tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248633262024-03-07T22:27:10.858-05:00Don McNallyThoughts on technology, SharePoint, Lotus Notes/Domino, music and whatever else pops into my head.Don McNallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17995406659448494074noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24863326.post-1153839989070299702006-07-25T11:00:00.000-04:002006-07-25T11:06:29.073-04:00Why So Quiet?For those (three - haha) of you who read this, sorry I have been out of touch the last couple of weeks. I just returned from my annual trip to Dayton for <a href="http://www.udayton.edu/~LIFE">Marianist LIFE Central</a> (more info <a href="http://www.marianist.com/life">here</a>). Each summer, we have a week-long retreat for high school students and I am on the planning/coordinating team, plus the lead music minister.<br /><br />We had a community of 66 students and 31 adult moderators and had a great week. I'm still kind of tired but it was all worth it, as usual.Don McNallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17995406659448494074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24863326.post-1146484836859471772006-05-01T07:45:00.000-04:002006-05-13T07:52:26.530-04:00Teen DepressionLife has gotten in the way of blogging lately. That's just the way it goes sometimes.<br /><br />Last week, we had a presentation for our youth group and parents on depression in teens. It was done by a teen who was diagnosed in the last few months with depression and included a short film he made about his feelings; the film has since won a number of film festival awards. You can read his story <a href="http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060331/NEWS01/603310316/1002">here</a>. The word about this teen and his film is spreading (see <a href="http://trouble.philadelphiaweekly.com/archives/2006/03/videohero_of_th.html">this</a> and <a href="http://www.youthministry.com/ArticleTempl.asp?ID=943">this</a>) and he is happy to send copies of the film and a presentation he did at his high school for your own use. If you request a copy, consider making a donation to your local mental health or suicide prevention program to support your local teens.<br /><br />Over the last few months, I have developed a better understanding of this issue. Sure, there are kids who might use the idea of depression for manipulative purposes but I find myself thinking twice before I write off some of the behavior I see as manipulation. Plus, as a parent, it is helpful to know as much as I can about this and things like bullying as I watch my own kids grow up.<br /><br />Categories: <span class="category">Youth Ministry_</span>Don McNallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17995406659448494074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24863326.post-1144724878142341562006-04-10T22:56:00.000-04:002006-05-13T07:53:49.293-04:00Katrina ReliefLast week, three adults and nine high school teens from the youth group I work with went to St. Bernard Parish, LA, to help with Katrina clean up. They showed us pictures from their trip last night and shared the one word that comes to mind when they think of the trip. Those include "overwhelming", "indescribable", "unbelieveable" and "amazing". They were in an area where 27,000 homes were destroyed and only 1,000 have been rebuilt in 7 months.<br /><br />The pictures we have all seen show only part of the story. As far as you can see, it all looks the same. But in the midst of the devastation, they saw signs of hope and positive energy. They feel like they made a bit of a difference, but recognize that it will take years for things there to get back to "normal", if they ever do.<br /><br />I'm proud to know them and that they gave up their spring break to share with those who are in need.<br /><br />Categories: <span class="category">Youth Ministry_</span>Don McNallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17995406659448494074noreply@blogger.com1