Be still and know that I am God . . . Frannie's Cabin

Well with the kiddos up to Grandma and Grandpa Allen's for a week and us all alone what were we to do . . . . . . . go on a trip? Well that is exactly what we did. Bob planned a little get-a-way for us and I must say that it was AMAZING ! ! ! ! ! I think it has been our best trip ever. I think the only thing that could have made it better was if we were able to stay longer. It is so funny but Arkansas gets such a bad "report" because of the "hill folk" - but it has some of the prettiest country I have ever seen. We left Sunday after church and headed down - stopping at Hollister for a quick bite to eat and some groceries (no Wal-Mart were we were headed). We drove the 3 1/2 hours turning it into almost 5 with my excellent map reading skills - and we even had our GPS with us - not too good huh???? (if anyone knows me I get lost at the mall . . . seriously I should never be allowed to be the one giving directions . . . I am in fact directionally challenged and I admit it). But the views through the mountains were amazing (sometimes a little scary) - but I think I did pretty well. Bob didn't threaten to give me any tranquilizers this time. So here are just a few of our pictures. Hope you all enjoy the amazing beauty that God created for our enjoyment.

This is a picture that we took on our way up the mountain. It was still drizzling a little bit and chilly - but beautiful none the less.

Okay so this is where I started to get a little nervous. We had no idea what the cabin was going to be like - Bob was the only one that saw pictures from their website - but we have learned that you can make anything look good on the web. So when Frannie told us to look for the stone statue and the road to the cabin would be across from it - we had no idea this is what we would fine and can I just say I began wondering where we were going to end up. She did reassure us by telling us that the "neighbors" did have a college education. (I think I feel better . . . maybe) So very reluctantly we turned down the lane and headed for the cabin and this is what we found . . . .
Frannie's Cabin set in the breathtaking Ozarks. It was truly an amazing place. We drove up and were surprised at how peaceful and at home we felt. This was truly a much needed blessing that God provided for us.
As you step into the cabin you are greeted with a rustic interior that just says "comfy and relaxing". The living room was complete with a fireplace - TV - Stereo - DVD library - and board games. This is a view of the kitchen which was completely stocked with anything and everything. We have never been to a place that had every imaginable supply you could think of and then some.
This is the master bedroom downstairs. It was complete with a king size bed - which was way too big for us. We are use to our queen and we both felt like we kept losing each other at night.
The door on the right led into the master bath.
The master bath was huge. I would definitely take this over our little "water closet" that we have. There is also another room to the right which held the washer and dryer.
This is a photo of the steam shower. I know it is kind of heard to see because it is really dark - but it is a shower built with flagstone (just like the floors throughout the house). It has a wide bench so you can sit and relax and enjoy the water or you can turn on the steam and literally enjoy a steam shower. It is not near as hot as a sauna and you can actually breath in it unlike a sauna where you feel like you are suffocating.

This is one of two bedrooms upstairs. It was a huge open room with an antique writing desk in the corner.
The other bedroom upstairs would have been perfect for the kids. Their beds were directly across from the french doors that led out onto a balcony and overlooked the west side of the mountain.A wonderful game of Scramble on the back porch. And much to my dear husbands disappointment "jetset" is two words not one so technically I won on default! (the word ended up being worth like 40 some points) and who even knew there was a word jet set and that they use to use it for magazines and newspapers. I tell you he has read WAY too much stuff . . . .
It was funny, but after Frannie showed us around and let us know about all the hiking trails and things to do - she was walking out the door and said "Oh there are some dog bones under the cabinet in the kitchen for the dogs if you want" . . . . . .The dogs are staying? I looked at Bob and I could tell he was wondering the same thing. Well sure enough off she drove and there the dogs stayed. Come to find out the dogs are actually the neighbors but prefer to hang out with the visitors at the cabin - especially when Milk Bone and BBQ are involved. So meet our company. King (the black one) - Katie (the white one) and Sierra the hyper puppy. They were all great fun except for Sierra who made it her mission to walk one step ahead of you so you could trip over her every time. King and Katie are actually brother and sister and are 1/2 lab - 1/2 Great Pyrenees and were two of the gentlest and sweetest dogs I have ever known. It was fun to have them with us (even though I still was not allowed to bring them inside).
Even though there was a lot of things we could have went and done, we just didn't want to leave the cabin. . . so we didn't.

I wish you all could have enjoyed the beauty of watching the sunset of the mountains. It was something that I will cherish and miss. God gave us so many gentle reminders during our stay of His greatness. It was truly a humbling experience.

Well like all good things they must come to an end - and so we packed up and headed for home. We decided to go another route home so we headed toward Boxley Valley to see if we could see the elk. On the way we decided to take a little detour and found a gravel road leading down the mountain to a camp ground and this is what we found.
The majestic cliff and deep blue/green waters were so spectacular. I am still remembering how wonderfully small I felt and how great God felt.

