Dear Mushka,

I've shared about my mom's role in the beginning of Dear Mushka, as the person who called me Mushka my whole life and who tragically died just months after my wedding day. It was in her honor that I began a blog called "Dear Mushka," which later turned into this business... but I’ve never shared much of her story or how she died.

My mom was an amazing woman and mother, she was incredibly smart with a career as an E.R. physician. She was hilarious and fun to be around and my best friend for much of my childhood.

She also suffered from mental illness and drug addiction. I’m not sure which came first, but I know she began having lots of back pain when my siblings and I were young, which led to surgeries (that she would have called unsuccessful due to the lingering pain), which led to an addiction to narcotics. I think, from there, she developed clinical depression which is common with addiction.

This was my childhood- periods of her being a present, incredible mother and periods of her sleeping months away. I’ve suppressed much of my childhood, which is part of why I’m doing counseling, but I recognize that there were years of our lives that were very unstable.

In 2010, I was a recent college graduate and newly engaged. It was then that my mom had a suicide attempt. She was found and was sent to a treatment facility, but months later—right after Robert and I got married—she tragically died by suicide.

That language is important. I used to say she “committed suicide” but I’ve grown to understand that this death, for many people, isn’t a choice. My mom didn’t choose to leave our family that she loved so deeply. She was sick. Her mind was so sick. Like cancer! And suicide took her.

I often say that her death is what catapulted me into God’s word and into a deeper relationship with Christ and it is— not just because I was broken-hearted, but because I wanted answers. I needed to know who this God was that didn’t offer my mother healing on this side of eternity. I needed to understand what God meant when He said he was "a very present help in times of trouble" (Psalm 16:1) when He appeared not to be to my mom.

When I look back at my mom’s story, I wonder where she was sinful and pridefully refused help. I wonder here she took matters into her own hands (like the excessive drug use) instead of submitting to the pain God gave her as a thorn in her flesh. I wonder where and why she forgot the Gospel? I also wonder where I’d be without this as my story. Would Dear Mushka even exist, for example?

There are days when it all seems to click and my mind processes His perfect healing of her in Heaven and His provision for me still on this side of eternity. I see experience God as my refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble. And there are days I recognize this as a lingering issue, that comes out in my parenting and in my marriage and I go to counseling.

Ultimately, I don’t have all the answers and that’s okay. It keeps me humble. I can praise, with Job, a God who gives and who takes away. I can look at the margins in her Bible and see that Jesus was a close companion during her suffering. I can trust fully that she loved the Lord and is with him, healed and glorious. And I can thank God that He creates beauty from ashes, this business being one shining example of that.

I don't know specifically why the Holy Spirit prompted me to share this today, but I'm praying these words comfort of you with the comfort I've received from God. I want you to know that I struggle, too. I’ve experienced deep grief that lingers still, and I’ve wrestled with God. If that's your story, you aren't alone.

I also want to encourage those of you who know someone with a mental illness or have one yourself. It’s a real sickness and not something that can necessarily just be prayed away. We're doing society a disservice by simply encouraging more faith or shaming the aid of medication.

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, tell someone around you. And if you’re on the listening end, offer empathy instead of judgment. Don’t panic. Ask questions. Take it seriously. Keep showing up. Help them get help.

Thanks for being here, sisters. I love walking this side of eternity with you. xx

Today on IG stories, I shared a day in my life as a Christian mother of three boys! You can find the highlight here.

6:00am: I wake up around now and spend 45-60 minutes with the Lord. I have an Instagram highlight saved here on how I use this time: how I use my verse memorization box, how I use my prayer journal and how I read my Bible.

If I have some extra time, I spend it in prayer, read a chapter of a Christian book or dig into a passage of Scripture.

For the record, I built up to 45-60 minutes each morning (and didn’t do it with a newborn). It takes discipline to go to bed on time and to get out of bed when your alarm goes off. But God always shows me it’s worth it!

7:10am: We’ve taught our boys (6,3, and 1) to stay in their rooms until I get them. Our chaotic mornings were a pain point in my days, so I’ve learned to get a few things done before they get up. 

