Dear Mushka,

This extra special necklace was created especially for those going through issues regarding chronic health - depression, anxiety, a child with special needs, cancer - any illness where it feels as though the outer self is just wasting away.

The design is of an orb surrounded by a shell that is ‘wasting away’ and calls to mind the Bible verse the Enduring Necklace comes paired with: “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” · 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Even as our outer part wastes away, so our inner soul shines forth and is renewed. Our inner self is being renewed day by day. This is a beautiful reminder that in the span of all eternity, in this light and momentary affliction, He is preparing us for something far greater and more glorious than we can imagine. 

The Enduring Necklace is meant to be a tangible reminder of this beautiful verse from 2 Corinthians. Though we are wasting away on the outside, our inner self is being renewed and shining out, for something far greater and more glorious than we can imagine. 

Makes a beautiful gift for someone parenting a child with special needs, battling chronic illness, fighting anxiety and depression, walking through loss, etc. Let us hope for eternity and complete renewal together! 

Gift the Enduring Necklace to someone sitting in the thick of sadness and grief. Let us hope for eternity and complete renewal together.

Long necklaces may not always be the best everyday necklace for those of us with little ones, but I believe there’s still a place for a few in your jewelry collection. Think church, dates, social events, work, etc! If you don’t have little kids, the Magnify Necklace might indeed make a great everyday necklace for you! Made of woven glass beads, this sweet dainty necklace is meant to resemble a little magnifying glass.

Psalm 34:3 is the first verse I put to a little tune and taught to my son. "Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!" Psalm 34:3

We’d sing the words before we’d read the Bible to signify that the Bible is a different and extra special book. 

To magnify means to make bigger! As John the Baptist said, “He must increase and I must decrease”. We are making God’s name bigger in our hearts, homes and tongues.

Wear the Magnify Necklace on a date night and remember the purpose of being together - we aren’t just enjoying one another - we’re on a mission! Magnifying God through this relationship. 

The Magnify Necklace is shaped like a whimsical magnifying glass, as she calls to mind Psalm 34:3-- which is a verse I think about in all relationships.

In our marriages, may we magnify God's name together. As friends, can we spur on our sisters to run this race with praise in every step? As mothers, may we lead our children in exalting God's name. 

Pair this with a breezy tank and shorts or a fancy dress, you're going to love it with either! Wear it to church and think about the body of Christ magnifying God together.

It’s a beautiful gift for a friend! Give it along with a note saying, “Sister, we’re more than just girl pals! I love magnifying God with you as we run this race together!”

And thank you, friends, for magnifying the Lord with me in this space.

This dainty everyday necklace was created around one of my favorite scriptures from Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." 

There is so much to love about this passage. It’s one I clung to throughout high school and college and even today. What stands out is the contrast between trusting in the Lord versus leaning on our own understanding. We love the idea of a strong gut instinct, but truly our hearts and feelings will lead us astray. Ultimately, we should only rely only on the Holy Spirit as He affirms what we see in Scripture. 

To ‘acknowledge Him’ means to ‘know intimately’. When I looked deeper into the meaning of this phrase, I learned that this means we should become immersed in Him to an incredibly deep level of knowing and connectedness. Ultimately, our paths are straight because our hearts and minds and decisions are entangled with Him. 

This doesn’t mean we won't walk through suffering, but I do think it means we don’t have to panic over making the wrong life decisions. God isn’t trying to trick us! When we sit in His character, read His Word, pray, and acknowledge Him in all things, He makes our paths straight.

The more I meditate on this passage, the stronger a reassurance it is.

Grab the Path Necklace in gold, rose gold or silver as a gift for yourself or a friend. As you wear it, think about these verses and KNOW him. He will straighten your paths.

This sweet dainty necklace is one of my favorite everyday necklaces. It’s a great layering piece (try it with the Twinkle necklace!).

The Verb Necklace was designed around Romans 12:12 and the three actions Paul encourages us to focus on. This passage is centred in a whole list of verbs from Romans 12 called the Marks of a True Christian. 

Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about what Christian should look like. Genuine fruit is different to fruit we bear because we feel obligated. Romans 12 encourages us to, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer".

Paul goes on to say, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” 

I feel this so poignantly with what is going on in the world at this time. Let’s learn how to be real Christians and ask ourselves what this looks like. We are the image of God in this world. We serve Jesus, emulating what He did. 

When you feel paralyzed with what to do next, start with these steps offered in Romans:

Be joyful in hope. A new earth is coming in Jesus name!
Be patient in affliction. Trust God and wait for His timing.
Be faithful in prayer. Regularly knock and seek the Lord on all matters. Don’t grow weary in doing this good!

