Showing posts with label Magic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Magic. Show all posts

Friday, March 21, 2014

NEW changes coming to the Magic 4 Christ channel on Youtube!


Ever since I did the big concert/get together last year I wanted to go a bit bigger and, hopefully, a bit better.

I decided to team up with any music artist willing to be on the channel and share with you all some music and magic! 

Right now I have two artists already filmed and ready for editing. Seeker and Servant, whom I found music for on Noisetrade and wrote a review for on C|C.  The other is my good friend, Tim Griffin, who actually played the event last year. He let me film all the songs he did at the event and those will all be in the videos. 

It should be a fun experience and in the end - all for a great cause.

If you are a music artist willing to contribute, please contact me to work something out! Thanks.

Info page for CEF Military Children's Ministry


Donate page for CEF (watch the video for the walk through on how to donate)

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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Bible Story : Peter's Great Escape & Wounded Warrior (Card Trick)



Have you ever been in a place which made you feel imprisoned?  Let us hope there are those like there were for Peter praying for you - as well as those in the Wounded Warrior Project stepping up to lend a helping hand!

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Acts 12:7 (NIV)

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.
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Monday, July 15, 2013

Rise Above Your Problems (Card Trick)

 
 
Where would you rather be?  In the middle of them? ... on the bottom of them? .. or on top? 
Romans 12:2

New International Version (NIV)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
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Saturday, June 15, 2013

Bible Story - A Friendly Miracle - Lazarus (Card Trick)

 
 
Death is a hard thing to deal with, even Jesus took a while to take care of it for one of His good friends! 

John 11:25-26
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
 
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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The Small Sacrifices of Art (Blurb)


Odd ... this has come up when it did.  I find it very interesting I get this one during the time when we are effectively homeless.  

It did not take long for my wife and I to realize our daughters immense joy in creating art.  She enjoys any medium, but really enjoys painting and there was no real place for her to be as creative as she wanted, without getting into the trouble by leaving things out in our small home. 

Many of my magic things were set up in the shed so I could get to them easily, but I moved them around so instead, the more accessible area could rather hold an art studio.  

Kyley had no idea what I had done when I told her I had something for her in the shed.  She worked hard to find a flashlight, knowing it was dark and there was no lights in the shed. She ran outside and looked around seeing it set up.  She immediately began organizing and letting me know how she was going to do the work, and set up her paintings for display.  

Her joy was infectious as I was infected by it.  My action sparked action in her... and her joy gave me exactly what I was in need of - joy.  

Joy begets joy!

But sacrifice was the start of this process.  While my sacrifice was truly not so great, it did not matter - it still birthed a great joy!  

As a Husband, Father, and just a follower of Christ - I can truly make small sacrifices over and over again and know the joy will overpower what I may have 'lost'.  I hope I can always remember this truth, and be as selfless as possible - and I pray God touches your heart helping you see even better or maybe even for the first time in this way as well!  
 
 
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The Lonely Sin (Card Trick)

Our focus can have an interesting effect on our lives.  What do you focus on?

Hebrews 4:13
New International Version (NIV)
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
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Monday, April 15, 2013

Bible Story - An Unexpected Guest (Card Trick on The Death and Resurrection of Jesus)


A pretty cool telling of the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ!

John 20:19
New International Version (NIV)
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

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Friday, March 15, 2013

The Transforming Twelve (Coin Trick)


Simple, but cool reminder of the closeness of the first 12!

Luke 6:13
New International Version (NIV)
When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:

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Friday, February 15, 2013

Bible Story - A Man After God's Own Heart (Card Trick)

 
 
The forgiveness that we see towards David in his greatest turning from God... should always be an encouragement to us, no matter the mistakes we have made.  God will be there and wants us to again move towards Him!

Acts 13:22

New International Version (NIV)

After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’
 
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Monday, January 28, 2013

The Foreknowledge of Choice w/ @KevinHuguley from @therealfools and @malhugs (BONUS Magic Trick)

My family was again blessed with the chance to hang out with Mal and Kevin - This time at their place as we were traveling.  I actually bought this trick during our trip and my wife and I came up with the patter as we finished our leg of the trip that brought us to our friends for dinner.  It was a wonderful time.  They are AWESOME hosts!  Also.. no matter what Kevin says about his ability to change a tire.. He was a GOD SEND!



