Whit.... you continue to amaze me... you are such an inspiration. Just a tidbit to you Whit, you might NOT want to get TOO good at the cooking thing or grocery shopping... haha!!!
A very heartfelt thank you Ceraks for your continued prayers for the 'Chosen 5'. As I find myself stuck in the 'valley' I turn to our Lord and Savior and he surrounds me with his love and carries me thru. Take care. And may God continue guide you and give you the strength and wisdom to face all that may come your way.I am very thankful that our paths have crossed. You are indeed a REMARKABLE FAMILY. In Christ's Amazing Love, Kelly
http://monicafelver.blogspot.com./
I have been keeping up with Whitney and thought your family would be interested in meeting the Pearl Family - via blogs - ha ha
Their son Matt is going through a bone marrow transplant and with 2 obviously annointed families lifting each other up - who could possibly be fearful of the future. I am attaching the Pearl families blog for you - Whitney will inspire them as much as she will be inspired to perservere in times like these. god bless and get well soon.
Shortcut to: http://www.alexandmatt.com/journal/index.htm
Please note shortcut to the Pearl Families site. It did not attach to my previous entry.
Your scripture references the last couple of days have been especially appropriate for me! Thank you so much for your daily testomony to the richness of God's grace and His goodness.
We continue to keep Whitney and the rest of your family in our prayers.
A TU Mom
What a remarkable, determined young woman Whitney is! My daughter is a friend of hers from Taylor and I so hope and pray that one day soon we will get a chance to meet Whitney and you, her remarkable family in person. Again, thank you for sharing your hearts, lives, love and faith with us and with the world. Our prayers continue to be with you and with the families of the Chosen Five.
Love and blessings from St. Louis,
A TU Mom
I am always amazed at your postings....we think we have plans for our days and yet God knows what is really going to happen. Which is why we need to rely always on Him. We are praying for Whitney and all the families!
To the Ceraks,
You continue to impact me and so many others. Thank-you for your willingness to share private feelings.
To Jewel Farrier
You posted a comment a day earlier. Could you please look at the website of Molly Bloom. It is mollyspage2006.blogspot.com
She has lost a leg due to someone's carelessness and she is 17, like your daughter. The family is in dire need of God's comfort. Maybe you can be their angel.
God's blessings on Whitney.
Dear Cerak Family,
Although I don't usually post comments I do continue to read about Whitney's recovery and find solace in your scripture postings.
May the Peace of the Lord be with you always:)
Yes..... I'm so excited to hear about the swelling going down. Alysha was telling me stories this weekend when she came to visit Aaron and me. You are a family so very dear to my heart. And I'm faithfully praying. God bless! :-D
"the will of God won't lead you
Where the grace of God can't keep you
You will never be out of His care
Remember that the Lord's already there
Wherever you are
Wherever you're going
God is right there beside you
Seeing and knowing
Wherever you go
He already knows
What lies ahead and what's behind
You'll always find He's never too far
From wherever you are."
Hey Ceraks! I am so happy to read about Whitney's success every day. It's a testimony that keeps me strong and reminds me how God is so amazing. I think it is so wonderful how, with all you have to deal with, you remember the other families who lost loved ones. It truly shows how loving, caring and amazing you all are. Whitney is so lucky to have a family like you, teaching her that God is true, just and loving. Although I miss you all and Whitney's smile, I am so happy for Whit that she has been blessed with facilities that can take such good care of her. It's amazing the recovery she is making. No doubt you all will be home sooner than anyone could have imagined. I look forward to it, as I am sure Whitney does! Keep up the good work Whit, I am praying for you! ♥
LOTS of love from Gaylord ♥
Thank you for the Deuteronomy quote. I have been dealing with the courage issue in regard to some typical life struggles and needed to read this. Bless you all. Your words, and those from the bible, are read and pondered.
I am still reading the blog and continue to stand in awe of all of you. I praise our God Almighty for the healing HE has given you Whit!!
I am praying too for you Coleen and Newell, it must be hard to be away from home for such a long period of time. may God give all of you the grace you need.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK WHIT.
You are never far from our thoughts and prayers.
Love ya, The Postma`s
God continues to use you all in a mighty way!!
You are never far from our thoughts and prayers.
Keep up the good work Whit.We are all so proud of you!!
Newell and Coleen, how are you two holding up? Remeber to rest in HIM. The one who can give you all you need and more.
The postma`s
iv red ur story in several magazines each one i red gave more ingo than th one before. I am very glad to know ur making a good recovery and God is helping you do that. i hope laura's family are getting over their grief and u conmtinue to get better. AMEN †
I just saw your story watching dateline. I googled whitney's name wanting to know more about the story and found your blog. I think it's great that you found whitney and I hope she is doing well.
god bless,
josh
Wow, I'm not sure that you will get since it's been such a long time since anything has been posted. I just want to let you and your family know that I just finished reading the book "Mistaken Identity. This book so powerful and has brought a new propective of Christ to I just wanted to thank you and God for giving you the streangth to write such a "GOD filled time" in your life.My God continue to bless you and the VanRyn's family. Both of families are truley blessed!
K.R. in Grand Rapids
dear whitney i will not forget this story you are a blessing to life. god gave you your gift definatly because your wrk is not finished on earth. honestly i did not beleive this would happen but i am overwelmed by it. i will keep you in my heart and remember jesus is always with you. your friend michael from KNOX.TENN GOD BLESSED U AND FAMILY FOREVER.PEACE
DEAR WHITNEY GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING I KNOW YOUR TRYING YOUR HARDEST. YOU ARE ONE OF THE ONES WHO WE ALL KNOW WILL NOT EVER SURRENDER. GODS GIFT IS IN YOUR HANDS DO AS YOU WILL AND REMEMBER YOU AND LUARA ARE SPECIAL IN HIS HEART FOREVER
PEACE AND LOVE MIKE
Dear Cerak Family:
I am about half way through reading your book and I have to tell you the wonderful effect it has had on me! I am not even to the picture pages and this book has changed my life. My personal relationship with God is so much stronger all because of you!
I am in awe of the incredible strength both families have shown. I truely believe these events happened because God trusted both families to spread His word to all His people.
What a wonderful gift you all are to everyone you have touched. Even people who have not read your book are touched by the actions of those who have.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to let you into my life and may God bless you!
Hello to all. It is the 26th of December 2008, I am just hearing about what had happened. It was the interview with Matt Bauer that I saw and as I was watching it I went online to read about the events.
even hough My faith is not Christian I still believe and had faith In a Higher Power and I was moved by the love and compassion of both families and the communities, it shows that with love and faith the steps we take on the path we are given make us stronger and closer to our God.
Namaste
One who believes
Hi Cerak family! My name is Brittany. I just have finished reading your book, Mistaken Identity, and I loved it! You have inspired me to be more close to God. You eople are just amazing! How is Whitney doing? I have always wanted to meet you people ever since I heard about what happen. Well, take care. I am still praying for you, even in 2009! HA!!!!!!
This blog has not been updated in a while, I know. I just wanted to say that your story really inspired me and it was really heartwarming. Yes, I am only 11 years old. But I read the book, Mistaken Identities, and it was one of the best books I have ever read. And now, more people in my class at school are reading it because of my recomendation. I cried a lot in that book. I cannot belive it was real. THank you for posting this blog, and writing a book about your remarkable story.
I just got done reading your book about the accident.... i am a high school student and it changed my out look on life completely, and whitney, you are a miracle. im so glad you survived.
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