Dear Mushka,

In the midst of this worldwide pandemic, we know that we are called to be the Light of Christ to our neighbors. These 5 Dear Mushka pieces each have a verse focus for loving your neighbors well and offering the source of Hope and Comfort to those around you. 

The Comfort Earrings

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God · 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

The Comfort Earrings are shaped like two tear drops for the reminder that our troubles aren't for nothing. As God draws near to us in our cries we can, in turn, draw near to others in theirs. May these earrings point you to The God of All Comfort.

The Gospel Necklace 

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news · Isaiah 52:7

The Gospel Necklace carries these words for us to hold near as we experience hardship. We have been given the most precious gift of the Gospel. Let’s share it with those in need so they will find lasting peace and hope in Him. 

The Goodness Earrings

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them · Ephesians 2:10

The Goodness Earrings remind us that God KNEW we would be alive right now, and he has created good works for us to do. Nothing is a surprise for God. Let’s ask Him what good works He’s planned for us today. As we link arms and walk together in spirit, let’s support and encourage each other.

The Verb Necklace

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer · Romans 12:12

For all of us asking the question, “What do I do during this time? These three action steps are always right: Be joyful in hope and share it! Be patient in this affliction! Be faithful in prayer!

The Lantern Necklace

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. · Matthew 5:14

The glass pendant of the Lantern Necklace reflects what’s around it. In the same way, we reflect what we soak up. Use this time to dive into the Word and then reflect Him back to those around us.

We are the lights of Jesus. Panic and fear and death are real, but we have hope to offer! These are the perfect pieces to gift your loved ones and friends during these challenging times and will be delivered straight to their door to offer hope. 

10. The Verb Necklace

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer · Romans 12:12

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. 

9. The Stability Necklace

And He will be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is his treasure · Isaiah 33:6

8. The Goodness Earrings

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them · Ephesians 2:10

Shaped like little nails, the Goodness studs are beautiful reminders that we are God's workmanship, created for good works. Let's link arms and walk in them together, Sisters.

7. The Comfort Earrings

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God · 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

6. The Adorn Hair Tie

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 

These sweet hair ties are easy to wear, and come with a precious reminder to adorn yourself with a gentle and quiet spirit before anything else.

5. The Abide Tee

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me · John 15:4

4. The Progress Earrings

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ · Philippians 1:6

The Progress Earrings are half hoops for a tender reminder that God is not finished with you yet. You aren't chastised for your imperfections or left as an unfinished work of art; instead, you're being refined daily as we walk towards eternity, together. 

3. The Kinship Necklace

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. · 1 John 3:1

This is The Kinship Necklace, made to look like little peas in a pod, reflective of 1 John 3:1. We are children of God! And as such, we beautifully begin to look more like His son, Jesus, every day. If the world is harsh towards us, we can rest assured that it was first harsh towards Him. We are never alone.

2. The Believe Bracelet

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" · Luke 1:45

The Believe Bracelet is made up of tiny 14k gold fill beads, a reminder of all the promises God has given to us. Like Mary, may we believe that the Lord will fulfill each and every one.

1. The Knot Necklace 

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.  This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. · Ephesians 5:31-33

Beautifully, Christ cares more about our marriages than even we do. He is in them and for them, and He designed marriage to reflect something much bigger than each of us. For that reason, "knot" seeks to remind every wife to respect and love her husband, and to keep fighting through the hard days. Put it on and say a prayer for your spouse every time you feel it move across your chest! 

The Kinship Necklace is a personal favorite, one of my most worn pieces. It comes with a beautiful verse from 1 John 3:1, “What kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

The necklace was designed with three small beads made to look like little peas in a pod. Because God loved us and called us His children, we start to look more like Jesus and so look more like each other. Like peas in a pod, we are all daughters and sons of Him. We reflect His love to all who look at us. 

I feel this is such a sweet friendship or sister piece. The little pop of color will brighten up any outfit in a gentle and subtle way.  

Give this piece to a friend who could really use the reminder that she is a daughter of the Most High God. Maybe gifting this necklace is a way into a relationship with a new neighbor. The Kinship Necklace provides a little happy in times of uncertainty.  

