'40s Fun for the Holidays

This is my niece Debbie and her husband, Robert, from Albuquerque, New Mexico. They dress different over there! They are in costume for "I'll Be Home for Christmas" the program for their church this year. It looks like they are having lots of fun. Thanks Debbie for sharing the evening with us. Do you remember the '40s?! I don't think so!!

We got the news that someone will be home for Christmas! Debbie's son Timothy will be home from overseas for Christmas. We were so hoping for this and just got the news. So happy for ya'll. And also Nathanial is back to work on light duty after major appendix surgery. (Andrew stay healthy and don't dress funny!) Praise the Lord for great and mighty things. The Burns Bunch will be having a very merry Christmas this year!

Still Sick!

It's been four and a half weeks now and I am still sick. I am also frustrated and stir crazy since I can't go out in the cold air due to the pneumonia and lung problem. It's been hard to get anything done for Christmas. Christmas letters ready to run but the printer won't run the labels, I can't go to Kinko's! Mom's cards are ready to do but I can't run her labels! I can't send Christmas packages because I need to do last minute shopping! There's a lot you can't do when you can't leave home!! I've even tried online shopping and I will almost get to the end and I will hit a glitch!

Okay, I know that Jesus is the reason for the season and I am thankful to Him for all He has done for us this year. I know I shouldn't sweat the small stuff (but with a low grade fever!) but it's my nature and I guess I am learning a lesson somewhere in all this. I am just hoping to learn more than that we can't put lights on the tree next year 'cause Perky takes them off!! I've watched her! I'm home! Everyday!

Okay enough of my complaining. I am appreciating what I do have and what I am able to do and all I can do when I am well and for the good health I do have normally. I am also thankful that my mom has gotten along so well while I have been laid up. I am glad that Ken has been so supportive and appreciate how he looks out for me and takes care of me.

May you all have a wonderful holiday season and remember, no matter what you are doing, take time to remember the reason for the season is JESUS!

Guest Post: Peggy Is Still Under the Weather

Peggy has not done much posting lately due to her illness. I can hear her coughing as I type this. It's been a long haul. She still has pneumonia and we learned recently that she has a partially collapsed lung. Please keep her in prayer.

Ken

P.S. Ice storm coming in that may be as severe as last year's. Hoping not.

My Cuz

Two days ago my cousin Melba took a bad fall and broke her vertebrae. She got to come home today but was in the hospital for two nights. They did a procedure where they injected a cement into the vertebrae and it melded the bone together, immediately taking away the pain. The procedure worked and she now just has to heal from the other bruises from the fall and no lifting or twisting. Praise the Lord for modern medicine! If this procedure had not worked she would be wearing a clumsy back brace for up to 10 weeks on pain pills and probably much bed rest. Hey Melba milk this for all you can get! Dick she is going to need ice cream and hot chocolate and foot rubs. Go girl!!

Check This Out

Since I have been feeling lousy since our return with this viral infection I haven't posted! Please check out Ken's blog at:

kenhorn.blogspot.com

for pictures, etc. on our trip.

We're in Barcelona

We headed out from home at about 3:30 in the afternoon on Thursday and arrived in Barcelona about 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening. After several problems we got to our hotel about 10 p.m. Needless to say we slept in this morning and then headed out for some sightseeing this afternoon. After a delicious lunch of paella and salad we headed back from the pier and Columbus Monument to the hotel and are now in our room ready for a good nights rest and then being ready for a great day tomorrow and heading to the ship and our cruise

Guest Entry By Ken: We're in Barcelona

For some reason I can't get my computer to hook up to Internet but Peggy's did. We had 2 of the worst flights we've ever had to get here, plus a fiasco getting our baggage and getting to the hotel. More details later.
We've already gotten together with Jim and Sherryl Ford, our close friends who we are cruising with starting Sunday.
Hope this all comes through. Everything on the blog is changed to Spanish here.

