However I also believe that we often don't take advantage of the opportunity's that we have build each other up...to enourage one another...or just to honestly tell each other that we love, admire, respect or just plain like spending time with someone. SO...in that vein...this post has three goals. First, I have a list of positive uplifting thoughts that I would like to express. Second, I would like you to add your own uplifiting encouraging comments, shout outs or thank you's. Third, I would like to see if this "Words of Life..." post can achieve as many comments as the previous (controversial) one. Allow me to start.
- Cindy, I love you more than you can know...you are a wonderful mother, tireless homaker and you make our house a home that is full of love and fun. I am so lucky that you picked me to by your husband and I adore you, and thank you for being my wife.
- Skyler, I am so proud of you...you are such a great young woman...and I can't wait to see what the Lord does with you and your life. You are too much like me in so many ways...that I fear for you, but also I like it when we think alike...and I know that once you set your mind to something you can do anything you want. I love you...and I am so excited for your wedding. I think that the Lord has blessed you with a great guy...and we are so happy for you.
- Barrett, You are such a great young man. Your mother and I are so proud of you. Your leadership abilities, you are a much better athelete than I ever was, I love it that you are so smart and interested in technical stuff like I am...and you have a great sense of humor and a fabulous all around great guy. We can't wait to see how the Lord uses you in your life for His service.
- Chad, We are so glad that you are now a part of our family...we love you and we could not have picked a (soon to be) son-in-law any better than you. Cindy and I are so proud to see you and Skyler up on the stage leading worship, you guys are so good together...we only think that the Lord may take you away from us to go off to some huge church somewhere to showcase your talents for Him. Thanks for being Skylers Knight in shining armor...and loving her. We trust you to take care of her for the rest of your lives. Good luck, your going to need it. (that was still uplifting...:-)
- Becky...I am so proud of you...that you and Jon and your kids have done what no other BBFI Missionaries have ever done...cracked the iron boot. I know that what you are doing is hard, and I think you are doing a great job. Your work and perserverance will pay off many times. We think and pray for you many times a day...I love you...Keep up the good work!
- Mom & Dad. You were the best parents that any kid could have asked for...I love you both so much...and I appreciate the upbringing and heritage that you have given me. I feel especially blessed that the Lord plucked me out of who knows what kind of a life and dropped me into your wonderful home. The older I get, the more I realize what great parents you are.
- Rick & Jan...thanks for giving me a chance to prove myself and for creating a wonderful place to work. DMP is a special place and I feel priviledged to be able to work there.
- Rog ...Thanks for being a great freind, I admire that you taught yourself to play guitar, you have great business wisdom and I envy your ability to manage people.
- Scotty...You are a true loyal friend, I admire your ability to never say anything bad about anyone and I know that if I ever need anything you will help me out. I hope I can repay you in the same manner.
- Rachel & Matt...You two are really some of the greatest parnets that I know...and I think it is awesome that the Lord is blessing you with anohter baby.
- Teri Roy...I love seeing you at the Big Piano...
- Eddie...Thanks for your word that you gave us today...It sounds like your lunch with Bruce Wilkinson was awesome...and I encourage you to seek that vision and lets all make it happen.
- JoeR...I think you are wise beyond your years...and I respect you greatly...I think you are doing a great job at DMP and at HSBC.
- Gary & Lisa...Thanks for being such great friends...and for your example of how to serve the Lord and others. Cindy and I love you both.
- Holly Tucker (and Bryan)... I think the way you minister to the kids in our church is awesome and I know that you have such a huge soft heart under that kevlar. I think you rock.
- Brad & Jenny....Your livin the American Dream...Keep it up...I can't wait till you have babies. I predict twins.
- Crystal. I am very proud of you... You are so special to our family...We love having you around our home. Thanks for being our other daughter.
- Morgan Amellia...we think that you are so special...we Love you very much.
- Little A...You are my definition of a Cheerleader...peppy, great personality, always positive...and you have the prettiest eyes of anyone I know outside of Cindy.
- Jonny A...I think you are a great person and the more I talk to you about business, I realize you are a great manager of people and I think you have a great future ahead of you.