For the girl who just doesn't know what to do next, "verb" offers a list of three actions that are always right: be deeply joyful because of what Jesus has done, be patient as you walk through trials, and pray. Always, always pray. I’m praying that wearing the Verb Necklace reminds you of who God is and who we are to be in Christ.

We started paying attention to and educating ourselves about the issue of racism about four years ago. While we aren’t the best or only people to listen to, it isn’t a brand-new issue to us and we may be a step ahead of some of you who are also ready to listen and learn. Let’s talk about why racism should matter to everyone by answering some of the questions you’ve asked us. 

Q: “I care about abortion. We’re the body of Christ and we should care about different matters. Why is racism THAT big a deal? Why should this matter to all believers now?”

A: It should matter to all Americans, not just believers. The laws of our country are not equitable and they are not being administered justly. The color of your skin is the greatest predictor of your life outcome in this country. The administration of the law dictates this. That should bother all Americans! 

Christians, specifically, should care because the Lord cares about justice and those in need. He tells us constantly that we should care for the widow, the immigrant, the orphan, the sojourner and the oppressed. Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets rebuke the people of Israel for not caring for the oppressed. Using power to not care for others is an affront to the heart of God. This is not who He is. Christians should care because God cares.

Q: What if someone feels “called to” or passionate about abortion or another issue. We can’t do it all.

A: To note: We care deeply about abortion and adoption. All three of our boys are adopted and we pour heavily into this system. We are absolutely against abortion. While we are all called differently, injustice isn’t a quota system. It’s not like we need one injustice elective and then we’ve met our quota! Think about the Good Samaritan. He wasn’t travelling around the highways looking for destitute people to help or for someone with a specific kind of need. He saw a need and responded. Your neighbor is whoever is in front of you.

If abortion is what you feel drawn to, this topic should be especially important to you because racial injustice is a keystone societal issue. Abortion is an economic issue the vast majority of the time and almost exclusively an economic decision in lower income and minority communities. Without savings, support, a present father, a knowledge of the truth that her life matters, it’s hard for a mother to believe that her child’s life matters. Racial inequalities lead to abortions. If you care about abortions, care about this issue!

Q: Is talking about this making the problem worse? I feel like this is making a greater racial divide. 

A: People talk about being color blind or the idea of only one race, i.e. the human race. Remember that white or the majority culture in America has said that they want racial reconciliation. Many times, we confuse racial reconciliation with racial assimilation. We may actually want the differences to go away. We may actually want black people to be absorbed into white culture. We may want a multi-ethnic church that actually acts white, but has different skin tones inside. We want photo albums to be diverse, but not our culture. 

This is our problem to fix because we created it. We’ve never owned enslaved men and women or said the ‘n’ word, but generational responsibility is real. Our spiritual brothers and sisters are very guilty even if your biological family isn't. Hebrews gives an example of generational responsibility. We have to take responsibility for what happened years ago and how it is still affecting others. Whether we intended to or not, we’ve benefited from other people’s pain. Let’s do business with this. It was our collective and cultural cause that created it.  

We don’t think talking about abortion or whatever other issue makes it worse. We know that sin hides in the dark and is revealed in the light. The March for Life is a giant march. We see injustice and we act! We donate, vote, speak out. 

Examine this impulse to not want to address or talk about racism. Maybe we don’t want to give up our power? Or maybe we don’t actually see a problem and talking about it just feels like the problem. This is part of what people mean by white privilege. It’s a privilege to be able to ignore this issue if we want to. It’s prideful to tell someone they don’t have an actual problem or no right to be pained. That’s what we're communicating when we don't want to talk about this. We have 400+ years of oppression stories from Black men and women. Have you been listening? 

There is momentum here now. If we want change, which is step one, we have to care. Let’s jump on this train, combine our efforts and voices and act! Let’s press into this keystone issue and pray for and watch the trickle-down effect. Things won’t automatically be fixed, but talking and acting on this issue will play a significant role. That’s why the word systemic is used. 

This concept should be comfortable to us as Christians. We believe in sanctification, we know we aren’t perfect. We’re constantly asking to be searched and changed. Our hearts are so hard! Let's admit it and pray for change. Pray for the courage to act, vision where we’ve been uncaring and a heart like Christ’s. Just keep taking the next right step.

The Essential Necklace has a basic-shaped pendant to remind us to go back to the basics in our every day. May we put it on and do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly. It comes paired with the verse "...And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" from Micah 6:8.

As this verse is an important part of our faith, the hexagonal shape of the Essential Necklace is essential to elementary education and daily life! Let’s talk with our kids too about this. What does it mean to do justice, to love kindness, to walk humbly? Just as this shape is basic, this verse should be basic to our conversations with children, friends and all people.

