I’ve been PM’ing and emailing member Alleycat about inexpensive and easy Miser’s Dreams.

Yesterday it was put-up or shut-up time! I was attending a local Monthly Prayer Breakfast. There was supposed to be a guest speaker. The speaker had a scheduling conflict at the last minute and could not attend (actually called the restaurant and told us he could not attend). Well, that left over 100 people with a big hole in the program.

One of the organizers of the event pulled me aside and asked me if I could please “do something”. He knew that I was a magician, that I didn’t get rattled in front groups, and that I could probably “wing-it”.

Because the Misers Dream was on my mind (I had just sent an email of a poor-man’s routine) I decided to go for it.

I borrowed a couple of pieces paper, lunch-bag, sized bags from the restaurant and used one gimmicked half dollar. I spoke of the bag being a person (us) and how some of us seek riches (produce coin) to feel fulfilled (drop into bag using the clown gag snapping the bag for sound). I spoke of how we tried to gain riches from stocks and bonds (produced the coin from a copy of the “Wall Street Journal” to give us a sense of security (drop into bag-snap). I pulled a number (six) coins from various places continuing the theme.

Finally, I pointed out that all of the quest for riches, and all the obtaining of riches could not fulfill us and could not make us whole as I tore the bag open showing it empty. I then spoke of only a good life lived according to a moral model could be truly fulfilled (and Produced a pocket Bible from the crumpled up bag, showing the bag restored, and dropping the Bible into the bag.

OK, I know this is standard stuff and too easy for words with absolutely no new ground covered. It does point out how a small lesson can be given using even a small trick. The necessary props - two bags, a small Bible, and a coin.

Your post is very appropriately titled. Sounds like you were up to the challenge. Well done!

Maybe what you had to say in your
"impromptu" routine was exactly what was needed by some in the audience. There are no accidents in God's plan or in his timing. We just don't always know what's up His sleeve!

Good luck in getting the answers you seek.

GlenD

Well Done Harry!

You reinforced the truth that the simple things still work. Many of us get caught up in technolgy and the latest - greatest tricks, but when it comes to getting a response, the old standards are just as good as ever. That is why they are still around, they still work!

Nice job! I am sure the "audience" was entertained, and got a great object lesson too! Way to go!

BroDavid

Harry -
Thanks for fleshing out 1 Peter 3:15 for us. Now I am reminded to be ready, always!

peace,
phill

Just going through old threads about Miser's Dream.

Nice story! Way to go with the routine. I like the concept.

That was awesome!