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Many times over the past few weeks, as Ukraine has fought for the right to remain a free Sovereign nation, I have felt led to pray, and as my prayer time increased for their people, my heartfelt connection began to grow. Tears would come to my eyes when thinking about their suffering.

The media of today has brought the far seem close. Pictures of the devastation are horrific for any of us to see. But if you are from Ukraine, your pain is magnified dramatically.

A few months ago, before Russia invaded Ukraine, I strongly desired to paint our dining room and kitchen yellow, accenting blue. I had the freedom to take the time to choose the colors and the paint company, and I was able to ask my friend Dusty Owen to help with the project. I wanted our home to be beautiful and invite friends and family to dine with us.

I had the blessing to be with my husband and daughters without fear of my home being bombed and destroyed. In contrast, many women in Ukraine have lost their homes, as I enjoy mine. Some women have traveled to other countries seeking refuge while leaving their husbands behind to fight in the war.

My dining room colors keep reminding me of the Ukraine flag colors, blue and yellow. I am glad my heart desired these colors because they constantly prompt me to pray.

While thinking about this situation, I was reminded of Jesus’s words and spent time reflecting on them.

Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 6

At this time, I will take the time to find my daughters and husband, hug all three of them, and tell them how much I love and appreciate them. We are so blessed to be in a safe place to enjoy each other’s company. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3

May God bless you and your family.