Dear Mushka,

For many of us, Valentine’s Day isn’t a day that brings up good memories or feelings. A lot of you might be like I was and feel as though you’d rather skip Valentine’s Day altogether! You may be wishing you had a boyfriend or someone special to share the day with, wishing you were married and you aren’t, feeling pressured to do something for your spouse, knowing your spouse won’t do anything special for you and feeling disappointed. The emotions that arise around this day can be challenging - bitterness, grief, excitement - I’ve felt them too. 

But this year I’m reclaiming Valentine’s Day for Christ! I just love that it’s in February - a month and a half into the new year. It’s a great time to reflect on our habits and goals we set for the new year. Let’s make it about Him! Are our daily habits pressing us closer towards Him? When we read the Bible or pray, are we dwelling on the love of God? Are we growing in love for others?

I also think this can be a day of repentance. Take 1 Corinthians 13 and replace “love” with your name. It’s a real opportunity to realize how we often fall short. Let’s admit our brokenness to Him and praise God for His perfect love. I pray that He’ll create in me a heart that turns to Him.  

This year, I’m doing a cheap project for my kids. I’ve bought a big red piece of red cardboard and written all the characteristics of love from 1 Corinthians 13 on it. We’ll gather together and talk about how God is each of those things. It’s a great reminder of how we can all be better neighbors to each other.

Consider letting go of romantic expectations (unless you love it!) and center your day around Christ’s love and purpose for marriage. Robert and I watched a sermon together one Valentine’s Day and it was so meaningful. Even a podcast like this one could be special to listen to as a couple.

Ultimately, do whatever you want! Hearts, candy or nothing at all! I’ve decided to redeem the day for me and my family as we seek to honor the Lord in all things. Valentine’s Day has become fun and exciting and awesome as we celebrate His love for us.

Our Eclipsed Lg. Locket is a shop best seller-- here's how to quickly & easily add your favorite photos to it! 

This works for our Eclipsed Sm. Locket too- follow the steps below and print a 13mm photo 

1. Find the photo(s) you want to use. You can use a total of two for each locket. 

2. Size the image correctly. You want your image to be the size of a quarter for a perfect fit. If you have a photo already, you can trace a quarter around the part you want to use and cut out. 

If you need to resize your image, here are a few options: 

· Take your photo to a kiosk center in Walgreens, Costco, etc. Make into a wallet size or size even smaller if the kiosk will let you. 

· Drag your photo to Microsoft Word, click format picture, and adjust the size. You may have to play around with the sizing a little to get exactly what you want inside your quarter. For me, 1.25" was perfect. 

· Use this site to get a perfect fit! We are not associated with this company, but it seems like a wonderful solution. They've taken the guess work out! 

Get started > proceed without code > circle > 33mm (or 13mm for the Eclipsed Sm locket) > add image > delete the ones you don't want (you may just need one) > edit > zoom/ adjust as needed > save > finish > download 

3. Then you print! You can print from home on normal computer paper, you can print from home on photo paper, or you can upload your resized picture to a photo site and order that way.

Note: I printed on normal computer paper for this tutorial and it's a little grainy. If I were doing this for my real locket, I'd consider using photo paper or having a photo site print for me. 

4. Cut to size and insert. Place a quarter over your image in the correct spot, trace, and cut out. You can attach with double sided tape or you can use a paintbrush and Mod Podge on the front and back to seal it well. A 4oz bottle is around $3 at the time this blog post was published and comes in gloss or matte finish. 

Another option would be to laminate your print off and attach with tape. If you choose this method, make your photo a little smaller to account for the extra width of the lamination. 

5. Done! Enjoy your locket with your loved ones inside. (Note: You could also attach a little note, flower, etc using a similar method.)

If you do this, I'd love to see! Tag @dearmushka on Instagram. 

Shop The Eclipsed Lg Locket here!

10. The Aid Necklace

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds · Psalm 147:3

Strung onto 16" of chain, a stardust bead sparkles and seeks to fill the hole created by loss and heartache. It's a perfect reminder that there is beauty from ashes and a healing gift for someone sitting in the hard of life.

It's not meant to fix the hurt, but rather to remind of The Great Healer or to serve as an "in memory of." Also makes a lovely everyday necklace for anyone.

9. The Eclipsed Lg Necklace

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known · Jeremiah 33:3

"Eclipsed" is a bold locket necklace, beckoning you to call out to God; there you will find the sweetest, hidden answers. You just have to ask and open your heart.

A lovely on-trend necklace for anyone in need of a little sentiment and a little hope. What sort of love might you put inside? A photo? A tiny note? A kiss?

