Four generations: Lucy May Hopkins Etter, Zoe Price Hopkins, John High Dayton, Lorena Etter Dayton. I do not know where they are or for what wedding. I remember these glasses being stored in a drawer in my mother's room growing up. They were real tortoiseshell.
Fresh Find: I'm ready for toboggans!
There are many places where I volunteer within Plainview. I had someone tell me yesterday that I am too busy. Yes, I am, but I have a passion for where I serve. Serving Plainview is where I feel called to serve. It isn't about me and where I volunteer. It is about where I can volunteer to assist in making the way easier for others serving alongside one another. There is a network of community volunteers that I am blessed to know. Each organization has its own group of creative geniuses that make it work. There are a few in each group that overlap into other volunteer organizations. This is a core group of everything Plainview. You may not see them, but they are there working alongside each other in harmony ...
Reminds me of a song...
I'd like to buy the world a home
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow white turtle doves
I'd like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I'd like to buy the world a Coke
And keep it company
That's the real thing
What the world wants today
Is the real thing
What the world wants today
Is the real thing
This picture is a group of Relay for Life volunteers from a few years ago. The real things, like Thing One, Thing Two, Thing Three, Thing Four, Thing Five and on and on! A fun picture that reminds me of everything good going on in my life. Blessed!
Fresh Find: Superhero costume fun!
I enjoy recipes, especially those of my grandmother's, mother's, and this one from my mother-in-law. Mostly I love their handwriting.
bread mix over cheese and cook in a 400-degree oven until brown.
Fresh Find: Fun chairs!
It has been four years. The words, "Nothing has changed yet everything has changed," are words I will always remember. Here is my story (written in 2013).
I want to share with you the revelation of my 58-year journey to the “label” of Asperger Syndrome. For some reason, my mother labeled everything. We had Dayton labels in our clothes, shoes, on cameras, umbrellas, Bibles, well…Everything that could be labeled was so that it might be returned if lost to its owner when found.
A year or so before my Mother, Lorena Etter Dayton, passed away [2014] I had mentioned to her that I was on a journey. I asked her if she could share with me anything about my childhood that might help me understand that I was, in fact, on the spectrum of Autism, specifically Asperger Syndrome. Like the few that I had mentioned my theory of exceptionality to, she said she didn’t think I was Autistic. She did add very quickly that I was not a happy infant or toddler. I cried a lot and could not be satisfied regardless of what they tried. She also mentioned that I did not like to be held. That was it. This was all of the information about my childhood that I would have to go on from the generations before me. But, these were words I needed to hear.
I knew there was much more. After all, I have lived this wired for an amazing life. We are on a wonderful journey together, God and I. I don’t think it occurred to me that I was different in a way that could be “labeled” until I was over 50. I believe God reveals information and answers to us in his timing.
As an adult, God began to uncover thoughts within me that directed me to begin a search for answers to the questions and feelings I had carried with me for so many years, and I began discovering, connecting, and learning more about my divine wiring.
I was battling a re-occurring health issue. Believe me, I read about many illnesses during this time. I could understand how those who don’t feel good could grasp onto every little symptom that is remotely similar to what they are feeling…just to have an answer. God provided an answer for my health, and while I was searching, I stumbled upon a web page one day and began reading about Asperger Syndrome. I felt an overwhelming peace. I thought, c’est moi, it is me, Phyllis, I have been found.
In 2012, I decided to Facebook message a former Plainview resident and friend, Jessica James Baldridge. They have an Autistic son, and she had worked for many years in the field of Autism in the Dallas, Texas, area. She led me to valuable information that would validate my feeling that I was, in fact, an adult female with Autism/Asperger Syndrome characteristics.
About a year passes, and I have a nudge to revisit the information from Mrs. Baldridge. I decide to retake the quiz to determine if there might be anything different in my life now, in comparison to then, that could have influenced the results. Once again, the results confirmed that I was most likely on the Autism/Asperger Syndrome spectrum.