 Romans 8:29
New International Version (NIV)
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Choice? or Predestination? .. the word 'foreknew' may have a huge impact in this debate!
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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Prayerful Friends (Card Trick) #Magic4Christ

Welcome To The Fifteenth of the Month in the year 2013.  I will have a new card trick video post every month on the fifteenth on my magicderk4christ youtube channel HERE: https://www.youtube.com/user/magicderk4christ?feature=mhee

Do yourself a favor and subscribe - I am pretty excited about the 12 videos that will most certainly come out this year, and hope that a few bonus ones will also.


I always hope that I have friends that totally willing to step out in faith for me, and for them to never fear to intercede when I am in the dark places.

James 5:15

Amplified Bible (AMP)

And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
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Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Gift Wrapped Excitement - MERRY CHRISTMAS (Blurb)


Every Christmas I am excited about something.  It is usually not the same thing, but truly I enjoy getting gifts.  I enjoy not knowing what I got and then opening up a crisp wrapped present to find out what it is.  The joy I get from getting something is pretty exciting for me, almost too exciting at times, and I have had to pear down my 'want' for things over the years.  I am quite easy to buy for, because there are still... very many 'things' I like and enjoy.

Let me tell you though, I enjoy giving a gift 1000 times more than I enjoy getting one.  My daughter REALLY enjoys Doctor Who so I decided to get her a Sonic Screwdriver.  This item is very important for the Doctor as he uses it do pretty much do anything he needs.  It gets him out of many troublesome situations.  Kyley, would love it.

Check out the video of Kyley opening this gift:

 
This was a birthday present - as you can see Asher got to tell her Happy Birthday, but being her birthday is in December, much more present giving was in the future for me.  I was honestly disappointed in the reaction Kyley had as she opened up her seemingly awesome gift, but she did play with it for days and never let it leave her sight for a good while, so I still call it a win.

The surprise reaction I got from her made me realize I really should record another gift giving.  This one was for my boss.  The Mechanical Engineering department got together and bought our boss a bobble head replica of... well himself.  This is a pretty epic gift, but my boss is not always one to burst with emotion, so I did not expect much. 

Check out the video of my boss opening this gift:
 

This is much the reaction I thought I would get from my daughter.  Surprise and delight of an unexpected... awesome gift.  

How do you react to a gift?  Do you shrug it off and just move on?.. Do you jump up and down in excitement and make a fool out of yourself?  At the very least do you say 'thank you' to those who worked hard to choose something they thought you would enjoy? 

No matter what you do... let us all remember the gift given and as well the reason we truly do celebrate Christmas. A celebration of Christ, our Messiah, Jesus!  How have you reacted to the give He gives?  It was wrapped in flesh.. swaddling clothes... lain in a manger.  He was marked for death before he was even out of the womb.  This present was opened with whips, nails, and a spear.  How, truly, do you accept a gift such as the blood of Christ? 

If you have a  few moments watch last years Christmas card trick on my 2nd Youtube channel :) 

 
I love all of you who read this blog and make my effort worthwhile.  I thank Christ for his sacrifice and for changing me, everyday!  



Now... go out and tell someone about this Savior as we celebrate His birth!
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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Compass North - This Is Living (Free Music, Review) @CompassNorth2 @Noisetrade #rock #pop


^^Widget Above^^

For Fans of :   The Fray, Brandon Heath, Tenth Avenue North, Mat Kearney, One Republic


5 Songs

Overall Thoughts:

A classic rock sound close to feeling alternative.. pretty smooth stuff.. 

Recording Thoughts:

Pretty Good ... Semi-Professional 

Stand Outs:

"Sing A Love Song" - very cool.. depicting a love to God.. I really liked the sound and method used.. very smooth.. very enjoyable.. 

"Walked Away" - a storytelling song.. very heartfelt.. very deep.. 

 "Drive Slowly" - We do an object lesson that I think captures much this same ideal.. here.. check it out
a

take a listen ... get a download.. and TIP!!! 

@CompassNorth2 on twitter 


Noisetrade
Website
facebook (add as friend)

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Saturday, May 5, 2012

1000th Post .. An Unveiling of dErK! (About Me)



It is time.. the veil of 'Just Being Here' and 'Derek John Jordan' is lifted.  