8. The Portion Necklace

The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him · Lamentations 3:24

The word "portion" in this verse refers to a plot of land, an inheritance, or a home and so this piece is designed to look like the Earth from above. 

It's a precious reminder that a spouse, child, home, job, etc will never be our portion. Instead, we place our hope & joy in God and look to Him to be all we need.

7. The Verse Tabs

Memorizing scripture is how we take God's words and make them a part of our lives. It's how we think on them during our day and share them with others as needed. After all, from the overflow of the mouth the heart speaks! 

These Verse Memorization Tabs are how I memorize scripture. Grab a box, put these inside, and you're ready to begin! These tabs come with "how to use" sheet. You can also see our method for memorizing here (it only takes 5 minutes a day!)

6. The Promise Pack

Nothing has shaped my faith more than memorizing scripture, and it is with great joy that we welcome in this promise pack-- 52 promises from God's heart straight to yours, printed on durable paper meant to be touched and loved. Join us as we memorize one promise a week or go at your own pace, store them in a box or frame them as you go, keep them all for yourself or gift to a friend in need!

5. The Lantern Necklace

The Lantern Necklace is for the girl being a bright light in this dark world. In her workplace, to her children, with her neighbors; no matter where God has her, she is using her gifts to proclaim His name and offer unending joy.

This is a simple but eye-catching piece, bound to spark conversation and present an opportunity for you to love well.

4. The Net Necklace

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you · 1 Peter 5:7

Beautifully woven, "net" beckons you to cast your bundle of anxieties overboard and take a deep breath. God cares for you and will handle your more worrisome problems.

A fantastic long necklace, ideal for wearing alone or for layering with other pieces.

3. The Cheer Keychain

The Cheer Keychain seeks to bring to mind these helpful words before you blow thoughts out without thinking. Encourage and cheer one another on rather than tearing down!

Bonus: The whistle is really loud, perfect for keeping close by on your keyring.

2. The Bind My Wandering Heart Sweatshirt

1. The Daughter Earrings

The Daughter Studs are sweet & tiny with a little pop of happy color. They're easy to wear all day and are shaped like small crowns for the reminder: We are daughters of the most High King and can approach his throne confidently; let's head there together, Sisters.

Our Dear Mushka short necklaces are ideal to wear alone or layered with a longer piece. Each necklace comes with a reflective verse from the Bible to keep close to your heart or share with a loved one. These are seven of our favorites.

The Resolved Necklace

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. · Isaiah 26:3

The metal on this necklace is like our minds. It goes every which way - around our necks, looking at the past; hanging down towards the ground, in shame or distress; sticking out, comparing ourselves to others. But peace is found when we wrap our minds around God - the stone in the middle.

I pray this piece causes you to to keep your mind stayed on a trustworthy God every single day. He is worthy of our trust and praise.

It's a lovely every day necklace, perfect worn alone or layered with a longer piece!

The Onward Necklace

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you · Isaiah 43:2

The Onward Necklace is a beautiful visual of this promise in Isaiah. The middle section of chain looks like fire and moves like water, a reminder that God is with you when you walk through both. 
 
It's a perfect piece to wear during seasons of trial, and looks lovely dressed up or down!

The Guide Necklace

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my loving eye upon you · Psalm 32:8

The Guide Necklace mimics an eye as a reminder that God sees us and offers counsel and instruction in our every days. We don't have to go it alone; we have the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit with us, always!

With four color options to choose from, it's a beautiful necklace for anyone!

The Guard Necklace

Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus · Philippians 4:6-7

The Guard Necklace is shaped like a shield to mimic what a guard might used to protect his post. When we come to God in prayer with thanksgiving, His peace guards our hearts and minds.

This is a lovely everyday necklace full of meaning and promise.

The Portion Necklace

The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him · Lamentations 3:24

The word "portion" in this verse refers to a plot of land, an inheritance, or a home and so this piece is designed to look like the Earth from above. 

It's a precious reminder that a spouse, child, home, job, etc will never be our portion. Instead, we place our hope & joy in God and look to Him to be all we need.

The Twinkle Necklace

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? · Psalm 8:3-4

The Twinkle necklace has tiny 14k gold fill or sterling silver dots fall along a dainty chain, shining the image of stars glowing in the night sky.

We pray you wear it, praising God for His bigness and for His care of you.

The Salt Necklace

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.  · Colossians 4:6

"Salt" subtly sparkles right below the collar bone, creating the perfect everyday necklace for anyone.

A friendly reminder to keep your conversations full of grace in the same way you might add salt to a meal, making them palatable and enjoyable!

