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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.
Showing posts with label Giving God Glory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giving God Glory. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
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)
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!
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:
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Life Change
Transformed lives. New life change. Renewed family relationships. Small sentences, yes, but powerful implications.
Yesterday, several staff members met with a new student's family. The mom's eye glistened with tears and hope. Hope for restoration of her son. Hope for peace for her family. Hope for life change.
It is sometimes difficult to put into words how powerful a life change can be for the student who wants it.
I stumbled upon this blog recently; its written by a mom of one of our recent graduates. As I read this Mom's blog, my own eyes swelled up with tears. It provides insight to life 9 months later. 9 months after hope has been restored, peace has found its home, and life change has occurred. Life change when a student wants it; when the entire family steps forward and works together.
Here is a picture of two of our recent graduates, pray they stand strong and work their new life style. Pray they are a beacon in world that needs hope.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
God brought a tractor
Today has been such a warm day. I even went all morning without my coat! That is a miracle!
For some, the phrase "Kingdom Connections", brings to mind this ministry. But around 3 Dimensional Life, we like to use the phrase (thank you, Pastor Franklin!) as a way to acknowledge the ways the LORD works to bring people to 3 Dimensional Life. I'm not necessarily talking about students, as much as I'm talking about those networking opportunities, those connections, that can only be linked back to the LORD.
It is really fascinating to watch those Kingdom Connections unfold. For instance, just recently we had a man approach us about letting us use his tractor to be used around the property. While we were thankful for the man's thoughtful generosity, it was even more amazing when we realized it was the same exact tractor we had wanted to purchase months before! This week, the man came by with the tractor. As we talked, he mentioned how encouraging 3 Dimensional Life had been for him and how this was a way he could be involved. At a glance, it may seem insignificant to have a tractor. But when you look deeper (or for me, look out the window), I see how the tractor was used by God to bless this man's business, and in turn influence lives for eternity.
For some, the phrase "Kingdom Connections", brings to mind this ministry. But around 3 Dimensional Life, we like to use the phrase (thank you, Pastor Franklin!) as a way to acknowledge the ways the LORD works to bring people to 3 Dimensional Life. I'm not necessarily talking about students, as much as I'm talking about those networking opportunities, those connections, that can only be linked back to the LORD.
It is really fascinating to watch those Kingdom Connections unfold. For instance, just recently we had a man approach us about letting us use his tractor to be used around the property. While we were thankful for the man's thoughtful generosity, it was even more amazing when we realized it was the same exact tractor we had wanted to purchase months before! This week, the man came by with the tractor. As we talked, he mentioned how encouraging 3 Dimensional Life had been for him and how this was a way he could be involved. At a glance, it may seem insignificant to have a tractor. But when you look deeper (or for me, look out the window), I see how the tractor was used by God to bless this man's business, and in turn influence lives for eternity.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
End of 2009: Thanks
As the end of the year draws to an end, I am exceedingly thankful for many things. Here are a couple of things I'm thankful for:
- Team work. Right now, in front of my office window, I'm watching two of our students complete a task during their work crew afternoon. One is the oldest in the house (oldest determined by status in the 3D) and one is younger...You can hear their muffled conversations, occasional laughter and focus to complete the task at work. Team work is a wonderful thing.
- 3D Staff. I've mentioned it before, but it must be mentioned again. I work with the BEST staff in the world. No, really, I do. While we work hard, we also have a lot of fun. Coming to work is a pleasure!
- 3D students. It takes courage to realize you have a problem, and then voluntary decide to change. That is courageous. And, that act of courage is something that they do every single day.
- Glue Stic for Envelopes. Remember my hatred for licking envelopes? Well, one student's mom read about my dilemma and FOUND Glue Stic for Envelopes!!! Does anyone need me to mail anything? Lemme know, I'm armed and ready. :)
- Watching God work. That phrase pretty much sums it up, but it is truly amazing to watch God work. You don't have to look hard, you just have to recognize when He is working and give Him glory at recognition.
Life is good.
- Team work. Right now, in front of my office window, I'm watching two of our students complete a task during their work crew afternoon. One is the oldest in the house (oldest determined by status in the 3D) and one is younger...You can hear their muffled conversations, occasional laughter and focus to complete the task at work. Team work is a wonderful thing.
- 3D Staff. I've mentioned it before, but it must be mentioned again. I work with the BEST staff in the world. No, really, I do. While we work hard, we also have a lot of fun. Coming to work is a pleasure!
- 3D students. It takes courage to realize you have a problem, and then voluntary decide to change. That is courageous. And, that act of courage is something that they do every single day.
- Glue Stic for Envelopes. Remember my hatred for licking envelopes? Well, one student's mom read about my dilemma and FOUND Glue Stic for Envelopes!!! Does anyone need me to mail anything? Lemme know, I'm armed and ready. :)
- Watching God work. That phrase pretty much sums it up, but it is truly amazing to watch God work. You don't have to look hard, you just have to recognize when He is working and give Him glory at recognition.
Life is good.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Post-Christmas: Family Restoration
Aside from the presents, parties, abundance of food and continuing family traditions, Christmas is a great time to reconnect with family. I suppose, it is the Christmas season that provides a great reminder of the importance of family. With that being said, I hope your Christmas was full of remembering Jesus' birth, family and rich Christmas traditions.
