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
Like you have to say ...maybe.... I'll enjoy seeing you Rock the kingdom...you know I'm gonna soak this in..I'm so tickled. Praise the Lord! God is on the move...what an answer to prayer.... God is so faithful....When we pray for" His kingdom to come and His will be done on Earth as it is in heaven."..we bring the kingdom down to Earth...the mountains have only just begun to fall...Zoe
That is so God, Mark...what a blessing...I'm so exceited to see what God will do in India..this trip is totally Unchained. I pray Our Father just pours you out onto India... Warrior of God...may His Spirit consume them and your Army of musicians..I love you My brother in Christ...and you know I'm prasing God...YES!!!! What an honor..God has really given you the desire of your heart...and He will be glorified in your music and the message of HOPE you bring...you inspire me ...and I am so thankful for our friendship. Sooo how are you now? .......BIG HUGE HUGS....Zoe
Please help me pray for my mentally challanged brother David wh is in critical condition and unconscience at this time. He is toxic from to much dilantin and is being takin off all of his meds and he can't live without his meds. He is a special chosen child of God and we are believing that God will bring him out of this. Thank you so much,
Thanks for checking out our songs! We really appreciate it. I can assure you though, our music has heart, a lot of heart. It might by catchy, pop/rock stuff, but the lyrics are very personal to us, and the songs were written with feeling in mind.
Thanks so much, Mark for your very sweet message! You've made my day!
Congratulations on all your success...wow! Going To India...that will be an amazing experience that I cannot wait to hear all about. You have been blessed...
I will keep you n my prayers. I know God will give you the wisdom, strength and protection you will need. You are doing it for Him.Mark, you bet...my friend
"I trust in and confidently rely on the loving kindness and mercy of God forever and ever. I will thank you and confide in You forever, because You have done it (delivered me and kept me safe). I will wait on, hope in and expect in Your name." __PSALM 52:8-9
"The eternal God is my refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms." ___DEURTERONOMY 33:27
"He Who raised up the Lord Jesus will raise me up also with Jesus and bring me into His presence. For all things are for my sake, that more grace (divine favor and spiritual blessings) extends to more and more people and multiplies may increase to the glory of God." ____2 CORINTHIANS 4:14-15
Blessings to you Mark and my prayers will be there with you my friend. I will believe God's will be done on this trip. Please stay in touch, +Connie+
JUST WANNA SAY HI & HOPE UR OK............ THANK U 4 TAKING TIME 2 STOP BY MY PAGE & THANK U 4 THE COMMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSSS KISSSSSSSSSSSSSSES ALL MY LOVE 2 YA!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE FANTASY
Mark, Hey there my newest friend. I came across your page from someone else that sent me a friend's request. I told you, I would get back to you and I am. I wanted to tell you, I did listen to all your songs and was very impressed. I thought your music was just beautiful! I also wanted to say, I read your page...I too was very impressed with it. I know the feeling of being "lost then found." Your story caught me and inspired me that is why I wanted to be your friend. I try real hard to give those that are just coming out or struggling with thier music to get it out there. I love all music, but....Christian is my all-time favorite. I just love when people can take thier life's story and put it into words and "basically" turn it into a prayer from the heart and soul. Your music and family is awesome. I am glad and praise God you turned your life around for the good of Him. I pray that He continues to lead you and you can open many doors for people like myself, or lost and needing direction in thier lives. When I hear a song that "pours" the love of Jesus in it, it can't help, but touch you. Good luck to you Mark and keep doing what you know will lead you to His kingdom. You and yours have an amazing talent, please....continue to share it with the world. I will do what I can to help you on this end. Please stay in touch and God Bless you my friend, Connie
Thanks for the add and the comment, that is my grandbaby, the one and only. She is my heart and I thank God each and every day for His gift in my life.