Thank you my love for a wonderful time. I cherish you and thank God for you daily. May we always take with us a piece of God's love and beauty that He revealed to us during this time.

In the mist of a trial

As many of you know I am a very private person -Sometimes to a fault. I do not find it easy to talk with others about my struggles or fears, although there have and are many. Part of the reason is that I look around me and I see so many who struggle far greater than I - that the trials I face seem so minimal and unworthy of mentioning. Yet even in the midst of these trials I know that God sees my needs and provides for me in ways I could never image.

In Sunday school Bobby is teaching on the love of God and how we cannot even begin to image the depth of the love He has for each of us. He asked us to share a time in our lives when God showed His love to us (other than our salvation). Many in the class shared about how He worked in their jobs (in providing and directing them). Others shared about specific moments when God provided for them financially when there was no income or a blessing of an unexpected gift that helped pay for a bill. It is amazing how God knows each of us so personally that in every single moment (no matter how small we deem them to be) He knows and CARES about us far greater than we could image.


April 26, 2008 was a turning point for our family. In many ways it has been one of our greatest trials. It has stretched our faith and our marriage. It has brought us lower on our knees then we have ever been brought before. Fear and doubt have had to be claimed and captured many times over. I have seen the man that God gave me broken to a point where I feared I would never be able to reach him again. I have cried for understanding that I knew I would not get nor deserve. I have knelt before God unable to even speak the words that thundered in my heart, yet knowing He knew every syllable which I longed to cry out to Him. We have prayed countless hours for strength, peace, grace, and open hearts for a family who we will probably never know and who will never again be the same.


Yet through it all Bob and I have been so encouraged, humbled, broken, and thankful for the love and encouragement that we have received through this past year. People we have never met before have called and prayed with us and sent letters of encouragement. We received love from almost every corner of the globe. Family members have cried and encouraged and given strength to us. In the early days following the accident men of our church family and members of Breaking Barriers (Bob's band) came into our home and poured out prayer over my husband and our family. We have been humbled by God's AMAZING and unspeakable love that He has shown to us through the hearts of so many of you.


This week I have struggled with stopping the panic that unexpectedly grips my heart. Without warning fear takes control of my thoughts, even for the briefest of moments. Yet I am in awe as God provided friends who shared a card of encouragement, a word of prayer being offered on our behalf, and a simple hug which gave so much strength.


We are still in the midst of our trial, yet I know this day that God is far greater than I could ever think or imagine Him to be. Yesterday morning I came across the above video and it put into words what my heart longed to say to God. I pray that it will encourage and strengthen you as well.



I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.
(Psalm 121)

Two Little Sick Kiddos . . .

I'm not sure what has hit the Allen house - but are two little kiddos both are running fevers Noah (102.5) and Avery (102.4) and not feeling well at all. Today was spent snuggled on the couch, in bed or on my mommy's floor while trying to get some school work done. Not a very fun day. You know Avery is sick when she turns down chocolate cookies and Noah turns down ice cream. Hopefully this will just be a 24-hour bug and things will be better in the morning. Yet - somehow I think with ear ache complaints and a sore throats I'm not too hopeful that a doctor's visit isn't in our near future. Well if it is - at least I can get them both in at the same time. Well Bob and I just finished our Bible Study - so I am off to get ready for bed and maybe snuggle with a movie.

Have a great evening everyone - Lisa

I know it has been an eternity . . . .

Please forgive me for not posting - I really do have a lot of pictures to show you all, but time is not my friend these days. I think we have a lot of our committments behind us for right now so hopefully the next few weeks I will be able to post some things. But I did want to share one scriputre with you that Bob sent me today. It has been a trying couple of weeks for me - and I DO know that God is in control - I just forget to tell myself that enough sometimes.

2 Corinthians 4

1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Are lives are far greater than what we could ever imagine. God has a purpose for each of us and that purpose is to GLORIFY HIM !

I pray each of us will always remember that and never loose sight of the real goal. Satan has blinded those around us - the question is - will WE allow them to continue in their blindness to the depths of eternity or will we show them the true LIGHT?

A Servant of Christ - Lisa

Am amazing truth . . .

Children are such a wonderful blessing. In truth I do not always see that in the day to day training and teaching, but in God's perfect way He gently reminds me. Tonight as we were getting the kids ready for bed, Noah came in and asked if I would rock him. He loves to snuggle and I use to always rock and sing to him. However, it is getting increasingly difficult as he is getting bigger and I am getting older. My hip often protests under the weight - but how could I refuse such a sweet request. As he climbed in my lap he told me "You wont be able to do this much longer - like when I turn 9, but then maybe I could rock you". What a joy it is to have such a child with an incredible sweet spirit. I pray that he will always remain true to God in such an innocent way. As I fought back tears I said, "I am going to miss you when you leave me Noah." . . . . "Don't worry Mom I'll come visit you every weekend. I promise, and maybe I will live at the metal place where they can build trains. I will have them make trains and the parts will actually move and when they get that done, I will take the extra metal and make tracks with wood under them . . . " Oh yes - everything always comes back to trains, but it was still a precious moment none the less - and then off he went to bed looking over his shoulder saying "I love you Mom." Now those are words that melt my heart.

