Misty Edwards, Casting Crowns, Jason Upton, Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix
Sounds Like
I don't know who I sound like. I admire Misty Edwards, Casting Crowns, Jason Upton, Eric Clapton and I probably draw from their music. I know Neil Young has influenced my guitar playing. Some people have said that vocally I sound like Eric Clapton. I wish I could play guitar like him....wow. The teachings of Mike Bickle (International House Of Prayer) in Kansas City have had a strong influence on my lyric writing. But all in all I think God gave me a unique voice and style. The reality is I love to play music..........
I spent the majority of my life trying hide from my pain and be accepted. By societies standards I was successful. I owned a couple of BMW's, had a big house, was written up in the media. I accomplished this by starting a business and emersing myself in work. Before I became a work alcoholic I was an alcoholic. Both approaches help you hide from your pain and insecurity tempoarily but neither give you life. My wife came to me one day and said she wanted a divorce. I was stunned I said "how can you divorce me, I'm a great provider. I'm a good guy." By our cultures standards I was a success. She responded, "I don't know you."
Now, in retrospect, I don't blame her. I wasn't avaliable for her or the kids on an emotional level. I went to my son and said "son I'm sorry this is happening. But at least growing up you've had the best in life. ( I was trying to feel better about myself) He said, "Dad all I really wanted was you." That cut deep. I tried to relieve my pain by pressing on, buying a big house. I told myself if she can't appreciate me someone else can. I figured I'd have the best bachelor pad around. To my surprise my teenagers said they wanted to live with me. This touched my heart. I thought that they must like me better. But the reality is they knew I'd be working all the time, and would be able to do whatever they wanted.
I didn't have a belief in God, in fact I believed Christians were those that needed a crutch to make it through life. A strange thing happened, the big house I purchased turned out to be haunted. Seriously, I know that sounds bizarre, but both my children and I witnessed them on a number of times. I called the previous owner, a succesful businessman like myself. The reason I say that is the conservative business types like myself were not the kind of people that go to psychics or believe in spirits, if you get my drift. We believe in cause and affect. His wife stated that they sold the house because of the spirits. Then she described what we had witnessed. This really messed me up. I thought I had life figured out. I believed in evolution. But if everything comes from matter (evolution theory) where do spirits come from.....
I decided to sell the house.Three people told me that I didn't have to sell, that I had power over the spirits in the name of Jesus Christ. To the first person a sweet elderly blue haired woman I said, "Are you on crack." To the second person I was just as rude. The third person however was an attractive woman, besides I was single. God knew how to get my attention. She invited me to her church. I got there early, went into the book store and opened up a Bible. I didn't know anything about the Bible. The first and only thing I read. "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalites and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places." I remember looking up and saying "God are you trying to tell me something." I can't believe the word God came out of my mouth. I went into the service. The music was incredible, I trembled and tears started rolling down my face as the people praised God in music. I had never experienced anything like this before. The presence of God touched me.
I came home told my kids about it and they were worried that I had gone over the edge. Over the next few months the house sold and we moved into a new house. One wednesday night after a service I came home and my teenagers looked scared. I said, what's wrong and they said," the evil spirit was in our house." I caught a faint glimpse of it. I said "that's okay God is going to protect us." I got on my knees and starting praying out loud, "By the power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus I command you to go in Jesus name." My son said "dad stop, look up at the ceiling." I looked up at the ceiling and saw shadows racing across the ceiling. I said. "Andy what is it. " My daughter said, "Dad can't you see their angels." The demonic spirit left, never to return. That night changed everything. God had come through. I was humbled and forever grateful.
I've walked away from the big paying job. I picked up a guitar which I hadn't played in years and started writing Christian music. Now I go into Texas prisons every weekend with a band and bring the message and the music. I've seen the power of God bring hard core gang leaders to their knees, crying out for God. I'll be traveling over to India in the near future to do some concerts and train worship leaders. I make in a year now what I use to make in a month. But money is not the issue any more. I don't have to hide. I pray, fast and study the Word of God. I'm remarried to an incredible woman who happens to be a therapist (God knows what he's doing) and we have a ministry together. We help people who can't afford a 150.00 an hr. therapist but need more than prayer. No one is turned away for lack of funds, it's a non profit organization. I have a six year old daughter and God has turned me into a good daddy. I can't change the past but I'm excited about the future. God used the supernatural to humble and bring me to my knees. I'm forever greatful.
To find out more check out www.markhouser.com
I ask you to please come and listen to my new prayer/song. "Sweet Mystery" which I wrote for and dedicate to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Iconified at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, WA.
Thank for your very kind comment. I really love your heart, vocals and psalter spirit in your worship before our Most High and our King of kings Yahshua Jesus~ I am going to get one of your cd's to continue to fill my house within and wihout with His songs of the HIGHEST praise and woship He so deserves.
Check this out brother! I got this word in my prayer and worship time~
Ps 149: 5-9
5Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
6Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;
7To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;
8To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
9To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
God bless your testimony and witness for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
As Christians, we look to the rock from which we were hewn, And to the quarry from which we were dug...We seek the Lord and Righteous (Isaiah 51:1). May God's love and light shine the way.
Let the spirit of God rock you! Thank you for your friendship, we have two new tracks up!! Please feel free to add my band and Street team they are on my tops. Be sure to subscribe to my blogs-Thanks in advance for your support. Peace,God bless~Dadion
Hi Mark, Please stop by and check out my newest song "LOVE VINE DIVINE". I'm breaking new ground with this one and I think you'll like the vocal harmonies and rocking rhythm guitar. Let me know what you think! I'm trying to develop different sounds and your input is really appreciated. Thank you as always!
Thanks for the add! I read in your comment on "JESUS" page that you want to bring the joy of Jesus to India... I think that is amazing and will be praying for you.. My mother is Indian, and her family is Muslim, and I'm praying for their salvation, because I love them so much... Anyways, take care! Your sister in Christ, Aliana
Oh thank you so much :) but i´m only a glam support and not the band ...their account here is www.myspace.com/theglamrock ^^ but yeah you´re right walking ghost is a great song :) have a nice weekend Jasmin
Great stuff Mark. Great songs man, keep blessing God and His people! Its an awesome inspiration to see people like you out there glorifying our Father!