August 4, 2006
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord and apart from me there is no savior.” Isaiah 43:10-11 NIV
Whitney’s day today was such a good one and I am sure it is due to the fact she is still riding the wave. The wave of extreme happiness knowing she is returning to school in the fall. Her attitude has always been a good one but there was a definite surge of energy, joy and focus running through her as a result. She had a smile as big as all outdoors throughout the entire day. We are so unbelievably excited for her. We are so amazed at how God has healed and continues to heal Whitney.
Carly and Sandra are both back with us. It has been a somewhat up and down time for us all this summer and we cherish the moments we are together. Carly is almost through with her internship. The people at Spring Lake Wesleyan Church have been so good to her. She has learned a great deal about herself and God’s direction in her life. We will be forever grateful to the folks there for their part in our summer. Sandra finished her final week at Spring Hill Camps. God used her willing spirit to minister to so many kids for which we are thankful. She is excited and praying about a possible ministry situation for herself in the near future. She has learned some great life lessons this summer as well.
In light of all God has blessed us with, each day as we marvel and look at Whitney we are quickly reminded of those whose days are accompanied with loss. Our thoughts and prayers continually go out to the others so deeply effected by the accident; the families of Brad Larson, Betsy Smith, Laurel Erb, Laura VanRyn and Monica Felver. We also pray for the healing and recovery of Vicki, Connie and Michelle. To say we understand your heartache is true but for only a moment in time. Your heartache continues and you are in our prayers. We pray for God to continually uphold you; for His Holy Spirit to comfort you; and we pray that the peace only God can give fills you. We rejoice in the knowledge of God’s promise of the coming reunion and ask for His strength to remain focused to the goal.
“Since then, we have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2 NIV
Let us then set our hope in Christ Jesus the Lord. Without Him there is no hope. Our prayer is that you know this savior of ours.
In Christ alone, Whitney’s family
Whitney’s day today was such a good one and I am sure it is due to the fact she is still riding the wave. The wave of extreme happiness knowing she is returning to school in the fall. Her attitude has always been a good one but there was a definite surge of energy, joy and focus running through her as a result. She had a smile as big as all outdoors throughout the entire day. We are so unbelievably excited for her. We are so amazed at how God has healed and continues to heal Whitney.
Carly and Sandra are both back with us. It has been a somewhat up and down time for us all this summer and we cherish the moments we are together. Carly is almost through with her internship. The people at Spring Lake Wesleyan Church have been so good to her. She has learned a great deal about herself and God’s direction in her life. We will be forever grateful to the folks there for their part in our summer. Sandra finished her final week at Spring Hill Camps. God used her willing spirit to minister to so many kids for which we are thankful. She is excited and praying about a possible ministry situation for herself in the near future. She has learned some great life lessons this summer as well.
In light of all God has blessed us with, each day as we marvel and look at Whitney we are quickly reminded of those whose days are accompanied with loss. Our thoughts and prayers continually go out to the others so deeply effected by the accident; the families of Brad Larson, Betsy Smith, Laurel Erb, Laura VanRyn and Monica Felver. We also pray for the healing and recovery of Vicki, Connie and Michelle. To say we understand your heartache is true but for only a moment in time. Your heartache continues and you are in our prayers. We pray for God to continually uphold you; for His Holy Spirit to comfort you; and we pray that the peace only God can give fills you. We rejoice in the knowledge of God’s promise of the coming reunion and ask for His strength to remain focused to the goal.
“Since then, we have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2 NIV
Let us then set our hope in Christ Jesus the Lord. Without Him there is no hope. Our prayer is that you know this savior of ours.
In Christ alone, Whitney’s family
posted by ncerak | 7:21 AM
65 Comments:
Congratulations Whitney!!!So happy to hear you can be back at Taylor. I think your presence there will be such a blessing to the staff and students at TU. Your hard work and endurance have paid off! Keep going girl!
Congratulations! You must all be just bursting with joy of Whitney's news to be able return to school! Absolutely incredible! I am so happy for you!!!