For more Christian Jewelry options and meanings, watch our Instagram stories for daily inspiration from Katie. 

2019 has been such a productive year. We designed and released close to 50 new products this year! Even though we do a monthly bestseller list, I had no idea what our 2019 best seller would be. So let’s get right to it! 

These are the top 10 products of 2019.

#10 The Aid Necklace

I originally created this piece for a friend who was walking through a miscarriage. My own words felt so inadequate and I wanted to gift her with something to remind her that only God can fill the holes in our hearts left by loss. 

The Aid Necklace is paired with this deeply comforting verse: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

This necklace and verse serves as a perfect reminder that beauty can come from ashes. It's not meant to fix the hurt, but rather to turn us towards the Great Healer or to serve as an "in memory of."

#9 The Shell Earrings

“Shell” only came out in fall and still made the yearly bestseller list! I wear these all the time. They’re lightweight and perfect for casual days and dressy events. 

They come with powerful words from Psalms 73:26. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

This is one of my ‘fighter’ verses that I call to mind when I’m feeling weak in motherhood, in friendship or in life. When we feel like a turtle without a shell, weak and incapable, slide these tortoise earrings in and remember that God is our strong shell, forever. 

#8 The Storm Drops

The Storm Earrings have been around for six years and they’re still a bestseller! 

These sweet raindrop shapes are lightweight and backless, perfect for an instant pulled-together look.

Hosea 6:3 reminds us to “press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.

What a perfect verse as we head into the new year with the goal to know Him better. 

#7 The Called Necklace

This sweet everyday necklace comes with a stamped initial of your choice. Keep your most meaningful letters and numbers close to your heart (you can add as many as you want). If you have pliers, it’s possible to add them to the necklace yourself or send in your necklace and we’ll do it for you!

I just love my own Called necklace. I’ve added my initials and those of Robert and my three sweet boys.

You and your loved ones are special, beautiful, chosen, and His. Hold tight to this.

“Fear not for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1, shortened

#6 The Harvest Necklace

"Harvest" features a strand of glass beads strung one by one onto wire and suspended between links of chain. Although the good work you're doing might currently appear as meaningless as a single bead, the moments strung together yield a spectacular crop. Don’t give up! Press on! 

The words from Galatians encourage us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” 

A perfect necklace for mothers raising children, students pouring over books, friendships, bridesmaids, and anyone who just wants a pretty pop of color for their everyday.

#5 The Keeper Necklace

The necklace is designed with the precious words from Psalm 56:8 in mind. “You have kept count of my tossings; kept my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?”

“Keeper” comes with a teardrop, a tangible reminder that God keeps count of our sorrows and tears. We hope this piece helps provide you or a loved one with truth and comfort during a hard season. You are seen and loved, sister.

#4 The Promise Pack

What can be better than these 52 promises from God’s heart straight to yours. Nothing has shaped my faith more than memorizing scripture. Why not set a beautiful goal for 2020 and memorize one verse a week! Use them with the Verse Memorization Tabs which almost made it to the Top 10 list.

Printed on durable paper meant to be touched and loved, the Promise Pack is the perfect gift for a loved one in need. 

"In my time of trouble I like to find a promise which exactly fits my need, and then to put my finger on it, and say, 'Lord, this is thy word; I beseech thee to prove that it is so, by carrying it out in my case.  I believe that this is your own writing; and I pray thee make it good to my faith'" -Charles Spurgeon, 19th Century British Preacher

 #3 The Eclipsed Necklace

The Eclipsed Necklace is the only long necklace that made our Top 10 and for good reason. It’s a working brass locket where you can put photos, a note, a kiss, a prayer inside. 

We also have a smaller version if you’d prefer that look or to match with a daughter.

I love the antique look of this locket. If you prefer to keep the gloss, just shine it right back up with ketchup or lemon juice and it looks perfect again.

The verse enclosed is from Jeremiah 33:3. “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

A beautiful reminder for us to pray and call upon God; there you will find the sweetest, hidden answers. 

#2 The Carried Bracelet

Also made of brass - the Carried Bracelet can easily be shined back up again if you don’t like it tarnished. To get it on just stretch it out and squeeze it closed. Feel confident gifting this bracelet because it can be adjusted for anyone. It doesn’t have sharp edges, it’s tough and wearable all day long.

Isaiah 40:11 contains beautiful imagery of being gathered into His arms. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” 

I recommend this piece for new mothers or even teachers. In the love we give to our children and the work we do with them, we are not alone. We pick up our babies and and then God carries us in His arms.

