Choices

Christine Hughey

When my daughter was in High School, I used to tell her that when she was younger her choices she made didn’t really affect her life so much being a child, but once you hit high school and beyond your choices all had consequences that will affect your life. Each choice made, even what you think might be a small choice, all choices have a consequence that puts your life on a path that you travel.

Looking to God for help and guidance is the only way to make your path the direction that God knows your life will lead you to your highest progression.

Now days so often people are in such a blind adherence to the ways of man and in complete absorption of things of the world. That when a choice is presented to them they aren’t taking a moment to look for Gods guidance, or even believe that it is there for them if they would only look and listen.

When you are asking for help pay attention, your answer usually won’t come to you in the way that you think. Sometimes God sends you the same thing over and over and over in hope you will recognize it.

You were given a conscience. God uses that and much more to prompt you, push you to listen. However, if you don’t use it one day you might find yourself without it. If you choose to bury it and stop listening the help and guidance could stop.

Here’s a thought if you don’t believe that, when Noah told people that a great flood was coming, and they needed to listen to God’s Will, very few people listened, and guess what – the flood came and it was indeed their last choice with a huge consequence.

Be Open to New Information, Use It, and Pass It On

by Christine Hughey

Do you know anyone that has ever said to you – “Whatever you’re doing, I will do.” Or, always so curious about what you are up to; and then the second you tell them, they run? Or, are really weird after you tell them, and you never hear from them again; or they only have just a minute to talk to you, and they just gotta go?

I have to laugh… My husband has a few friends on Facebook that always want to know, know, know, what it is he is doing, and telling him that they want to be involved with whatever it is – doesn’t matter at all… until… you tell them; then they seem to know it all, and really just can’t even find two words for you. Yeah, I am talking about you – you were not what we are looking for – you were not open to new information, you certainly didn’t use it, and you won’t pass it on.

People better wake up, because the world is coming to an end one day, and we have something you might want to look at, and really think about before you decide that you know it all, and that no new information is beneficial to you.

Really, you haven’t got an hour out of your life… or ½ hour… no… how about 16 minutes, out of your life, to hear something that could change your life? (Maybe after you could even whisper a little prayer to find out if what you’re hearing is good for you).

We have information, we want to tell you. Do you have a heart that will listen? Will you then use it, and pass it on? Or, would you turn up your nose, and insist that you already know it all? Would you at the very least, check it out, to see if it could benefit you?

BE OF SERVICE TO OTHERS

By Christine Hughey

People often want success. They know their life would be easier if they were successful and didn’t have worries of the world weighing them down. There would be time to enjoy all the things that they would rather be doing, than the stress that comes at them daily. They can’t imagine having time to add one more thing into their day.

So now I should add “service to others” to my list of things to do? Huh? Yeah right!!!!!

But that really is the answer. The more service you give, and love and happiness you have in your heart for everyone you come in contact with… it’s almost like magic. You will have all the time in the world and less stress in your life, and be more successful.

There are examples of people throughout history that were very successful. You can look at the amount of things they invented and did, and how on earth did they ever do it all in their life span? I tried to find a number of all the things that Benjamin Franklin invented… there isn’t a number; the same with George Washington Carver – inventor of peanut butter and a couple of hundred other things.

One of the things these two men had in common was their belief in service. Benjamin Franklin believed that ideas should be used to benefit all people, and he didn’t patent anything for that reason. George Washington Carver didn’t patent most of his inventions because of his belief in being of service to mankind. Between these two men there isn’t a day that goes by that you are not affected by, or make use of many of their inventions or services.

Okay those are huge examples of service… I will break it down! (way down)

I used to work in a processing department – the policy when I first started was “process only” -that was it. It didn’t take long being there that I found out that policy was making my life miserable. The sales reps would have a problem that the client needed help with but the way it was set up at this company, was sales reps were not allowed to talk to the processing department, so the sales reps were miserable, and the clients were miserable. I could imagine the misery continued on and on and on to the clients family, or sales reps family and others they came in contact with – I had no idea how many people were miserable because of this one bad policy or bad service.

So I went about changing it. I let the sales reps walk in the processing department! The managers thought I was committing the crime worthy of a life sentence – but I did it, and I kept doing it! My life was much happier. The sales reps liked it, and reported back happier clients and it was like magic! I had more time to get everything done that needed to be done, instead of warding off angry sales reps. I felt like I was more successful at my job, and I was definitely happier.

