By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

With the 150th anniversary of “The Gettysburg Address” and the 50th anniversary of the last presidential assassination this week, both Abraham Lincoln & John F. Kennedy (see more pg. 6) will be forever linked by the ironies of history.

Both men held a love for the written word. The celebration of the written word continues with the 30th Anniversary of the Miami Book Fair International, held Nov. 17-24.

Dan Brown, author of books like The DaVinci Code and Inferno, opened the festival Sunday evening with a lecture about how family life inspired him to becomeaninternationalbest-selling author. His dad was a math teacher, his mother a church organist. Filled with self deprecating humor, he also talked about working with Tom Hanks and Ron Howard on the set of the movie The DaVinci Code at the Louvre Museum, home of Leonardo DaVinci’s “Mona Lisa.” (See more, pg14)

With the production of cinematic classics like The Maltese Falcon, and Treasure of the Sierra Madre, director John Huston also carried a love for the written word. Beginning his career as a screenwriter, Huston’s coterie of houseguests included authors like Carson McCullers, Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck, who influenced his daughter, Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Huston.

Anjelica Huston’s body of work stands on its own with Prizzi’s Honor (directed by her father) earning her an academy award, and with movie roles as diverse as The Big Year, The Royal Tenenbaums andTheGrifters. For young people, she is best known as Morticia Addams in The Addams Family films. Recently, she added credibility to the TV show Smash with her role as Eileen Rand.

Huston will be discussing her memoir, “A Story Lately Told, Coming of Age in Ireland, London and New York,” on Friday evening. Besides acting and growing up with an eccentric father, Anjelica will discuss being a teenager and living in London during the swinging ‘60s, her forays into modeling and her earlier attempts at acting.

The beauty of the Miami Book Fair International is the opportunity for unknown authors to be discovered. It is covered by major news networks, and C-Span spends the weekend in their book mobile. This is why Cinema Dave will be setting up his first booth tomorrow in Section D – Writer’sRowwithmytwobooks, “The Adventures of Cinema Dave in the Florida Motion Picture World” and “Davy Jones & the Heart of Darkness.” With each book sale, customers will receive an artifact from “the Cave of Cinema Dave.”

Remember, if you see anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.

DEERFIELD BEACH

Nov. 7 A man reported that while he was sitting in front of a restaurant at 123 NE 20 Ave., someone pushed him to the ground and left on a bicycle.

Nov. 7 A woman who is a manager of the Goodwill Superstore at 289 S. Federal Hwy. said that someone spray-painted the exterior walls and doors of the store.

Nov. 7 It was reported that someone broke the electrical light box for a light pole. Incident was reported at 773 SE 1 Way.

Nov. 7 A man visited Advanced Auto Parts at 238 W. Hillsboro Blvd. While he was there, he left a fanny pack containing documents and $1,500. When he returned to retrieve the fanny pack, it was gone.

Nov. 7 It was reported that someone stole a ladder valued at $300 from 773 SE 1Way.

Nov. 7 A man reported his home at 402 SE 7 Ave. entered and items missing.

Nov. 8 It was reported that 10 brass backflow valves were stolen from a business at 4100 N. Powerline Rd.

Nov. 8 An electric camera and DVD player were reported stolen from Target at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

DEERFIELD — District 4

Nov. 9 All Arrestable Traffic Violations (not DUI). On Saturday, Nov. 9, a BSO deputy responded to the Verizon Wireless store at 3656 W. Hillsboro Blvd. in Deerfield Mall for a suspicious person call. Employees were concerned for their safety after the subject entered the store with a heavy sweatshirt (hoodie up), wearing gloves (clothing inconsistent with weather conditions), and with an unknown item in his hand, concealed within some sort of bag. The employees were adamant the man had a gun and intended to rob them.

Nov. 11 Retail/Shoplifting. On Monday 11/11/13 and Tuesday 10/08/13, known suspect stole calculators from Super Target at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd. An unknown suspect accompanied the known suspect and assisted in the thefts. Video was taken into evidence.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Nov. 7 A man reported that someone entered his wife’s vehicle parked at 3232 NE 27 Ave. and took $203 from her wallet.

Nov.11 A woman reported that someone used her debit card to withdraw money from an ATM machine at Publix at 3700 N. Federal Hwy.

RE: Butler House events

Dear Editor:

A heartfelt “thank you” to all the volunteers who came out to help to trim the Butler House for the holidays on Nov. 9. Thanks especially to our friends at the Woman’s Club and Commissioner Bill Ganz, who could easily reach those high spots.

The whole community is invited: To visit the Butler House on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for a holiday cocktail, wine and cheese gathering.