It is at this time that God began to reveal thoughts, feelings, characteristics, etc. of my life that would confirm within me that things did match up with an ASD diagnosis.
The earliest recollection that I could attribute to this new “label” for my life were the times my mother worked with me on the inflection of reading sentences. We practiced going up and down and down and up. We practiced periods, exclamations, and commas. She showed me that every word needed its own “color.” I can remember her telling me that I spoke in a monotone. My mother helped me to understand that I was okay but that what she was sharing was how others needed to hear me talk and read.
As things began to connect within me, I continued to put the pieces of my puzzle together. Both of our parents worked outside of the home. I would be home many hours each week alone. I never minded the alone time; I remember enjoying it. When my parents came home, I would retreat to my bedroom. I did play with other children in the neighborhood and had one neighborhood friend that is still a very dear friend today.
There were many other traits of this new revelation that connected within me; I was amazed. Who would have guessed? God knew.
God was revealing my wiring for his purpose. Above all, I want to glorify him and share his love through testimony and ministry.
At the end of 2013, I have searched and called different clinics and Universities in Texas that deal with children with Autism/Asperger Syndrome but, there was no link to anyone who works with adults, much less the female adult on the spectrum. I even emailed Tony Attwood. He is a clinical psychologist and author from Australia. He is known worldwide for his knowledge of Asperger Syndrome. He did respond to tell me that he would be in the United States for conferences, and maybe we could get together. I have been led to the most amazing people.
I waited as God was not revealing anything more about where he was leading me. Then, I saw a link for a website that was maintained by Rudy Simone called Help 4 Asperger’s. I discovered that she also was the author if Aspergirls, a wonderful and confirming read for me. On her site, there was a page with Drs. Who Diagnose. There she was, Eva Mendes, with expertise in adult women with Autism/Asperger Syndrome, and she lived in the U.S.A.
There was an email link, and I sent her a note thinking that she most likely would not respond but, she did. I called her, and we visited for some time. We talked about the reason I feel strongly that I need a diagnosis. That purpose is two-fold; one is that I need to know for sure to have a ministry to help others know and understand their wiring gift, and the other reason is so that I might be studied to further the understanding of the adult female with Autism/Asperger Syndrome.
This journey I am on has made me very apprehensive. It is as if the curtain is being raised for Act II. I have not traveled to this place & time alone. We are here because God is leading.
In March 2014, my husband and I traveled to Boston, Massachusetts to the offices of AANE (Asperger Association of New England) to visit a psychotherapist, Eva Mendes, regarding a diagnosis for ASD…for me.
We are all created neurologically different. People are wired differently. In my opinion, this design of unique traits allows our God of creation to be glorified in very different ways using varied abilities. We are all on the spectrum.
God wired me in the most beautiful way, and I am honored to be his child. He led me to my acceptance of Jesus at the age of seven to protect me and to guide me in his ministry using my differences to His advantage. His plan for me started long ago, and it will continue with my eyes a little more open and having a clearer understanding of where he will use me in the days ahead…my heart is open.
As I mentioned, we all are different. My ASD traits will look somewhat different than the next person. There are some characteristics that are found in most Aspies like lack of eye contact.
If you are interested in reading about adult diagnosis, there are many websites and books available.
Asperger Syndrome (now labeled High Functioning Autism) is an autism spectrum disorder, one of a distinct group of complex neurodevelopment differences characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties, and restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.
There are many famous people through history that are thought to have had ASD: Mozart, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Andy Warhol to mention a few. We have heard, more recently, about Susan Boyle, James Durbin, Dan Aykroyd, and of course; Temple Grandin. All uniquely different and all diagnosed with ASD.
The chances are that unless we understand the characteristics or traits, we will not recognize them among us. I must step out in faith and share, even though it goes against who I am, for God to use me to reach others. I never dreamed that the pieces I held in my hands, from the time I was young and still hold today, would come together in such a beautiful revelation!
