Amp 4 Life

Update: New Job and Prayer Requests

2012-02-18T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

     If you have been following my blog for awhile now you might be familiar with my situation. I am an amputee and am trying to make a difference and improve the quality of life for other amputees. But I also realize that my story goes far beyond that and inspires many different people.

     I am now in a steady job/internship doing research and development of new applications for ion beams... I know what your thinking. "What are ion beams?" Long story short, they are individual atoms that have a non-neutral net charge. This means they can be manipulated using electric fields. Electric lenses can be formed by applying a voltage to a metal cylinder, which in turn creates an electric field in the middle. Much like light and optical glass lenses, ion beams can be focused to small spots which eventually leads to an image. Because these ions are accelerated to high voltages ~30,000V their wavelength is much smaller than that of a photon ("particle" of light), which in turn leads to high resolution imaging.

     Now back to the stuff that makes sense... I am so thankful for the support of my family, friends, and fiance. God is so good. I am getting involved in a local church and plan to play in the churches worship band. I miss everyone back home. Currently, my Dad is battling Stage IV lung cancer (he has been for two years now) and was just recently taken off of a clinical trial. Please pray for his health.

     That is all for now... If you haven't been keeping up with the videos I have been uploading here are a few:

          - My Testimony
          - Amputee Q&A Episode 16
          - Amputee Discussion: Depression, Sleeping Disorders
          - Amputee Q&A Episode 17

God Bless!

- Wesley Hughes

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

Hi guys,

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! I love you guys! Thanks for all the support and encouragement along the way. Here is a quick video. God Bless!

- Wesley Hughes

My Testimony

2012-01-23T22:48:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

I finally posted a video of my testimony. If you would like to know more or contact me feel free to send me an email at theamp4life@gmail.com. Here is my testimony. God Bless!

- Wesley Hughes

Christianity and NOT Conforming to This World

2012-01-13T22:22:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone,

Christianity these days is considered a religion by many. Firstly, it is a way of life that follows the example of Christ, hence "Christ"-ian. Many have taken the "Christ" out of being a so called Christian. I would rather someone say that they don't believe in Jesus/God then to put on act of Christianity to seem like a good person or something. I know that at one point, I was probably one of those so called "Christians," but I now realize the dangers of that lifestyle.

There are so many Christians that are being fed a watered-down version of the Gospel. Also, many Christians think that they can straddle this fence of being a Christian and still i.e. party, drink, etc. on the weekends. I am sure that this breaks God's heart and we need to remember what it actually means to be a Christian. That is a follower of Christ. I just had a renewal of mind and spirit the other day, and figured that I would share my thoughts. If you want you can check out my new video about phantom pain. God Bless!

-Wesley Hughes

Happily Engaged!

2011-12-19T18:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

     You know how I have talked so much about my wonderful girlfriend and about how much I love her. Well on December 14, 2011 I proposed to her at Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, WV. Everything went perfectly! She was completely surprised and had no idea just how many people knew about it before and hadn't told her. I prayed long and hard before going through with the proposal and decided it was the right thing to do.

     I admit that when I was waiting for her to arrive I started to get nervous. Not a fearful nervous, but rather anxious and excited all at the same time. After she read the letter that I had left at the front desk and followed the trail of roses, I sneaked up behind her and surprised her. She gave me a hug then I gave her my speech and asked her to marry me. Sure enough, she said, "yes!" I was so relieved at that point.

     I am grateful to have such a beautiful and godly fiance. I thank God everyday to have her in my life. For all the amputees out there looking for love or thinking that you will will never experience love because of your disability, it is not true. If someone is going to love you, they will love you for who you are! Thanks to all who made my engagement to Shelby Phillips special. We love you! God Bless!

- Wesley and Shelby :)

Taking A Shower And Mornings

2011-12-07T10:48:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone,

   I wanted to write something especially for those amputees out there. For me, I find it hard to get up and get myself to put on my leg in the morning. There are times when it begins to feel like a chore. I also find myself having less balance in the morning as opposed to any other time of day.