In answer to a question I often get about how we get our kids to stay in their rooms until we get them in the morning, I see it this way: We are the parents and set the tone for our household. Just because they want to come out doesn’t mean it’s best. (It may be! Every home for themselves!)

This is what we said to our kids (of course, you could change the rules): “Mommy will open your door when it’s time to wake up. You can turn on your light, look at these books, play with these toys".

They’re allowed to say one time, “Mommy I’m awake,” and then play. Sometimes they come out and I have to correct them, “Remember, this is how we do things in the morning.” 

I get the dishwasher unloaded, breakfast started, etc. I want to welcome them with joy and excitement instead of stress.

The boys will eat a smoothie for breakfast. They like the Orgain Organic Protein Powder and it helps fill their bellies. I add flax seed, banana, milk, frozen berries, lots of spinach or kale and frozen riced cauliflower! They really enjoy it and it’s packed with nutrients. 

Over breakfast, we use the Child Pack and Scripture Memorization Tabs to learn verses. Our mornings are not perfect and there’s often lots of noise, but that's the point! We need Jesus in the broken!

If you’re curious as to how young you can start Scripture memory, I always say that if they can learn words to songs (like Twinkle Twinkle) then they can learn verses. Put them to a tune if you want!

8:00am: I do a workout almost every weekday around 8am. I’m about to finish this Barre Blend in the  Beach Body App and have loved it. Sometimes it’s chaotic around me while I exercise and sometimes the boys play perfectly. Sometimes I have to stop to hold my littlest, but something is better than nothing!

9:00am: I’m showered and dressed! Some of you have asked how I manage to shower in the day with a little one. I keep my one year old in the bathroom with me while I shower. He makes a mess and that’s okay!

I don’t wash my hair everyday. I’ll often just use dry shampoo and my cool Hair Curler Comb which refreshes my hair really well. It even takes away the ponytail line. 

Finally, I’ll put on some WUNDERBROW Waterproof Eyebrow Gel and choose a pair of earrings or a necklace. Today I’m going with the Progress Earrings after I read Phillipians this morning: “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

9:20am: Time to fill these little one’s love tanks. We read together on the couch for about twenty minutes. We’re reading Tiny Perfect Things today. 

10:00am: Our eldest started kindergarten this year and we’re homeschooling! My husband takes 20min a day to do maths with him.

While they work on that, I’m taking my middle son to his first gymnastics class! This is our first time doing any kind of sport activity, but he isn’t getting to do preschool this year so I wanted him to experience something special.

I listened to the Alisa Childers Podcast on the way to gymnastics. Alisa is a great resource as we learn to think critically about progressive Christianity.

12:00pm: It’s lunchtime. I’m drinking my smoothie to break my fast. I do intermittent fasting so I eat for the first time at 12 (not counting the celery juice I had this morning because it’s under 50 calories). My delicious smoothie is made of chocolate protein powder with peanut butter. I love it!

The boys are eating lunch while I quickly scan my eldest’s reading curriculum. There is basically zero prep time required, but I like to skim it quickly. 

We have only one child in kindergarten, but I love the flexibility and freedom of homeschooling. This is typical for me and the reason I started my own business! For the program we use, there’s only 40-60 minutes of scheduled curriculum a day. We plug that in wherever and pause if needed.

My three year old likes to learn with us too, but my one year old toddles all over the place. Robert works from home and if I really need him to help for a moment, he does.

1:00pm: Nap time! I’m ready for a break! This is our quiet time / work time around here.

My six and three year old play quietly in their rooms from 1-3pm. My one year old naps from 1-4pm.

As my eldest two got older, I taught them that they didn’t have to sleep, but they did have to play quietly. They have age appropriate toys and an audio book of sorts.  They do LEGOs or blocks and just use their imaginations. They really enjoy this time!

Their nap time is my work time! I work from 1-3pm. After almost 7 years of business at home, I’m learning to set good boundaries. We have a studio space with three employees who make/package everything now. My husband runs Dear Mushka full time, too, but I limit my capacity to a few hours.

Today I’m uploading new product listings. This is also when I record IG stories, write emails, create new products, etc.

3:00pm: Time for me to get my big boys up. They usually eat a snack and watch one 20min show while I meal prep. We’re having nachos tonight! After that we’ll play outside. Robert is usually done working and we can just enjoy one another.