- AW...I have a secret crush on you...don't tell Cindy or Admin...they don't know. You seriously remind me of Jackie O, you have that "It" quality that makes everyone you meet want to be your friend.
- Admin...I think you are way smart...and intimidating and I like to watch you sit back and watch people. You are a talented musician...and you personify the saying that "still waters run deep". I think it is funny that you would just as soon not be around other people yet you are constantly in the center of a large mob of family and friends. I have no idea why AW missed this when she read it the first time.
- Jenny & Chris...I think you are so cool. Quirky...and perfectly fun. Your boys are so smart, and have such great percocious attitudes. That can only come from their parents. I like hanging around you.
- Sammy B. Your a good friend and a nicer guy there could never be.
- Greg Roy....I would vote for you for anything office you wanted to run for.
- Jen & Jonny...I have fun when were together and I love being able to give Jen a hard time. You have the cutest kids.
- Tommy D. I think that you have done a good job at HSBC...and I'm glad were friends. I enjoy our lunches. Laura...I regret not having them sing to you on your birthday today...and no sombraro.
- Franco...mad dance floor skilz man... I am impressed.
- Tiffany Lyoness. You are infectiously fun...and I can't believe you are still single.
- Holly...you are doing a great job on the VA praise band...and I think you sound super with Chad and Skyler.
- Toy Helen...I appreciate you spunk....and your joy and I always love to talk to you. Oh and your naughty too...I like that.
- Andrea...not many people would go live in Nepal, for any reason...I respect you immensly...and I like being your friend.
- Dannah....You are one of two that Cindy has approved to be my second wife (in case Cindy gets hit by an ADT truck) I'm sorry that the news can't be better for you...but the good news is...I'm not letting anything happen to her)
- Island Rider....I have immense respect for you for deciding what it is that you have a passion for...and making it into a successful business. Also, I have always had appreciation for anyone that can convince a woman that is way over their head to marry them. Way to go.
- Jeff B. You are truly a kind and amazing person. I think that the way that you have carried yourself at DMP is impressive. You could take advantage of your position in many ways and in all my years working along side you, I have never seen you do anything like that. I look forward to working with you for many years to come.
- COX...Your a creative loyal friend. A movie Guru like I have never met before.
- Kyle M...I appreciate your sincerity, your work ethic, and your taste in wives...(I always thought that Amy reminded me of my Cindy). Thanks for helping me get my "Server Room vent installed" well...encouraging me to do it...it went great...and the server room is soo much cooler now. Also...Amy...I think you have a good man there...and he is so LUCKY to have you...never let him forget it. Your tops.
- Ashley Arnold...I have enjoyed getting to know you, and I had no idea who your parents were until the last 6 months. I have no idea why that matters here on this post...but I typed it. Weird.
- Rachel...You are so much fun...I like giving you a hard time, I appreciate you and Matt's commitment to Skyler and Chad, and even though I don't want to. I will debunk the rumor that I just created that you are pregnant...again.
- Steph (An-drew)...You guys are such a great example to our kids, and I appreciate our friendship over the years. Steph, as our first adopted daughter...we only wish that you could spend more time with us...but we understand that you have a life to live, and the Lord has placed you in a specific spot to accomplish His will. We are going to miss you guys so much. Steph your committment to 10th inning and being able to work with you was the only thing that got me thru the troubled Concesions Trailor saga's....Thanks for your committment. Drew...Thanks for loving Steph...and to the Allbrittons/O'Donnel families... Thanks for including the Hillens and making us feel like just another part of your crazy extended family.
I know I have left a bunch of people out...and I will add you in the comments as this week progresses. This week...choose to uplift...and take a second here to encourage someone...even if they might never see it...it will make you feel better...it just might make the difference to someone close to you. Words of life...make them words to live by.
17 comments:
Mark, YOU have that "It" quality that makes everyone want to be your friend - seriously! It's pretty nice that you can think of so many sweet (that's right, I said sweet) and encouraging things to say about so many people (I did notice, however, that my husband was one of the persons you "left out"). We love your family and have learned a lot from your marriage and the way you have raised your kids. Thanks for that post, and maybe now Cindy's stomach won't be upset all week.
