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Dear Mushka,

What it Means To Do Justice and Walk Humbly

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.

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Introducing the Dear Mushka Summer Line!

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! 

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How I Pray During My Quiet Morning Time

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. 

The prayer pages might be a great way for you to organize your prayers! Save the file on your computer, print them over and over again. Make it work for you! Try it, adjust, keep going. Remember, worshipping God is the goal. Continue reading
Q&A with Katie on Motherhood

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.

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Gifts for Graduation & Teachers

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

 

 

 

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Christian Jewelry Pieces that Celebrate Motherhood

We're celebrating all aspects of motherhood with you this weekend - the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Thank you, Lord, for using even our pain to draw us to you. Here are 5 Christian Dear Mushka Jewelry Pieces that come paired with Scripture Cards to cherish or share.

The Expectant Necklace

Psalm 37:5-6 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” 

I created this piece for those of you walking through infertility. Of course, it doesn’t stop there and can be gifted for any number of things where you are especially needing to commit your way to the Lord! 

The design of the necklace represents an empty cradle, but you may also see it as open hands accepting everything the Lord provides for you.

Some of you have worn this for years. It’s made with so much love and prayer. Mother’s Day is hard for so many of us - me included. You are seen, sister! 

The Brimming Necklace

Psalm 107:9 “For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.”

Where the Expectant Necklace represents infertility or the long road of adoption, it’s sister necklace, Brimming, is for a long awaited child, or simply being filled with God’s peace. We aren’t promised children, but we are promised fulfillment in God. 

These two pieces sit together! Look for the person in your life who needs one of these this year. 

For a friend walking through infertility, someone celebrating her first Mother’s Day or someone who has surrendered or found joy in the Lord, consider gifting this piece to her. 

The Carried Bracelet

Isaiah 40:11 “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.”

The Carried  was created with the imagery of God’s arms wrapping around you as you carry your children. I LOVE this reminder that I’m never carrying my children alone. 

Pull it open, squeeze it closed. I can get a great fit on my smaller wrist, but it also opens really wide. 

Who can you send one of these to? This is going to go so far beyond just a piece of jewelry. God’s Word straight to their heart!

The Thank You Necklace

Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

The Thank You Necklace says thank you in Morse Code! This special and unique necklace is classic with a twist. Pair it with a thank you note to bless a mother or mother-in-law for being such a wonderful woman of God in your life. 

The Thank You Necklace also comes in our Thank You Care Box along with an Adorn hair clip and a Prayer Fighter Pack. We’ve done all the work for you! Just ship it to your mother of choice! Leave a note on the View Cart page and we’ll add it!

The Trio Necklace

1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

I gave the Trio Necklace to my mother-in-law when our first child was born. It comes with three rings, but you can add as many as you need! We’ve given her another ring every time a new baby was on the way. She also has one for each of her own sons. All her babies are close to her heart!

For more Christian Gift Ideas and Christian Living inspiration, watch our daily Instagram Stories!

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The Restore Necklace for Seasons of Hardship

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. · 1 Peter 5:10

The Restore Necklace is for anyone praising God's name for His grace & restoration. As you celebrate your "rainbow baby", finish trauma therapy, cross the finish line of a hard season, etc -- may you know that God is worthy of all glory!
This ideal Mother’s Day gift was created with the idea of a Rainbow Baby in mind. 

Many of you have suffered a miscarriage or the loss of a spouse. Let the rainbow stand in the place of a loved one you’ve lost. 

I’ve had numerous requests for a piece to represent the completion of trauma therapy.  Wherever you’ve experienced God’s restoration, new life, strength for your walk on this earth, this necklace is a perfect marker for that.

You could add all your family member’s initials to a Called Necklace and add a rainbow where it’s needed. This sweet rainbow would be adorable as a gift for a young girl, too.

Available in gold, rose gold and silver, the little Restore tags are the same size as our Called Necklace initials. The rainbow can be added on to almost any Dear Mushka necklace.

As you celebrate your "rainbow baby", finish trauma therapy, cross the finish line of a hard season, etc., may you know that God is worthy of all glory!

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Lessons Learned After 10 Years of Marriage

We haven’t done a Q&A in a while, but as we celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary today, Robert and I took some time to reflect on our marriage journey. It hasn’t been all smooth sailing! Marriage can be challenging. For those of you feeling like marriage isn’t what you thought it would be or just needing a little encouragement, we’re sharing some lessons we’ve learned and progress we’ve made.

In Robert’s words, “The worst thing you can do in your marriage is decide that you need to be the Holy Spirit for your spouse. It’s not your job to constantly point out what is wrong with your spouse’s behavior.” 

Look inward rather than outward. God is always doing work in Believers. Let Him do that and be a fellow champion for your spouse, not a constant critic. Do business with God in your own heart instead. This is true for any relationship. What should be first and most important is our relationship with God. Trying to control will always result in disappointment, but drawing close to the Lord will result in joy and peace. 

Let trials push us into God’s presence. He uses these moments to draw us towards Him. Learn how to immediately take your frustrations with your spouse to God, over and over again.