You don't know me, but I've been reading your blog for a while now, having read your story in my local paper via the AP. It truly is amazing just how far-reaching your words have become, and thus your ministry. When I listen to Christian radio, I always seem to find just the right message that I need ... that God intends for me that day. I find much the same in your blog ... for that I thank you! It is so easy to get caught up in daily living and your scripture and words really bring it all home ... the true meaning of our lives. Thank you! God Bless! A Mom in South Dakota
I am so happy to hear how well Whitney is doing. I follow her journey with interest.
My Grandfather and Father both graduated from Taylor.
Both are(were) Methodist Ministers My grandfather passed away in 1980 and my Father retired in 1995.My Dad goes back to all the reunions.
What a wonderful fellowship they enjoyed while at the university and years after.
Good Luck Whitney we are all praying for you.
The unfolding of the events after this accident and the recovery of your daughter have really made an impression on me.
Wow. Your humility is so touching. As a reader and someone who has followed this story, I am so impressed by your sensitivity to the families of the 5 Chosen. It just speaks volumes of your character, that you are humble enough to remind us all to keep them in our hearts and prayers. Of course, we will.
Sending love to everyone out there.
A sister in Christ
God Bless your family! I cannot begin to imagine the time ya'll have had, but know that each of you is in my thoughts and prayers.
I couldn't read the news about Whitney's planned return to Taylor without tears in my eyes. I will pray for her continued recovery. You are right; Taylor will be a perfect place to finish her recovery.
Let us remember to pray for Laura's boyfriend, Aryn as we remember the other families.
Praise God! Thank you, Lord for allowing us to witness this miracle. Thanks to the Cerak family for allowing us to witness this miracle as well. My prayers are still with Laura VanRyn's family.
You all are such a testimony to the Lord and what He can do... I know that having a relationship with Jesus Christ makes all the difference. At the high school where I teach, in recent years two families have had tragedies; in one family the oldest son died of a brain tumor, and in the other familly the middle son was killed in a car crash on his way to school one morning. The first family has Jesus, the second one doesn't, and the difference in how they've handled these difficulties is incredible.
May God continue to bless you all, and may your lives continue to be a light for Jesus Christ.
I'm just so happy for you all. I was thinking that this isn't just a testimony in faith for the thousands of people world-wide that read the blog, but this is a testimony to the doctors of the power or our AWESOME GOD!!! Keep it up and know that you are all loved by so many!
I think I might be speaking for many of us when I say that I always include Aryn in my prayers everytime I think of the VanRyns. I can't help but consider him a part of their family. :) I hope he knows this.
A sister in Christ
I have a hard time reading these entries without crying. I am so grateful for your recovery Whitney and that you can return to school. xoxoxo
Congratulations Whitney!!
Thank you for your faith. It is an inspiration to me at this difficult time in my life.
Hey There Whit,
I'm not even surprised by this entry at all, because I knew you could do it all along. Good job whit, I'm proud of you and keep up the good work:).
This is such great news! We will continue to pray for your family as well as all involved. God hears the prayers of His people.
God is so good!
Thank You bloggers for not forgetting about Aryn!! You can't even imagine how difficult this has been on him. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE keep praying for him!!!!! Oh he needs your prayers and love!
Aryn was Laura Van Ryn's Fiance! They had been together for quite some time and were so excited about getting married. 2 of the other girls that were killed in the accident were also engaged to be married soon.
Aryn, you are not forgotten. I can not even begin to fathom what you have gone through and are continuing to go through. Lean on the Lord Jesus--cling tight. As you can see from this blog, many are lifting you up in prayer (and we will continue to do so.)
Ceraks, we continue to pray for complete healing in Whitney's life. How exciting to return to Taylor--what a day that will be!
Laurel's fiance was Nate. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as well.
Whit-I'm so proud of you. Keep getting better. I'm praying for you!
I am not trying to be rude or anything, but when are you going to update? you haven't updated for 2 days!
Whit! It will be such a blessing to see you around campus this fall. Keep getting better! We're all praying for you!
-TU student '08
What great news! You must be very excited! My name is is Annie Horsky. I am from Long Island, New York. I have been following Molly Blooms Recovery, and read of yours on her blog-site...and just read the whole story. Wow-What an inspiration.