We are all indeed special.
Phyllis Wall
I want to share characteristics that may be common.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (High Functioning Autism) … My traits/characteristics
I share these and then say that we are very adept at masking these so others will not see them, be annoyed by them, bully us, or make fun of us. We try to control so we will fit in, but it is most tiring and often impossible.
I am one blessed girl! As I look back over my life after four years of a much clearer understanding of who I am and have become, it is abundantly evident that God has led me on my journey.
I share this so that if you happen upon this blog and find yourself in these words that you will seek to fit your puzzle pieces together to create the whole you.
Fresh Find: I like these ballpark blueprints!
In 1975, May 17th to be exact, Clinton and I were married. I was working for Frank and Max Gabriel at Gabriel's and loved them both and their families. These businessmen taught me so much about the business of retail, customer service, etc. They were my family.
When we were married, it was just natural for their girls to be in our wedding.
Stacey and Kimberly Gabriel were our "rice" girls.
Tiffany Gabriel was our flower girl and my nephew, Carey Dayton, was the ring bearer.
On September 23, 2017, beautiful Stacey found peace and rest in the arms of Jesus. How fragile our lives are. If we can learn anything from death, it is to hold tight the joy we have today.
I'm very honored to have been loved on by the Gabriel family for several years. They are a part of who I became.
My prayers have been with them and will continue to be as they face the days ahead.
Fresh Find: Beautiful wood art!
I want to take a stand to say that not standing to honor the flag of our great nation, the United States of America, is a wrong choice. Just like not addressing God as the omnipotent Creator and Savior is the wrong choice.
My parents taught me early on though that life is not fair. If I dream the "eternal" dream of perfect rightness in earthly things I will almost always be disappointed. We must remember that Satan is working the other side of our heart fence. God is alive and only wants good for us. He is fighting for and with us.
To see good, we must do good things. Even in doing good, the battle of good and evil rages in the world. Some are in the position to make a difference. Most of us are not.
There is a little word, rebel, a person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established person, faction, party, or government, and this seed, as small as it may be, when rooted in hatred, grows and destroys.
We all have most likely done something with a bit of rebelliousness to show some that we can. Typically we learn from this and later wonder why we did what we did. All along the way hurting relationships that may take years to heal.
Things have happened in the past that continue to bubble up to a boil. I want to say that kneeling at a game against a Nation is not the answer to the problem. It will not fix it. You can do it at every opportunity. Do it at your child's school in front of their class or do it at a huge event, it won't change one thing. It just hurts others. People who hurt, hurt.
Instead of hurting others, why not use the opportunity of whatever your internal struggle is, to educate, to give, to lend a helping hand. Don't be a taker, be a giver.
Life is not fair. God created each of us beautifully for his purpose. What we stand or kneel for should be of eternal value. I'm pretty sure the American flag is not going to make the heavenly cut, but respect is the beginning of a life lived worthily.
Titus 3:1-2, Remind God’s people to obey rulers and authorities. Remind them to be ready to do what is good. Tell them not to speak evil things against anyone. Remind them to live in peace. They must consider the needs of others. They must always be gentle toward everyone.
Submit to rulers and authority; obey the law.
Be ready to do whatever is good; be looking and eager to lend a hand.
Slander no one; Ephesians 4:29, Don’t let any evil talk come out of your mouths. Say only what will help to build others up and meet their needs. Then what you say will help those who listen.
Refuse to fight; Romans 12:17, Don’t pay back evil with evil. Be careful to do what everyone thinks is right.
Be considerate, gentle and willing to yield your rights; own your mistakes.
Show yourselves humble to all; consider others more important. My deflects, ours invites.
Close mouth.
Soften heart.
People come from a place that makes sense to them.
Be kind.
Be humble.
People come from a place that makes sense to them.
Have strong convictions.
Change only you.