     Usually I take my showers at night, but sometimes I will take them in the morning. As an amputee I think I find it easier to take a shower in the evening because I have more balance and am more awake and aware. I wouldn't want to slip and fall in the shower. Having less balance in the morning would increase the risk of falling, etc. while taking a shower.

     This was just something on my mind and something that I would like some opinions on. Please feel free to leave a comment here or on my Facebook page. God Bless!

-Wesley Hughes

Living For Him

2011-11-21T12:27:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone!

     Lately, I have been caught up in the things of this world. For example: going to school, playing video games, watching TV, etc. I have not been spending enough time with God. I pray everyday that he would give me opportunities to serve and glorify him. A few days ago, someone contacted me in regards to a need for Bibles. They literally were reaching out to me to see if I could help fill their need. I then reached out to family and friends, and when its all said and done we are going to be able to help this church in need.

     It has now been laid on my heart to share with you all some scripture and thoughts I have had recently. We need to stop putting off the good we could be doing now for later. We often find ourselves saying things like "when I have enough money I will give some to the needy." Well the time to act is now if God is convicting you and placing it on your heart to give. James 4:17 says "Anyone, then who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." This verse has made a direct impact on my life recently and I hope that it will make an impact on yours.

     Some people may think that if they give their time and money now that they may not have a "later" to enjoy. However, God doesn't promise us a later. Our days are numbered and we know not how long we have.   We can plans for the future with Gods help, but we must also live in the present. We need to be open to the things that he places heavily on our hearts to do. If you have wasted your life up to this point, it doesn't mean that God thinks you are worthless. He loves you like a good father loves his son.   He is there to rely on for strength when you need him.

     Thank you guys for reading and may God Bless you.

- Wesley Hughes

Amputee TV

2011-11-12T19:11:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone,

So I have officially started the Amputee TV Series. Once a week I will be posting a new video to YouTube titled "Amputee TV - (something related to the episode)." The show consists of 4 main sections: News, Humor, Bible Verse, and Question of the Week! I hope you guys look forward to watching these episode and enjoy them as much as I did making them. Advice and input would be much appreciated. God Bless!

- Wesley Hughes

Patience

2011-11-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

     I thought that I would take the time to talk about patience. Lately God has shown me a lot about patience and what it means to be patient. One of the biggest things that I realize is things we have not seen we wait for with patience. Heaven is the example Paul uses in the Bible. He says "But that which we have not seen yet, we wait for with patience.

     What are some of the thing you struggle to be patient with on a daily basis? Is it your spouse? Is it traffic during you morning and evening commute? Is it your meal at a restaurant? All of this thing if we let them sprout emotions can turn into frustration and anger. We should try to be patient in everything.

     As an amputee it sometimes takes more time to get from point A to point B and at times this can feel like a huge burden. We have to look at it from an outside perspective.   I think it has been a good thing that it might take longer and more energy to get from one place to another because it forces me to stop and think about all the things that I could do on my way to wherever it is that I am going.

     I am humbled by the fact that God has been showing me what it means to be patient not only with the things listed above, but also in my relationship with Shelby. We are so close yet so far away (~3000miles) and it is hard not seeing her for so long. Through patience and the peace of mind that comes from knowing Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior I have been able to grasp the meaning of patience.

     Feel free to email me at theamp4life@gmail.com and I look forward to hearing your feedback. Let the peace of Christ be with you all!

- Wesley Hughes

My Anniversary

2011-10-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

      To the one I love so dearly... You mean the world to me. I can't imagine not being without you.   Your smile brightens my day. You love me for who I am.

     Shelby, I can't believe it has been 6 months! These six months were some of the best six months of my life. This is because you are a part of it. As our love grows, may God bring us close, and may we rejoice in his presence.

     You are the woman of my dreams. I couldn't ask for more. Have a blessed day!

- Wesley Hughes

My Prosthetic Leg

2011-10-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

You can check out this video featuring my prosthetic leg and all of its components. If you have an questions about my prosthesis or questions in general, please feel free to ask them. Hope you enjoy and have as much fun watching it as I did making it! God Bless!

- Wesley Hughes

Amputees and Prosthetics

2011-10-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I have told you all what kind of amputation I have as well as what kind of prosthetic components I use. I was wondering if you all could tell me what kind of artificial limbs you all have. Thanks guys! A video will be up soon with pictures of my prosthetic leg. Each component will be described briefly. If you guys are feeling adventurous you can post a video response to the video that I will post on Wednesday or Thursday.

You all are great! Keep up the good work! Be strong! Please feel free to email me at theamp4life@gmail.com. God Bless!!!

- Wesley Hughes

What Is Our Purpose?

2011-10-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

     I get people asking me this question all of the time. I sometimes even wonder about it myself. We ask, "What is our purpose?" After a brief moment of hesitation I would be able to answer. Our purpose is to serve God and love another. In my post titled something like, "Love is a Wonderful Thing!" I describe what it means to love one another.

     Our purpose... It starts by realizing that we were created, that is by God. Without accepting this there seems to be no hope and no purpose besides getting rich and dying. The sad part is in the end, riches and achievements will fade away.   Our purpose is something far greater, and gives us a reason to live, as well as what to live for.

     We can serve God in many ways, one of them being by helping the people around us.   Helping others is extremely versatile. We can help in so many ways, and each of us has a part in helping out certain people. God has allowed me to experience the so called "Disability" of having one leg. But because of this disability he has allowed me to change the lives of many.

     Through things like YouTube, God has helped me reach out to thousands of people. Without my amputation, I feel as though I would have trouble reaching even a few. That is not to say that you are a failure because you didn't help thousands of people, but what I mean is that God has opened up this door and I walked through it.

     My advice to you is to just become more actively involved in trying to help others when you have the time or opportunity. If you feel like you can't don't worry cause God will lead you and guide on the path you were meant for. Thanks guys! God Bless!

- Wesley Hughes

The Love of My Life

2011-10-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

     So there is this awesome God, who of course will always be number one in my life. However, there is this amazing woman named Shelby, who has pretty much taken that second place spot in my heart. She is the love of my life. I am so thankful for her and can't wait to see her for more than just a week! I know that she feels the same way.

     Although she is on the other side of the country, our relationship is centered with Christ, and he keeps it strong. I notice that the more I am trusting God, the closer I feel to Shelby, and the more I want to be with her.

     I hope that each one of you experiences true love within God's will. A bond in which nothing can separate, an everlasting bond and love. I just thought I would share with everyone. I love you Shelby!!! <3 Today I uploaded a new Q&A Episode. Check it out! God Bless!

- Wesley Hughes

Suction In My Socket

2011-10-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

     Lately, I have had problems with the suction of my socket, especially when riding my bike, and it is starting to become extremely irritating and annoying. I am not sure exactly what to do. I want it to just work fine, and "sometimes" it does, but usually it doesn't. Today I got really upset and angry about it. It seemed as though any and all emotional feelings just burst, and I started to cry.

     But then I realized that it could be a lot worse and it wasn't the end of the world. Sure I was still angry and almost throwing a fit about it, but I knew that I shouldn't be. God has shown me patience, love, humility, and lately discipline. Discipline can be harsh when learned the hard way. And as Christians, we need to be in control of ourselves given that we have free will. This means not to indulge in food all the time, or procrastinate about school work, or stay up all hours of the night. I am fully guilty of these myself, but God has been showing me and teaching me how to be disciplined.

     That's all for now! Have a wonderful day and while your at it check out Amputee Q&A Episode 10. God Bless!

- Wesley Hughes

Back to School

2011-09-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

   I will be starting my fall classes on Monday and I just wanted to say that I am excited about this quarter! If you don't already know I am a student at the University of Oregon. There is an organization called Collegiate Christian Fellowship (CCF) which is making a huge impact on this campus. I can't wait for the quarter to start!

     One thing that we sometimes do not realize as Christians is the importance of staying fit and in good health. What I mean by this is not an obsession about beauty and how we look, but our physical health. God wants to use us to help others. God can't use us if we are not in good physical health to be used. Sometimes because God says not to worry about looks, we begin to not take care of our bodies like we should. We do not stay physically fit we think walking to class is a good enough workout by itself, etc. For some this is a start.

