Let's Talk. I don't talk about my divine wiring of Asperger's much because it makes no difference really to anyone but me. You can't see it. You can't feel it, and it does not exhaust you, although, I have had someone tell me that I am hard to love. To this I say, I can't imagine Jesus telling me that so why would you?

What distinguishes Asperger’s wiring from classic autism is its less severe symptoms and the absence of language delays. Those with Asperger’s may be only mildly affected, and they frequently have good language and cognitive skills. To the untrained observer, a person with Asperger’s may just seem like a neurotypical person behaving differently.

Those with autism are frequently viewed as aloof and uninterested in others. This is not the case with Asperger’s. Individuals with Asperger’s usually want to fit in and have interaction with others, but often they don’t know how to do it or feel there is a wall that they can't knock down to get there. They may be socially awkward, not understand conventional social rules or show a lack of empathy. They may have limited eye contact, seem unengaged in a conversation and not understand the use of gestures or sarcasm.

Their interests in a particular subject may border on the obsessive. They often like to collect categories of things. They may be proficient in knowledge categories of information, such as statistics or say the Latin names of flowers. They may have good rote memory skills but struggle with abstract concepts.

One of the major differences between Asperger’s and autism is that, by definition, there is no speech delay in Asperger’s. In fact, those with Asperger’s frequently have good language skills; they simply use language in different ways. Speech patterns may be unusual, lack inflection or have a rhythmic nature, or can be formal, but too loud or high-pitched. Those wired with Asperger’s may not understand the subtleties of language, such as irony and humor, or they may not understand the give-and-take nature of a conversation.

Another distinction between Asperger’s and autism concerns cognitive ability. While some individuals with autism have intellectual disabilities, by definition, a person with Asperger’s cannot have a “clinically significant” cognitive delay, and most possess average to above-average intelligence.

There are many known behaviors, but every person is different and may or may not have the same combination of behaviors. 

I think you would be surprised at the number of adults who we label as "odd" that very well could be wired as Asperger's different. I think the one thing that I have learned on this journey is that God remains steadfast. He has been with me since I was six and he has carried me, pushed me, loved me, guided me, disciplined me, embraced me, used me, and when others cannot accept me, he does. I have felt led to let several people leave my life to save them from the struggle of "dealing" with me. None have returned. God loves me. Jesus is my constant friend. He has this.

Don't get me wrong. God has placed loving and sincere friends in my life that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt love me unconditionally. You know who you are. Thank you for sticking with me in this revelation. There are eternal rewards.

The energy it takes for survival can only be attributed to my God who gives. 

As I start 2018, it is my purpose to love those that God places in my life for his purpose in the best way that I can. Diligence. He wired me. He knows my limitations, and I struggle with them every day, but he has a plan. I trust. I can't go wrong with Him in my heart.

My hope for you is joy, joy in the Lord. 

Fresh Find: I enjoy my coffeemaker so much and look, a cold brewer!!!

Baby Bo, the other one, my grandfather, not our grand-daughter.

His name was Hugh Robert Etter; we called him Bo. He was a recovering alcoholic with many years of sobriety under his belt. He was a wise grandfather who taught me well. 

I was looking for his AA book. I do not have it in the totes of things passed down from my grandmother to my mother to me. I hope someone in our family has his AA book. I remember things were underlined. I would like to have it to read. It is one of those items that we should have kept a closer tab on in the end. Anyway, it is not in our family history collection.

What I did find that is fun is Bo's baby booklet, albeit Robert Hugh instead of Hugh Robert. And, his early Creighton School, Phoenix, Arizona, report cards. I did not know that he weighed nine pounds at birth! I did know he was smart!!!

In this picture from 1927, it shows the great resemblance between Bo and our son, Aaron (who weighed 9lbs 11oz at birth).

Of course, I can't post without sharing Bo's namesake, Bo! Both were born at home. Another cool connection.

Fresh Find: I love this artist's works, especially this Bo-peep piece!

In general: 

If you want me to know something, then you tell me. I do not want to hear your news second, third or fourth hand. Just because you post something on Facebook does not mean that I will see it, nor does it mean that I won't and be shocked that I had to read it there first. 