People come from a place that makes sense to them.
Forgive.
Let Jesus part the waters.
People come from a place that makes sense to them.
Get up and help.
Me is lesser than we.
People come from a place that makes sense to them.
We are a success through the faith relationship that comes through Christ Jesus. God's unmerited grace is not something we deserve or work for; it is his gift of love to all who choose Truth love. Through acceptance we are all worthy, we are all equal, we all know success, through the transformation of our soul.
This, is where we find the peace to serve, the praise to glorify, the heart to forgive, the eyes to see.
Fresh Find: A nice beginners vinyl record player.
What a fun weekend of soccer, cheer & fun with our over the meadow and to the woods grand-sisters. They both had soccer games followed by cheer camp at UNT.
She played great offense and defense!!! So proud!
Right in there for assists & a score!
Too cool and ready for cheer camp!!!
Their "buddy."
On TV. Too bad we did not record the game!!!
On the Jumbotron!
FUN!!!
New UNT flag unveiled.
Fresh Find: Chokers & tassels are trending this season. Love this necktie!
I've been doing a study on Titus. You know, that little book of three chapters that speaks volumes. Right off, I know that I am a lost cause. I believe in doing good. I'm just not worthy in so many areas. A good place for Satan to knock me down. That's where God's Grace shines me on.
Some thought questions.
The instruction found in the Word of God is to lead us into a full and right relationship with Christ. We choose. We decide. So is it yes? Is it no? If it is yes, then we must ask ourselves if our behavior reflects a New Life?
Are we zealous to do good? Doing good is not about being a goody-two-shoes, it is about an outward flowing of a supernatural life from the Spirit of God.
Here are a couple of thoughts. Trinity. Yes.
God the First, God the Second, and God the Third. All one God in three relational beings. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Above, among, within.
To live a life of goodness in and through this new life, there is a little "trinity" that I like to remember. To live according to his word in goodness we must 1. Have God 2. Have Self-Control and 3. Be upright. When we are He flows from us.
Ring it like a dinner bell!!!
Genuine belief brings genuine change. Is our faith genuine? Is it true? Is it evident?
What words describe Believers in 2017? What do others see in us that makes them know we are different.
Stay inflated. Stay connected to the Hub!
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. Titus Two Eleven through Fifteen.
Fresh Find: Fun colors in this kids ratan chair.
A couple of years ago the grandsisters became old enough to ride horses at Ushka Camp in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Sir Clinton had hurt his back, but he got on a horse and rode with us. We had not ridden a horse in a very long time so both of us were a bit concerned if we would survive. We did. Him barely and me enough to ride with the girls again this year. Sir Clinton waited at the bottom of the hill for us this time. When he rode two years ago, he got a certificate of completion just like all of the kids did. I think he is pretty proud of this! Not as proud as he is of catching the foul ball at a Ranger's game. That was his finest moment!!!
This proves he was a horse rider at an early age!
Fresh Find: Love these Cashmere silk wrist warmers!!!
How often do we walk through a day seeing but not seeing? How deep and wide is our view? How many people do we pass in a day and never take the time to see them? Do we even attempt to see those who look or act differently than we do?
If you love one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples. John 13:35
Today as I was walking through a Downtown Plainview alleyway to a meeting, I started noticing how different the manhole covers are. They are unique for their intended purpose. Each one as beautiful in artistry as the next. This is how God created us, beautifully unique for His purpose.
We must shed the fear of allowing our self-esteem to be determined by what others see or don't see in us. It is important to see, really see, every person through God's eyes. What does he see? He created each of us, and even in the worst of us, there is something good that God sees and calls out to build us up. This is what we look for in others. Often we have to look deep and wide to see the good, but it is there waiting to be uncovered to bloom. Encourage.
John 10:7, So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. We are the sheep. Jesus is our Shepherd. Every sheep is worth saving!!!
Fresh Find: A fun sheep toilet tissue holder or towel holder.