Adios, Ken

Church at Battlefield Last Night/Ken's Niece

Heard and saw a great sermon last night at Battlefield Assembly of God last night by Marc Cerce. Black light can add a lot to the dynamics of your sermon and Marc did a great job. The new building is going to be wonderful and they are planning to use the new facilities next week with The Stamps Quartet singing in the evening service. The church is also participating in the "Make a Difference Day Convoy of Hope" next Saturday. All in all it should be a full and exciting weekend.

We heard from Beverly Ken's niece last evening after church and they had arrived. We hope to get to spend some time with them but with our vacation coming up we are not sure when or how much.

THE BRYANTS VISIT

Beverly and family were able to meet us for dinner on Tuesday night at the Cracker Barrel. We really enjoyed getting to see them and take some time to visit. Just sorry the time is so short because of our trip. They are staying at Michael's mothers home and visiting sisters, aunts, and more family than we realized they had in the area. They were enjoying their time and looking forward to the rest of the week.

Lots Going On

Getting ready...




...for Ken's niece and her husband and son to arrive from California for a visit. Beverly and Michael and Ricky are headed this way to visit Mike's mother and us. Last we heard they were in Arizona and should arrive on Sunday (10/21.) Not sure how much time we will get to spend together but great they will get to be in the area and visit.

...for our cruise. We are excited and anxious to be away on vacation. The excursions are planned and the leisure time is looked forward. Lobster anyone?! We will be visiting many ports and have searched out the things to do, the sites to see, the treats to eat, the treasures to buys(!) and of course all the photos for Ken to shoot.

...for Perkitty and Mother to be without us for the time away.

...packing 101.

New Hair Do

Well I wasn't sure what Ken would do when he came home, but when he went out and came back in, things didn't change, I was still a redhead! Yep, I decided I needed a change, and I really got one.

Mark Thallander in Town

Childhood friend, Mark Thallander, was in town today for an organ concert at King's Way Methodist Church. We picked Mom up and enjoyed the hour-plus concert where Mark and others showed us their God-given talents. Mark lost his left arm two years ago on a rainy night in a single-car accident and is still praising and honoring God with his talents. The concert was fantastic and Mom enjoyed hearing him play and talking with him after the concert.

His table with his CD's also had the Pentecostal Evangel open to the story about his accident. What a way to get the Pentecostal Evangel in the Methodist church!

Mom's Home and Off Again...

Mom is home and really enjoyed her trip. She's had her hair done and I got a call this morning that she's off to Branson to see Shoji Tabuchi. It's a great show and I know she'll love it! Go Mom! Oh yes, and Tuesday she's headed to Branson once again for a 40-mile train ride.

Talked to Mom today...

I called Mom today since I hadn't heard from her and she was on the top deck of a boat on the river on a two-hour cruise. She was thoroughly enjoying the trip and having a wonderful time. They had been to a sports museum and she mentioned a souvenir she had bought! She had also purchased a flower for Daddy's grave at one of the locations and it really sounds like she is having fun. I will try to keep you up on all that is happening but I think I will have to call her if I want to hear the updates!!

Mom's on Vacation

Well, Mom headed out yesterday on a trip with the OASIS group from her church. There were 18 of them packed in two vans and they were laughing as the vans left the parking lot of the church. They are headed out to Kentucky and Indiana for sightseeing and just plain old fun. Visits include Churchill Downs, Fort Knox, Belle of Louisville Riverboat, Amish areas, the Indianapolis 500 Museum and much more I'm sure.I've had one day with no phone call from her and, don't tell her, but I missed it!

I've included a picture of Mom and Dad from last year's trip. They really enjoyed it. Notice that hat he's wearing, his favorite restaurant in Concord (North's). When Mom and I visited in September it had changed to his really favorite restaurant, Home Town Buffet!!!

Happy Anniversary Don & Rita

Since this blog is for family and friends I thought I would take advantage and wish my brother and sister a happy anniversary tomorrow. This comes from all of us here in Missouri wishing you a very happy anniversary day and a wonderful cruise. For those of you who don't know, they are headed out for a fun cruise and Don says after Rita putting up with him for all those years (40),, she deserves it! I think it's love!!