Sharing Micah 6:8 is a beautiful way to honor our brothers and sisters and fight racism. God uses our specific giftings, community and voice so that we can share and grow and learn together. This verse presents an opportunity to ask what God says about justice and for us to ask how we can be equipped in Jesus’ name. 

Micah was a prophet in a time when Israel and Judah were split. There was a huge contrast between the rich and poor. The Israelites acted like they were obeying God, but God was saying, “You have missed it!” Micah prophesied and called King Hezekiah out. Ultimately the king repented and turned around the whole system. There was a revival and Jerusalem was saved! 

In Micah 6, the Israelites were asking God if they should give up more sacrifices to appease Him. That’s like us today saying, “We’ll go to church every time the doors are open. We’ll tithe more! We’ll start a Bible study!” Those things are good, but they can’t be what we skip to, jumping over God’s plan. Your daily Bible reading and prayer without these actions steps are missing God. 

Let this necklace encourage you to ask God, “How do You want me to do justice today?” Justice isn’t a theory, it’s an action step! 

Love, kindness, mercy, to walk humbly, hands open in repentance and acceptance of our humanity - Lord we need you! Move us forward. Let’s be changed by God and His Word! As a mother of three black sons, I’m so hopeful! Let’s be the church and do this together, in Jesus’ name.

To learn more, watch our daily Instagram stories where we share insights into this important conversation.

The Dear Mushka Summer Line is HERE! Seven new beauties created in prayer, meant to stir your affection for Christ and your hearts towards daily worship. Find out more about our products on our daily Instagram Stories.

The Clay Necklace

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

A sweet brown fabric bead reminds us that we are flawed, fragile jars of clay. Instead of despising our weaknesses (in motherhood, marriage, school, etc), let us praise God for opportunities to showcase His power!

New Thing Bracelet

A beautiful every day bracelet. Slide it on, pull the end bead tight. Wear it occasionally or put one on at the beginning of summer and leave it on until it bites the dust! Rock that bracelet tan line!

The verse is from Isaiah 43:18-19, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

These words were originally for the Israelites, but remain true for us today. The bracelet design brings to mind a grey blue river running through the gold desert. Wear this sweet bracelet and hold this verse in your heart all summer long.

The Morning Necklace

"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." -Psalm 143:8

The Morning Necklace feels like the rising Summer sun. You’ll want to slip it on with a breezy dress and pray this prayer along with the psalmist. 

Summer Adorn Hairbands

Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious · 1 Peter 3:4 

Remember that the point isn’t that we can’t do our hair and makeup, it’s that it shouldn't be our whole world. Do your hair, but focus on your heart! Adorn yourself with a gentle and quiet spirit before anything else. 

These sweet headbands come in tan, blue, dusty rose, melon. Bonus: They look adorable with your hair thrown up in a Summer-time bun! 

The Bountiful Tank

"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."-2 Corinthians 9:6 

Summer, we're ready for you! A bouquet of flowers featured on the bountiful tank reminds us to sow bountifully so that we can reap bountifully, and gift to others.

Better Days Hat

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

I wanted this verse to stand as the Bible’s answer to the “better days ahead” moto. Our world is broken. Put on this hat, fix your eyes on eternity and praise God for the better days He has promised us! 

The Abundant Bracelet

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20

Too often, we put God in a bubble rather than believing in His infinite power. The Abundant Bracelet, with it's seemingly never-ending length, reminds us that God does not fit in the circle. He wraps us up and does far more abundantly that all we ask or think! 

I came up with the Prayer Pages system after gathering wisdom from women far wiser than me over the years. It really works for me, and today I’d love to share with you exactly how I use these prayer pages during my daily morning quiet time. 

Watch my prayer pages video highlight on Instagram here!

I keep my prayer pages in my quiet time binder which contains a 3-ring notebook with tabs. (This is the exact binder I use). I find that using the binder keeps things easy and accessible. Instead of using lots of different journals, I keep everything in this notebook. For paper I use normal computer and notebook paper so I can print and add pages without difficulty. 

Inside the binder, I have five tabs:  

1. Prayer 
2. Bible reading notes 
3. Wonderful deeds of the Lord
4. Verses I am or have meditated on (Currently Psalm 73:23-26) 
5. and Goals.

Near my morning quiet time chair, I keep my binder, any books I’m working through, and verse memorisation tabs. When I’m able to sit down, I grab my binder and everything is ready!

This prayer system has been such a helpful tool for me and one I’ve used for years. I print these sheets (called Prayer Pages in my shop) once a quarter. There is a ‘Daily’ sheet and the one for six days of the week (Saturday/Sunday combined). The digital download comes with a few more pages and a lesson on prayer. 