Now I know what I was doing was not affecting the lives of every person in the world like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington Carver, but I do know one more person put in a better mood because of service did have an effect – and one more person you are a service to, and spread happiness to has an effect… eventually that much service spread around the world can affect all of mankind.

The Power of Being You

by Marshall Hughey

 
TRADING PLACES
Have you ever thought that you would like to trade places with someone else?  Have you ever wished that you could have the talents or the traits of another?  If so, then you’re not alone. 

BILLIONS
Billions of people on this planet have dreamed of changing who they are, and transforming into someone prettier, richer, or maybe just more popular.  Too often we look at others and dream of living life in their shoes.

NEW YOU
Books, seminars, and motivational speakers, promise to eliminate the old you, and deliver a brand new you, in just a few easy to follow steps.    They tout a notion of tossing out the traits you have come to hate, and promise you happiness as a homogenized facsimile of the person you once were.

A REASON
These “change-makers” fail to recognize one very important point:  You were created as you are for a reason.   That’s right.  There is power in being you.

MANIFEST YOUR DESIRES
The Plexus was introduced to you in my previous blog entitled “Connections.”  Accessing this connection can help you accomplish many things – but one of the more obvious consequences of accessing the Plexus is the ability to manifest your desires in the physical.

THREE KEYS
There are 3 keys used to unlock the Plexus.  The first key is, “Be Yourself.”  This like many things, is much easier said than done.  You were born with a set of personal traits; likes and dislikes, as individual as the taste buds on your tongue… and yet it seems to be human nature to reject these things as anything special.

A VERY PERSONAL DESIGN
A great deal of love, planning, and attention to detail, went into the very personal design of you.  You were not thrown together at the last minute with a lot of left over parts from creation.  You, and everything you are, serve a purpose, a divine purpose, and when you recognize this, and embrace this, you will have taken the first step to unlocking the power of the Plexus.

ACCEPT THE BLESSING
This is why I say, there is Power in being you.  Do not run away from yourself, or allow someone else to talk you into changing who you are.  Instead, use your energy to discover who you really are, and accept the blessing that you find.

*This article is part of a series of entries designed to explain the Plexus and how to begin making use of it.

Connections

by Marshall Hughey

THE BODY HUMAN
There are things at work in the universe much larger than you and I.  A connection that binds us all together is one of these things. The idea that we are all connected is not a new one.  How many times have you heard that we’re all brothers and sisters under the skin?  That we all descended from the same common ancestors; and therefore we should be just one big happy family.

INVISIBLE CONNECTION
Well, I’m not talking about our distant familial relationship.  This connection is about something a little more esoteric than that, but still just as real.  I am referring to an invisible connection that binds us all together, through divine purpose and interpersonal communication.

THE PLEXUS
It’s something that we refer to as the ‘Plexus’.  For the sake of this discussion, think of the Plexus as a large intangible mesh covering the entire world.  This mesh consists of interlaced strands of divine purpose connecting each of us to one another.

A UNIVERSE IN MICROCOSM
This connection – this interwoven relationship – links each of us together to form an even greater whole.  You are individually representative of the universe in microcosm, joined together by divine purpose and within the Plexus, you exist as a part of all that is.

ACCESS IT
Why does any of this matter?  Because once you understand the Plexus and your role in it, the sooner you can begin to consciously access the power of it, and put it to use for your good.

INTRICATE NETWORK
In the human body there are many plexuses.  In fact, the term plexus is most often used in medical or anatomical text to refer to an intricate network of nerves or blood vessels.  Millions upon million of bits of information are transferred from one cell to the next within your plexuses.  This information serves your body, and makes all of its functions possible.

UNDETECTED
Since the physical creation of men and women neural networks and plexuses have been serving our bodies.  For centuries of existence this internal design carried out its unique purpose undetected by mankind.

HIDDEN IN THE UNSEEN
It’s interesting to note that just because early man did not understand the internal workings of the body, did not mean that these plexuses were nonexistent; it only meant that they had not yet been discovered.  Man’s internal plexuses carried on their work just the same, hidden away in the unseen.  For all intents and purposes these plexuses and their internal workings were invisible to ancient man.  Again, this did not make them any less real, only undiscovered.

ANSWERS
When you look deep within, you will find answers for all that is outside of you.  Yes, the Plexus which connects all of us, appears to be invisible, it is hidden away in the unseen, but it does not make it any less real.

CONSTANT COMPANION
If this notion of some invisible force connecting all of us to one another seems a little too far fetched for you… then how do you feel about gravity?  Gravity is considered to be one of the greatest forces in the universe, and yet it is ‘invisible’ it is unseen, but there’s no denying the fact that gravity is very real.  If you are ever in doubt… step off a ladder incorrectly and you will be quickly reminded that the unseen force of gravity is your constant companion.

THE PLEXUS AFFECTION
The Plexus is similar to gravity, in that it is always with you.  You are already connected to it, and just as there is nothing you have to do to be affected by gravity, there is nothing you have to do to be affected by the Plexus.

AWAKEN YOUR MIND
This is only meant to be an overview of the Plexus to awaken your mind to the idea of it… and really many of you already know this is so – you’ve just never put a name to it – or thoroughly defined it.

A BLESSING
The Plexus is a blessing to all of us when used properly, however if ignored or if we attempt to force our own dominant will against the laws that govern the principles of it, there are consequences… not unlike those of stepping off the ladder in the wrong way.

THE BODY OF MANKIND
This article is part of a series of entries designed to explain the Plexus and how to begin making use of it.  It is certainly not meant to teach everything regarding the Plexus, it is enough for now to know that it exists, you are a part of it, and it serves the body of mankind.

Moments In Time

by Christine Hughey

There are moments in my life that I reflect on often – moments I would not miss for the world, moments I would love to go back to.

My parents are a great example of how they showed love and service to others.  When I was a senior in high school my Grandpa became suddenly ill.  As soon as we found out, my dad drove quickly to his house and brought him to stay with us.  My dad had a lot people giving him the advice to put my Grandpa in a rest home, but my dad wouldn’t hear of it. 

My parents gathered my brothers and sisters in a room, and together we were able to come up with a plan on how to care for my Grandpa.  One of my sisters would come early in the morning (with her two small children) and take the morning shift, and as soon as I finished up with my two required classes (I had dropped the other classes so I could help) I would take the afternoon shift.  Once my parents finished with work they would have the evening shift.

I am very blessed that I was able to have that special time with my Grandpa.  When I look back on that time, I am thankful for having that opportunity in my life to be there for him.

It only takes a moment out of your life, to be a service to others.  It can come in all forms:  giving a loved one a shoulder to cry on, taking a sick friend a meal, or mowing someone’s lawn that is in need.  Even if it takes 3 months of your life to help care for someone…it is only a moment.

When you have an opportunity to help someone – do it.  Do it with a glad heart and do all you can.  Because when that moment has passed, you will be able to look back and be grateful for that time that you were there to help them while they were in need. 

Through service comes joy and I firmly believe that when you are a service to others you are in a service to God.

Whatcha Doin’?

by Marshall Hughey

LIFE IS NOW
What are you doing with your life?  Life may be too big a concept to focus on… So what did you do this morning?  What did you do this afternoon?  What are you doing tonight?  Guess what?  That’s what you’re doing with your life.

HUMAN DO-ING
Sometimes we get so caught up in our human “do-ings” that we forget that we are also human “be-ings.”  Life is too short to do what you don’t want to do for very long.  You may have to do something out of necessity for a while, but during all of that time you should be watching, waiting and preparing for that next “something” to come along that removes you from your drudgery.

STAY OPEN
If you resign yourself to a life of mediocrity then it is much more difficult to recognize opportunities when they come along.  That’s why if you are not engaged in work that fulfills you, and contributes to mankind, keep your eyes, and ears open because the answer may come your way in the least likely of circumstances.

GET AWAY
Many people today are working in environments that they wish they could leave.  It may be that you just dislike the kind of work that you do, or the pay that you’re receiving for the work that you do.  However, some people are working with people or companies that they know are immoral; participating in activities that go against what they know to be right.  For people in that kind of situation I have come to believe that it’s best for them to leave immediately.

STOP THE PAIN
Immediately cease working with people that take advantage of others, or are deceptive in their business dealings.  This is something I had to learn the hard way.  I once thought that I could work with immoral people as long as I kept my own standards high.  Looking back I realize that thought is pretty irrational.  I mean it’s an obvious fact that you can’t just hang out with despicable people and imagine that you’re okay because you’re not really like them.

FREEDOM
When I finally broke away from these unscrupulous marauders, it was like a thousand chains had been lifted from my soul.  No longer did I have to pretend to go along with their ridiculous schemes, or stand complacent while witnessing bad behavior.  If I have any regrets after parting ways, it is only that I had not done so sooner.  Life is only worth living when it is lived valiantly; when you stay true to yourself and to your convictions.  If you feel like you are trading your ideals for a paycheck, then just get out of the situation so that you can realize the true blessings that are waiting for you outside that negative influence.

YOUR 100 YEARS
You have been given a short lifetime to experience this physical world.  For most people it’s less than 100 years.  Don’t waste even one minute on work that is not in line with your core beliefs.  No monetary reward is ever enough to repay you for that kind of wasted time.  Instead look for work that is uplifting, that builds character, and stirs the soul.  This is the kind of experience you were created for here in the physical, and this is the kind of experience you will savor forever.

My Hubbie

by Christine Hughey 

Have you ever thought of your husband as a gift from God?  I do!

I was a single mom raising my 10 year old daughter, living a life that was on an “emotional rollercoaster” that couldn’t seem to find the bottom.  I was incredibly lonely and tired of years of dating crap.  Then one day after crying out, “Please God, help me!” my man comes waltzing in smiling.  Oh I didn’t know it was him – but he knew!  He rescued me from my daily tears and struggles of being lonely and brought happiness and laughter into my life. 

I’ve been thinking of our 17 years together and wonder what has made this marriage work.  Looking back at old family videos and pictures you would believe that we were happy a hundred percent of the time.  But I’m not going to kid you, everyday hasn’t been all peaches n’ cream.  My mom warned me – the hardest times are the best times.  I never understood it and never really believed it either.  How could that even be possible?  I was 24 years old and finalizing my second divorce, how is this “the best times”?

In my past relationships a fight meant a divorce (hmmm something’s wrong with that idea?).  But my new man had a different idea – a fight just meant you’ve got to make-up…not split up.  My parents, who have been married for 58 years, probably taught me that lesson but somehow I missed it! 

We’ve experienced those hard times mom has talked about – no really – when the credit cards are maxed and the bank account is at zero and all you have left is a jar on the counter that had roughly $28 worth of change (just enough money to buy bread and peanut butter and a little gas for the car) that’s when you realize the hardest times are the best times.  We put those coins in the change machine and got real dollar bills out…we felt like we’d just won the lottery! 

So looking back at our 17 years together and wondering why or what it was that made this marriage work, the answer is simple….we’ve never stopped loving each other and supporting each other.  Ever!!

RUN TO WIN!

by Marshall Hughey

WORLD RECORDS
Today world records are broken almost every day – but 55 years ago on the morning of May 6, 1954, only one record was in the mind of Roger Bannister.  On May 6, 1954 Roger was a 26 year old runner who dreamed of being the first man to run a mile in less than 4 minutes.  Many experts came forward to say that it was a physical impossibility for the human body to run a mile in under 4 minutes.  There was no shortage of takers on the bet that young Mr. Bannister would fail again on May 6, 1954, just as he had done many times before.  However, this day was to be different, and different in no small way.

MENTALLY STRONG
When the gun sounded and Roger lunged forward that day, I don’t know if even he could imagine what an impact it would have on him and literally millions of people throughout the world.  Here was a man of perhaps above average aptitude for running, but still a man made of flesh and bones.  The invisible 4 minute barrier had stood for all time as an impossible mark to beat, and in the words of the victorious Bannister he said, “There was a mystique, a belief that it couldn’t be done, but I think it was more of a psychological barrier, than a physical one.”  And what Roger Bannister proved on that day at Iffley Road Track in Oxford, England, is that a strong mind, and an unwavering dream, can overcome psychological barriers, whatever their size or scope.

FAILURE TO SUCCESS
Roger was no stranger to competition, he had been running competitively since he was 17; but just because he was use to running doesn’t mean he was used to winning.  You see Roger was a competitor in the 1952 Olympics, and although he was favored among many to win, he finished a disappointing 4^th place.  No medal for Roger at the Olympics of ’52, but on that day he won something even more valuable – the determination to prove he was the fastest man in the world!

EMOTIONAL STICKING POWER
Roger left the Olympics with feelings of remorse for his missed opportunity, and he had an important decision to make – should he give up running?  This wasn’t easy for him, and he spent over 2 months deciding what he would do.  Finally, a thought came into his mind – he would prove himself by becoming the first man to ever run a mile in under four minutes.  This was the kind of dream that had emotional sticking power.  Here was something that many said never could be done, and yet Roger Bannister decided to set out to do it; and in the end he succeeded.

