Dear Mushka,

While there is nothing inherently wrong with candy or bunnies, Easter is about abundantly more than what our culture has made it. 

If you're set on creating an Easter basket for your child, here are some ideas that can keep the focus on Jesus and spur on sweet, Gospel conversation!

1. Resurrection Eggs-- My boys can't wait to break these out every year. We usually start them 12 days before Easter (one egg per day), but if you don't have a set they'd be a wonderful thing to include in a basket this year to talk about all morning long.  

2. The Child Pack-- If your kids don't have Bible verse cards, this is the sweetest beginner pack made just for them. As soon as children can talk, they can memorize verses and these are perfect ones to begin with. Plus, they're adorable (if I do say so myself!). We have a few hanging in our boy's rooms :) 

3. A Cuddle + Kind Doll-- Every purchase provides 10+ meals to children in need. This could open up a conversation about how we use our blessings to serve others, or to prompt prayer for those who have less than you do. 

4. A Garden Tools Set-- Perhaps with some seeds, too. As you plant, you can talk about how God brings life, created all things, faithfully grows us, etc. 

5. A book like this one or this one-- Snuggle up and read about Jesus together, or even consider reading one of these around the lunch table with family & friends! 

6. A Jesus-Focused Activity Book-- Maybe with some new crayons, too.

Don’t complicate it, Sisters. Just open up your Bible and read a verse or a chapter. Read the same thing at lunch and then before bed. Think about the words during your day-- sometimes I even write a key word or phrase down on my arm as a reminder! Pray through them and watch God work.

Good Places to Start in you’re Feeling Lost:

Genesis 1
Psalm 1
John 1
Philippians 1

I often open my Bible up to what was preached through at church on Sunday if I’m not sure where to start.

While I’m reading, I keep a Brain Dump post it next to me. When something comes to mind, I jot it down and move along. It’s all there waiting for me when I’m done and I don’t lose focus.

Do NOT use your notes app in your phone for this. You’ll be scrolling Instagram before you’re even aware.

If you’re having a hard time prioritizing studying your Bible, consider praying bits of Psalm 119.

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

I don’t know about you, but I NEED a light to show me what is right daily and even hourly.

Part of why we try to read God’s words daily and memorize scripture is to strengthen our minds for hardships in this world.

Context is also super important as we learn and understand books of the Bible. Even if all I have time for in a day is reading and comprehending an intro page, it’s time well spent.

If you only have a few minutes to read the word today, don’t let that stop you from jumping in.

When you have a busy weekend ahead, fight for your Bible study time more than ever.

Read one chapter.

Find one thing that chapter teaches you about God. Think on that aspect of His character all day long.

It can start with this prayer:

God, allow me to find more comfort and joy in you than I do my bed, Help me get up in the morning and then wake up my mind and body enough to meet you in this place. Amen.If you want to read your Bible more often, keep it accessible. Mine lives on the kitchen counter so I can read a verse or two in between meal prep and dishes and life.

I underline using different colors when reading a Psalm to make notes of who God is and what we’re supposed to do (or not do) because of it.

This may only take you ten minutes. Perfect when you’re short on time.

It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.

My favorite way to say "thank you" is to choose a piece + verse that displays God-honoring qualities I've seen in someone's life and to tell her through jewelry or apparel along with a little note. 

Here are ten+ pieces you can use to say "thank you." Send one with a note explaining how the verse fits what you see in her. And maybe with some chocolate, too :)  

1. The Salt or Cheer Necklace as a thank you for how she's always used her words to bring life, truth, and grace to your life or the lives of others.

2. The Befitting Earrings because she's made less of herself and more of Christ as she's served you or your ministry.

3. The Carried Cuff because you've felt carried by God through her kindness and support.

4. The Verb Necklace because she is a woman who is joyful in hope and faithful in suffering. Or maybe because she is a woman who is always taking Godly action! 

5. The Citizen Sweatshirt because she reminds you that this life is temporary and that something far better is coming. And you're so grateful you get to spend eternity together! 

6. The Daughter Earrings or Encounter Necklace because she has prayed so fervently for you during a hard season, and you're so grateful! Or maybe because she's quick to go do the throne of God, and you love that about her. 

7. The Essential Necklace because she is doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly. What a treasure! 

8. The Steward Bracelet because she's using her talents and giftings to serve God's kingdom so fully and you're blessed to watch it unfold. 

9. The Radiance Necklace because she shines the light of God. Or maybe because He has used her to remove your fears. 

10. The Servant Necklace because she has been such a servant to you or your people. You see her looking to other's needs and it's beautiful and Christ-honoring to watch!

Today I'm sharing with two necklace pieces perfect for married and single ladies. These pieces hold a special place in my heart. Watch the video to see why or read the post below.

The Servant Necklace is an 18” necklace with a gold chain and Quartz pendant. The quartz allows you to see through it and it is a great reminder to look through ourselves to see others’ needs.

It is reflective of Philippians 2:3-4 and I personally need to be reminded of the verse always!

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

This has been a verse that I have been praying over for myself as a wife, mother and friend. It is the perfect marriage piece! But truly, it can be a reminder for any relationship in your life.

The Portion Necklace is for all you single ladies out there. I’ve had so many inquiries from you all and we finally have a piece just for you! This necklace is white on one side and has a dark emerald green on the other.

It is reflective of Lamentations 3:24. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

When we first look at the word portion, it originally refers to a plot of land or inheritance. I just love the imagery there especially when we think about who we are going to marry, how we are going to grow our family, and where we are going to live. He is our portion, He is where we put our hope.

The Portion Necklace is meant to look like the Earth from above and represent portions of land.

This piece is extra special to me because Lamentations 3:21-26 is actually my passage for the year. I usually choose one in January to meditate and focus on for the year. The truth is that the Lord is doing big works in my own life as I purge things I’ve been putting too much hope and joy into to, and instead I am learning that the Lord is just my portion.

So I’m creating this piece for all you single ladies, but these verses go far beyond the characteristics I assign to them.

Why:

I don't drink alcohol, in part, because addiction runs viciously through my veins. For years, I fought a sugar addiction and just when I thought I had it mastered (face palm) God showed me a new one: Add to cart, add to cart, add to cart. An addiction to new, to the anticipation of something fun in the mail, to fleeting sparkle this world has to offer.

And so one April I gave up buying clothes for the month. It sounded easy, but proved to be embarrassingly hard, and left me changed. I've been trying out this "capsule wardrobe" idea for the last year, not to limit the amount of clothes I have in my closet, but to limit the amount of impulse buys I purchase for a quick burst of joy.

It's been challenging and rewarding and really really sweet. God is so ready to step in with his deep fulfillment as soon as we leave room, y'all.

What I do:

1. As we're exiting a season, the first thing I do is go through my clothes to remove anything I didn't wear or don't see myself wearing again. Pilling sweaters, jeans I couldn't sit in (because please), cute jackets I never once put on, etc. I also make a mental note of what worked and didn't work this season. Stretchy jeans and warm tops were a win, cardigans without buttons actually got in my way. I'll remember this for next year. Check.

2. Then I look at my clothes for the upcoming season. Are there items I know I won't wear? (Donate). What gaps do I realistically have?

We seem to have a tendency to buy clothes for an imaginary life. For example: "I'll wear this at Spring weddings or out walking on the beach!” Which is great if you actually have weddings to go to this Spring or plan to be walking out on the beach frequently. But for me, I may attend one wedding? And we have a total of 7 beach days planned this year. So one appropriate outfit will do it :)

3. With my actual clothing gaps, I make a list and set out to find those items within a week or two. My goal with a capsule wardrobe isn't to have this tiny little closet where only 31 pieces are allowed; it's to cut myself off from freely purchasing whenever the urge strikes. 

So March 1-15 I can grab what I need for Spring. And then, unless something vital rips over the next few months, no more clothing purchases. Which is so freeing! I don't need to glance at Target's new pieces, I don't need to pursue fashion bloggers Instagram accounts, which constantly beckon me to buy more.

I. Am. Fine. 

My Seasons: 

Spring- March through May. I focus on tees, loose bottoms (linen pants are a favorite of mine), dresses, and warm weather shoes. 

Summer- June through August. I focus on tanks, shorts, and bathing suits.  

Fall- September through November. I focus on long sleeved tops, jeans, and cold weather shoes. 

Winter- December through February. I focus on sweaters, outerwear, and things like leggings.

Where I shop:

I get 99% of my clothes from one of two places.

The first is ThredUP. I love ThredUP for a few reasons (not sponsored, by the way). 

I value ethical shopping, but I have a hard time finding companies within my price range or style. So an alternative way for me to ethically shop is to buy secondhand. I used to shop at Goodwill, but this isn’t practical with two little ones and honestly, it was getting harder for me to find pieces I really loved there.

But on ThredUp I can search specific brands I know I love, and then narrow down by item type, color, size, price, etc. It makes the search really easy! "Madewell chambray tank." Check! 

Prices are usually a good deal, though occasionally I’ll think “I could definitely get this item for less money at the store on a big sale.” But then, of course, it wouldn't be secondhand :)

I’ve learned that it’s just not worth it to keep pieces I don’t love so when my products come, I try them on with a critical eye. If it isn’t a 100% fit, back it goes. They now have a $2 restocking fee per item, but that’s worth it for me not to have an item hanging in my closet I’m not ever going to enjoy wearing. Just this month I ordered 6 things and returned 2 because they weren't perfect. 

Overall, it's a great experience. I definitely recommend at least browsing if you haven't before! 

Pro tip: If you like an item, add it to your cart ASAP and then decide if you want to buy. Items can stay in your cart for 24 hours before someone else has a chance to snag it! 

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The second place I shop is an online clothing boutique called August Cloth.

I originally began shopping from August Cloth because my friend, Crystal, started the company. And I'm always going to support my friends :) But I quickly saw the value of buying from a clothing boutique vs a big box store.

For one, the clothes are beautifully hand picked by one girl. If I like the first five things she releases, I'm probably going to like it all because the same eye is approving of and offering the items. It’s like a specially curated closet to choose from!

She's a real life mom of three (almost four!), business owner, wife, church goer etc. Her life looks like mine in many ways so we’re looking for the same type of clothes. Easy, modest, versatile, comfortable, cute. I don't have to sift through a lot to find a winner... I love almost everything. 

Additionally, the clothes are just a higher quality than what I was grabbing from Target or Old Navy. Their detailing is just a little extra, the materials are luxurious, and the fit is more flattering. People always comment when I wear a top from August Cloth. "That sweater is adorable, where is it from?" Because the products are noticeably special. And if I'm not going to be shopping all year long, I want my buys to feel like wins. 

Bonus: Everything comes packaged in a way that makes me feel special. The whole experience feels like a treat and I love knowing my purchases are supporting a family running this Kingdom race as hard as they can! 

· 

Okay, one more extra place I shop... Dear Mushka. Ha! But truly, I only choose and design tees for the shop that I actually want to wear. I always make an extra for myself; they layer well and point me back to Jesus. 

Want to hear me talk more about this? Follow along on Instastories where I'll show you my Spring picks! 

We are adopting Little Mushka #3 and if you are interested in helping make this possible, head over to this blog post to see how you can help!

I get asked so many question every week about adoption. You can find my previous posts with FAQ’s here and here if you’d like to learn more about our story❤️

If you’ve ever thought about adoption, it can be really overwhelming with all of the options. There’s domestic or international adoptions, race, gender, medical conditions and agencies to consider. We prayed Psalm 32:8 through this entire process - He WILL direct you!

We basically just followed the path of a friend who had adopted for our first adoption and really trusted their advice. The Lord made everything clear for us and it all fell beautifully into place.

Every state is different and the goal of Tennessee’s foster care system is to reunify families. We knew we were ready to adopt a child so we checked foster care off of our list.

Our next decision was choosing between an agency or consultant group. We ultimately chose a consultancy group as our name is out there for multiple agencies to see, which means its a quicker process as there are many expectant mothers who are able to find you. We used Faithful Adoption Consultants and we love them!

Our first adoption ended up being a private adoption. We did it one time and knew that was how we should grow our family from then on. We couldn’t love our baby Brooks more, no matter if he had grown in my own womb or somebody else’s.

When we pursued our second adoption, we went all the way through with Faithful Adoption Consultants. A consultant group helps a ton with speed if that matters to you. We went active with our adoption in October and were matched in November. Our little boy was born in January.

Adoption doesn’t have to be hard and long and expensive and scary. If God calls you to do it, say YES. I was super scared and overwhelmed at first. Our adoptions have been the very best parts of our lives and both times, we have felt God holding our hands and leading just to the next right step.

As for finances, we fundraised our adoptions. God covered every cent. Our second adoption was totally funded through Dear Mushka😭❤️ We are also raising funds for our third adoption (you can find all the details here.)

Not everyone is called to adopt themselves, and that is totally okay. However, we are all are called to serve others and take care of one another. So some choose to say yes to donating money towards an adoption.

Our adoption necklace mentioned in the video is a triangle which represents the birth family, adoptive family and the child. It’s the perfect gift for a birth mother or adoptive mother and comes with reflective scripture cards.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Birth Parents

I feel like there is a lot of negative stereotypes and fear surrounding birth mothers. I was in the exact same place the first time we adopted and I thought ‘what if this sweet mama decides to change her mind?’.

I wanted to make it clear that a birth mother is just an expectant mother until the rights have been signed over. She can still change her mind even if she chooses you and promises to give you the child.

Adoption is so beautiful but the fact that the child has two families interacting in their lives means it can still be complicated. It’s totally normal to be hesitant with open adoptions for this reason. We chose yes to open adoptions for both of ours, but our birth mothers chose not to have a relationship with us.

Home Study

It’s not a difficult process but can be tedious. The social workers are always really kind and interested in getting to know you! They are simply there to see that you live in a safe environment.

When You and Your Husband Aren’t On The Same Page

What I’ve found a lot of comfort in, came from the Bible when Abram was called to a new land without a lot of details. God doesn’t tell him where he is going, simply that He will lead him. So we took baby steps forward with a lot of prayer for unity.

I hope you found this helpful! Feel free to DM me any more questions and follow along on our IG stories to see us bring Mushka #3 home❤️

Today I’m sharing the inspiration behind our apparel designs. All of these pieces are printed ethically in Nashville. They are so versatile and can be paired with jeans, yoga pants or even a pleated skirt.

Watch the video to see me try on each item or simply click the links below👇

The Thicket Tee

The Thicket Tee is a baseball style T-shirt in the softest material. I sized up to a medium because I like to tuck in the front and always like it when my tees are long enough to cover my backside.

It has a beautiful wildflower sketch design on the front which I love with the more masculine style of the raglan tee. 

It is reflective of John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

This is personally one of my very favorite chapters in all of scripture. I love the reminder that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches and that we NEED the vine to accomplish anything.

I also love that I can wear this shirt for all four seasons!

The Thankful Tee

The Thankful Tee is the exact style as the Thicket Tee but has navy sleeves. It is reflective of Psalm 118:1: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

It reminds us in midst of incredibly joyful seasons (marriage! child! travel!) and incredibly hard seasons (pain, suffering, death), to give thanks to Lord always and for everything. For His love endures forever. 

The Precious Tee

I love to knot The Precious Tee on the side and pair it with a pair of jeans. It’s also super cute under a cardigan in the winter. It is reflective of Matthew 19:14: "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

We pray this tee sparks conversation and change in our country in regards to racial reconciliation. Our mixed-raced adoptive family is wearing these tees with joy!

The Blessed Tee

The Blessed Tee is supposed to mimic a mama bear but it’s for anyone who feels blessed! It's originally from our Sapling Line, collection surrounding motherhood. It reflects Proverbs 31:28: "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."

The Grace Hat

The Grace Hat is perfect for covering up my hair on those bad hair days😂

The word "grace" is embroidered on this soft wool-blend hat for a beautiful reminder of this promise found in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

1. I refuse to let my public passion exceed my private devotion. --Unknown

I heard Francis Chan say this, quoting someone else, and it immediately struck my heart. As a Christian business owner who frequently talks about Christ, spiritual disciplines, and my faith online it's something I have to be extra aware of. I never want to put on a passionate outward display while hosting a careless, hypocritical heart. As Jesus said: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness." (Matthew 23:27)

2. How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. --Annie Dillard

This quote circles my mind as I decide how to live my days intentionally, focusing on God's Kingdom instead of my own. Our time can slip away from us if we aren't careful; I don't want to get to the end of my life and wonder why I never gave sacrificially, talked about Christ with others, loved my neighbors fiercely, etc. 

Isaiah 32:8 says that nobel people (children of God!) make nobel plans and stand firm in those plans. I want to plan my days so that they work together towards a nobel, Kingdom-cultivating life. 

3. We won't be distracted by comparison if we're captivated by purpose --Bob Goff

God used this quote to remove my insecurities as I launched Dear Mushka and navigated the messy world of social media. Matthew 28:19 says that my purpose is to make disciples. Isaiah 43:6-7 says that I am made to glorify God. I can echo Paul (in Philippians 1:20) in asking that my whole life's purpose be to magnify Jesus Christ. 

And so when the Holy Spirit reminds my soul of its purpose (again and again) the comparison floats away. 

4.Think of eternity...and live backwards from that. --Ann Voskamp 

Or as Johnathan Edwards said: "Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs!" 

When I set my eyes and mind on things above, not on earthy things (Colossians 3:2), I'm able to live eternity focused. I'm more generous; it's God's money, anyway. I'm more bold; my life is a quick breeze. I'm more hopeful; Jesus is preparing a place for me! Eternity first, this world second.

5. How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure, that He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure... I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom; But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. --Stuart Townend 

How Deep the Father's Love for Us has been a favorite hymn of mine since I was a little girl. When I am at my lowest, its because I've forgotten how loved I am by the triune God; it's because I've focused on my wretchedness instead of on His great mercy & grace. Praise God for His love, let it be the only thing I boast in. 

We know that motherhood comes with every emotion possible.

I wanted to share four gifts ideas for either yourself, a good friend or anyone you know walking through a specific season of motherhood.

If you’re shopping for someone walking through any of these up and downs, we pray these pieces and verses are exactly what their hearts need to find hope and thanksgiving this season. Every piece comes boxed with a verse card and is covered in prayer.

Watch the video below to see each piece in detail or find them linked below with thier corresponding verse✨

Infertility

The Expectant Necklace is supposed to mimic an empty cradle for a season of infertility (or any season of waiting). The verse that accompanies it is: Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act・Psalm 37

I used this verse for infertility because we can wait expectantly for something like a child while trusting that if we commit our lives to God, no matter what happens, He promises to act in the very best way on our behalf.

Miscarriage

The Aid Necklace reminds us of Who fills the holes in our hearts as we mourn the loss of a child or loved on. It’s accompanying verse is: He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds・Psalm 147

Adoption

The Together Necklace is especially close to our hearts because we have adopted two little boys and have a third little Mushka on the way. (If you would like to help bring our next little one home, you can find more information here!)

