Mountain Streams... by Karen Ruhl

Craig and I had planned a trip to the ocean in late September but a hurricane changed our mind! We decided to visit Cherokee, NC instead.

As we drove through the Great Smoky Mountains, we were next to a mountain stream for miles and miles. There were places to pull over and of course we did.

The noise from the stream was calming - just what we needed on this visit. We took a long weekend away prior to Craig’s procedure. Craig had a procedure to check to see if he could have a stent placed in his Aortic Valve which has stenosis. If a stent couldn’t be placed, he was looking at open heart surgery.

When we got the diagnosis from his Cardilogist, I asked Craig if I could call the church and see if we could arrange a laying on of hands prayer over Craig when we returned from our trip.

Craig and I often pray out loud while we are driving, if we see something that we feel needs prayer, or if during our conversation, we feel the need to pray - we do just that. We lift our voices up to God and ask that if it be His will, the prayer will be answered.

I sometimes think that people don’t know the power of prayer. The Bible is very clear about prayer. We should pray continually. Pray the will of God over your needs. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

The day before Craig’s surgery, we went to church and our Pastors, a few of the Deacons, and myself put our hands on Craig and prayed. We prayed for healing; we prayed that Craig would not need to have open heart surgery. We prayed the will of God over Craig.

I would not be honest with you if I told you I was not anxious when we got to the hospital. I had total faith, but when I was first sent to sit in the waiting room, I was anxious. I took my worries to God. I felt an immediate calm coming over me. And I knew that many hundreds of people were praying over us at that moment.

When Craig’s procedure was finished, his Cardiologist couldn’t wait to share the news. Craig did not need to have open heart surgery - in fact - the aortic valve’s opening was better than expected. I threw my hands in the air (probably scaring a few in the recovery room) and I praised God - on the spot!

Brothers and sisters, have faith, take your prayers to God and do not be afraid to ask for others to pray with you and for you. Blessings to you all.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV