Mackay Ordained an Elder

  Mackay was ordained an Elder by Aaron and received the Melchizedek Priesthood.  

Thoughts from your Ordination/Blessing:

* Stay Close to your Family

* Rely on your Heavenly Father with important decisions in your life.

* Get our of your comfort zone and accomplish goals you never thought possible

* You are kind and sensitive

* You can do hard things

Hayden, Keith Casey, Jason Casey, Mackay, Aaron, Sam, Josh Wendel, Ben, Scott

Mackay Ordained an Elder

First, thank you for coming and supporting our family today.  And thank you for the influence you have been to  Mackay. We feel very lucky to be surrounded by such good people.

Mackay, I want you to know that today, I am so Happy and I am so proud of you.  Not just today but I am Proud of you EVERYDAY.

 

Many say we have very similar personalities. One of the characteristics we share is that we both struggle to make decisions.  Ever since you were a little boy you have always wanted to choose good and make wise choices.  Today is one of those days that you have made a great choice. I am grateful you have chosen to be made an ELDER and receive the Melchizedek priesthood

 

The priesthood is the power to act in God’s name ands it’s purpose is to bless lives. That is a big responsibility but it is also a privilege. I think of the scripture “where much is given, much is expected”.  I hope that you will continue to have a desire to make wise choices and live worthy to use the priesthood and that you will never turn down an opportunity to use this priesthood.

I know your faith is strong, that your testimony is growing and that you will touch the hearts of many through out your life through your words and actions.  The have a testimony of this gospel and of the priesthood. It has blessed our lives with healing, guidance, & comfort. I could rattle off many stories and examples of how the Priesthood has blessed us, but I won't today. 

I am grateful that I have always had the priesthood in my home. Starting with my dad.  I wish he was here today to be a part of this special time, but he is struggling today.  I am grateful for my sweet husband and the example he has set for his boys.  He honors his priesthood.  And now my not so little boy will also have this priesthood. I don’t take that for granted. I am grateful for this gospel and know with all my heart that it is true. I love you Mackay and am so proud of you.  

Mackay's 19th Birthday

  We celebrated Mackay's 19th Birthday at Rodizio Grill at Trolly Square

After, he opens presents and we had ice cream cake.

Mackay is my sidekick.  I love hanging out with him each day.  He is always happy, extremely FUNNY, and is willing to help me whenever I ask (unless it is to pick up Hayden... haha).

I can't wait to see what he does this next year.  

GRADUATION

 We got to celebrate Mackay this week!  

Not going to lie.... I am SOOOO happy he is finally done with school.

Due to the stupid Corona Virus, school shut down back in March and he has had to do online school.  In the end it was a huge blessing.  Absences were no longer a problem.  I could help him with Seminary.  He could work on his own time and not worry about having to make things up.  The teachers graded a little more lenient and he actually ended up with a 4.0 this term!!!  Way to Go Mackay!!!

We are so proud of you and the hard work you put in.  

Mackay Ryan Hall is graduating this year! We are so excited to celebrate this accomplishment, but Covid 19 has made celebrating difficult. Mackay isn’t too bothered which doesn’t surprise me. He has always been my EASY kid. 

He was born November 12, 2001 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Sandwiched between a big sister and little brother, he required very little. Actually, anything FOOTBALL was all he required. Mackay loved playing sports through the years, from tee ball, flag football, jr jazz, & little league. He’s a Steelers fan and sport-stat genius. As his mom, I wondered why he couldn’t remember answers to school assignments, but could tell you where every pro player went to college and which year and round they were drafted. 

Mackay enjoyed working at draper pool and at Downeast, but is looking forward to starting a new chapter after graduation. He’s taking his time deciding to turn in mission papers or register for college. 

There are many things we love about Mackay. He is care-free, clever, and kind. He’s smart and funny and keeps us laughing. He has a strong moral compass and is always happy to serve. He’s a good friend, yet quarantine or not, he’s happy to hang with family. Most people describe Mackay is one word-  TALL. He is definitely someone we look up to in more ways than one. We love you Mackay.  We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you do next,

Although the actual graduation ceremony was different for your class, you handled is all with class!

We love you Mackay Ryan!

As a parent my greatest desire is that my children "walk in truth". Mackay has always known right from wrong. Although, he faces temptation, just like his friends, as his mom, I find I am not worrying about Mackay choices. I know his desire to choose the right far outweighs his desire to fit it. Mackay is obedient. His faith is strong. He trusts that commandments and rules are set for his wellbeing and not to punish him. Thankfully, he is one that doesn't have to "touch the flame" to make sure it is hot. 