Admission is a $10 donation, that will benefit our Breakfast with Santa event, which takes place on Saturday, Dec.7 from 9 to 11:30 a.m., featuring pictures with Santa, music, poetry, face painting, goodie bags and breakfast for $10/per family.

Thank you,

Deerfield Beach Historical Society

RE: Skateboarders

Dear Editor:

Mr. T. Alvarez, [writer of “Skateboarders abide by rules,” Oct. 17 Observer Letters to Editor] it is apparent to me that you are not a regular weekend walker at the beach.

It’s a beautiful beach and the sidewalk is crowded. The policy of denying skateboards, and bicycles and dogs, is required for the safety of all.

I thank the commission or department head who thought enough of the residents to post the signs.

Mary Ann Hanselman

Deerfield Beach

Greater Deerfield Beach Democratic Club meets

Thursday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach 910 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Parking lot and entry at rear. RSVP: GreaterDeerfieldBeachDemClub@gmail.com

Lighthouse Point Library Semi-Annual Book Sale

Thursday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dixon Ahl Hall 2220 NE 38 St. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Gently-used books, DVDs, VHS tapes, music CDs, and audio books available for purchase. On Saturday, $1 will get you as many books as you can fit in a plastic bag. Proceeds benefit LHP library. 954-946-6398.

An evening with President Thomas Jefferson (as interpreted by Steven Edenbo)

Thursday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.

Downtown Boca Library 400 NW 2 Ave. Boca Raton, FL 33432

Located in Friends of the Library Meeting Room. Preceded by reception for members at 5:30 p.m. RSVP: http://evanced.info/bocaraton/evanced/eventcalendar.asp.

Festival of the Arts announces line-up

Friday, Nov. 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center 201 Plaza Real Boca Raton, FL 33432

Organizers of the Festival of the Arts Boca (March 6-15, 2014) will announce 2014 lineup of artists and authors. Evening includes cocktail reception, Florida premiere of awardwinning documentary “I Am Not A Rockstar” and a post-film concert featuring famed pianist Marika Bournaki, as well as a Q&A with filmmaker Bobbi Jo Hart. $25 per person. Tickets/info.: 561-368-8445, info@festivaloftheartsboca.org.

Women’s Leadership Council Luncheon

Friday, Nov. 22, Noon

Marriott Pompano Beach Oceanfront 1200 N. Ocean Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Featured speaker: Kathleen Cannon, president and CEO United Way, Broward Co. $30-members/$35-nonmembers. Must be purchased in advance: 954-941-2940 or www.pompanobeachchamber.com. Sponsored by Pompano Beach Chamber.

Church Yard Sale

Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 23, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

First Christian Church 1860 NE 39 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Info: 954-942-2515.

Diaper Drive

Friday, Nov. 22 to Tuesday, Dec. 31

Paragon Theaters 3984 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Paragon Theaters supports the Junior League of Boca Raton’s diaper bank with a diaper collection drive (new and partially open packages of diapers).The drive kicks off with release of Vince Vaughn’s latest film, “Delivery Man.” Theatergoers who donate diapers will receive a complimentary concession upgrade (on either soda or popcorn, valid for one size upgrade).

St. Gabriel Teddy Bear Christmas Fair

Saturday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Nov. 24, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

St. Gabriel Catholic Church Hall 731 N. Ocean Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Christmas crafts, decorated trees & wreaths, jewelry, books, toys, home baked goods, raffles and more. Sponsored by St. Gabriel Council of Catholic Women.

Thanksgiving food distribution

Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 to 1 p.m.

Boys & Girls Club 27 S. Dixie Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Please bring bags. FREE. Parking at Florida Child Care First Aid/ CPR, Inc. (49 S. Dixie Hwy., south of B&G Club). For more info., call 954-786-4848.

Dixieland/ Hot Jazz Session

Sunday, Nov. 24, 1 to 4 p.m.

Henry’s Hideaway St. Henry Catholic Church 1500 S. Andrews Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Admission: $10. Presented by Hot Jazz & Alligator Gumbo Society. 954-563-5390 or 561-809-6410.

Holiday tree lighting

Wednesday, Nov. 27, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

FREE. For details, call 561-393-7807.

Save the date: Interfaith Service

Thursday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m.

Temple Beth Israel 201 S. Military Tr. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Everyone welcome. Non-perishable food is being collected for local banks. 954- 421-7060.

The first day of Chanukah begins at sundown the day before Thanksgiving this year.

While this is a rare event, please make sure the turkey you eat is not rare, as Thanksgiving tends to be one of the busiest times for Emergency Rooms all over the country.