Well, once again, happy anniversary, love...

Mom, Peggy and Ken, & Perkitty

The Husband!

I just wanted all of you to see the type of pictures Ken posts on his blogspot while I am out of town. He also calls himself a "Convoy of Hope widower." I would feel sorry for him but when he uses ploys like this I just figure you should know to feel sorry for me!! Let's just give him a round of applause for effort and the bravery for putting out a picture of himself looking like this!

Love ya' honey, be home soon, maybe...

Concord, California, Convoy of Hope

The people came out and we had a fun and exciting day. Nearly 4,000 guests attended the Convoy of Hope and with 500+ volunteers we were able to treat each one as a "guest of honor" from the moment they entered the site until they were helped to their vehicle with their groceries. God really blessed us with great weather and people were blessed in many ways as they were shown His love. One hundred and forty children gave their hearts to Jesus and over 100 adults accepted Him. Seeds were planted and the work is only just begun. God did a mighty work and I believe everyone was excited and happy at how the day went. Free haircuts were given, medical and dental exams, community services and job information was given out, tri-tip sandwiches and a fantastic kids area with bounce houses and climbing thingies!! It was fun, fun, fun!

Joyce St. John, is that you in there???
Joyce Pryor my long time friend handed out over 5700 lunches! Okay, she did have help. There I am with the truck. And Ken's sister Ellene and her girls, Beverly and Pamela, came to see what I do. It was great to see them and great to see many people I know from Calvary Temple.

Mom & I Head to California

Mom and I are headed to California for the Convoy of Hope and to visit friends and family. Looking forward to a great trip together.

Mom's New Home, Part 7

The last of the tour.

Mom's Address & Birthday

Just in case you missed it, I am readying some address changes for California and thought I'd include mom's address here once again along with a picture. Today is her birthday, the first one without a card from daddy. We will be taking her to Lambert's the home of the throwed rolls! She still can't catch one but Ken will do that for her! Call her if you can.

New Address for Virginia:

Virginia L. Paul
3195 N. Circle Lane #315C
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 833-3310
cell: (925) 212-1065

Mom's New Home, Part 6

Tired, but Excited

What a weekend. I am sitting in the airport and I am tired but I am excited over what God did this past weekend at the women's retreat at Glorieta, New Mexico. I ministered with some beautiful women and God moved in His mighty way. We had an awesome time. Greater Vision from Louisiana did praise and worship and Barbara Naranjo also shared in worship. We had a beautiful banquet Saturday night followed by Jewish Seder and then a service where God definitely had His way and we just followed His direction. I believe the women attending the retreat went home having been met by God and filled with His presence and needs met and hearts filled.

I enjoyed spending time with my niece Debbie and being used to minister to the women at the retreat, thank you Jesus for your move.

Pictures show some of the ladies from the retreat, the fun flip flop craft and Debbie and I.

Speaking in Glorieta, New Mexico

I am sitting in the Springfield airport waiting for my flight to Albuquerque. I will be speaking at a women's retreat this weekend at Glorieta. I am really looking forward to this and excited to see what God has for each of us as He uses me and touches each of the ladies in attendance. I will be rooming with Debbie Burns my niece and look forward to spending time with her. Well, praying for an exciting time and looking forward to what is ahead for this weekend. Will let you know.

The picture is a hint of one of the sessions and what I will be sharing on!

Mom's New Home, Part 5

Mom's New Home, Part 4

Mom's New Home, Part 3

Mom's New Home, Part 2

My Nephew

This is Andrew my nephew. Wow! That about sums it up. Of course, the great photography kudos go to his mom, Heidi. Yep, I'm a little proud of all of them, even Mike who was probably right there with them keeping them sane!

Mom's New Home, Part 1

Here's a tour of Mom's new home at Maranatha Village in several installments.