Mackay was a little timid boy that has grown into a tall and strong young man. His little brother looks up to him and although they quarrel (like brothers do) he wants to follow in his footsteps and make similar choices. Even his older sister, Kenzie, envies Mackay's moral compass. Wise choices come easier to Mackay than his siblings, and for this I am grateful. 

Mackay not only walks in truth but he leads by example. When I watch from afar or see his personal interactions my heart swells. I am proud and pleased. But most of all, I am calm. A parent worries constantly about their children, but Mackay's desires bring me peace, and that is a gift. I am grateful Mackay desires to "walk in truth" and trusts that if he does his life will be blessed. 

Steelers vs Cardinals Game

 For Mackay's birthday we gave him tickets to see the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Arizona Cardinals. 

We flew out right after our ward Christmas party on December 7th

We took a drive down memory lane with Aaron before the game.

Lesson on Luke 2:52

Mackay and Andrew Dolphin’s Lesson

Luke 2:52

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Intro:

This scripture outlines four important fields for us to strive to strengthen:

mental

physical

spiritual

social. 

Wisdom (Mental):

Every one of us has been blessed with the marvelous instrument that sits on top of our shoulders. How we use our heads is up to each of us to determine. 

Quotes:

President Ezra Taft Benson:

We must imitate him in our mental growth as we search for truth. Let us never fear truth, but only its misuse. On the contrary, let us love truth above all else—for God himself is truth.

Scripture:

Proverbs 4:7

“wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding”

D&C 6:7

Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.

D&C 130:18-19

Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the  resurrection.

And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

2 Nephi 9:29

“to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God”

Apply to Us: 

School: 

- Don’t Care about school work.  We know that a C is a passing grade and will get us the same diploma as the A and B students when we graduate. 

We don’t work as hard as we should. 

Don’t Need College...Intellectual pride leads one to think he is self- sufficient in matters of mind and of spirit.

Temptations/ “Touching the Fire”: 

Experimenting with things that have already been proven. YOLO, “Just try it once”, “Everyone is doing it.”

Conclude: President Ezra Taft Benson challenge:

“Advance unafraid! Meet the challenge of a modern world! ...  Yes, be intelligent. Intelligence is wise...Continue to grow mentally—to grow in wisdom—to grow in truth. Desire it! Pray for it! Study it! Practice it!

Physical (Stature):

Jesus increased in stature, he was perfecting his physical body to house his eternal spirit. The physical body is something special to be cared for, watched over, and nourished.

Quotes:

President Ezra Taft Benson:

Your physical well-being is a priceless blessing to yourself. With good health, all other activities of life are greatly enhanced. A clean mind in a healthy body will enable you to render far more effective service to others. It will help you provide more vigorous leadership. It will give your every experience in life more zest and meaning. Good health is a noble and worthwhile attainment.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are

Apply to Us:

Take care of your body. 

Spiritual (Favor with God):

Quotes:

Ezra Taft Benson:

"We increase in favor with God as we do the will of God. Let us be faithful in the work he gives us, whatever it may be, and whatever our station in life. Let our desires be in harmony with God’s will as it is revealed to us—keeping his work in our hearts conquering selfish desires..."

“Favor with God gives necessary incentive and perspective to life. It gives man real purpose for living and achieving.”

Scripture:

Mark 8:36

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Matt 6:33

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”

Mosiah 4:9

Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

Apply to Us:

Learn about Him!

Develop a Relationship with Him! (prayer)

Obedience to His Commandments!!

Conclusion: Ezra Taft Benson

“Be not ashamed to believe and proclaim that God lives; that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of the world; that the resurrection is a reality; he is the Father of our spirits; ... Blessed are you if you have a testimony of these things

Social (Favor with Man):

Quotes:

President Ezra Taft Benson:

"To serve others willingly and unselfishly should be one of our greatest virtues. It is not even a matter of choice. It is an obligation, a sacred command." 

Scripture:

Matt 7:12 (Golden Rule)

“Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them”

Mosiah 6:16-17

I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.

And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

John 13:34

“A new commandment I give unto you,” he said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another”

Apply to Us:

Friends/Quorum/Scout Camp

Jobs

Sports

Conclusion: L Tom Perry:

The challenge I issue to you today is to develop a heart big enough to show real compassion to all of your fellowmen.

Winter Formal with Maegan Eyre

Maegan Eyre asked Mackay to CCHS Winter Formal