Is there anywhere I could send Whitney a card?
My email address is anniehorsky@yahoo.com
Molly speaks very highly of you...and she is always wish you the best, as are the people that comment on her site, so I just had to find yours...it took quite some time, but I finally found it.
I broke my neck in 1989 (a car accident), but now at the age of 36 am much better now.
I hope to keep in touch...
Love and Laughter,
Annie
I also am not tring to be rude but to the person that posted "Why havn't we heard from you? It has been two days."
Have you ever heard of having a break? Well Whit and her family like to have a weekend to be with "just family" and not the public that this has taken world wide.
All of this has taken a toll on the family and they are just needing some quality time with there family. Please, please try to put yourself in there shoes. I know that I can not fathum what they are going thru. So please try to be patient as we all are tring to do the same thing.
With the Love God's Holy Blessings and prayers for ALL
Whitney, you've never met me in person, however, I've had pictures of you and Carly (or last Christmas, with Sandra) up on my "Love Board" in my home since you were really young. Your Mom & I were roommates our freshman year at T.U. (Second Center Olson) You have been prayed for by lots of people here in Las Vegas! (Can you believe it? There are actually churches in Las Vegas!) Tell your Mom that I said "Woo Hoo!!" _ Melodi
just want to say THANK GOD from Louisville, Mississippi. I have been following your story and have continously prayed for you, your family and all the familes involved. I pray for your continued recovery and much happiness in your future!
I just want you to know...that I am and will continue to keep Whitney and all the families, fiances', and friends, affected by the accident in my prayers. Praise and all Glory to God...who clearly has carried Whitney...and walked with each of you along this journey.
Approx. a year and a half ago, my Mom and one of my brothers were involved in a very serious accident...and I too have had the privlege of praying for them...walking with them...and witnessing to God's profound love for them as He has Healed them in each and every way...and continues that healing each day. Our collective prayers are a powerful song of Praise and Faith to the heart of God.
May your lives be ever blessed by this experience...knowing that "God brings all things to Good for those who love and serve Him." God has great plans for you Whitney...and be at peace knowing that the best of all your friends and coaches and faculty who went 'Home to Him' that day...lives on...with and around all of you whom they so dearly loved and with whom they shared such joy.
I encourage you always, and am joyful that you are soon closing the door on this chapter of your lives.
One of my wisest of Spiritual teachers taught me...that it is important for each of us to "Always do what is best for you...for if you do...it will be what is best for everyone else."
Blessings and Peace and much much joy going forward to all,
a fellow Soul traveler
May God's blessings continue to be on you and your family, Whitney, as you begin another "season" in your life. Most of all, thanks to you and your family for sharing the most inspiring, informative words of what it's like to have God at the center of your life!!
Love and Prayers,
The Cuttle Family
My name is Yvonne and I live in Flat Rock, Mi. When I first read this story I was so saddend for the other family who lost their daughter. I never question GOD why these situations happen. There is a reason and only GOD knows. May your faith in God continue to grow stronger for him and I pray the other family who did lose a beautiful daughter becomes stronger with FAITH. I pray this kind of accident never happens to a family.
Greetings Whitney & Family,
I stumbled acrossed this story today, well shall I say I was predistined to read this story today. I immediately was overwhelmed with compassion, and wondered God why didn't I hear about this story when it happened so that I could have prayed and commisioned others to pray. God's response was so AWESOME, "Because I am God, and you were doing what I assigned you to do, I had Witney's fate all under control, no need to worry, all is well" P.S. God, The Great I Am.
Whitney and family our prayers for your road to recovery and healing is with you in Jesus' Name.
Pastor Sheila Ashley,
www.god-giventalentsministries.org
Why is everyone so thrilled? Laura VanRyn was a great person also. She loved her family and life in general. Everyone seems to have disregarded this beautiful young lady throwing her out like garbage. She will forever live within my heart and soul. Rest in peace my daughter.
Love Mom
I SORRY FOR U & LAURA
I think that your story is very fantastic. I´m happy that you are home safe again.