What in the world has this crazy person writing all this stuff and slapping it on the Internet for us to read?

The quick answer is my tag on twitter ...  

"Christ Follower, Wife Lover, Kid Wrangler, Children's Pastor, vonGAL Drafter, Music & Book Reviewer, Prestidigitator, Blogger, and just some guy.. 
"

I will break these down for you.. in the order I have mentioned them 

Christ Follower : 

I believe in Sin - I believe in the redemption of sin through the blood of Christ, God's Son - on the cross of calvary.  I have given my life to God, and have never once regretted the decision.  If you have questions .. please feel free to ask.

Wife Lover ... 
I love my wife - and she loves me.. see 52 Reasons :) 

You can also read her blog HERE : http://shutterbugandmommylove.blogspot.com/

Kid Wrangler ...
I love my kids - if you look at the tags at the top there is one for each of them.. as well.. there is a page for each of them on the left side of the page.

Children's Pastor : 

Around June of 2011 my life was changed drastically when our family moved churches.  We (My Wife and I) began to act as Children's Pastors at Lakewood Christian Centre here in Montgomery Alabama. 

I have been in Children's ministry since around 2001.  At first it was just to help out because they needed the help and as well my soon to be girlfriend and later wife was a good enough reason for me. I quickly found myself enjoying the 'work' that was fun and as well enlightening to see kids learning and accepting Christ into their lives.  Seeing the devotion and unwavering faith of children is such an empowering thing to my personal faith. 

You can follow along the Lakewood Kids journey either by


vonGAL Drafter :

November of 2004 I received the drafter job I still have now.  I really do enjoy this job.  I get to design things in 2d and in 3d (preferred) and at times I get to do a tiny bit of IT, Still rendering, and animation rendering.  

When I was in high school I really enjoyed math, but that began to die in college when I entered Calculus III and Differential Equations.  I prefer the drawing and modeling over the math, but ever so often I need a good amount of math to do what I do.  If I had planned my life... I would likely be a Civil Engineer with a Degree .. no wife.. and no kids.. but that was not the life for me - and I am GLAD.

When the choice for me to either continue in school at Auburn as I was or come home to marry the love of my life.. I prayed for practically an entire night.. debating with my rational self.. and the pull I had from God.  

Somehow I still ended up with a job doing Mechanical Engineering work as well as working within the Church on a volunteer basis! 

Music Reviewer : 

I have been downloading from Noisetrade since it's beginning.. actually I started with Derek Webb and downloading the album he put out for free BEFORE noisetrade was up and running.  I can honestly say it is likely 75% of my music collection is made up from music I downloaded from Noisetrade and the percentage grows each week.  

I felt the conviction because I really NEVER tipped any of the artists and due to that began to post on my blog the ones I really liked.  This turned into me deciding I should give a few thoughts on the music.. to which I would write tiny blurbs about them.  Then conviction set me to begin to review any album  I downloaded... because.. if I was getting the music for free.. the least I could do was freely let the world know about it's existence! 

My credentials for reviewing music do not exist.  I have tried in multiple occasions to learn to play the guitar and suffice it to say.. God did not give me that gift.  I can play and have fun with it, but I just cannot do what some of these amazing artists do with their music.  I am really a bumbling fool just giving his opinion which is mostly based on what I like,... and put against what is on Noisetrade.. 

I very much lack knowlegde in the popular music that is out there (especially secular), but push what I like.. so .. yeah.

I look for these qualities in music ...

1. Christ
2. Encouragement 
3. Heart (or passion)
4. Sound
5. Vocals
6. Recording Quality

If your music is on noisetrade and I have never reviewed it .. post a comment .. I would be happy to tell you why :)  

Book Reviewer : 

I have read books for many, many years - and with a book - it can be quite hard to know if it will be good, without a good review.  While most of the music I review I already put a stamp of approval on it when I downloaded it, because I can listen to it before downloading.. so those reviews are usually very positive, I have many times read a book I will give a negative review to.