What? #21...I can't believe that you missed it. It must have been that tear in your eye.
Mark--for every time I say "Maark" in that fearful tone you hear so much please know that there are more times that I am thanking God for you. You are a wonderful provider, a loving husband and a fabulous father. You are not perfect, but who wants perfection? Certainly not me. I love that in our imperfections, we are learning from each other daily. I am so excited to be married to you, to know that as long as God keeps me here, I am gonna be with you.
Skyler, Barrett, and now Chad--no one has the blessing I do of being your mom, and (soon) mom in law. Skyler, you are just about everything I would have loved to be at your age. You have a wisdom beyond your years(most of the time), and yet still can't wait to see High School Musical 3. I am so excited for your wedding, it is gonna be amazing, and SO YOU! That is what every womans wedding should be. Barrett, you are so like your dad, and that is a good thing. You make me laugh dancing in the car, and I love that you still kiss me bye. You are such a wonderful young man, growing up so fast. I can see your love for your friends and family, and the love you have for serving the Lord. Chad, you are a wonderful addition to our family, we really could not be happier. I really do praise the Lord that He gave Skyler her "crush", and I know that you are just as blessed to have her. Can't wait til May!!
Charlie and Pat(my parents), you have shown me what loyalty to each other is. You have given me an example to look to, to never giving up on each other, even when times are hard. Daddy, you have worked so hard and provided for your family, and I am so glad you get to be retired, I am proud to call you my daddy. Mama, you have given me a love of children. I know it comes from watching you take care of so many babysitting kids, and you have shown me how to love my own. I will never be able to thank you for keeping my kids when I had to work. You and daddy are a blessing beyond measure.
George and Linda, I love you both so much. You often tell me that if you could have ordered mark's wife out of a catalog, you would have picked me. I want to say I feel the same about you. You have loved me through everything, and have given us more than money could ever buy, or we could ever say thanks for. You have raised a man who loves me more than I could have asked for and that is because you have shown him what it is to love your spouse. Thank You.
I have not gotten to all the people I want, but it is time to go to flag football. so I will comment later. I really do hope this one surpasses the controversial one for sure.
just when i am ready to publish my list of people and things i don't like about them...you come along and post this...
good post!
rider
You know, you almost got me. I was about to leave a comment saying, "Oh, I'm sorry. I did totally miss it! Admin wouldn't have been the least bit concerned with not making your list, but it was there all along." Well, I caught on. I also almost fell for "Rachel being blessed with another baby". I was just about to get on my phone and ask her why I wasn't the first to know (as I usually am). You're a trickster Mark Hillenburg.
First, I can't BELIEVE I made one of 'your people' !!!! That means so much to me. Someday, I will tell you all about it. In the meantime, I do love you my friend Mark, you are so fun and make me smile. And, I love Cindy, what a fabulous person. And as I said earlier, I am so thankful to have made friends with Skylar at the Fair this year! And who doesn't love Barrett, and he loves TEXAS!! Hook Em Horns. ANd your parents....they remind me of mine, and I miss mine so...
Anyway, Thank you Mark!
Mark, Thanks for your comments. I really appreciate this post. While it is an honor that I am one of the chosen ones, thanks for taking care of Cindy so we don't have to worry about that. You two are a perfect team and I am honored to be able to call you both my friends. You are both a wonderful example. You could have made different choices many years ago but you both chose to do the right thing. You have a wonderful family and you have taught your children to serve the Lord with the same passion that you and Cindy serve. Mark - I have many great memories of working on the LCT with you and Marc. Glad those days are over but I do cherish them.
Skyler - I hope that you didn't think I was trying to be negative in my comments after your's. I actually was agreeing with you. I think that you are a beautiful woman and you will make an amazing wife. I look forward to hearing what God is doing with you and Chad in the future. I have a niece that is a year younger than you and I have thought for years that I wish you two could be friends. You have some of the same interests and talents and I know that you would be a good Godly friend for her.