#1 Companion Bracelets

The Companion Bracelet has been at the top of our bestseller list so many times! It comes in 6 colours and you get two with each order. 

Each bracelet comes with special words from Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.”

Gift them to your special person to say thank you for lifting you up or as a reminder to be there for each other.

I just love all of these pieces and I’m so glad you do too! We are so honored that you choose to purchase our products and love your people well. Watch our daily Instagram stories for Christian Jewelry and Scripture inspiration.

We recently collaborated with the amazing Phoenix Feathers Calligraphy to design four beautiful art prints for our Fall Dear Mushka Line. Kristine’s artwork is stunning and I’m so happy we got to create two new designs that come in two different colors.

She put so much heart into these and I know you’re going to love them!

The first is reflective of words I pray all the time from Numbers 6:24-26. I originally had the verse lettered with a pink background but knew many of you would appreciate a more neutral grey, so we have both!

The pink has an ombre, watercolor effect and the grey is solid.

This verse is a prayer not only for my family and my boys but also for all of you who I hold so dear. I think this is such a beautiful print to put up in a nursery, in your entry way or in your dining room for everyone to see. I’ve even used mine in front of my prayer binder.

The second print is reflective of John 15, which is possibly my favorite chapter in the Bible. It has been such a lifeline for me to remember that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. The only way we can bare fruit is by tethering ourselves to the vine.

God the Father is the “vinedresser”, who prunes branches to help produce more fruit - so if someone isn’t a believer He cuts them off. He also helps those walking through suffering produce more fruit. Sometimes, good branches need to be pruned and I love the imagery of our suffering growing fruit!

I want this chapter in front of my eyes, always. If you haven’t read it yet, go study it now. Enjoy the communion with Jesus by abiding with Him.

The art frames are 8x10 (such a good, standard size) and a frame makes them even more lovely! Feel free to use one with or without a matte depending on how big you want them to be.

We're celebrating Dear Mushka's sixth birthday this week and I thought it would be fun to take a walk down memory lane. Come with me? 

1. The Trio Necklace (still available!) was one of my very first pieces. I wrapped a white curtain behind me, balanced an old camera on self timer, and uploaded this to our Etsy site. It wasn't professional, but I knew good photography mattered so I did the very best I could without panicking over perfection. 

2. I took a screenshot of my first ever sale. My dear friend and forever champion, Sarah, purchased a tiny heart necklace (similar to our current The Delight) and it made my heart sing. Friends, you matter!

3. The was one of the first photos I ever shared on Instagram. Shops around me were posting bag-fulls of their orders and here I was, trying to make these 7 looks as robust as possible. Now, we're posting bag-fulls ourselves (all glory to God!) and I'm still so grateful for these seven right here. 

4. I was as grateful for you all then as I am now (though I don't call you "fab" anymore E). Thank you for doing this with me! 

PS: I created this on a free site called Pic Monkey. Don't let graphic design scare you, there are lots of free resources. I'd choose Canva now! 

5. Scenes from my earliest desk. I spy The Royalty Necklace and No.139 Bracelets (though they were called something difference back then, before I added scripture). They've been around this whole time and are still great sellers. 

6. My first work space, in our bedroom. This shop opened, in part, as a fundraiser to bring our first son home via adoption. There he is, not even a year old. He's five now! 

How is it already time for our September Best Sellers here at Dear Mushka?! It’s so fun to watch the top ten products change every month, especially because we launched a new line this month.

Let’s Dive In!

The Onward Necklace

The Onward Necklace sold out this month so I think it would have been higher on our best sellers list if there were more available - it’s back in stock now! This necklace has a lot of movement and is really so sweet and precious. My prayer for you is that when you wear this necklace, you remember that God is with you through the fire and stormy waves, just as its paired verse card shares.

The Carried Bracelet

The Carried Bracelet is solid brass and it squeezes open and shut to get the perfect fit for your wrist. This piece is my go-to for a baby shower or new mother gift. It also doesn’t have to be attached to motherhood, it is for anyone who needs to remember they are being “carried” by the Lord as they care for others.

The Dwelling Tee

I am so happy you all loved the Dwelling Tee because it is one of my favorites! Right now it’s my “throw it on” in the morning tee. I wear it around my house all the time and will wear it outside soon as the weather gets cooler. It is a beautiful reminder that we are actually God’s dwelling place.

The Thank You Necklace

It makes me so happy to share that the gold Thank You Necklaces are back in stock! This piece is especially beautiful because it says “thank you” in morse code. This is such a beautiful gift to give anyone who you’d like to give thanks to like a shower host, pastor’s wife or a small group leader. Not only are you saying thank you, you are praying prayers of gratitude to God.