If you ask people why this is true, they are likely to think it has to do with eating too much food, or that the food is too rich, or, perhaps, as I said earlier, that the bird was not cooked through well enough.

I have another theory, and you are not going to be too happy with me when I share it with you. You see, I believe that far too many people can no longer sit happily, peacefully and civilly with their families without getting their emotions in an uproar. And, there is a good chance that that is going to affect some other part of your body. Your stomach might go haywire. Or perhaps your blood pressure will go up and your heart will start feeling like it is beating a mile a minute.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we were reading the story of Jacob and Esau. They were brothers … twins. And yet, both were very different individuals. This is apparent from a very early age to their parents. Their momma takes a shine to one and their pappa to the other.

Over the course of time, after multiple times of conniving, tattling and blaming one another, these brothers part company filled with such anger and fear that one actually lets the other know that, if he ever sees him again, he will kill him. OUCH! Now there’s every parent’s dream isn’t it? Children who not only feel no love for one another, but who would actually kill their own brother!

Now, I have to admit, especially as the baby in the family, there were probably times way back in our youth when my brothers may have wanted to kill me, but, somehow, they always let those moments go. And, let me tell you something, they must have loved me very much, because there were things I did and times I got them in trouble when they could easily have hated me for the rest of our days.

In the Biblical story of Jacob, we find that Jacob and his brother go 20 years without talking to or seeing one another. Esau remembers Jacob as he was 20 years before. He fails to think for a moment that perhaps his brother has changed, grown and is not the same conniving kid brother.

As the day approaches for them to meet again, there is fear, anger and mistrust on both sides. But when they finally see each other, they don’t get into a fist fight, they don’t start bringing up why they hated each other so badly, no, they choose to hug one another; they embrace.

For those of you who have issues with your loved ones, make this Thanksgiving a time to truly be thankful. Make this Chanukah a time of miracles. Embrace one another, break bread together and light up your homes with peace and love.

Wishing you a very Happy Chanukah and a most festive Thanksgiving.

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach. We welcome you to join our warm and caring family for Shabbat and festival services. We’ll make your heart glow…who knows, you might even fall in love with Shul all over again.

By Rachel Galvin

For this year, which marks the 30^th anniversary, the Miami Book Fair International chose best-selling author Dan Brown to kick off the event. The performance by the New World School of the Arts Symphony Orchestra, Flamenco dancers and remarks by Miami Dade College President Dr. Eduardo J. Padron and his Royal Highness, the Prince of Asturias, Crown Prince of Spain was hard to follow, but Brown managed to do it with style. With wit and candor, humility, generosity and curiosity, he speculated on the dichotomy of religion and science, the schism and the commingling of the two.

His fascination with these subjects seem to stem from his upbringing. In front of his parents in the audience, he sheepishly told tales of his childhood, admitting he was self-editing a bit as he went along, mentioning they had not seen him speak before. Brown was raised by a math teacher and a church organist. While his mom conducted the church choir looking the part of SNL’s “the church lady,” his dad stood in line at the local pizza joint with his Texas Instrument calculator determining the most economical way to buy a pie. Home life was filled with reciting hymns in wilderness Sunday services held on canoes tied together drifting in the river and dinner time was math lessons about geometric shapes that could be made utilizing vegetables. His father also introduced him to the enormity of space and presented questions on infinity.

It wasn’t until he was an adolescent that he began to question religion and science. How could both be correct? The Bible said the world was created in seven days. In school, he learned about the Big Bang. The Bible talked about Adam and Eve. In school, he was learning about fossils. He asked his priest which world view was correct. His priest said, “Nice boys don’t ask.” But that answer did not satisfy him.

He began gravitating to science. However, he said that the more people study science, “the mushier it gets,” with margins of error, imaginary numbers and unanswerable questions. He realized that science and religion are actually “partners… two different languages telling the same story.”

In his stories, he explores science and religion, as well as real life situations and locations, interjecting fictional characters into the mix. It begins, he says, with location first. As a reader of only non-fiction, he enjoys dealing with real life circumstances primarily. His books **DaVinci Code,** **Inferno,** **Angels & Demons,** **Lost Symbol** and others take the reader on a suspense-filled journey through exotic locations. Brown also discussed the making of the movies based on his novels.

This prolific author is the first of about 400 authors who will be presenting at the Book Fair, which runs through Nov. 24. To get more information about the fair, visit www.miamibookfair.com.