Everyone else: I don't really have a close relationship with the rest of you who might be reading this but please know that for the last 3 years I have been mostly lurking from afar. It was difficult for me to move to Texas and you all (even the ones I don't really know) have been my lifeline to Springfield and my past there. Thank you for letting me share in your lives. I have kept many of your babies in the nursery and loved on them. I think that everyone of you are amazing parents, not to mention you all have the cutest kids I know. I am so proud of the passion that I see in the group. Continue to use that passion to serve the Lord with all your hearts.
What a wonderful post! I know a lot of people will be encouraged by this. I agree with most of it (not all, just b/c I don't know everyone like you do :) But what a great idea to say it. You have a precious family and we love spending time with you guys!
htuck
Just a shout out to all of our friends who are teachers: You have the most difficult job of any of us I believe. Even as parents, we only have to deal with our own children for the most part. You have to deal with what we have done to/with our children, and everyone elses. You make such an impact on our kids, even when they don't want it or realize it. I really do thank God for each of you, because you know Him, and He is evident in your life. No matter what the law of the land is, Christ is being taught in our schools, just by the life you live in front of our kids. Thank you for all you do.
to my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Anderson, who will probably never read this...you rock. I would love to see you again someday. You were such a great teacher.
To my College English and Spanish 1 teacher, Mrs Cole...you made me want to succeed. You were a strict teacher who expected much, and I loved your classes.
And to my favorite student teacher, Amy Sue, I still blush when I remember us asking you if you were pregnant! Really, that is what I remember most, but I am so very thankful that God has allowed us to still be friends all these years later. I love you.
as much as I like hearing your kind words about me and my family...this is not the mutual admiration society...My intend was for you the reader, to comment a positive uplifting word to someone else...that may or even may not read this blog. Like:
Tootie Britton...I will always remember the wonderful wedding shower that you hosted at your home for Cindy and I...and we so appreciated it. You are an encouragement and an example to so many people through your family, your faithfulness and your fun. Thanks.
I had a nightmare last night that I went to the Dr. and they discovered that I was 18 weeks pregnant. Thank you Mark for putting the thought in my head.
I think this is my favorite blog, ever.
Even though I didnt make this list and cant blame you for putting me on the list cause I have not been a huge part in your life.
I dont right on these things very much but feel this would be a great oppurtunity to thank everybody in this wonderful circle of friends from HSBC and other places.
As most of you know about a year and a half ago my wife a I went through a pretty hard time in our marriage. It really wasnt until a few ladies whom I will mention later decided to step in and make my wife and I a part of this wonderful circle of great examples and great friends. So I will say this......
Bryan and Holly...Bryan you have been a best friend to me since we were little kids, your friendship and help during hard times in my life will always be remembered and I want to say thanks for everything you have done and continue to do, you and Holly are great examples to Amy and I...Thank You
Brad and Mandy...Brad you know how I feel about you, you are truly a best friend now that we have grown up and I look forward to the relationship you and I will have in the future..Mandy your reaching out to my wife has truly ment so much to her, we were searching for friendships like we have with you and Brad and we both truly feel privileged to call you both friends
Matt and Rachel...where do I begin? Rachel your love, kindness and just plan caring for other people than yourself is what sets you apart, the way you have welcomed my wife and I and made it a point to invite and make us a part of what goes on has really made a difference in our marriage, the example you and Matt give Amy and I means so much. Amy and I both would like to thank you both for all you have done.
Mark...I would also like to thank you for coming all the way to the Grove to help with my electrical problem.
I am not very good at the emotional stuff but hope I have made my point. I am sure I have left many people out but you all know who you are and I thank you. By the way I didnt put my parents on here cause they dont know what the internet is.
Kyle
Mark. You have released a lot of life giving words to so many people. I would have to admit that reading this list has filled me up with a sense of genuine goodness. Thanks for taking scripture to heart and putting into practical application like this. What if this kind of blessing became the norm of our culture? We would be much richer, more whole and could find greater strength to be all God made us to be and to love like He intended. I love you guys. Your family is a blessing. Eddie
Mark,I posted under Robert's id as you probably figured out. It really was me who commented. Eddie
It has taken me a couple of days to respond simply because every time I sit down to write I get teary.