I've been thinking about the subject of 'family' a lot lately. I'm sure Christmas had a lot to do with it, but what further cemented was the 3 Dimensional Life graduation held yesterday at Free Chapel. While we are immensely proud of our students and their achievements, there was a phrase that continued to come up: family restoration.
When a student comes to 3 Dimensional Life, its because they want freedom from their destructive behavior. What is truly amazing is how that singular goal blossoms out. Families are brought back together, relationships with parents and siblings are restored. At graduation, over and over again, restored families were emphasized. Students were sharing about how they can have conversations with their parents without yelling and quality family time is enjoyed. What a miracle. Really, we can't be given credit for this, it's really the LORD.
As we are watching family restoration take place, I'm reminded of the following story:
"A study was once done on two men who lived during the late 1700's, both from the state of New York.
The first man, Max Jukes, did not believe in Christ or in Christian training. He refused to take his children to church, even when they asked to go. Max's decision was very destructive to to his family and costly to the state of New York. Max had 903 known descendants. Of Max's descendants: 100 were sent to prison for an average term of 13 years, 90 were public prostitutes, 145 were admitted alcoholics, 285 had social diseases and 300 were delinquents. The report estimated that the crimes and care of the Max Jukes family line cost the state of New York over one million dollars.
The second man studied, was the puritan preacher Jonathan Edwards. He was an uncompromising theologian and pastor who lived to please God and was a man of prayer. The research found 1,394 descendants of Jonathan Edwards. His descendants included: 13 college presidents, 65 prominent lawyers, 32 noted authors, 90 physicians, 86 state senators, 30 judges, 3 congressmen, 1 Vice-President of the US, and 200 ministers of the Gospel. It has been said that this family never cost the state of New York one penny for any kind of rehabilitation or for incarceration."
This is a great reminder of how lives are being changed at 3 Dimensional Life; not just students, but families as well.
I've been thinking about the subject of 'family' a lot lately. I'm sure Christmas had a lot to do with it, but what further cemented was the 3 Dimensional Life graduation held yesterday at Free Chapel. While we are immensely proud of our students and their achievements, there was a phrase that continued to come up: family restoration.
When a student comes to 3 Dimensional Life, its because they want freedom from their destructive behavior. What is truly amazing is how that singular goal blossoms out. Families are brought back together, relationships with parents and siblings are restored. At graduation, over and over again, restored families were emphasized. Students were sharing about how they can have conversations with their parents without yelling and quality family time is enjoyed. What a miracle. Really, we can't be given credit for this, it's really the LORD.
As we are watching family restoration take place, I'm reminded of the following story:
"A study was once done on two men who lived during the late 1700's, both from the state of New York.
The first man, Max Jukes, did not believe in Christ or in Christian training. He refused to take his children to church, even when they asked to go. Max's decision was very destructive to to his family and costly to the state of New York. Max had 903 known descendants. Of Max's descendants: 100 were sent to prison for an average term of 13 years, 90 were public prostitutes, 145 were admitted alcoholics, 285 had social diseases and 300 were delinquents. The report estimated that the crimes and care of the Max Jukes family line cost the state of New York over one million dollars.
The second man studied, was the puritan preacher Jonathan Edwards. He was an uncompromising theologian and pastor who lived to please God and was a man of prayer. The research found 1,394 descendants of Jonathan Edwards. His descendants included: 13 college presidents, 65 prominent lawyers, 32 noted authors, 90 physicians, 86 state senators, 30 judges, 3 congressmen, 1 Vice-President of the US, and 200 ministers of the Gospel. It has been said that this family never cost the state of New York one penny for any kind of rehabilitation or for incarceration."
This is a great reminder of how lives are being changed at 3 Dimensional Life; not just students, but families as well.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Miracles
We see miracles every day. Literally.
Take, for instance, John. He is one of the students at 3 Dimensional Life. He has only been here 3 months, but in that short period of time, 2 of his best friends have died from drug overdoses. But, John is alive. He has a second chance at life. That is a miracle.
We've watched God supply our every need. Over and over again.
-Girls 3D Life: funds and individuals are coming forward to make freedom from destructive behaviors a reality in the lives of teenage girls. That is a miracle.
-We've had a need for interns. Not is that need being met, we are also making our internship program even stronger with guys like Matt - who is committed to investing in the lives of our interns, so that as our interns pour into our students, they are also getting poured into. That is a miracle.
Miracles. Are not something that we can ever grow accustom to. We must always stand in awe of how the LORD works. Greg, our Executive Director said: "We need to give God the glory now, so we don't take credit for it later."
Isn't that the truth! Its our prayer that we never take credit for the work that ONLY God can get the credit for.
Take, for instance, John. He is one of the students at 3 Dimensional Life. He has only been here 3 months, but in that short period of time, 2 of his best friends have died from drug overdoses. But, John is alive. He has a second chance at life. That is a miracle.
We've watched God supply our every need. Over and over again.
-Girls 3D Life: funds and individuals are coming forward to make freedom from destructive behaviors a reality in the lives of teenage girls. That is a miracle.
-We've had a need for interns. Not is that need being met, we are also making our internship program even stronger with guys like Matt - who is committed to investing in the lives of our interns, so that as our interns pour into our students, they are also getting poured into. That is a miracle.
Miracles. Are not something that we can ever grow accustom to. We must always stand in awe of how the LORD works. Greg, our Executive Director said: "We need to give God the glory now, so we don't take credit for it later."
Isn't that the truth! Its our prayer that we never take credit for the work that ONLY God can get the credit for.
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