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"This is the way God meant my son to be."
Yesterday, in Family Recovery, the above comment was made by a mother who still attends Family Recovery and whose son is a 3D intern.
For so many reasons, I loved the truth behind that statement. It spoke of health and continued healing. It spoke of a family who had been restored. It spoke of peace in the home. It spoke of love that dissolved and replaced hate. It spoke of Family Recovery.
Later, I heard this comment:
"We are coming to Family Recovery because we need the healing."
3 Dimensional Life isn't just about a student acknowledging their pain that drove them to drugs, alcohol, or whatever it may be. It is about the entire family healing together. Because if there isn't a healthy home to return to, how much harder is it for a student to carry out long-term sobriety?
I'm praying that the day comes when all the present and future families of 3D students can look at their son and say, "This is the son God meant for me to have. This is the healing we received as a family."
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thankful Thursdays
This week, I asked our staff what they are thankful for in regards to 3 Dimensional Life. Here are their responses:
1. Purpose
2. God's favor
3. A feeling of home
4. Courage
5. 3D Family (board, staff, interns, students, and their families)
1. Purpose
2. God's favor
3. A feeling of home
4. Courage
5. 3D Family (board, staff, interns, students, and their families)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Anthony Hargrove: In His Own Words
Several weeks ago, I told the story of Anthony Hargrove. It was incredibly encouraging to read his story.
Today, with help from an individual from the New Orleans Saints, I can share Anthony Hargrove's video - in his own words. Watch it and be inspired.
Today, with help from an individual from the New Orleans Saints, I can share Anthony Hargrove's video - in his own words. Watch it and be inspired.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
3D Interns
I remember being in the role as an intern. But, that was in college and I needed it for academic credit. So, while I loved my internship immensely, the underlining goal was to: obtain college credit for graduation. My goal was achieved and I graduated.
However, the definition of intern at 3 Dimensional Life takes on an entirely different standard and definition. 3 Dimensional Life has recently been overwhelmed by interns. Condsidering that we were understaffed in our intern department and that our one intern was overwhelmed for the first 4 months of his internship, we are thankful to be overwhelmed. For our 3D interns, their goal is not to obtain college credit, but to give back. For nine months, our interns (who have all graduated from a recovery program themselves) are investing into our students.
While their daily tasks all vary, the investment remains the same: to give back. It seems simple, but the simplicity of the goal does not undermine the intensity of being an intern. It is hard work.
I think Proverbs 25:4 sums up the intern's role perfectly:
"Remove impurities from the silver and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice."
(The Message)
However, the definition of intern at 3 Dimensional Life takes on an entirely different standard and definition. 3 Dimensional Life has recently been overwhelmed by interns. Condsidering that we were understaffed in our intern department and that our one intern was overwhelmed for the first 4 months of his internship, we are thankful to be overwhelmed. For our 3D interns, their goal is not to obtain college credit, but to give back. For nine months, our interns (who have all graduated from a recovery program themselves) are investing into our students.
While their daily tasks all vary, the investment remains the same: to give back. It seems simple, but the simplicity of the goal does not undermine the intensity of being an intern. It is hard work.
I think Proverbs 25:4 sums up the intern's role perfectly:
"Remove impurities from the silver and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice."
(The Message)
Monday, February 15, 2010
Not One, But Many.
Reading the article in the DelMar Times was startling. When a sheriff says, "This is the first time in 22 years career that I'm scared."
We have a problem.
In the article, the journalist reported that an overwhelming problem along the San Diego, CA and Mexico border is teenagers addicted to Oxycontin - a pain medicine prescribed to cancer patients.
Sadly, it is not just a problem along the US and Mexican border. It is a growing problem all over the United States. Teenagers are stealing prescription drugs from their families, friends, strangers and so many others.
Yesterday, as I sat in Family Recovery, the students were asked what their drug of choice was...over and over again, I noticed there was not one singular drug of choice. This one comment stood out: "I used whatever I could get my hands on."
Pray for our students; pray they do not lose heart to continue on. For our interns, who have graduated from a program, but who now need to give back. Pray for our staff, for encouragement and rest.
Pray for your family.
We have a problem.
In the article, the journalist reported that an overwhelming problem along the San Diego, CA and Mexico border is teenagers addicted to Oxycontin - a pain medicine prescribed to cancer patients.
Sadly, it is not just a problem along the US and Mexican border. It is a growing problem all over the United States. Teenagers are stealing prescription drugs from their families, friends, strangers and so many others.
Yesterday, as I sat in Family Recovery, the students were asked what their drug of choice was...over and over again, I noticed there was not one singular drug of choice. This one comment stood out: "I used whatever I could get my hands on."
Pray for our students; pray they do not lose heart to continue on. For our interns, who have graduated from a program, but who now need to give back. Pray for our staff, for encouragement and rest.
Pray for your family.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thankful Thursdays
This week, as I reflect on what I'm thankful for, I find that it is vast and covers many areas.
1. Heat. With the cold weather and harsh winds, it is so nice to walk into a warm office every morning.
2. Second Chances. It is God's grace and mercy alone that gave us all a second chance at life. But, at 3 Dimensional Life, we see young men (and soon young women!) hungry for a second chance at life, too. A life that is free of drugs and alcohol.