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

On the surface, The 28th Annual Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival was a success. Honored actors Lea Thompson, John Shea, Finola Hughes and Tab Hunter were class acts; they showed up on time and were gracious with their fans. Legendary actor Ed Asner and band leader Pauly Cohen revealed that their star power has not faded. When Free Ride star Anna Paquin was forced to cancel, her husband (and True Blood co-star) Stephen Moyer, executive producer of the film, substituted and he was fanfriendly.

With screenings of Life is Beautiful, Black Swan and The Artist, FLIFF has a history of presenting future Oscar winners through the years. This year, the fest screened the inspirational biography One Chance, Bruce Dern’s performance was honored for his work on Nebraska, while Meryl Streep will likely continue her Oscar streak for her performance in August: Osage County.

The evening with Tab Hunter was particularly memorable. Brooklyn College film professor Foster Hirsch conducted an onstage interview with Hunter that covered his career. In the business since age 19, Hunter has reinvented himself for many generations. He was teen idol with a hit record that rivaled Elvis Presley, and a co-star to iconic leading men like Gary Cooper and John Wayne. Since coming out of the closet, Hunter has earned a new fan base with his autobiography Tab Hunter Confidential. As he exited the Cinema Paradiso spotlight, he received a standing ovation from the audience.

FLIFF acknowledged South Florida history with They Came from the Swamp, a documentary about William Grefe’s movies produced from the ‘60s to the ‘80s. With titles like Death Curse of Tartu, Sting of Death and Mako: Jaws of Death, these independent films were created on a shoestring budget with a loyal crew. Grefe’s knowledge of South Florida swamps led to consultant work on James Bond productions, most notably Sir Roger Moore’s first outing, Live and Let Die.

The Last Hit was named Best Florida Feature. Written by Lou Pappas (who is also the leading man), The Last Hit is a modern gangster/noir film about a hit man with a conscience. Filmed in our neighborhood, this film features FLIFF photographer Irwin Levenstein as an ornery gangster.

The final screening of Krissy Belle, another locallymade film directed by Alyn Darnay and starring writer Carole Wood, was held in the new Cinema Paradiso – Hollywood. This Art House Theater is so new that the paint is still drying on the wall. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, Cinema Paradiso – Hollywood is a great cultural addition to South Florida and is worth an excursion to the south county.

Behind the scenes, FLIFF suffered. One week before the gala, office manager Jane Moguillansky passed away. A lovable presence at Cinema Paradiso, Moguillansky had a keen eye for detail. Her loss reverberated throughout the festival.

Remember, if you see anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.

DEERFIELD BEACH

Nov. 1 Someone entered the storage building at Deerfield East Apartments at 1325 SE 8 Ave. and stole a pressure and washer. Incident took place about two weeks ago, but was reported on Nov. 1.

Nov. 1 Someone stole a flatbed trailer with a forklift attached. Incident took place at 1901 Green Rd. Total loss was estimated at $60,000.

Nov. 1 A man reported that his iPad and $300 were stolen from his place of employment at 400 Fairway Dr.

Nov.1 It was reported that headphone equipment was stolen from Target at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Loss was estimated at $400.

Nov. 2 A woman reported that her cell phone was stolen. Incident was reported at 813 W. Sample Rd.

Nov. 2 A woman reported that her step daughter stole her jewelry and cash at 271 SE 6 Ave. Loss was estimated at $2,100.

Nov. 2 A man reported that his Rolex, a diamond, and clothing were stolen from his home at 665 SE 21 Ave.

Nov. 4 It was reported that a home at 4055 Eastridge Dr. was broken into. A sliding glass door was smashed. Two laptops and an Xbox 360 were found in a pillowcase near a door.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Oct. 31 A man reported his car that was parked in the Publix Parking lot at 2450 N. Federal Hwy. broken into and $10 in a quarters and a key fob stolen.

Nov. 2 A woman was seen stealing seven boxes of Red Bull from Publix at 2450 N. Federal Hwy. She drove away in a car.

4th Annual Moonlight at Beacon Light

Friday, Nov. 15, 5 to 8 p.m.

The Shoppes of Beacon Light 2400 N. Federal Hwy. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Music/entertainment, tastings and giveaways throughout plaza! Highlights local businesses. Sponsored, in part, by Lighthouse Point Chamber of Commerce. Lighthouse Point residents, flash your Shop the Point card for special savings! Visit www.theshoppesatbeaconlight.com for more information, or call Millie Walsh at Body & Soul Boutique at 954-942-6446.

Exchange Club 150 Charity Dinner

Saturday, Nov. 16, 5 to 10 p.m.