As we look at what is happening in the world right now, when we feel like our foot is slipping, let’s read this passage and cling to the truth. God has made us his children. Remember precious words from the Bible - if He has given us His Son, will He not also give us all things? He is the Father who gives good gifts to His children. He satisfies the hungry soul. 

When we’re hurting, scared and lonely, we can rest in our daughtership. We will be okay no matter what happens if we stay safely nestled in Him.

The Stability necklace may appear like a simple everyday necklace, but it certainly makes a statement with its unique design. As you look at it, you’ll know a deeper story lies behind it. I’m praying it starts conversations and allows you an opportunity to share the gospel with others. 

This short necklace comes with a much requested verse from Isaiah 33:6, “And He will be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is his treasure.”

The two pillars in the Stability necklace, a small one hanging from a larger pillar, serves as a reminder that we must cling to the Lord for our stability, salvation, wisdom and knowledge. 

Sometimes it feels as if the future is so uncertain.  We watch the news and wonder what is happening all over the world or in our own country. May we cling to this verse as we live in a broken world. This promise of God as our Stability was originally given to the Israelites, but it applies to us today. 

God, be our salvation and wisdom. We look only to You. Be our greatest treasure! 

Click to shop this piece and others from our Spring Line.

This weekend, Robert and I took an early anniversary trip (ten years!) to Asheville, NC. It felt like the perfect blend of relaxation & things to do and we had the best time.

Here’s what we did!

Thursday:

Checked into the Cambria Hotel in downtown Asheville. It was in a wonderful location, had valet parking, and boasted really cool brick wallpaper inside. They also gave us a little honey pot at checkout :) 

Had dinner at Carmel’s right across the street in the Grove Arcade. It wasn’t our favorite meal, but it was good!

Walked around downtown, amazed at all the live music out on a Thursday night and how clean the streets were. It's an adorable little city. 

Had dessert at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. The Creme Brulee was amazing and the vibe there was really special. 

Friday: 

The Biltmore! We both visited about five years ago, but Robert was fresh off a knee surgery and I had a newborn strapped to me so it wasn't the finest experience. This time, we had an early entry time to beat some of the crowds and enjoyed being there in an off season-- there was plenty of room to meander, slowly listening to the audio tour and taking it all in. 

Then we did the gardens which, you know, I adored. They were inspiring for my own gardens back home, and had both of us worshipping God for His creation. I'd love to go back in the Summer! 

Lunch at Stable Cafe was unexpectedly wonderful. Dare I say these were the best pork nachos of my life? 

The Downton Abbey exhibit was a the Biltmore during our trip, so we soaked it all up. The sets and costumes were so fun to see in person. 

Also: Ice Cream! 

All in all, we were on the property about seven hours; it was definitely a whole-day experience. 

Then we had dinner at Tupelo Honey. There's one near us at home, but they change the menu to match the local cuisine so we enjoyed new food options. It was wonderful, as usual. 

Saturday:

We debated zip lining, but didn't want to dedicate a whole half of our day to it on this trip. Instead, we had breakfast at Sunny Pointe Cafe, which didn't disappoint. It was the only place we had a wait (about twenty minutes) and we heard multiple people say the wait is normally much longer. I got the chicken and waffle sandwich and Robert got the french toast with a side of the best bacon ever. We'd go again for sure. 

The Antique Tobacco Barn was the on my short list of things to visit, and we had a great time exploring inside. There is so much to sift through, but we walked away with a few winners (including my first garden ornament-- a beautiful concrete lighthouse someone tried to buy from me as I left. Ha!)

There was a park nearby that follows the French Broad River so we walked around like the locals do. It was beautiful.  

Then we went back to the hotel, where I proceeded to take a 3.5 hour nap. I don't ever get that opportunity at home with three littles so I soaked up every bit! 

Dinner was at the Red Stag Grill and it was mouth-watering good. It's like a fancy hunting lodge with great meat; we basically licked our plates clean. 

We drove around exploring a little more and then curled up to watch movies in bed, as one should always do in a hotel. 

Sunday: 

Breakfast at Biscuit Head per everyone's recommendations. And of course, it lived up to the hype. I wish I could eat it right this moment, in fact :) 

Then we loaded up, kissed Asheville goodbye, and drove back home to our babies. It was a wonderful long weekend-- I imagine we'll do it again sometime! 

Wedding season is upon us-- here are my picks for the Bride, Bridesmaids, and Guests who want to bring a gift!