Oh Praise God!
Whitney because from day 1 i have followed the news to see how you were doing but did not know you had a blog, This way I can tell you in a more personal way that I am so happy to know that you are doing so well. The Lord has a purpose for you in life baby,please see to it that you open your spiritual ears,HE will guide you.
Love you much Jackie
Whitney and the Cerak Family,
I have read your blog nearly every day, since first hearing of your amazing story. The love, courage and faith you and your family have shown are inspring.
I am thriled that you will now go back to living your life, but will miss hearing about your amazing journey. Please know that if you do nothing more in your time on earth, you have, without a doubt, made a remarkable difference in the lives of those of us who would not have been so touched if it weren't for you. Thank you to your wonderful family for sharing your story, their story, with us all. My best wishes to you for a wonderful future!
A friend in Mexico.
wow!
THIS IS MY FIRST BLOG AND FOR A WORTHY CAUSE. I READ ABOUT WHITNEY'S RECOVERY ON COMCAST NEWS AND WENT TO THE BLOG. TALK ABOUT AN UPLIFTING, INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE. AS I READ THIS MESSAGES WITH TEARS, I THOUGHT ABOUT ALL THE TIMES I WANTED TO GIVE UP. WHETHER IT WAS SOMETHING TRAMAMTIC, OR A SIMPLE FIGHT WITH A LOVED ONE, YOUR INSPIRATION HAS MADE ME THINK ABOUT HOLDING ON AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST.
THANKS FOR BELIEVING IN GOD AND LETTING HIM LEAD THE WAY.
ANONYMOUS IN MICHIGAN
it was great to hear about ur recovery and the way u r family handled the mix up is a true sign that JESUS is strong in ur lifes!!!!
Peace and happiness to you Whitney and to your family. Also much consolation to the Van Ryn family.
I am sure you will be a strength an inspiration to them as they deal with their loss, and to us all.
God bless you, Whitney! Your testimony to God's faithfulness will surely be heard and used to reach those who are lost. Good luck with school!
"And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good." Genesis 32:12 ~ When Jacob was on the other side of the brook Jabbok, and Esau was coming with armed men, he earnestly sought God's protection, and as a master reason he pleaded, "And Thou saidst, I will surely do thee good." Oh, the force of that plea! He was holding God to His word-"Thou saidst." The attribute of God's faithfulness is a splendid horn of the altar to lay hold upon; but the promise, which has in it the attribute and something more, is a yet mightier holdfast-"Thou saidst, I will surely do thee good."
And has He said, and shall He not do it? "Let God be true, and every man a liar." Shall not He be true? Shall He not keep His word? Shall not every word that cometh out of His lips stand fast and be fulfilled? Solomon, at the opening of the temple, used this same mighty plea.
He pleaded with God to remember the word which He had spoken to his father David, and to bless that place. When a man gives a promissory note, his honour is engaged; he signs his hand, and he must discharge it when the due time comes, or else he loses credit.
It shall never be said that God dishonours His bills.
The credit of the Most High never was impeached, and never shall be. He is punctual to the moment:
He never is before His time, but He never is behind it. Search God's word through, and compare it with the experience of God's people, and you shall find the two tally from the first to the last. Many a hoary patriarch has said with Joshua, "Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass."
If you have a divine promise, you need not plead it with an "if," you may urge it with certainty.
The Lord meant to fulfil the promise, or He would not have given it. God does not give His words merely to quiet us, and to keep us hopeful for awhile with the intention of putting us off at last; but when He speaks, it is because He means to do as He has said. C.H. Spurgeon ~ Praising God for His faithfulness. I pray for complete recovery in Whitney's body. May Jesus Christ be praised. ~Carolyn
Hello Whitney!! Praise God for your recovery! Yes, millions of us were praying for you and all the families involved. We celebrate with you, your life, your miracle, and God's abiding love for all of us! Kind regards - Tina
Hello Whitney!! Praise God for your recovery! Yes, millions of us were praying for you and all the families involved. We celebrate with you, your life, your miracle, and God's abiding love for all of us! Kind regards - Tina
It is so wonderful to hear that you are finally home. When I heard about the mix up I was surprised like everyone else and prayed for you often. It's really like being given a second chance at life and I'm sure you plan to live it to the full. It really is a wonderful miracle. Congrats on returning to school this fall. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Denise
Praise God! What a wonderful story of God's love for all of us. Thank you for letting me read your heart breaking story of faith, love and perserverence. You have been through so much and have kept your faith through it all. May God continue to hold you in the palm of His Hand. The best to you and we will continue to pray for you and your family. Much love, Mary Alice
There has never been an event in in the news about some far away family, that has made me wonder with so much intensity as did the story of what your family has gone through.