3. Taking a Moment to Take it In. Wow, that is a mouthful, isn't it? Lately, things have been so fast paced, changing and improving, that, as a staff, we are getting tired. While we LOVE everything that is happening, there is a lot and it can be difficult to take it in. So, in the meantime we are cherishing the little things: fresh paint in the office. An interview room. A smooth driveway. Daily evidence of how God is moving. Those reminders help us push forward with renewed energy.
4. Hope. This is something that we cling to daily. Parents cling to hope for their son's recovery. Students cling to hope because it takes a lot more courage to stick out a program.
1. Heat. With the cold weather and harsh winds, it is so nice to walk into a warm office every morning.
2. Second Chances. It is God's grace and mercy alone that gave us all a second chance at life. But, at 3 Dimensional Life, we see young men (and soon young women!) hungry for a second chance at life, too. A life that is free of drugs and alcohol.
3. Taking a Moment to Take it In. Wow, that is a mouthful, isn't it? Lately, things have been so fast paced, changing and improving, that, as a staff, we are getting tired. While we LOVE everything that is happening, there is a lot and it can be difficult to take it in. So, in the meantime we are cherishing the little things: fresh paint in the office. An interview room. A smooth driveway. Daily evidence of how God is moving. Those reminders help us push forward with renewed energy.
4. Hope. This is something that we cling to daily. Parents cling to hope for their son's recovery. Students cling to hope because it takes a lot more courage to stick out a program.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
February Highlights
As a staff, we knew 2010 was going to be an incredible year for 3 Dimensional Life. Barely two months into this year,we have seen great changes, improvements and more come to 3 Dimensional Life which only confirms what we had anticipated. We are thrilled!
Here are the February highlights:
1. We have TWITTER! Follow us and tell your fellow tweets!
2. Direct your friends, family, bank tellers, college professors and hair stylists to our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/3DimensionalLife
3. Brand New Office - check out this video!
4. Brand New Paved Driveway - here is the finished product!
Here are the February highlights:
1. We have TWITTER! Follow us and tell your fellow tweets!
2. Direct your friends, family, bank tellers, college professors and hair stylists to our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/3DimensionalLife
3. Brand New Office - check out this video!
4. Brand New Paved Driveway - here is the finished product!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Leaving a Legacy
After reading The Five People You Meet In Heaven, I have begun to ponder what it means to leave a legacy.
Every day, we all influence people. Good or bad, our influence is imprinted upon someone's life. That can be an overwhelming thing to consider. Especially, since our influence may be so subtle, we don't even realize that we've made an impact.
That being said, consider the story of James "Friday" Richards. This is a Marietta, GA football coach who is passionate about football, but even more passionate about helping kids.
I like his story because as you learn about this quiet man, you also learn about the many times he invited teenagers into live with him and his wife. Because of his and his wife's decision to open up their home, lives were changed. Over and over again.
We are praying that as 3 Dimensional Life students learn how to adopt a destructive behavior lifestyle, that the course of their life will be changed and in turn will influence positive change in the course of others' lives too.
Every day, we all influence people. Good or bad, our influence is imprinted upon someone's life. That can be an overwhelming thing to consider. Especially, since our influence may be so subtle, we don't even realize that we've made an impact.
That being said, consider the story of James "Friday" Richards. This is a Marietta, GA football coach who is passionate about football, but even more passionate about helping kids.
I like his story because as you learn about this quiet man, you also learn about the many times he invited teenagers into live with him and his wife. Because of his and his wife's decision to open up their home, lives were changed. Over and over again.
We are praying that as 3 Dimensional Life students learn how to adopt a destructive behavior lifestyle, that the course of their life will be changed and in turn will influence positive change in the course of others' lives too.
Friday, February 5, 2010
A Drug Overdose Funeral
It is with great sensitivity that I write this.
In September 2009, the USA Today reported that an estimated 26,000 deaths occur each year to drug overdoses.
That is a lot of parents, children, grandparents, brothers, sisters, friends and so many others that will grieve the loss of a loved one.
Today, 3 Dimensional Life staff and students will be attending a funeral of a young man who overdosed just last weekend.. Life is so valuable, but to the drug addict, you feel invincible. Death seems fleeting and untouchable.
However, today, we will join a family as they grieve their son's death. Today, the USA Today statistic comes to life in the form of death. Today, we are hoping for less drug overdose funerals to attend and more great success stories like Anthony Hargrove.
Be praying for this young man's family today, and also be praying that today's funeral is startling wake-up for the 3D students.
In September 2009, the USA Today reported that an estimated 26,000 deaths occur each year to drug overdoses.
That is a lot of parents, children, grandparents, brothers, sisters, friends and so many others that will grieve the loss of a loved one.
Today, 3 Dimensional Life staff and students will be attending a funeral of a young man who overdosed just last weekend.. Life is so valuable, but to the drug addict, you feel invincible. Death seems fleeting and untouchable.