A Quiet Escape

Our adopted kids, Tim and Robin, got us a two-night stay at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson and we are headed that way. A quiet two days? I don't think so! In the middle of it we have press passes to Silver Dollar City, which we love, for the Southern Gospel Picnic and Singing on the Grounds. We couldn't pass that up! We have decided not to take our computers though, so you won't be hearing from us on our blogs, thus this one! You have a couple of great days and we'll talk at ya'll when we return. Notice the southern drawl. I'm gettin' geared up and when ya can, ya'll all come and we'll take ya to Silver Dollar City for your own hog jowl and chittlin's.

Alfred William Paul

(September 17, 1916 - April 20, 2007)

Alfred W. Paul of Springfield was born on September 17, 1916 in Veneta, Oregon, the son of Fredrick D. and Nora V. (Morton) Paul. He passed away on Friday, April 20, 2007 at St. John’s Hospital at the age of 90. He drove for Greyhound Bus Lines for 38 years, retiring in 1981. Previously of Concord, California he attended Calvary Temple Church for 54 years before moving to Springfield to be near family.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Virginia; son Don Paul and wife Rita of Ashland, Oregon; daughter Peggy Horn and husband Ken of Springfield, MO; granddaughter Heidi Westfall and husband Mike of Yelm, Washington; great grandson Andrew Westfall; brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Celebration of Life services were held on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home, Rivermonte Chapel, 4500 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, MO 65804. A private family interment followed.

We can never be separated from those we love because God leaves us with memories to hold, and love that doesn’t pass away.
And in time, we realize that our loved one lives on—not only in heaven but within our hearts.
“Our days of mourning will come to an end.”
Isaiah 60:20 (NLT)

New Address for Virginia:

Virginia L. Paul
3195 N. Circle Lane #315C
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 833-3310

Mom's New Home

Mother is really enjoying her new apartment at Maranatha Village. She has moved in and is doing very well. Her things look very nice and she has met many new friends. As a matter of fact the other night when I called she had to hang up because she was "playing dominoes right now" and couldn't talk to me!

Last night while Ken and I were there visiting and this morning while I was there the hummingbirds were going wild on the feeder next door. There must have been a dozen of them darting in and out of the feeder and then back into the tree below Mom's balcony.

Mom also watches the turkeys and deer below her deck and has a beautiful view of the trees below her place.

We all seem to be adjusting well but we do still miss "Daddy."

RAIN!

We finally had some rain last night and are hearing thunder even as I write this blog. Hoping to soon feel the rain! It's hot, hot, hot again today but suppose to be slowly cooling—meaning it may hit low nineties early this next week!

I am slowly getting things caught up after returning from General Council and mother returning from Oregon. It seems there's never a day to just relax and slow down. The cars need their safety inspections, then licensing; we still have garage sale items filling the garage, goodwill items to pack, to get picked up or taken; and on and on and on....

Trips coming up:

I am speaking at a women's retreat in Glorietta, New Mexico next month and also working with Convoy of Hope in Concord, California the next weekend. Mom's going with me on that trip to visit her friends and I hope to see many of mine.

Ken has a trip to Sri Lanka and India on hold, probably some time in September or early October.

Ken and I just booked a cruise in October-November with friends Jim and Sherryl Ford and are looking forward to lots of rest and relaxation, picture taking, and just good old plain having a great time.

Well hope to hear from some of you soon and see some of you on my trips. Will this hot summer never end?!

Blazing Heat Continues

A record heatwave continues to pummel the Midwest. Right now, at 9 o'clock at night, it is still 90 degrees outside with a heat index of 92.

Friday at General Council

Well General Council is coming to a close. This will be our last day in the booth but a busy day. We have five book signings today and a heavy schedule. It's been a fun time and we've seen many friends and aquaintances. We always enjoy our time here and hate to see it come to an end. Of course tomorrow it's the Convoy of Hope and that means work, work, work!

We Made It

Well, here we are in Indianapolis and it's hot, hot, hot! We arrived around 11:30 a.m. and rented our car after having to figure out which car rental company I had rented from! Then we arrived at the hotel, unpacked our suitcases and after a quickie nap, headed for the Convoy leaders' meeting followed by the rally. There were about 300 volunteers in attendance tonight and all of them geared up for an exciting day on Saturday.