I punch holes and then put them in my notebook. On the ‘Daily’ page I’ll write out what I pray for daily. Generally, I don’t write out long prayers (you could!). Mine are bullet points and/or verses. I usually include the Lord’s Prayer, praying for my boy’s salvation, my husband, a few friends I’ve committed to praying for, the Unreached People Group from Joshua Project , etc.

In the pages for the days of the week, I have other topics that I’ll cover at least once over the course of the week. This has removed any feelings of overwhelm and given me focus! I keep these in a big binder when the season (I go by the seasons of the year) is over. They’re highlighted and marked up with God’s answers. 

On Monday under ‘Dearest Ones’, I have my husband and kids with more specific prayers for each of them. This is a great place to hand any daily worries about parenting and marriage over to the Lord! 

Under ‘Family’, I have extended family members. You could take two days to pray over these if you wanted.

Under ‘Tuesday’, it’s ‘Myself’ and my ‘Goals’. I always want to be praying over my goals so they stay God-focused.This keeps me self-aware. It’s another great place to lay worries at the feet of Jesus. 

On ‘Wednesday’ is ‘Friends’ and the ‘Salvation’ of people I do life with. 

On Thursday, it’s ‘World’ and ‘Local’. I’m so grateful for this page in particular. I pray for our government, Compassion International, local church, leaders, etc. 

Friday is a free day. I always add Dear Mushka here, but this could be a place for marriage, adoption or a community group.

On Saturday and Sunday I pray for my family’s general sanctification, my prayer life, Bible reading and the fruits of the spirit. This could be a time to cover items that need more attention from the week.

Years ago, I was given a tip from a mentor to start praying aloud for five minutes every day. Every year, you add a minute. I’m up to 12 minutes now! I set an alarm and basically read off my lists. I read my bullet points, pray a Psalm or read prayers from a prayer book. Praying out loud makes it so much sweeter. I remember that I’m talking to someone and won’t get distracted! With my hands open, I pour out my heart and thoughts. 

At the end of the season, I highlight and make notes regarding God’s answers and then start new pages. 

Join me for a virtual coffee date as we chat about motherhood, finding balance and glorifying God! Watch the live chat here on the Dear Mushka Instagram stories.

Q: How do you balance time reading with the craziness of life?

A: My goal is to read an hour a day outside of Bible reading. Fulfilling this goal sometimes means missing out on a TV show in the evening, but it’s worth it!

Q: What is the importance of following Jesus as a mother and wife?

A: To be honest, I don’t know how women are wives and mothers without Jesus. Every day I find myself praying for strength and wisdom, praising God that my sins of anger and impatience are forgiven. Keeping my eyes on Jesus is a constant reminder to offer my children lasting hope instead of worldly hope. 

Q: Share tips on balancing and maintaining energy for marriage, motherhood and work

A: I think that sometimes we try to get more done in our day than God wants us to have done. It’s important to fuel and care for our bodies - getting enough sleep and eating properly. If God has called us to do something, let’s make sure we’re fueling ourselves. Also, are we taking the time to pray? Don’t rely on your own strength!

Q: What’s your favorite podcast?

A: I have almost zero time right now to listen to podcasts. There are so many awesome ones, but Young House Love’s podcast is my favorite at the moment. I’ve followed their family for years and I really enjoy listening to it. In other less busy seasons of my life, I’ve preferred more serious podcasts.

Q: Talk to us about self care as Christians.

A: The topic of self care comes up a lot. Ultimately my answer is that we need to remember that we were ‘bought with a price’, 1 Corinthians 6:20. Our bodies are not our own; our goal is to glorify God with our bodies, to honor Him and serve His kingdom. 

If you’re coming out of a trauma situation, then the goal needs to be to get healthy, to heal, to go to counselling, to put in the work to recover in that area.

Self care in day to day life circles back to the question on maintaining energy as we go about our lives. We need to fuel and care for our bodies so that we have the energy and strength to do His work and to glorify Him in all that we do.

GIFTS FOR GRADUATION

· The Guide Necklace here-- a reminder that God gives instruction and counsel 

· The Ambassador Necklace here -- because you are chosen & on mission

· The Path Necklace here -- yes, yes, yes, he'll make your paths straight

 · The Priority Ring here-- a reminder to seek His kingdom first, the rest will fall into place

· The Steward Bracelet here-- a call to use your gifts for God's kingdom and glory 

GIFTS FOR TEACHERS

· The Thank You Necklace here -- because you really do thank God for them!

· A Promise Pack here -- truth for them to put on their desks and in their cars

· The Cheer Keychain here -- because it really works to get those children's attention!

· The Harvest Necklace here -- available in lots of colors with a wonderful reminder that their good work will produce fruit

· The Carried Cuff here -- a shop bestseller, for sure, and our personal go-to