My book preference:

1. Fantasy
2. Sci Fi
3. Christian Thought (or devotionals and such)
4. Christian Fiction

My profile on Goodreads is HERE : http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5381087

Prestidigitator :

Yes, I am a magic hound.  I enjoy the act of Illusion.  Over time I have come to the realization that this quote is .. so very much true

 “Magic is the only honest profession. A magician promises to deceive you, and he does.”  

- Karl Germain

 

My thoughts and goals in this is through the act of 'amazing' object lessons.. the spiritual lessons get a better recall for later in life.  It is one thing to read the bible and understand the word of God by the divine right of God, and it is another entirely different thing to inspire the desire to BEGIN READING the word of God in another!

You can see what I am up to with magic on my Youtube channel HERE : http://www.youtube.com/user/magicderk4christ?feature=mhee

 Blogger :

This I am sure you can tell by the fact you are very likely reading this from within the nice Internet walls of my blog.  The question is .. Why?

Simple Answer : Geocities shut down free websites and I needed another platform to share my art and poems.

Long and more true answer : It helps me "Just Being Here" ... Just like you I am another person living on earth.  I have problems - I have joys.  I detest journaling, but have found the act of blogging to be .. therapeutic. 

I have found the NEED to truly have opinions and voice them properly.. as well I have found a clearing of my mind and .. also .. somehow.. a better organized life.  Not that I KNOW what I will be doing, just I HAVE something to do.  I thrive on getting things done.  I like the sense of accomplishment I get from the completion of a project.  Each blog is just that .. a project.. something I can set my mind to.. learn from.. and hopefully.. maybe.. teach someone else as well.

Every tuesday I release what I call a 'blurb' 

Why do I call it that?   

A blurb is meant to be a short phrase used in describing a product.  My product is Christ.. it is Encouragement.. Advice.. good and bad.. and as well Therapy .. and if for NO ONE else.. for myself. (though I hope they all are enjoyed by many)

Sometimes they are short, but other times they are long.  I do my best.. HA! .. I hope you can look past the inconsistency. 

Just some guy :

I am likely much like you - I have a job .. I have a family - maybe things are going great with me one day - and the next I am tearing out my hair (which would be difficult as I keep it quite short) 

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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Bible Story - Tim Is Here! Three Men and a Fiery Furnace (Coin Trick)




 Tim tells us a story where trust in God meant the possibility of death - and it was ok with those involved!

Daniel 3:25

Amplified Bible (AMP)
He answered, Behold, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt! And the form of the fourth is like a son of the gods!

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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Parable - The Rich Man & Lazarus - A Tale of Death (Card Trick)

 
How are you living your life? Are you willing to see those around you that need help.. providing comfort for others out of the comfort that God has blessed you with?

Luke 16:25

Amplified Bible (AMP)

But Abraham said, Child, remember that you in your lifetime fully received [what is due you in] comforts and delights, and Lazarus in like manner the discomforts and distresses; but now he is comforted here and you are in anguish.
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The Problem of Evil ... Paid For (Money Trick)


 
Understanding our problem of evil inside of us may just need a bit more understanding of the desires within us... 

1 Timothy 6:10

Amplified Bible (AMP)
10For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many [a]acute [mental] pangs.


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Friday, March 9, 2012

52 Reasons : TWENTY : You Can Make MAGIC Out Of Anything



"You Can Make MAGIC Out Of Anything"


I am a magician... I enjoy the art of Illusion.  Not just performing it for others - I love watching it... and being fooled.  

The fact that I am now a children's pastor pops in my head every once and a while, but to be honest.. it has not yet fully grabbed hold.. and honestly.. I like it this way.  I always enjoyed magic ever since I was a kid.  I remember getting my first magic set, learning the tricks, and moving right into doing an all out show for my family.  I doubt it was all that great but I remembered it after I was asked to help with children's church and the idea of having a clown as a character came up.  Magic again became a strong part of my life.

I have learned a lot over the years.. and often get some pretty crazy ideas about how to get a trick to work with a particular lesson.  You never know what I may use to do the trick with... but if I have a say.. it is usually a pretty awesome outcome.  Having a wife that enjoys that about me (no matter how much it might annoy her as well) is a great help to my dreams and hopes.. and just in general simple terms.. my happiness.

Investing in something that those around you enjoy can only enrich your relationship with them.  Even if you never thought you would ever like the thing that they do.. you may find it enjoyable so give it a try! 


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Leftovers