Bride:

1. The Pearl One Necklace for a simple, classic piece. Save it and hand down to a daughter one day! 

2. A No. 139 Necklace, Earrings, or Bracelet to honor your wedding month, acknowledge an important person who couldn't be with you at the wedding, or simply to add a little pop of color

3. The Believe Bracelet because your wedding day is a beautiful time to reflect on the promises God has made. Bonus: It's a little bit of pretty on your wrist for all those flower pictures!

4. The Befitting Earrings for a neutral and sparkly touch to your dress; they'll look lovely with your hair (and boast a reminder that we all need in marriage). 

Bridesmaid: 

1. The Comfort Earrings for just the right pop of color and a verse with a "thank you" for being a comforting friend. 

2. The Companion Bracelet as a promise that you'll stay friends and are so grateful for her love all these years. Choose the color that accents your wedding the best! 

3. The Kinship Necklace because you feel like peas in a pod and are honored to be a sister, through Christ, with her

4. A piece of your choice, as you read each verse and choose the one your friend most needs. She'll feel so loved and seen! 

Don't forget to add Bridesmaid/ Maid of Honor Packaging! 

To Gift:

1. The Knot Necklace to remind her that her marriage is a reflection of Christ's love for the church

2. The Servant Necklace because serving a spouse won't always feel easy, but it will be so worth it. Look to Jesus as your example! 

3. The Eclipsed Lg. Necklace with a sweet photo of the couple tucked inside. Aww!

4. The Called Necklace with her new last name initial, and "&" or the first initial of both her and her husband (she can add children's initials down the road).

5. The Progress Earrings with a note to remember that both she and her husband are works of progress in the Lord; give lots of grace and enjoy being sanctified together. 

The Comfort Earrings are surely the boldest design Dear Mushka has ever offered! Available in 12 stunning colors, you’ll be hard pressed to choose your favorite.  

The earrings are paired with a special verse from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God".

These words from 2 Corinthians inspired the design of the earrings to be of two teardrops. As we experience suffering and walk through difficult seasons, God meets us in our troubles and our tears.

He draws near to us when we cry out to Him. Because we experience his comfort, we learn to draw near to others in their times of distress. 

What a gift! Our God is the God of all comfort and we do not suffer in vain. He will use our pain and anguish to not only comfort us, but also to reveal Himself to others and show them His glory and love.

May these earrings remind you of God’s perfect love for you and offer you or a loved one joy in a time of need.

Click to shop them now or browse our other Christian Jewelry pieces for Spring. 

I recently chatted with Tara Leigh Cobble, founder of the Bible Recap and the D Group Ministry, about her perspective on singleness. You can watch her talk on the highlight here. As we learn about how God views singleness, let’s cheer one another on exactly where God has us, as sisters in Christ and Daughters of the King. 

Tara is single and an active member of the church. About a year and a half ago, she realized she was wrestling with the Lord against her singleness. God opened her eyes to the topic and she acknowledged that God was “doing” singleness in her life. Although she’s always wanted to be married, yielding to God’s plan brought unexpected freedom and joy. It was a relief! She still wants to be married, but she stopped filling all her prayer time with this topic, stopped wasting time on dates that don’t amount to anything. She gave this time back to the Kingdom.

Several well-meaning people said, “Now that you’ve laid this down, you’ll meet him!” Do you  recognize this combination lock? “When you get it together, you’ll be married.” This can also be in the form of “God’s working on you. When you get it together that’s when the Lord will bring Him along.” 

Marriage doesn’t come because we have our acts together! In fact, a spouse is often part of our refinement process. It was hurtful that others couldn't let her be in this space of content singleness. It’s true that we’re often uncomfortable with pain and we speak thoughtlessly.  Some seem to think a single person is unfinished. 

It can be challenging in a culture like the church where people may believe that marriage is the norm. In fact, singles should be embraced as “unbroken” and part of the norm. People often get married young in the church and think something is wrong if they’re not married by age 22. 

She wants single people to know there is nothing wrong with them that isn’t wrong with the rest of the world! We have a very good God with a very good plan. She has clung to this verse: Psalm 145:17, “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works.” Singleness can be His greatest kindness. Saying ‘yes’ to a prayer for a husband could be less kind than a ‘no’. Trust that the Lord is doing what is right and best for your joy and His glory. 

