Family Recovery

"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."

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)

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.

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)

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.

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.

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!