In 10 years, we’ve both changed a lot.

I have gotten softer. I’ve grown in love and selflessness. Although this is still a battle for me, I love it when we can do things together. I’ve grown in emotional awareness and learned not to withhold love when someone else doesn’t meet my desires. Learning how to sit in hard emotions instead of hiding from them has taught me so much. I’m so grateful for how the Lord works in us and makes us more like Him. 

Robert has grown in his ability to communicate well. He was reluctant to explain his thought processes in the beginning and it led to frustration on both our parts. He’s grown as a father in this area, too. We’ve both learned to slow down and meet one another's needs, laying down our own desires. Ten years ago, Robert wasn’t the kind of leader I wanted. Demanding what I wanted didn’t work. God needed to do the work! Prayer has sustained me and brought about so much growth in our life together. 

And with that tiny bit of encouragement, we wish you all a blessed day!

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Q&A: A Few of Katie's Favorite Things

I’m answering some of your frequently asked questions from where I got my nose ring to a list of my favorite books! I’ve added plenty of links for you to find everything you’re looking for

Which Bible do you use? 

I use the ESV Reformation Study Bible, Condensed Edition. Find it here! I’ve used it for over 10 years. There is another great version here called the ESV Study Bible.

Where did you get your nose ring? 

I first ordered a sample pack from here and once I knew my size, asked her to make me a 7mm one!

Where did you get your white chair cover?

My quiet time chair is covered with a king-sized Swiss Dot coverlet. You could find one at https://www.countrydoor.com/ or just google ‘swiss dot coverlet’ for other options.

Where did you get the art on the wall behind your chair? 

It’s from an artist named Elizabeth Mayville. I purchased the art from Etsy here although you may be able to find it in other places. I chose four of her bun prints. I loved that the girls are all kind of different and arranged them to be looking at each other as though they’re having a conversation. They’ve been really inspirational to me. 

Where is your Apple Watch band from? 

It’s currently unavailable, but this one here is pretty close. Less than $15!

How do I change my order, billing or address when shopping at Dear Mushka? 

I don’t handle any customer service, but you’re welcome to email hello@dearmushka.com and somebody will get back to you soon!

Can I leave a note for someone on my order? 

Yes! Write it in the box on the View Cart screen and we’ll add it to a cute card. A more proper note box is on our to-do list!

For more about my garden, watch this highlight or follow my personal Instagram @dearmushkaroots.

For anyone interested in our home decor, watch these home tour highlights here and here.

For our adoption story, watch this highlight. We’ve adopted three times domestically.

For those interested in what I’m reading, head on over to my Amazon page. You’ll find my favorite books on motherhood, racial reconciliation and lots more. Continue reading
How to Celebrate Easter... During the Coronavirus

This year, Easter will look different. Instead of gathering with our church families inside buildings, we'll be safe at home watching a service from our couches. We won't be having large egg hunts or hosting all our friends and family for a big meal or dressing to the brim in our finest dresses. 

But the reason we celebrate Easter... He is still very much risen. And we can celebrate all the same from within the walls of our homes!

This week on Instagram, @augustcloth and I are going to be sharing ways to make this Easter extra special. A thoughtful menu with Christ as the center, a beautiful tablescape, meaningful baskets and DIYsfor your children, etc. 

Join me @dearmushka and pop back over here for all the links!

For Your Table:

1. This tablecloth comes in so many color and length options!

2. I've wanted a set of plate chargers for years; the price was right on these and they look beautiful against our dark wood table

3. Bud vases with baby's breath tucked inside is the perfect addition to your table. Consider dropping one off on your neighbor's porch, too! (Baby's breath dries well so grab some anytime between now and Easter. Snipped branches from outside the morning of are also a great idea.)

4. Candles in the middle of the table signify the light of Christ that we celebrate on Easter morning. You could light simple candles or grab a candelabra like this one to pull out on special occasions all year long. This one comes in multiple metal finishes. 

5. Cloth napkins make everything more celebratory. This is an adorable set of 12 for just $14. Go on, let your kids use them, too! 

6. My earrings in the tablescape IG videos. The Comfort Earrings-- so lightweight and full of meaning. 

What to Wear:

This dress from August Cloth has my name all over it (literally haha). There are so many good ones in her shop and she's shipping in time for Easter!

Grab yourself some jewelry that can be an anthem for this season in your life. Do you need a reminder to rejoice in suffering? To praise Him for caring for you more than wildflowers

I'm wearing The Daughter Earrings, The Wrapped Necklace, The Believe Bracelet, and The Priority Earrings

For Easter Baskets:

Children are never to little to begin hearing the Gospel. A stuffed lamb like this one (so soft!)  to celebrate the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world and a board book about Jesus are perfect treats for Easter morning. 

For our older boys, a great book about Jesus and an activity are perfect. These Water Wow pads are our favorite.  I'm also going to split this shovel set and give the boys a packet of seeds and some dirt as we celebrate The Creator and New Life! 

Resurrection Eggs are something our family loves. Gift them this year and then use them for years to come. The book Benjamin's Box is a great add-on with them.

 

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