SEEDS OF SUCCESS
How many times have you witnessed the seeds of success sprout from agonizing defeat?  When you look over the record of history it seems as though failure is almost a prerequisite for great success.  Life story after life story is told about inventors, and entrepreneurs, and military commanders, and statesmen, and each story has its own interesting twists and turns, that often lead a rational mind to imagine the soon-to-be-hero is about to be washed up – out of the game – a permanent failure.  But that’s usually when something within our protagonist shifts – perhaps it’s a new resolve, or a small choice that is made, and suddenly everything turns from grim disappointment to a successful crescendo.

BETTER THAN THE BESTTime and time again we see the lesson of defeat followed by victory played out in history, but for some reason we seldom apply it to our own lives.  The next time you experience disappointment look up instead of down – look towards that new race that hasn’t yet been run, and say to yourself, “I’m going to become better than the best!”  And since you’re running anyway, why not run to win?  Roger Bannister knew that losing a single race didn’t have to mean losing hope.  His best days were ahead of him, and today at 80 years old, he is still inspiring people with his story of mind over muscle. *click

Be Happy

by Marshall Hughey

 

THE LITTLE STUFF

There are plenty of things in this world to be unhappy about.  There’s little stuff like trying to call a company and ending up in their never ending voice mail, or how about that drive-through order that never seems to turn out just right – I mean after you’re home, do you drive all the way back and tell the kid – “Hey!  I said NO tomatoes and you guys put on EXTRA tomatoes – What part of NO made you think EXTRA?!?! Hmmmm?!”  That’s certainly one approach to a problem, and I’ve been guilty of that at least once or twice in my life (okay, maybe more).

 

THE BIG STUFF

Of course not all problems are as easily solved as removing erroneous tomatoes from your hamburger.  Sometimes problems come in bigger sizes.  There are plenty of people today that are facing challenges of the large variety.  Everyone has their own custom made problems; things that have been mixed together in the universe just for you!  How exciting.  No two people’s problems are exactly the same, and most of us would not swap our set of problems for those of anybody else.

 

LESSONS OF LIFE

At my age I’m not young (unless you ask somebody old), and I’m not old (unless you ask somebody young).  Like Baby Bear’s porridge I’m just right, young enough to still get around, and old enough to have learned a few life lessons.  One of the lessons I’ve learned is that it always helps, regardless of what problem you’re facing to “Be Happy.”

 

PLATITUDES & INSIPIDITY

Now I know that “Be Happy” is the kind of platitude that will annoy just about anyone.  If you found yourself at a cheap Chinese food buffet, and your fortune cookie said, “Be Happy” it would probably annoy you so much that you’d complain to management that you expect more from a four dollar lunch (I said it was cheap).  And if you’ve ever faced one of those megawatt, brain cell popping problems, that can come up from time to time in life and a well meaning friend or family member looked at you and said, “Don’t worry, be happy” – You just might slap him back to September 1988, so he could soak up those sweet, sweet, sounds of Bobby McFerrin.

 

NO MAGIC

Now, I’m not suggesting that when you choose to “Be Happy” that it will magically solve your problems. In fact, I don’t know that happiness per se changes anything about the reality of your problem. I am saying that it will make it easier for you to figure out what to do about your problems.  There is actually an answer for you somewhere, even if it’s just a way to mentally cope or deal with a particular problem.

 

OPEN FOR ANSWERS

If you choose to approach your problems with an inner happiness, you will find your answers much faster.  Why is that?  Man, if I understood all of the nuances of that, I’d have to start charging admission to this blog.  I do know that when you’re unhappy everything seems dark and the weight of your problems can feel heavy, when you’re happy there is brightness and your heart has a light open feeling.  This can help you get that answers you’re looking for faster.  Think of it like this, when you’re unhappy, your mental store is closed for business and nothing can get in, when you’re happy, your mental store is open for business and the answer can come right in and take a seat.  That’s what we all want, a place where the answers can come in and stay a while.

 

NOTIFY YOUR FACE

So, I know that “Be Happy” is a lot easier said (or written) than done.  How do you act happy, when the wolves are biting at your heels, and you’re wearing sheepskin?  Begin by notifying your face.  A smile, even if it’s forced, notifies your face that you are happy.  Begin with your physical state.  Stand up straight, look up instead of down, smile, laugh, say something out loud like, “I’M HAPPY!  I’M REALLY, REALLY HAPPY!”  Hey, if you sound silly enough eventually you’ll have yourself laughing, and everyone around you.  Guess what, now you’re actually becoming happy!

 

QUALITY OF LIFE

Again, I know that acting happy, is not a panacea, but continually acting unhappy is only going to make whatever problems you have seem even larger than they are – and happiness can definitely improve your quality of life, while you’re dealing with whatever comes your way. *click