     I am not trying to be rude or say everyone is lazy and doesn't care about themselves, but I think we should all try to stay physically, mentally, and spiritually fit in order to be used in whatever way God wills. Thanks for taking the time to read this and I will make another post soon. In the meantime check out my Amputee Q&A Episode 9. God Bless!

- Wesley Hughes

In Light of Eternity

2011-09-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

     How often do we do things in the here and now? To please us at this very instant? When we do things just to please ourselves, are we not being selfish? Almost all sin originates from selfishness. That is why I want to talk about living in light of eternity.

     What do I mean by "in light of eternity?" I mean that we should always realize the consequences of our actions and think about how what we are doing is going to affect us down the road. Are we caught up purely in material possessions, or are we using the time that God has given us here on this Earth to help others?

   I am not saying that the way to get into heaven is by doing good works, but rather that we show our love for God by being obedient to his commands and serving others. Paul says that we must die to our selves so that we may be lifted up with Christ. Believing in that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose on the third day is the only way to heaven. In John 14:6 Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

   So lets evaluate our lives and refocus them on God and living in light of eternity. God Bless!!!

- Wesley Hughes

Humility

2011-09-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

     It has been about a week since my last post. I haven't thought of much to write lately until now. One thing God has shown me this week has been humility. In today's society we tend to be very competitive, to the point where we can be disrespectful and cocky. I have realized that I am guilty of this quite often . I am by no means perfect, but I have learned that we have to bring the FUN factor back into competition. Where the winner is humble and the loser is humble.

   What does it mean to be humble when it comes to competition? No trash talking and cussing. When we win we are no saying things like "Ha, in your face, you suck... etc." Rather, when we win we say "Good job guys, good game." When we lose we don't retaliate and be rude to the winner.

     To be humble is to know your place, be respectful, congratulate others, and not acting like you are better than everyone else. Humbleness is a quality all persons should have, and as Christians we are called to humble ourselves. Christ humbled himself to the point where He died for us so that we may be saved from eternal damnation.

     My prayers and blessing are with you all! let me know if you all have any prayer requests or would like guidance in getting to know Christ and having a personal relationship with him. Feel free to email me at theamp4life@gmail.com.

- Wesley Hughes

What Does the Future Hold?

2011-09-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

     I realize that many of us are worried about the future and what the future may hold. Whether or not we will have a job, get married, have a loved one pass away, etc. The thing is we should not worry about what the future holds, rather we should learn how to live in the present. Jesus says in Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." He does not say that each day is going to be a walk in the park. He actually says that we will suffer, suffer for believing in him and suffer for him.

     God's love is incredible, for he loved us even before the world began. but he also requires obedience and a humble heart. Knowing God and trusting that his one and only son Jesus Christ died for our sins bring us grace and peace of mind. But what is usually not preached is that we will also suffer for him. We have to continually die to our flesh, our selfish and sinful nature, and live in obedience to Christ. This transformation is accomplished through the Holy Spirit and is what Paul refers to as the New Life. We must be dead to sin and alive in Christ.

     In Romans 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation to those are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin, He condemned sin in the flesh that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

     I thank you all for visiting my blog and encourage each of you to think about everything I just said.   Also if you want to check it out my next amputee Q&A episode is online. God Bless!

-Wesley Hughes

Back in Oregon

2011-09-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

I am so glad to be back in Oregon where God has been using me to reach out to many student at the University of Oregon. Please pray for me. This Friday I have four interviews with major companies and if I am going to be getting an internship anytime soon it will most likely be Friday. I still have to adjust to the 3-hour time difference and as of now I am tired, but thankful for a safe flight. I will post about something more specific next time. Have a wonderful day and God Bless!

- Wesley Hughes

Love is a Wonderful Thing

2011-08-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

     What is Love? Some may say an emotion, one that you experience when you "fall deeply in love" with someone else. The thing is you just don't fall in love. Love is not all butterflies and roses. Love isn't even really an emotion.

