Illusion Show, 2006

When you grow up, there are special memories that can make you feel like a kid all over again.   One of the reasons I love going to Disney parks is the attention to detail and the “magic” I experience the moment I walk in. The moment I see the castle, I’m instantaneously a kid again. I forget there is a world out there with grown up sized problems and complicated, cynical people and I suddenly see things with the eyes of a child all over again. It is pure magic. My favorite ride at Disney is “Soarin’” at Epcot Center. This ride is the closest thing to flying other than hang gliding and skydiving. You “soar” over rivers, trees, canyons, and mountains to beautiful music, all the while hearing the sounds and smelling the smells of pine trees, orange groves, and the ocean. It’s truly the most magical ride at Disney.  Again, on that ride… I’m a kid.

Some people think there’s no such thing as REAL magic, but I know better. Does that surprise you? I don’t believe real magic is sawing a person in half or levitating. It isn’t accomplished by psychics or ghost hunters. It isn’t accomplished by illusionists like me or the ones you see on television. And yet, I believe in real magic… I simply think God is the only one who is capable of it.  Real magic is something only He can do. Turning water into wine, raising the dead, walking on water (ok, I know some illusionists have duplicated this, but not without a tractor trailer full of equipment which I seriously doubt Jesus had). I’m writing this note on the eve of Easter. Tomorrow I will celebrate with millions of other Christians the resurrection of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All these things are REAL magic. They’re all called MIRACLES.  You may or may not believe in miracles, but I most certainly do. I know that Jesus absolutely changed my life. That, in and of itself is a miracle. Maybe you just haven’t learned to see the miracles that are around us every day.  That beautiful mountain or ocean view that you enjoy?  Miracle of God.  Beautiful forest or beautiful flowers in bloom in the Spring time? Miracle of God.  Baby being born into this world? Miracle of God. Somebody’s life being changed forever? MIRACLE of God!

Snow on the audience, 2006

But there is a miracle of God… one more thing that can take me back to my childhood immediately. But I can’t experience it in an amusement park or in any artificial venue. It is true magic for me. Let me take you back to my childhood for a moment and maybe you’ll understand…

I grew up in a small town called Jackson, Tennessee. It’s in West Tennessee halfway between Memphis and Nashville. Jackson has a few notable things about it, but not many. One thing about Jackson I distinctly remember… it never snowed. Oh ok, I remember a few snows, but not too many. It was definitely a rarity. ESPECIALLY at Christmas! I watched all these television specials and movies where people experienced a “White Christmas” and heard songs like “Let It Snow!” but I had NEVER experienced snow on Christmas day.

Snow 2009 with Ken and his son

In my 2009 illusion show, I recreated this illusion by performing my most requested effect: Snow. Someday, if you see this effect in my show, maybe you can find the child inside you . Maybe you can find it before you actually see my show. Just look around you for God’s miracles. Some are big, some are smaller, but they’re all miracles nevertheless. Just open your eyes. Ask God to give you the eyes of a child. My children spot miracles all the time that I miss. They see things with wonder.  Maybe you and I can join them… become a kid again… and actually experience some REAL MAGIC!