A side note on intermittent fasting: 

I talked about the FASTer Way in this highlight. Basically I limit eating to eight hours a day. I eat between 10am and 6pm. I drink mostly black coffee and celery juice before noon. I feel great doing it! It took about one week to adjust and I almost never get headaches. If I’m hungry though, I eat! I’m not strict.

5:20pm: Dinner is in the oven! My eldest is my cooking buddy! To be honest, I’d love to cook alone while I listen to podcasts, but this time is just so valuable. He’s learning and so chatty during this time!

This mealtime, we’re asking each other what our highs and lows were from the day and then we go over our catechism. I didn’t learn catechism growing up, but they’ve already been such an encouragement to my heart!

Kids are little sponges; they love to memorize and do it so well. My three year old memorized some of these questions in a day or two! The beautiful thing about catechisms is that they begin great conversations and learning together. 

A note on our dinner table chats:
1. We haven’t done this forever - it’s just too chaotic in some seasons. We also acknowledge that sometimes our children are too little! But...

2. The dinner table time is valuable! Be intentional - even if the only thing you can accomplish is being present and keeping your kids from choking.

3. It’s OK to know your own strength in your marriage! Robert had the idea to do the catechisms, but I’m the one who moves things to action. I put it into a plan and encouraged him to do it. My encouragement to you is to work together. And don’t forget to pray for God to grow the gift of leadership in your spouse, whatever that may look like for your family.

06:30pm: We’ll play outside for a little while before baths and bedtime.

7:40pm: The boys are in bed and we’re watching an episode of the West Wing while I work on a puzzle. 

8:54pm: Heading to bed to read for about 45 min and then sleep. I believe that you can set yourself up for success tomorrow by how and when you end your day. Hopefully, we’re learning to turn to Jesus in increasing measure every day, no matter what it holds!

We haven’t done one of these for a while, but we’re looking forward to catching up with some of your questions today! These are frequently asked questions by our followers on Instagram wanting to know more about our views on family, parenting and Christian marriage. Watch the Instagram highlight here.

How do you pray when you feel irritable towards your kids or spouse?

I pray honestly and ask the Holy Spirit for help. Another way is to change the prayer to focus on the issue at hand. It’s helpful to jot specific issues down on a post-it note to clear some brain space.

Remember that God doesn’t respond to us with irritation! Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His fruits (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) towards your kids and spouse.

Book recommendations for someone living out their last days of terminal cancer:

Tim Keller’s book on suffering: Walking with God through Pain and Suffering. I’d also recommend to immerse yourself in the Scripture; the Psalms especially.

What are your Enneagram Numbers?

I am a 9WI and Robert is a 6W7. We’ve found the enneagram to be a very helpful tool in our marriage and lives.

What is the best thing you did to prepare for marriage?

We didn’t prepare a lot! We were 21 and 22, right out of college. It’s proof of the Holy Spirit’s guidance that we made it. We did minimal premarital counselling; my mom died right after we married and we had that sudden trauma to deal with too. I don’t have a ton of answers, but I have hope! God doesn't leave you alone. 

“...He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” - Phil 1:6

Together we’re growing in Him. We believe that people don’t fall out of love, they fall out of repentance. I was really bad at apologizing in our first years of marriage, something I’m working on! 

Books and counselling are great, but seeking first the Kingdom of God is most important. Walking faithfully with the Lord is the best way to prepare for marriage. Also, find someone who is passionate about knowing the Lord and serving Him. The rest will come.

How do you deal with a dry or hard season in marriage?

I’d say to remember that hard seasons are part of a long term marriage.  Dry and hard seasons come especially if you’re basing them on your feelings; you might have newborns and you’re exhausted or you’re just working through a really tough time. Just hang on!

Unmet expectations can cause a hard season. Take the opportunity to press into that hard season and ask if you’re being selfish or if there’s an unmet need you haven’t communicated to your spouse without inviting them in and asking for help. 

Remember that it’s the kindness of the Lord that leads to repentance and the kindness of a spouse that leads there too. Don't shame your spouse into it!