1. Jon- I don’t often praise Jon especially publicly. He is my husband, my best friend, and one of the only people I can trust. The last six months he has been a leader to our family and our Italy team when it was so hard I wanted to give up. I have been very ill after moving to Italy and in the process of trying to figure out what is wrong Jon has taken care of me, our children, and kept focused. I am so proud of him. Thru culture shock, visitors, and homesickness, and many tears he remains my constant. Never a question of loving me…or throwing up his arms and saying, “just do this!” He gives me space and leads not pushes. God has blessed me with this man and I am so grateful. He can make me smile when I don’t want to. He gives me the courage to try new things the risky things I would never try. Like moving to a new country and reaching a people group that we were told we could never get into.
2. Cindy Hillen- Where do I begin?! YOU are my sister. I prayed and prayed as a child for a sister and 12 years later God gave me you. I think you are a great mom a great wife and I respect you more than you will ever know. You have made many decisions in life that I know could not have been easy. I can remember helping baby sit with you in the trailer…you did that everyday just to be married to Mark and stay home with your children and look at what they have become!! Your sacrifice has paid off.
3. Mark- Wow! I love you so much. I have craved attention from you since I can remember. I love the fact that hold the attention of a room and make our family laugh. Your ability to prove yourself at DMP and give up a dream of moving to Chicago and becoming an architect to do the “right thing” is a character trait that not many have. You are a natural born leader and a man with so many great ideas. I am proud of who you are becoming. You are good father. I miss you so much.
4. Britt- Okay even as I start to write this I am crying. You are my best girlfriend. You are one person I can trust. You are an excellent mother, and a wonderful wife. I have lived in your home and you can get to know a person really well when you live with them. By the way, thanks!!! I have watched you grow in the Lord and you challenge me to do the same. Our bond is like you said, similar to that of David and Jonathan and being apart is so difficult. I am so proud of who you have become and what you are doing. It is not easy. God will bless you and you will be in Amsterdam before you know it. I am continually amazed at how God took the two of us and brought us this far…I wonder how much further we will go with Him.
5. Cindy Lyons- I marvel at your ability to stay together. A wife, a mother of 5, and a pastor’s wife. I know High Street hasn’t been easy, but from the moment you gave your testimony and as we watch you live it…it has been an encouragement to me and God has used it to strengthen my faith in His calling in my life. I admire and respect you and always look forward to any chance to get to spend time with you. Just being around you I know that you have been with the Father and have had experiences that could help me grow. I love you and I am so glad that you followed the leading of the Lord to HSBC. It sure isn’t easy but the grace in which you carry yourself is evident of your walk with the Lord. Thank You for staying at HSBC. I pray for you often.
6. Mom and Dad- Your faithfulness to the Lord has been shown by your faithfulness to each other. I am truly blessed to have been raised by two of the best parents in the world!! Your generous spirit and tender hearts are so evident in your daily lives. Everyone loves to be around you. You are true encouragers and have a walk with the Lord like no other. I am truly honored that you lift me and our family up in prayer. And even in your maturity as believers you still allow God to grow you. That’s what I want. To always be learning and changing. I have watched you sacrifice to give to missions and now it has cost you a maybe a little more than you bargained for…your grandchildren, but you have with grace and true thankfulness encouraged us and strengthened us thru prayer. You will never know how much it means to us to know you are behind us and that you love us. We sue love you and couldn’t have made it with out you. ( Not that we have made it…but we have come this far)
I have so many more to uplift and encourage but I will leave room for others to post. I will continue writing this on my own blog in the next few days. I challenge each of you who read Mark’s blog to at least encourage one person. It can make a difference. Thanks Mark for the challenge.
Becky Liles
Wow Hillen, thanks so much for your kind words! Sounds like I need to hear the audio from Pastor Eddie's sermon!
Mark
Thank you for the kind words. I needed to hear your words of affirmation tonight.
You have developed a great platform to influence from...so many people are listening! Let God continue to speak through your life and creativity.
As you know from work - leadership is "influence" nothing more nothing less.
Keep leading us!
Joer
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