I wish you all the best on your one in a million million life!!
Tom
I just happened upon the site after reading the article on abcnews.com. As a fellow sister in Christ I was touched and encouraged that you write and speak the words of the Bible and our Savior! Praise God for using you in this way to encourage others!
I am so happy for your great blessings, that you have your daughter, and all I want to say is go forth, and do good things. Treat all you have have, and all you do, and all people with great respect, for we do not know what is next
Whitney,
Glad to hear you are heading back
to Taylor. I grew up near Taylor
in Fairmount. I attend Taylor and both my brothers
and my wife graduated from Taylor
My Mom even worked in the Clinic.
We miss Ivanhoes here in San Angelo, TX.
God has something special for you now.
God Bless,
J King, US Air Force, MSgt, Retired.
To God be the Glory!!
This journal is such an encouragement. Your witness to those reading it. Praise the Lord for your witness!
An amazing story. Now get back to school.
We are glad to know at least one person made it out of the horrible ordeal, but we pray for peace for the families of loved ones that didn't make it.
Keep your spirits high !!
May God bless you through the completion of your recovery ! !
To Laura's mom, Whitney and family, and all other visitors: as a reader, I hope that I can speak for others and say that those visiting this site are here to remember that every life is valued and cherished. Whitney is blessed for the opportunity to go on and share her life with other people, and as such, so many people who are visiting this blog are sharing in the joy of Whitney's return to TU. It is worth celebrating. The ommission of comment about Laura and the others does in no way mean that they are not in hearts, thoughts and prayers. Their lives are held in deep respect in loved one's memories, and in silent prayers by many, many others. "We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed"
Hey Whitney,
Indeed, Be Strong and Courageous,
All things do work together for HIS glory. In Isaiah 54:10 He tells us; "though the Mountains be shaken and the Hills be removed, yet,(!) MY unfailing LOVE for you will not be shaken nor MY promise of peace removed, says the Lord, who has compassion for you!
In Psalms 115:3 we are told, "But our God is in the Heavens, and HE does whatsoever HE pleases", Wow, to think that the difficulty in our lives can please HIM.
In Isaiah 53 toward the end of the chapter, He tells us "yet it pleased the Lord to 'c r u s h' him. Talking about what Christ would go through on the cross (you know; the stuff about 'by HIS strips we are healed & the punishment that brought us peace, us upon HIM')
How much more so, can the events of our lives that cause us a light and momentary pain and cause us to think and dwell on ourselves, give HIM all the more glory.
But, through all of this, remember Proverbs 3:5-7, to Trust Him with all your heart, and try not to lean on your own understanding...
Personally, I know that too often I try to figure the stuff of life out on my own......
May HIS peace, which surpasses all understanding guard your heart.
Wow, what a testimony of HIS love you have, I think its Oswald Chambers that talks about if we see our lives as a line, a timeline if you will, God see's the whole page. Like Jer 29:11 says, God does have a will for your life, and in HIS infinate wisdom, and grace, you have a chance to continue - we dont know the how, what, when, or where, but, we do know - God! and with that knowledge, does anything else matter? for God is Love.
In the end, as we think about that horrific day, no one woke up with the thought, today's the day that I'm going to meet Jesus face to face...... but yet, everyday people go from us into eternity, do they know HIM? if God were to ask them "why should I let you in my heaven?" would they know the right answer? would they know what Christ said? would they know "for God so loved that world that He -GAVE- HIS only SON, that whosoever, BELIEVED on HIM, would have eternal life"? or that Christ said, "no man cometh unto the Father, but, by ME"?