Headed to General Council in Indianapolis

We are heading out tomorrow and I am giving you a heads up on what is happening.

What do you think? (Click on photo to view larger version.)

I am hoping to be able to add blogs this week and keep you updated as to what I am up to but am unsure of being able to post while away. Keep checking.

Convoy of Hope on YouTube

Hope you enjoy viewing the outreach in Port Arthur, TX. This outreach was May 19, 2007. What a way to spend our 34th wedding anniversary! Except we weren't together; I was in Texas and Ken was in Arizona. But we've had 34 great years and we're still going...

Beautiful Oregon

My mom and I are visiting Oregon. It's time once again for the Samples family reunion. We have had a wonderful time of visiting, singing, seeing some fun pictures, laughing together and crying together. Tonight we are waiting for cousin Fern to come home from the hospital! Not a great way to spend your birthday. We are happy though that it was not serious and she will be alright, she could have just told us she didn't want to wear the vintage hat to her party!

The trees and flowers around the yard are breathtaking. The river is low but still the sound is peaceful and calming. The time I have here is too short and I realize that it will soon be time to leave and I will not see this part of the family again for some time. I will miss them. Family is important and we do not take enough time to spend together; our lives do not come together quite often enough.

Soon some others will be gone as was the case this year with my father. His place at the table where he sat playing solitaire each year was empty. His voice saying the dinner prayer was not heard. His laughter and bragging over picking blackberries was missed. Mostly his smile and presence were missed each time I entered the door and looked toward the empty chair where he used to sit. He was missed. Jerry and Sandy were also missed. Who else will be missed next year? Take some time to tell someone how much you love them; tell them how much you think of them and how special they are. You never know how much longer you will have with them; take advantage of every moment.

Pennsylvania Convoy Weekend

I just returned from Harrisburg, PA and a great weekend of ministry with Convoy of Hope. With a tremendous group of volunteers we set up the event site, cooked hot dogs, passed out chips and drinks, worked the kids zone with some even volunteering to be dunked in the "dunk tank"! The weather may have had something to do with the volunteers' eagerness since the sun was shining and the sky was clear.

With over 900 volunteers we saw 4500 guests enter the site and take advantage of the many fun activities, medical and dental exams and information, community services, haircuts, groceries, and all of it FREE. Everyone seemed to have a great time and we even got invited back to the area for next year.

I enjoyed meeting Samanatha, an intern with COH that I hadn't met, and working with Michael Redmon and Hugh Duncan who I always enjoy teaming up with on the outreaches.

All in all I can say God showed up and I believe that many were touched by His presence and the willingness of the volunteers to be used by Him. We had over 200 decisions to accept Christ as their Savior at this event so some Kingdom business was definitely done!

Our Precious Perkitty

This is our precious Perkitty enjoying the sunshine. It's such a hard life!

Signing at General Council

This is the photo that will be on all the information regarding our book signings for Council.
We will be having some of the authors from "A Quiet Escape" and "Times of Refreshing" joining me to sign and give away books to people coming through the exhibit hall. We have done this in the past and really enjoyed meeting people and hearing the comments from our readers.

Blog, Here I Come

Well I guess I am entering the world of blog! Ken made me do it! This will be where I try and keep you up to date on all the news and information that is happening with us and the family. Actually I am hoping it won't be one more thing I get behind on ... you'll keep an eye on me won't you?!

We are definitely keeping busy with the book business. We just finished two book projects, we have one at the printers and another just went back to the designer yesterday. General Council is coming up and we will be giving away many of the new books and also many of the old titles. Book signings will be happening once again and I have ladies signed up and Ken will be doing several sessions also.

Mom is doing well. She will be moving into her new apartment at Maranatha soon. Ken heads to Alaska this week, Mom and I will go to her family reunion in Oregon and then she will be settling in. Ken and I head to General Council, he leaves for Sri Lanka and India, I do several Convoys and whew, that's just July and August.

Well as I said this is where I will try and keep you updated on the happenings of the Horns. Hope to have you hit my blog and let me know what you think. It will be evolving as the weeks go by.