If you’re married, marriage is His greatest kindness to you even when it’s hard! Singleness and marriage are both gifts given by the Giver. Let the church recognize this! God may change those gifts for us, but we should live in His gift and kindness right now. 

It’s helpful when our brothers and sisters come alongside us instead of pushing against what God has given to singles in their lives. We aren’t promised tomorrow, much less a husband or even a good husband. Live in the gift! Seek the Lord and you’ll see that, married or single, He is where the joy is.

10. The Lamentations 3 Print

But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness · Lamentations 3:21-23

9. Chain Extenders

8. The Progress Earrings

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ · Philippians 1:6

The Progress Earrings are half hoops for a tender reminder that God is not finished with you yet. You aren't chastised for your imperfections or left as an unfinished work of art; instead, you're being refined daily as we walk towards eternity, together. 

7. The Poise Earrings

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come · Proverbs 31:25

Adding a touch of sun-kissed color to your face and seeking to bring to mind the most beautiful qualities, the "Poise" rose or gold sticks are truly lovely. Slip strength in one ear and dignity in the other and then joyfully laugh at whatever your day may bring; you've got this, girl.

6. 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.

5. The On Earth Raglan Tee

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven · Matthew 6:10

A crazy soft raglan tee that boasts words from Jesus as He taught His disciples to pray. May we put it on and remember that as image bearers of God, we are to work with Him to bring His holy and just Kingdom to Earth. 

4. 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?

3. The Honey Necklace

God's words are more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. · Psalm 19:10, shortened

"Honey" is the sweetest reminder of what is most valuable is this world. It's gold color and honey drop shape both serve as subtle hints to seek God's words before the details that make up this brilliant necklace. It is lovely, yes, but only when put in its proper place of value.

2. The Held Bracelet

"Held" is a simple bracelet, easy to slip on and perfect for a dose of rose gold shine on your everyday.

1. The Ambassador Necklace

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light · 1 Peter 2:9

Read this verse slowly, sister. You are chosen, royal, holy, & called. When you wear The Ambassador Necklace, never forget your identity in Christ. And as the disks catch & reflect the light, boldly proclaim the "excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" to those around you. 

A few years ago, I spent some time learning about the church calendar and how its seasons are in place to follow the life and death of Christ. Very simply, Christ is born (Advent), he is acknowledged as divine (Epiphany), he is tempted in the desert and dies for our sins (Lent), he is resurrected (Easter), and then the Spirit comes upon believers (Pentecost). 

Following the calendar isn't meant to be "religious" or another thing on a to-do list. Instead, it's meant to stir up our hearts and challenge us to pause and reflect in particular ways throughout the year.

For Lent, the idea is that we deny ourselves something for 40 days to represent Jesus fasting 40 days and then being tempted by Satan in the desert. During this time, we stop filling ourselves with all the pleasures of the world and instead empty ourselves long enough to see our sin and brokenness. This may look like fasting from certain foods, social media, Netflix, shopping, nightly baths, etc. 

In A Hunger for God (which I highly recommend!), John Piper says, "If you don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great." 

Lent provides us an opportunity to set aside our normal go-tos and instead think on our fallen nature + Christ's beautiful sacrifice. It is meant to be a more sober, heavy season that ends as we welcome in the glory of Easter. 

This year, Lent starts on February 26th and goes until April 9th, with Sundays being "off" days. I plan on giving up something different the six weeks of Lent. For example, a fast from Instagram one week and certain foods the next. 

In addition, I will use this season to focus what I teach and talk about with my boys. In this post I talk about some of our daily habits. During Lent, I'll use our meal times to focus in on discussing passages on our sin, repentance, and why Jesus had to come. 

I plan on reading the daily readings from this book aloud (mostly for myself) and perhaps doing some of the family activities it mentions. 

I'll also leave these books out on the shelves for us to grab and read all season long! 

1. A beautiful book! My boys are captivated by the pictures and story. 

2. Great for the week before Easter. Simple, perfect for the littlest ones! 

3. We love this book; read it with these eggs (we start them twelve days before Easter). A favorite around here!

4. We love this one, too. 

5. And of course, this Bible. There are lots of "lent" reading plans to follow with your little ones if you'd like!