However, today, we will join a family as they grieve their son's death. Today, the USA Today statistic comes to life in the form of death. Today, we are hoping for less drug overdose funerals to attend and more great success stories like Anthony Hargrove.
Be praying for this young man's family today, and also be praying that today's funeral is startling wake-up for the 3D students.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thankful Thursdays
I probably need to do it more. But the times that I do, I'm extremely happy I did. I'm talking about reflecting on thankfulness.
From this point on, Thursdays will be set apart to reflect on what is happening around 3 Dimensional Life that makes us thankful. Its extremely important to not lose sight of what we have, the opportunities we've been given, and what the future holds.
This week, join us in thankfulness for:
1. Students who realize they need help
2. Upcoming Girls Program
3. A GREAT staff (we really do have the best team - EVER!)
4. Paved driveway
5. Opportunities to share the heart, purpose and goal of 3 Dimensional Life - there is LIFE full and free when substance abuse is not present and hope is found in Jesus Christ.
From this point on, Thursdays will be set apart to reflect on what is happening around 3 Dimensional Life that makes us thankful. Its extremely important to not lose sight of what we have, the opportunities we've been given, and what the future holds.
This week, join us in thankfulness for:
1. Students who realize they need help
2. Upcoming Girls Program
3. A GREAT staff (we really do have the best team - EVER!)
4. Paved driveway
5. Opportunities to share the heart, purpose and goal of 3 Dimensional Life - there is LIFE full and free when substance abuse is not present and hope is found in Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
New Changes
Today is an extremely exciting day for 3 Dimensional Life! Our driveway is getting paved. Soon the grand-canyon-like ruts will be gone and in its place will be a smooth surface!
I am also thrilled to announce that I have a video to show you the beginning stages of our coming soon easy-on-the-vehicle paradise!
Check out this video:
I am also thrilled to announce that I have a video to show you the beginning stages of our coming soon easy-on-the-vehicle paradise!
Check out this video:
Monday, February 1, 2010
Teenage Girls
Teenager girls are on the rise and its not in a good way.
They are beating boys on the intake of drugs and alcohol consumption; and for a Western country, United States has the highest percentage of teenage pregnancies.
It may go without saying, but teenage girls are in critical condition. We are becoming increasingly aware of the need that teenage girls have. Just this week, we have received two phone calls from individuals who have teenage daughters, nieces, and granddaughters all desperate to get help for them.
In the Spring, we will be opening up the girls program. There are still are several areas of need that must be fulfilled so that we can begin to provide help and hope to girls. Please be praying that doors will be opened as we seek to start this program.
They are beating boys on the intake of drugs and alcohol consumption; and for a Western country, United States has the highest percentage of teenage pregnancies.
It may go without saying, but teenage girls are in critical condition. We are becoming increasingly aware of the need that teenage girls have. Just this week, we have received two phone calls from individuals who have teenage daughters, nieces, and granddaughters all desperate to get help for them.
In the Spring, we will be opening up the girls program. There are still are several areas of need that must be fulfilled so that we can begin to provide help and hope to girls. Please be praying that doors will be opened as we seek to start this program.
Super Bowl and Addictions
I'm so sorry for how quiet this blog was last week. We were in the middle of several huge deadlines; and all set this blog on the back burner. The great news is that our deadlines were met, so we are back to a regular schedule!
This week, we, like many around the nation, are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Super Bowl. There will be a lot of stories that will be revealed concerning the two teams and their players who will face off on Sunday. However, there is one story in particular, that deserves some recognition especially since it parallels so closely to the heart of 3 Dimensional Life. Its the story of New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove. Mr. Hargrove recently came out of a 8-month recovery program for his drug addiction. While the story is inspiring enough, Mr. Hargrove makes this pointed statement:
"This is the Super Bowl. I might only have one chance at it. I don't want to come all this way and blow it. My teammates have said I can go out one night and have fun, but I know I can't. The one night I do try to enjoy myself is when something can happen." (emphasis mine)
In the article, Mr. Hargrove clearly explains his understanding of the freedom a life without addictions provides.
So, regardless of who you will be pulling to win this upcoming Sunday, make sure to notice Anthony Hargrove - who provides a great example of successfully completing a recovery program and applying the tools he learned to his life.
This week, we, like many around the nation, are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Super Bowl. There will be a lot of stories that will be revealed concerning the two teams and their players who will face off on Sunday. However, there is one story in particular, that deserves some recognition especially since it parallels so closely to the heart of 3 Dimensional Life. Its the story of New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove. Mr. Hargrove recently came out of a 8-month recovery program for his drug addiction. While the story is inspiring enough, Mr. Hargrove makes this pointed statement:
"This is the Super Bowl. I might only have one chance at it. I don't want to come all this way and blow it. My teammates have said I can go out one night and have fun, but I know I can't. The one night I do try to enjoy myself is when something can happen." (emphasis mine)
In the article, Mr. Hargrove clearly explains his understanding of the freedom a life without addictions provides.
So, regardless of who you will be pulling to win this upcoming Sunday, make sure to notice Anthony Hargrove - who provides a great example of successfully completing a recovery program and applying the tools he learned to his life.
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