Our favorite verse or passage of Scripture:

The beauty of Scripture is that it’s one whole story that is interconnected. I love passages of Scripture that deal with placing your hope in God alone. I tend to go awry in that area - I put my hope in our marriage, how my home looks, how my children behave. I always need the reminder that peace and joy and hope will always come from God alone.

Robert is drawn to the prophets and Leviticus at the moment, to see God’s heart for justice and peace. Life ought not be the way it is now! We look toward the time when these things won’t exist, butGod does not like them now. 

What denomination of church do we belong to?

I grew up in the Church of Christ, Robert grew up Southern Baptist. Our current church is non-denomination. We love churches that love Jesus and one another and preach the Bible. 

How do you connect as a couple when the only time you have is after kid’s bedtime?

We’re home together most of the time so we connect all day long, but we are intentional about it after bedtime. We frequently just sit and talk together. If we watch a show, we watch ones that allow us to dialogue during it. 

Choose not to zone out in front of the TV together. Put your phones away. Ask each other questions. 

Book recommendations for people new to the Bible:

The Gospel of John

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin - it’s an excellent read for men and women both.

Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung. 

New believers who didn’t grow up in the church - grab a children’s Bible! 

What’s one ‘shoot for the stars’ goal for Dear Mushka?

I love to shoot for the stars, but I’m so content in Dear Mushka where it is. It doesn’t feel overwhelming and that’s a great goal for right now. We could always do more, but right now we’re serving the Lord faithfully and not destroying our family or other things in life. 

We want to continue serving you and pointing you to the Lord in different ways. There are so many options to deepen and broaden this community. The next thing I want to work on is more video content to share gospel encouragement and truth through each jewelry piece. Wearing jewelry is nice but talking about Jesus and sharing our stories that combine with His goodness is where it’s at! I want us to practice sharing the hope we have.

Do you think God punishes sin or just allows the natural consequences of it?

We’re keeping the answer focused on believers!

Our debts were paid on the cross, but He does discipline us which is meant to lead us towards repentance and sanctification. He disciplines with love, not wrath. There are also natural consequences of sin, but God uses those to bring us closer to Him.

How do you mindfully combat hurry in lives and marriage?

Robert and I have different levels of desired productivity and uncomfortable “hurry”. It’s good to acknowledge this in your marriage! Being hurried out the door is hard for me. We say no to a lot and prioritize time for what matters most.

Find a few passages of Scripture to help battle this if needed. Keep a Sabbath day in your home! Remember that God gives rest to His beloved. Our hustle is never going to accomplish it all.

How did you come to know the Lord and how did that lead you to marry each other?

We both grew up in Christian homes and met in a college ministry. Robert was actually saved in college after realizing that he knew all the right answers, but didn’t have a changed and repentant heart.

Tips on how to fight well:

Touching each other while fighting makes me uncomfortable, but some people love it! Remember the goal isn’t to win, it’s to reconcile. Robert can win any debate. He knows this and has to stay aware of our common goal. Be calm, patient, give one another time to process.

I take a while to process and speak with clarity and kindness. 

Fighting well is fighting on each other’s terms. Your call is to serve the Lord and love your spouse. We’re on each other’s team! The goal is to love one another as we love ourselves and glorify the Lord. I pray for this weekly and for a tongue that only speaks uplifting, encouraging words.

We’re both passionate, but God has grown us so much. 

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10 The Twinkle Necklace 

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

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

9 The Crescent Necklace 

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things · Colossians 3:2

For the mind that feels overwhelmed in a busy world and wants to focus on what matters most, "Crescent" is a wearable reminder that says: look up sweet sister, look up.

8 The Aid Necklace

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

Strung onto 16" of chain, a stardust bead sparkles and seeks to fill the hole created by loss and heartache. It's a perfect reminder that there is beauty from ashes and a healing gift for someone sitting in the hard of life. It's not meant to fix the hurt, but rather to remind of The Great Healer or to serve as an "in memory of."

7 The 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

This year is proof that our world is broken. May we fix our eyes on eternity and praise God for the better days He has promised us! 