Have a wonderful evening everyone - Lisa

Monthly Menu Planner

My cousin asked me about my monthly menu planner. Well I was a little late getting this set up this month, but here it is. There are a few things that I try to keep in mind when planning our menu. One thing is that we are trying to eat a lot healthier. All of these recipes, although some are standard comfort foods, can be altered to be a healthier version. I will be posting some of these recipes later on. I also like to do a lot of crock pot recipes. I truly LOVE my crock pot and the convenience it gives me. I also try to plan things that will give leftovers for next day's lunches (killing two birds with one stone).

The other thing I plan for is using something in multiple recipes. For this monthly menu I have several ham recipes. I can get a spiral cut ham for under $1.75 a pound at Wal-Mart. This will give me baked ham - ham & beans - ham & potato casserole - breakfast casserole - and ham for sandwiches and the backed potato bar. Now this could be ham overload, but if you limit it to once a week it works out well. I will also plan ahead and dice up the ham I will need and freeze it for later on in the month.

Setting up a monthly menu not only helps relieve the stress of the last minute dash of "what's for dinner", but it helps save money as you know exactly what you need for groceries. Generally if we don't have any plans for dinner we will succumb to the fast food frenzies of life.

So I hope this has helped and will get you thinking about how and what you will need for your monthly planner. Oh and just as a side note. This planner will last me until the Spring when more fresh fruits and vegetables come in and less warm comfy foods are needed.


Just click on the picture to enlarge.

Have a wonderful day everyone -

Do you like the new look?

So I am just completely tickled with our new blog heading. It took me all morning to finish it, but I LOVE how it turned out. When digital scrapbooking first came out I thought . . .Why would anyone want to do that. The fun in actually "touching" everyting? Well I must say that I love working with digital elements now. There are so many things that you can do with them and it is fun to see what you can layer and create. OK enough about that, but here is a great site if you are ever interested in getting started. You need to have a photo editing program like Photoshop or something similar. http://www.pclayers.com/

Have a wonderful day everyone (and yes I was even crazy enough to create a signature too)

A Fun Project and Tasty Treat

We were suppose to build gingerbread houses with Aunt Sis (Sheryl) when we went up to Unionville for Christmas, but we ran out of time and the weather didn't completely cooperate. So she put everything in our car so we could do them when we got home. Well when we got home - we discovered that our pipes were frozen - so no gingerbread houses that day or the next . . . or the next.

Can you guess what gingerbread house belongs to who?

Have a great weekend everyone

Does this look appetizing?

I am just wondering . . . why my 5 year old has odd eating habits. For some reason she thought drinking food coloring would taste good. OK . . . just looking at the bottle I wouldn't think "YUM that looks good", but to Avery it did.

You can see her blue tongue below - which is after we rinsed her mouth out. She did have blue teeth, mouth, tongue and a blue finger where she used a towel to try to clean up her mess that spilled.

I think she learned that food coloring is NOT something that we should touch. Daddy had a long talk with her and hopefully she has learned to not touch things in the kitchen unless Mommy and Daddy say it is OK.

Have a wonderful day everyone - Lisa

Run . . . Run . . . Fast as you can

You guessed it . . . it's cookie making time in the Allen House. I found the best recipe for sugar cookies and royal icing. I have never attempted to decorate with royal icing before - and I must say that it just might be my newest fun thing to do. The kids did really good until we had to

wait for them to bake - which only took about 8 minutes and they cooled super fast so we could ice them almost right away - which is really good because everyone knows how much patience my children have (NONE)

Well I am going to try and finish some things up and then I am off to make dinner. We are having spaghetti, Caesar salad, garlic bread, and oranges if anyone would care to join us.

All our love - Lisa

Let me tell you - this was total consintration time.

Noah icing his Gingerbread Man

Avery's Gingerbread Man is now Complete - - Noah's did a great job on his star. He is such an artist even with icing.

Avery's Art Easel ? ?

Grandpa and Grandma Allen got an Art Easel for Avery for Christmas. One side is a chalkboard and the other side a whiteboard. I don't know who likes it more - Noah or Avery.

I don't know if you can tell, but Noah drew Santa and his reindeer on the roof of the house with twinkling lights.

Our Zambian Friend

Most of you know that Stephen Kamota and his wife Renee are one of our family's close friends. We actually taught them in our Young Marrieds class. Stephen is from Zambia where Renee and her family were missionaries to. They have been married for 5 or 6 years now. Anyway the kids and I made cookies and decided to personalize some and take them to him today at work at the airport. There is a whole story behind the "Big Boss" thing, but lets just say that is how he referred to himself one night and he has never lived it down. He also says "C'mon Now" every time someone gives him grief, which is a lot on Bob's part. Of course I had to make a "Mrs. Boss" cookie for Renee.