Exchange Club Park 2888 NE 24 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Country Hoedown theme. music, BBQ, wine wagon, silent & live auctions, drawings, horsehoe/ cornhole contests and more. Benefits charities/ scholarships. $150, includes dinner and drawdown, dinner only tickets – $50, available by presale only (not at door). Adults only. Tickets: e-mail b r a s k d m d @ y a h o o .com or call 954-782-1864.

Granny’s Attic

Saturday, Nov. 16, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center 1801 NE 6 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Shopping and great bargains. Indoor garage sale with over 80 vendors. FREE. 954-786-4111.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Saturday, Nov. 16, noon to 3 p.m.

St. Paul United Methodist Church 244 SE 2 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

FREE community Thanksgiving Dinner on church grounds. Call 954-427-9407 or visit stpaulunitedmeth @bellsouth.net for information.

Garage Sale

Saturday, Nov. 16, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 425 NW 1 Terr. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

RSVP by Nov. 14. For more info., call 954-428-3215.

Book signing

Saturday, Nov. 16, noon to 5 p.m.

Doubletree Hotel 100 Fairway Dr. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Seven authors, including daughter of Ray Charles, Sheila Raye Charles. FREE. 786-376-6118.

Arboretum event

Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Constitution Park 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Attendees will receive FREE Arboretum-grown plant. Those who become members will receive three FREE plants. (Memberships are $25/ year). Information: 561-391-3735.

Viva Musica

Sunday, Nov. 17, 3 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Center 1801 NE 6 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

South Florida Chamber Ensemble (SFCE) performs Program 2: Viva Musica. Music professor/musician, Myrna Meeroff, will narrate concert with historical details about Florida. $15 adults, $10 students/seniors/military; children under 12 free w/paid adult. Information: sfcemusic.com or 954-803-3762.

International Thanksgiving Celebration

Sunday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m.

Cathedral Church of God 365 S. Dixie Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33433

Celebrate cultural diversity with international dishes, special presentations, prizes and more. FREE. Please RSVP by Friday, Nov. 15. 954-427-0302 ext. 205.

Pompano Beach Garden Club Meets

Monday, Nov. 18, 12:30 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center 1801 NE 6 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Open to the public. “Growing Vegetables in Containers” presented by Container Gardener Extraordinaire Georgette LeGoff. Refreshments served. 954-943-0029.

SHINE: Serving the Health and Insurance Needs of Elders

Monday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center 227 NW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Every Monday. FREE Counseling/assistance for seniors with health insurance claims, appeals, Medicare eligibility, enrollment/coverage issues, Medicare plan choices/appeal rights, Medigap (Medicare Supplemental) policies, prescription plan comparisons, long-term care options/ planning, organizing paperwork. Client confidentiality and unbiased advice. Appointment required. Call 954-480-4449.

Democratic Women’s Club of NE Broward meets

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center 1801 NE 6 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Speaker: Rev. Rhonda Thomas, community organizer, Service Employees International Union/One Miami, Local 32BJ. Topic: Campaign for decent wages and better working conditions for airport employees. Light refreshments served. FREE, open to public. 954-942-8711.

The holiday season is officially here! Thanksgiving is two weeks away, and it is the time when we are to reflect on all the things we are most thankful for. It is a time of friends and family getting together (eating, of course) and giving thanks. I believe that the Bible and history can speak for themselves on this subject. I want to share with you a quote. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln said, “We often forget the Source from which the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies come… No human wisdom hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God … I, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States … to observe the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.” The Bible has a lot to say about giving thanks and being thankful. What better source for us to turn to today. Let me share just a few scriptures on being thankful.

PSALMS 136:26

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.

NLT

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

16 Always be joyful.

17 Never stop praying.

18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

NLT

Thankfulness is an attitude. It is a condition of the heart. When we are truly grateful that should allow us to be happy, not just once a year at Thanksgiving, but all year long. If we are going to have an attitude of being thankful, then it must be something that we do all year long, not just one or two days out of the year. When we can do that, it will show in a joy that is very evident to ourselves and to others as well.

PHILIPPIANS 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again Rejoice! We all have things that go wrong in our lives every day. If we learn to focus on the things we are thankful for, and not all the negative things in our lives, then we can begin to learn to be truly happy and content. This is something that should actually show in our outward actions and attitudes. God has blessed us and given us so many things to be thankful for that we should be full of joy and peace every day. Remember the things that God has saved you from and do not live in the past. Our everyday lives should show that we are thankful and grateful for all God has done for us. As you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, remember the original spirit of the oldest of all American holidays — gratefulness to God. In the middle of all the hustle and bustle, take time to give thanks and praise to God for all the wonderful things in your life. Be happy!

Tony Guadagnino is the pastor at Christian Love Fellowship Church.