This mode of communication is a common practice by so many these days. It has to do with respecting those who are our life links. 

Facebook is a great ministry tool. I love seeing God at work there. It is important to remember that it is a tool, not a private and personal sharing of precious information platform. Private message, e-mail, phone call or text is the best way to share personal news, good and bad when you can't do it in person.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

This verse is one that my parents instilled in me. The Golden Rule, the measure of character.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness. Titus 2:7

God created all people and created them differently for reasons and purposes we may not understand. Regardless of how we perceive other people to be, they are God's creations, and it God's will for us to show respect to everyone.

... even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:33

We are the hands and the feet of Jesus. He left the care of others hearts in our hands. Are we kind? Do we love? Do we reach out and touch? Do we place others needs before ours? What little thing might we do to lift someone's spirit? All of these things are building blocks for relationships and faith building, some even for the salvation of another.

We can't please everyone. We can only please God, and when it is well with our soul, it is good. Being good in spirit does not mean there will be no pain or suffering. It means that we have a foundation that allows peace.

Be blessed friends. The Mighty One knows your name. You are loved. Life links.

Fresh Find: Succulents. Strong! This Crassula Capitella Red Pagoda is such a pretty variety!

Every day, my mind is filled with thought pieces that ramble around in my head. Often, the Holy Spirit will arrange a message with them that teaches me. I try to share these thoughts in hopes that the words will touch someone else.

It is a valuable lesson to reflect always on what God has done for us. In the reflection, we see Christ at work through us as we carry the lesson forward as the hands, feet and often the voice, that assures others of the Hope.

God loves us. Jesus came to be with us. The Holy Spirit is in us.

A church is not a place; it is a people.

The prejudices we carry, keep us from Holy.

Instead of traveling far in our spiritual journey, go deep!

Being good is not enough.

Being uncomfortable draws us to dependence. Who or what will we depend on? Choose deliverance through Christ Jesus.

Random color fills my soul. Eternity glory my life goal. Thoughts of others stoke my soul. Prayer God your plan unroll. Trusting in your divine control. Amen

Fresh Find: This is a pretty vintage stained glass piece.

As I was searching through pictures, I came across this classic. Circa 1975, or 43 years ago this year. We have changed through the years but our faith remains the foundation.

Fresh Find: 

For someone like me who does not function well with clutter, it is hard to believe that I enjoy Christmas gaudy. That's right, the more, the merrier for me. Mix it, match it, use old and new. Big lights little lights, blinking lights, chasing lights and lights that glow.

Did you know that the English word "gaud" means showy ornament?. "Gaud" came from the French "gaudir," meaning "to rejoice or jest," which came from the Latin "gaudere," meaning "to rejoice or delight in." That Latin "gaudere," is also the source of the English word "joy."

Gaudy is joy, and it makes me smile and my heart warm when I see it displayed at Christmas. One of my favorite places to visit is where I find this joy. 

When gaudy brings someone joy, let it!

Fresh Find: A fun throw pillow! 

Because He lives, we can face tomorrow. Through the birth of Jesus, all things are possible for those who seek Him. 

Fresh Find: I have always liked the idea of a loose-leaf Bible, but I have never wanted to give up the one I have marked in through the years.

For God so loved the world that he sent his only Son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Fresh Find: A fun fone projector.

We had an early Christmas this morning. What a fun time. We are certainly an answer to the prayers of those who came before us! We are blessed.

After our oldest, Miss A, read the Christmas story from Luke 2, we had our gift time, enjoyed breakfast and then we had a little photo shoot.

This little coat and hat were made by my mother, Lorena Zoe Etter (Dayton), from my father, John Phillip Dayton's, Navy coat for me when I was three. Here, Bo Baroness models it at nearly two years of age!

Fresh Find: Love this eclectic mobile!

In November for our daughter's birthday, I had an area artist create a legacy profile of the five generations for our daughter. Roberto Garza did a great job.

She is from a long line of strong women. I love that!!! I love this sketch.

Fresh Find: A useful travel blanket bunny!