6 The Verse Memorization Tabs

"Why memorize it? Why not just read it carefully?" argued Susan, our Yale graduate. "Because what you memorize by heart, you take to heart," replied Dr. Nuttham simply. "Once you absorb the words, the words become your own. Then, and only then, can you mull them over on your tongue, appreciating them as you would good wine, enjoying them as the company of good friend. Besides, we always value something for which we've had to labor." Carolyn Webber in Surprised by Oxford

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

5 The Mustard Seed Necklace

"For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:20

4 The Promise Pack

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

Nothing has shaped my faith more than memorizing scripture, and it is with great joy that we welcome in this promise pack-- 52 promises from God's heart straight to yours, printed on durable paper meant to be touched and loved. 

3 The Harvest Necklace

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up · Galatians 6:9

Mimicking the fruit a farmer might collect as he works, "Harvest" features a strand of glass beads strung one by one onto wire and suspended between links of chain.

2 The Guide Necklace 

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

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

1 The Shell Earrings

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever · Psalm 73:26

When we feel like a turtle without a shell, weak and incapable (infertility! chronic health issues! etc), slide these tortoise earrings in and remember that God is our strong shell, forever. 

We all need a little help finding our way sometimes. These handmade jewelry pieces that come with carefully chosen Scripture passages encourage us to look to God for help and direction. 

The Parallel Cuff 

A personal favorite, this verse has helped me time and time again.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore · Psalm 16:11

Two parallel lines follow one another around your wrist, calling to mind the truths in this psalm. When we trust God and keep our path in sync with His, there we meet the greatest joy. Place this on your right hand and remember where pleasures forevermore lay.

A perfect minimal bracelet for anyone in need of a little guidance and a little arm shine.

The Guide Necklace

A reminder that God gives instruction and counsel.

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

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

The Ambassador Necklace 

Because you are chosen & on mission…

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. 

The Vision Cuff 

Keep your eyes on God.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken · Psalm 16:8

Three diamonds hook together to create "Vision", a timeless brass cuff meant to turn your eyes towards God.

Slip it on your right hand and trust that you won't be shaken.

A Citizen Tee

A dear reminder that this world is not our home

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ · Philippians 3:20

This soft tee bears the word "citizen" written as a mirror image, resembling a foreign language to others but reminding you of your citizen standing when you look in the mirror. 

The Path Necklace

"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." -Proverbs 3:5-6

When decisions are confusing and wisdom is lacking, The Path Necklace seeks to turn your heart towards the best map full of real direction and solid guidance.

Look up, sweet sister, and then put one foot in front of the other as you walk your road alongside the Lord. 

The Aim Necklace 

To help remind you where your focus should always stay.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men · Colossians 3:23

Gift the Aim necklace to the girl who is swimming in laundry and child-rearing or studying and career launching or world traveling and people meeting: Whatever your day finds you doing, sister, aim it all towards the Lord. When He is the recipient of our energy we will find sweet joy and contentment, and our work will never be in vain. 

A Philippians 4:8 Art Print

To direct your thoughts

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. · Philippians 4:8

A ready-to-frame print made for an eternity-focused home.

The Priority Ring

A reminder to seek His Kingdom first, the rest will fall into place.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be provided for you · Matthew 6:33

In a world of social media and to-do lists constantly calling for your attention, the Priority Rings offer an alternative direction for your hands. Seek first the kingdom of God (His face, desires, word, voice, reign); the rest will fall into place. 

The Gospel Necklace

Because no matter what, how beautiful are your feet when you live on mission. 

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

The Gospel Necklace is full of imagery. Two feet ready to walk out into the world, a mountain, an arrow. In any case, how beautiful is the girl who brings the Gospel to those in need. Share it boldly, sisters!

The Steward Bracelet

A call to use your gifts for God's kingdom and glory. 

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms · 1 Peter 4:10

God has made each of us to reflect His image in unique ways. Stamp the underside of the Steward bracelet with your initial, enneagram number, etc., and use what you've beautifully been given for His glory and Kingdom.

The Renew Earrings

A reminder to conform to Christ, not this world. 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. · Romans 12:2

The Renew Earrings are playful and fun and stand out a little from the products we normally carry- a perfect example of this verse in Romans. Sister, do not conform to this world; instead, let God renew your mind and show you His good and perfect will. 

As you slide these beautiful tassel earrings in (resembling little brooms!) think about your mind being swept and renewed through the The Holy Spirit & God's Word.

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.