The Aid Necklace

The Aid Necklace makes the best sellers list pretty frequently and they come in rose gold, gold and silver. The design represents the fact that only God can fill the holes in our hearts caused by loss. I love sending this piece to friends and family in need. I would have felt so love has someone gifted this to me when my mom passed away a few years ago.

The Fighter Pack

The Fighter Pack is a new Fall product and one I personally use ALL the time! It comes wrapped in a sweet little bag. They are verse cards that come color-coded by topic. We use them by reading and talking about one verse a day in our family. All these verses help with instruction and discipline so they set us up for a good day, first thing! We also tend to grab them in the moment if I see a helpful verse for tattling or any day-to-day situations. 

The Companion Bracelets

The Companion Bracelets are so popular, they have been on these top ten best sellers since I started doing them! They come two in a pack - two bracelets, two verse cards and two bracelets. They are like adult friendship bracelets and make beautiful gifts.

The Guard Necklace

The Guard Necklace sold out almost immediately and you all absolutely love it as much as I do - back in stock now! It’s paired verse card is touching so many hearts and it reminds us to give the Lord your anxiety, gratitude and prayers - the design is like a shield that protects you just as God does.

The Adorn Hair Ties

The Adorn Hair Ties come in five different colors, the mustard is permanently on my handbag! This piece reminds us that your whole world shouldn’t be based on your external appearance but rather we should focus on our hidden selves, character and our hearts.

The Shell Earrings

The Shell Earrings were by far our number one best seller for September! These earrings are very lightweight and they come paired with such a powerful verse from Psalm 73. They remind us that God is our shell, strength, portion when we are weak.

Thank you so much to everyone who purchased this month and remember to tape your verse cards up, think on the words and share them with others!

I've been getting a lot of requests for best marriage books, specifically for engaged couples and newlyweds, so I thought I'd compile a list here. I haven't read a few of these, but included them due to your strong recommendations when I asked on Instagram.

(Click photos for direct links)

1. I read this book before I was married and appreciated how Keller gave me a better perspective of God’s intention for ALL relationships, marriage included. I still think on this quote, ten years later. 

“Within this Christian vision of marriage, here's what it means to fall in love. It is to look at another person and get a glimpse of what God is creating, and to say, "I see who God is making you, and it excites me! I want to be part of that. I want to partner with you and God in the journey you are taking to his throne. And when we get there, I will look at your magnificence and say, 'I always knew you could be like this. I got glimpses of it on earth, but now look at you!” 

 2. I really enjoy Francis Chan and so appreciated the eternal perspective on marriage he presented here. This book helped me see our marriage as teamwork, moving towards The Kingdom, together. 

“Many people will tell you to focus on your marriage, to focus on each other; but we discovered that focusing on God’s mission made our marriage amazing.”

3. I read this one early on in our marriage, and it radically shifted the way I viewed the purpose of marriage.  This book challenged me in the best ways. I would give this to any engaged couple as required reading.

“What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?”

4. I'm sure you all have heard of "love languages" before- How we show and receive love. There are five “languages” the author suggests: Quality Time, Service, Gifts, Words of Affirmation, and Physical Touch. Robert and I are very different, (he is words of affirmation and physical touch; and I am acts of service and gift), but we are able to love one another well through this book's wisdom. If you feel like your spouse doesn’t appreciate your efforts to show love to them, this is a must-read.

5. I haven't read this book, but I respect the Bethke's and have heard nothing but good things about their wisdom here. My guess is that this a very approachable, light book on marriage that combats what our culture describes marriage as. 

6. Many of you suggested this one and I'm a big fan of Paul David Tripp. I'm going to add it to my list! 

7. Far too often, books on the topic of sex are left off of Christian marriage lists. This one was so helpful to me as a newlywed! It helped me make the shift from "sex is not okay" to "it's great!" and helped me troubleshoot along the way.

8. Here's another great one! And don't feel like you have to cram all these in within your first year of marriage. I try to read one marriage book a year to keep my heart gospel-focused. 

9. (Okay, I added one more book after I designed the graphic for this post. Ha!) I haven't read this one, but it's come highly recommended, too. It's written specifically to wives, and it doesn’t shy away from the tough topics.

In addition to books, I thought I'd share a few jewelry pieces I'd recommend as you pray over your marriage and love your spouse:

1. The Knot Necklace

2. The Portion Necklace

3. The Servant Necklace

4. The Complete Necklace

5. The Trio Necklace

6. The Essential Necklace

7. The Surrender Necklace