This necklace has a triangle to show the three people groups that make up an adoption - the adoptive family, the birth family and the child. The little heart hangs down to represent the love shared between them all.

It also comes with the option of two different verses, one for adoptive parents and one for birth parents. The adoptive parent verse is: For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to Him ・1 Samuel 1:27

The birth parent verse is: The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing・Zephaniah 3:17

Long Awaited Child

The Brimming Necklace makes the sweetest gift to celebrate a long awaited child. What I love about the design is that it pairs so well with the Expectant Necklace-- they tuck into each other.

It comes with the accompanying verse: For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things・Psalm 107:9

This, of course, does not mean that God always sees fit to provide a child. But always, always He promises to fill our souls with Himself, which is the real gift. 

These necklaces can also be switched and used for different seasons, however you see fit. It can be so challenging to know what to gift others during these difficult seasons of life - I hope these make it just a little easier❤️

I have never been super athletic, but I see a noticeable difference in my mood, positive body image, and health when I prioritize getting my heart rate up and strengthening my muscles. 

Proverbs 25:28 says "a man without self-control is like a city without walls." Disciplining myself to exercise is also a way to care for my body. I never want this bodily temple of God to be penetrable, attacked, and destroyed because of my lack of self-control. After all, it's what I use to love my family well, serve those around me, and do Kingdom work with! 

There were years I was able to go into a gym and enjoy group classes, but now that I have children I find it easiest just to exercise in our living room while the boys run around me. 

How Often:

For me, trying to exercise 5-6x week is helpful. That may seem like a lot during a season with little ones at home, but predictability is so good for all of us. My boys know that after breakfast we workout! If something comes up and I have to miss a day, that's completely fine. But this way, we have a general rhythm down and I'm usually able to get at lease 3-4 workouts in a week. 

I tell them "only exercising" is allowed on the rug in our living room. If they want to join in, they're welcome to! If they want to play/wrestle/whine (real life) they may do so in another part of the room or in their own room. After a few days, they understood and it's usually a fun part in our day. 

What I Do:

Last year, I followed the (bbg) app from Kayla Itsines after hearing so many people recommend it and really enjoyed the workouts! Under 30 minutes, very few pieces of equipment needed, and I definitely felt stronger at the end (though I'll continue to enjoy my more covering bathing suit, thanks). 

This year, I needed some variety so I signed up for Beachbody On Demand. There are varying price levels, but it's roughly $10/month and you get access to all the different workout programs they offer. I've been doing "21 Day Fix" for about three months now, but I could switch it up anytime. 

They're under 30 minutes, I can play them on our TV, and minimal equipment is needed. 

I try to do this on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday. 

Running:

Last October, I ran my first half marathon and loved training for it. Being outside and challenging myself was good for my soul :) 

I began with a couch to 5k app. Once I could run 3 miles without stopping, I started adding one mile to each Saturday morning run until I was up to 13.  It's not fancy and I'm certainly not a competitive runner. If I get three runs in during the week, I've done great! 

I try to do this Tuesdays (2 miles), Thursdays (3-4 miles), and Saturdays (whatever I'm up to with my long run). 

Because my husband works from home, I'm usually able to run right after breakfast while he watches the boys for 30-45 minutes. On days he can't watch them, I just do a Beachbody workout or run after dinner instead. 

Equipment: 

· A set of 5, 8, and 10 pound weights 

· These running shoes; I'm a firm believer in going to a running store and getting fitted for the very best shoe for your foot!

· This little runners belt for my short runs; it doesn't move as I run and is perfect for holing my phone and house key. I prefer this over shorts with pockets in them. 

· For my long runs, especially in warm weather, I use this. No shame. 

· As I started running more, I learned the value of a few extra minutes for recovery. I wear these socks after a run, try to roll my muscles with this, and am trying to enjoy a Saturday night bath soak with these.