The path of a Christian is not a straight and narrow road, but rather a winding and unpredictable journey. It is a lifetime commitment to following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the Son of God in Christian faith. At the beginning of this path, a Christian makes a conscious decision to accept Jesus as their savior and commit to living a life that reflects his teachings. This decision is often accompanied by a sense of peace, joy, and a newfound purpose in life. However, this initial excitement can sometimes fade as one encounters challenges and trials along the way. One of the key aspects of the Christian walk is the pursuit of a personal relationship with God.

Houston's Magic Island

Kathy and I were into our second week of our stage performance at Houston's Magic Island with our comedy show and two-person mind reading act. It was on Friday afternoon, September 12, 2008 that I received a call from the Magic Island saying that they would be closed that evening due to Hurricane Ike that was expected have landfall in Houston that night. They would notify me the next day if they would reopen for guests on Saturday night.

I knew that the dressing room already leaked so I went down to pick up our costumes. While I was there I thought I should go ahead and pack up my props and take them home. I live less that three miles from the Island so it is an easy chore to pick up and drop off props.

I awoke early the next morning around 2:00 when the sound and the fury of Hurricane Ike as it came through. It rocked our three story townhouse like we were back out to sea on one of our cruise ships. It tossed buckets of water against our windows sounding like waves against our portals. After things calmed down later that morning, we breathed a sigh of relief and gave a prayer of thanks that our neighborhood was spared except for the power outage that lasted about three weeks and affected hundreds of thousands of local residents. But there were certain parts of Houston that still had electricity including the Magic Island.

Later that Saturday afternoon, Kathy and I were watching the news on a battery powered portable television set. To our shock and surprise, the Houston Fire Department's (HFD) Hook and Ladder team were responding to a fire at the Magic Island. Apparently there was standing water on the flat roof that leaked into the neon lights on the outside of the building. The HFD arrived in time to save the Island from significant damage, but the high pressure hoses did more damage than the hurricane.

Empty and Abandonded places in Houston: The magic Island from a Flikr account. Click on the graphic above to see the current state of the Magic Island as of 2017.

Insurance agents fanned out across the region and told people to clean up the damage as best they could because if left unattended, more mold and mildew damage could occur. Well, the Magic Island was long overdue for basic repairs (remember the leak in the dressing room I mentioned?) so all of the carpeting was removed. When the insurance adjuster arrived, I understand that they said they would pay for that portion that was damaged but not all of the carpeting throughout. Unfortunately their insurance would not pay for enough to bring the Magic Island back up to its former glory so it has sat vacant for all these years. I understand that some have looked into reviving the once fabulous landmark, but you can imagine how much repair would be needed now, nearly five years after Hurricane Ike. So, I believe that the property is worth far more than the building and it's now a "tear down". Hopefully someday someone will rebuild it. It is proven that such an entertainment facility can make it in Houston.

But the delightful thing is that before its demise, I had a chance to sit down with the Entertainment Director, Scott Hollingsworth to talk about the history of the Magic Island. And perhaps more importantly, I video taped the interview following his guided tour through the Island. Enjoy this one hour "never to be seen again" piece of history from the Magic Island:

Magic Island (Houston, Texas)

Originally opened in 1984, Magic Island was an upscale Egyptian-themed dinner theater that featured magic and comic performances; after Hurricane Ike in 2008, it suffered water and fire damage and hasn't reopened since. Plans are underway to renovate and reopen the facility.

abandoned / shut downunder construction

Nearby cities:

Coordinates: 29°43'48"N 95°24'49"W

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Magical Houston club conjures up improbable comeback

It's one of Houston's most well-known landmarks, left abandoned for years. But now, Magic Island will cast a new spell.

Known for its giant pharaoh's head rising just above the Southwest Freeway, Magic Island has sat vacant since a 2008 fire caused by Hurricane Ike.

"Magic Island has been asleep for about 10 years," explains architect Russell King. "It was pretty much destroyed in the hurricane. So it sat here and it's in pretty bad shape. But everybody realizes if we're going to do it, let's do it right, and it's going to be brought back bigger and better than ever."

The legendary private dinner theater club will be reimagined. King says the new-look Magic Island will focus on first-class entertainment and dining at its finest: "The motif is still the magic of ancient Egypt but not quite as circusy as it was," he said. "[It will be] a much more sophisticated type of design."

Some of the changes expected for the entertainment venue include a large outdoor terrace, as well as Las-Vegas-style magic shows in an indoor theater that seats up to 150 people.

"It's a new Magic Island. But it's the same Magic Island. We're keeping a lot of the old stuff so you can recognize it when you walk in, but it's not quite the same," says business manager Sue Smith.

Owners say they are aiming to re-open by November 15, but have already begun taking party reservations.

For more on this story, including video, visit our content partner ABC13.

One of the key aspects of the Christian walk is the pursuit of a personal relationship with God. Christians believe that through prayer, reading the Bible, and attending worship services, they are able to connect with God on a intimate level. This relationship provides guidance, comfort, and strength in times of difficulty.

Another vital aspect of the Christian walk is the practice of love and service. Christians are called to love their neighbors as themselves and to help those in need. This can involve volunteering, giving to charity, and showing kindness and compassion to others. The path of a Christian is one of selflessness and a desire to make a positive impact in the world. Additionally, the Christian walk involves a constant battle against the influences of the world. Christians are encouraged to resist temptation and strive for moral integrity. This can be challenging in a society that often promotes materialism, selfishness, and unethical behavior. However, Christians believe that they are not alone in this battle, as they have the Holy Spirit to guide and empower them. The path of a Christian is not without its difficulties and setbacks. Christians are not immune to pain, loss, and disappointment. They may question their faith or face moments of doubt. However, it is through these trials that Christians often experience a deepening of their faith and a greater reliance on God. They learn to trust in his plan, even when it is difficult to understand. Ultimately, the path of a Christian is one of growth, transformation, and a striving towards becoming more like Christ. It is a journey of learning, experiencing, and applying the teachings of Jesus in everyday life. While the path may not always be easy, Christians believe that it is a path filled with purpose, meaning, and the promise of eternal life with God..

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