     Love is a commitment. Love is an action and saying the words "I Love You" carry no real meaning unless there is the action behind those words. The willingness to put the feelings and needs of the one you love above your own.

    There are many forms of the word love all referring to a specific kind of love. In English we can say: I love you, I love you like a brother, I love you very much, I truly love you... but all of these phrases can be misunderstood and are not specific. In the bible the Greeks and Hebrews have many words for love. There is an "Agape" love, which is a godly love, and there are many other specific forms of love each with a specific word in Greek associated with it.

     Most important is that we realize how to show our love to others through our actions which speak louder than words. When it comes to the root of LOVE we find that love comes from God. He loved us first. We can only learn to truly love others by allowing God's Love to permeate us first.

     Jesus sacrificed his own life so that all of the world's sins could be forgiven. He loves us more than we can possibly comprehend and constantly is buying us back at the price of Jesus' blood when we turn away from him. My prayer is that each of you who has never experienced the love of God in your life would be willing to open up your hearts and talk with me or one of your christian friends or go to a church this Sunday.

     Feel free to email me at theamp4life@gmail.com about anything you have questions about or if you would like to share your own story.

God Bless!

- Wesley Hughes

Home Sweet Home

2011-08-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

     I wanted to let everyone know that God is good. Although I haven't been feeling the best lately, I am so glad and excited to be home and spend time with my family. One of the biggest things God has been showing me lately is how important family is. How I should be very thankful for having a family that cares for me and loves me as much as they do.

     This has also been very important for me because I have had serious thoughts about the relationship between me and my girlfriend. If she cares for me as much as she does and loves me for who I am, I couldn't ask for more. Being accepted and feeling loved is something all humans long for. I assure you that no matter what you look like, what your family history is like, or what you may have done in the past, I care for you.

     I pray for all who are seeking to fill a void in their life that nothing else has been able to satisfy. A void that can only be filled by God's love and the peace of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

God Bless!

- Wesley Hughes

Heading Home

2011-08-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

     So I made it through my summer term at the University of Oregon studying applied physics. I am one step closer to getting my Master of Science and getting a job. As you may know, I am from the East Coast so I have been away from family and friends as well as my amazing girlfriend for almost 3 months!

     My time out here in Oregon has had its ups and downs but all in all it has been an amazing experience. I have drawn closer to God in many ways, as well as experienced many new challenges and adventures as an amputee. I would like to thank eveyone who has supported me thus far and please continue to leave feedback on my video as well as blog posts. That way I can help you all out in the best way possible.

   My latest videos have been extreme and I am also going to do some vlogging. If you all haven't already checked it out, my latest Q&A video is now on YouTube. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6xwbljLTFU

   I love you Mom, Dad, Kelsey, and Shelby <3

God Bless you all!

- Wesley Hughes

P.S. You all should read Psalm 139.

Waking Up

2011-08-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

   As an amputee, it can be harder to get yourself up out of bed each morning, especially if you are missing more than one limb. It can take much longer to get dressed and sometimes it can feel like a burden.

     I just wanted to be open and communicate with all those who are reading my blog if you are questioning yourself about God, questioning whether or not he is real. Feel free to contact me. Either by email (theamp4life@gmail.com) or by comment below. I would love to hear how God has impacted your life especially if you are an amputee like myself.

     Something that I find to be amazing is how much better each day can be when you wake up to God's love each morning. There has been days past when I woke up and did not think about God, read the Bible, or even pray to God. There is a huge difference on the outlook for that day. Whenever I do these things however, my days are filled with overwhelming Joy and Peace.

- Wesley Hughes

A New Day, A New Hope

2011-08-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

Each day we are given a chance to live life. Dream big. Overcome obstacles. We should always have hope for a future. Don't let past mistakes dictate your future. I woke up today tired and in one of those moods where you just don't feel like doing anything. Well, after some thinking I said to myself, "Why should I feel like this. There is a hope, that today will be a great day." So I decided to do something active and make a video. You can check out the video below. God Bless and Enjoy!!!

- Wesley Hughes