You indeed are so blessed, to have the incredible family and friends that you have, who love you, and continue praying for you, what a wonderful joy.
In Him,
Brian
Isaiah 66:2
I am amazed to read this story for the first time. It is truly a time to "weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice," as the Bible says. We weep with and for all the families and friends who lost loved ones in this accident, as we rejoice with you, Whitney, and your family and friends.
I have questions for which I would love to have answers, such as this: How could Laura's family be at Whitney's bedside for so long and never realize it was not Laura? Did they not see her face? What a sad and tragic experience it must have been for them to see it was not Laura, while Whitney's family must have been amazed.
I hope the whole story can be told by both families when the time is right -- and be accessible for all to read.
I do note that the news story that led me to the blog site does not include any of the references to God, Jesus, prayer, or the Bible that are found in the blog reports by Whitney and her family. The censored news story doesn't express the faith or the pathos found in the blog entries, so I am very grateful for your sharing.
I will pass this on to others. God bless all of you and bring comfort to all who mourn.
ALL I CAN SAY IS PRAISE GOD PRAISE GOD!BLESS ALL YOUR HEARTS.
To Laura's family.
My heart filled with sorrow when I read all of the posts. I cannot imagine losing a child but even harder to imagine is to think your child has a chance of survival, to sit by her bed for weeks in hope of recovery only to find it was not her. I am so sorry for the pain you must be feeling.
A Mom
Faith is not believing God can,
It is knowing that He will
Yours is a great message of Faith, it just proves that if God brings you to it, God will bring you through it.
My prayers are with you and all the family's. God Bless,
rrs
Whitney and family, You do not know me, but I am a '76 Taylor grad. Like many of the Taylor family, I have carefully followed your story for months. Now it is so exciting that you can return to Upland in a few weeks.What better place could you find to help your recovery? Certainly in a very, very special way God has chosen the Cerak family to testify to God's faithfulness and love.
I will be praying for your adjustment to Taylor life, Whitney, for your family and for the other families.
READING WHITNEY'S STORY HAS REALLY GIVEN ME SUCH CONVICTION ON HOW GOD IS ALWAYS THERE. I AM A MOM OF FIVE AND TO HAVE THE FAITH AND EXTREME KNOWLEDGE OF THE POWER THAT GOD HAS TO LEAD US AND COMFORT US LIKE WHITNEYS MOM HAS IS SO FANTASTIC. WHITNEY CONGRADULATION ON YOUR ROAD TO RECOVERY AND MOM THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THOSE WONDERFUL WORDS YOU HAVE EXPRESSED TO ALL THAT WANT TO KNOW OUR GOD BETTER.YOU HAVE TOUCHED ME FROM THE DEEPEST PART OF MY SOUL.THANK YOU
I pray for each family involved in this. My heart rejoices with Whitney's family and mourns with Laura and the others. Please do not judge Laura's Mom harshly. Only someone who has lost someone they love can understand what she is going through. Plus to think you child has survived and then to be told she is already buried, it is unthinkable. Still, God is God. He is faithful to us all. To Whitney's family, Thank you for not being ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You do not hear about Whitney or her family's faith on the secular news. GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY FAMILY INVOLVED! We will continue to pray for all. Love in Christ, Barbara
What an amazing story!! I would love to see what Whitney's future has to bring... God has a plan and it will be an incredible journey for her to get there. After all this, there should be nothing that interferes with lifes paths.
Glad you are recovering and will experience many years of life ahead of you.
I am also thinking about the girl who might have become your guardian angel, standing next to you and keeping you safe.
Good luck for the future.
Hi Whitney
I've read about you
Yours is an example of the human spirit to survive To live no matter what the odds You are truly an inspiration to everyone young and old
I'm truly sorry about the Vanryns loss my heart and thoughts go out to them and always will
Well Whitney I hope all goes well for you my thoughts are with you and your family as well as with the Vanryns
Godspeed
Jon
congratulations on your comeback
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