40 Rules To Live By

Fair warning—this list contains some unpopular opinions. It’s okay if we disagree. And feel free to share some of your own rules to live by.

SpiritualityAlyssa BellSeptember 24, 2021kindness, rules to live by, scripture, memorize scripture, travel, community, friendship, how to live wellComment

Good News Bad News

Ever notice how life is a steady stream of good news/bad news? I thought about this yesterday around 5pm as a string of texts came through.

SpiritualityJana SchmittSeptember 3, 2021anxiety, depression, peace, peace in the storm, joy, good news, bad news, social media, news headlinesComment

Calling All The Helpers

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. '" - Mr. Rogers

EmpowermentAlyssa BellAugust 27, 2021helpers, COVID, pandemic, fear, anger, kindness, news headlines, calling all the helpers, Mr. RogersComment

Anxiety + Jesus (Here's What I Know)

One Valentines Day seven years ago, I laid in bed trembling uncontrollably.

Wellness, SpiritualityAlyssa BellAugust 13, 2021anxiety, what I know about anxiety, overcoming anxiety, switch on your brain, neuroscience, anxiety and depression, fighting anxiety, fighting for peace, Jesus and anxietyComment

When The Vine Withers

I’ve awoken the past two weeks to the roar of bulldozers and the beep beep beep of construction vehicles in my front yard. It’s very unsettling.

Jana SchmittJuly 9, 2021 Comments

Fighting For The Sabbath

Before the boys, our sabbath looked like lazy drawn out mornings unfolding in coffee refills and hour long quiet times. The hours seeped into each other, morning to afternoon to evening, like waves lapping the shore.

Home, SpiritualityAlyssa BellJuly 2, 2021sabbath, shabbat, fighting for the sabbath, why we sabbath, rest, relaxation, worship, slowing down Comment

The Mountains Are Calling

Somewhere in the recesses of our minds, the mountains are calling. And my parents’ tiny cabin tucked on a picturesque hilltop has become a new home away from home.

Travel, HomeAlyssa BellJune 18, 2021Mt Jefferson, Boone, Tweetsie Railroad, Mountains, mountain trip, road trip, family road trip, summer vacation, Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, West Jefferson, outdoors, bicycle ride, tiny cabin, cozy mountain cabin Comments

22 Small Ways to be Intentional With Your Kids This Summer

Summers for kids are pure magic. Summers for adults trying to keep the magic alive for their kids are…less magical.

Motherhood, HomeAlyssa BellMay 28, 2021summer, kids activities, summer activities, cheap summer ideas with kids, summer with kidsComment

Our Cabin in the Mountains

Our latest project is under way! We’re spending seven weeks in our tiny house in the Blue Ridge Mountains, soaking in the beauty of this place in the springtime. We came with big plans,

HomeJana SchmittMay 14, 2021North Carolina, life in the mountains, summer in the mountains, tiny house, cabin, house renovation, tiny cabin renovation, outdoor living, summer road trip, family vacation, Blue Ridge Mountains Comment

Dear Moms

I acknowledge that your yes to their life very likely opened up a world of “no’s” in your own life.

MotherhoodAlyssa BellMay 7, 2021dear mom, mothers day, mothers, tired mom, a letter to momsComment

Date Night At Home

The year Matt and I got married we were completely broke. We were just kids living off of savings, trying to figure out what our lives ought to look like.

MarriageAlyssa BellApril 30, 2021date night at home, home date night, date your spouse, date night questions, questions to ask your spouse, fun date night ideas, cheap date night ideas Comments

Alyssa's Home Office Renovation

As I sit here at my desk typing out these words, it feels like the only appropriate intro to this post should be a deep exhale.

HomeAlyssa BellApril 16, 2021mid-century modern, home decor, office renovation, home office, succulents, indoor plants, artist office, mcm, modern, modern decor, diy desk, hand-crafted desk, map wall art Comments

A Seat For You At The Table

Because heaven is about belonging. It’s about being accepted and seen and known and loved like you’ve never been loved before.

Jana SchmittApril 2, 2021Comment

Stuck in The Middle of The Story

When things are hard, all I want to do is pray for health and happiness and for the burden to be lifted. I want

Alyssa BellMarch 26, 2021Comment

To The Tired Mom

I am she. And here’s how I know. I find this particular season of motherhood both incredibly fulfilling and inexplicably draining. I am guilt-ridden over

MotherhoodAlyssa BellMarch 12, 2021tired mom, motherhood, dear tired mom, when motherhood is exhausting, when motherhood is hard, sleepless baby, exhausted mom, life with young kids, preschool mamaComment

The Art of Self-Love

I was told once that we should speak to ourselves like our own best friend.

EmpowermentAlyssa BellFebruary 26, 2021self-love, loving yourself, toxic thoughts, healthy mind, healthy life, wellness, love yourself, think happy thoughts, positivity, kindness Comments

So This Is What Love Looks Like

It’s a word we throw around so casually but I wonder sometimes, are we really getting it? To know and be known – to love and be loved – it’s the greatest human desire, right?

Jana SchmittFebruary 12, 2021 Comment

A World Far Less Scary

I want to build a world for my kids that is far less scary than the version the news likes to tell us.

MotherhoodAlyssa BellFebruary 5, 2021news headlines, anxiety, fear, cultivate joy, remaining hopeful, a life of joy, a less scary world for our kids, kids, motherhood, motherhood during a pandemic, parenting in love Comments

Weren't Our Hearts Burning Within Us?

Light points the way. It warms our souls and takes away the chill of fear and confusion.

Jana SchmittJanuary 22, 2021Comment

On Finding Your Rhythm

It’s rarely quiet in this house with two active little boys, incessantly climbing and questioning and asking for attention. Yet, I find it is not quiet I crave, but rhythm—

HomeAlyssa BellJanuary 15, 2021New Year's Resolutions, finding a routine, getting into a rhythm, daily motherhood, setting new goals, rhythmComment