District 2 Debate

Friday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m.

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church

1060 SW 3 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Pelican is sponsoring a debate with the District 2 candidates, including incumbent Commissioner Gloria Battle and candidates Ben Preston and Terry Scott.

2019 Boca Concours D’ Elegance

Friday, Feb. 22 to Sunday Feb.24

Boca Raton Resort & Club

501 E. Camino Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

The star of Jay Leno’s Garage, and former host of The Tonight Show on NBC, will attend the DuPont Registry Live Hangar Party in Atlantic Aviation at the Boca Raton Airport on Friday, Feb. 22, headline the Grand Gala Dinner, Live Auction & Show on Saturday night, Feb. 23, take part Feb. 24 in an exclusive ($500 select- or $1,000 premier-seating per person) brunch and then walk the show field that day to greet fans and select “The Big Dog Garage Award’’ for his favorite automobile and motorcycle in the exhibition. Event parking located at 1515 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, FL 33432 and 1515 S. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, FL 33432. For tickets to events and information, including a full schedule of events, visit www.bocaCDE.com or call 954-537-1010.

Florida Renaissance Festival

Now Through March 24, weekends

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Featuring Renaissance-theme performances, artisans and activities, the festival includes theme weekends, including:

Vikings & Barbarians: Feb. 23 & Feb. 24

Swashbucklers & Sirens: March 9 & March 10

Kilts & Colleens: March 16 & March 17

Magic, Witches and Wizards: March 23 & March 24

Call 954-776-1642 for more information.

Rockin’ at the Hop

Saturday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center,

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Curtain Call Playhouse is ready to rock! The theater company is proud to present this special concert event featuring the iconic music of the 50s and 60s. Tickets are $24.50 + fees, $15 + fees for children and are available at www.ccpompano.org. For more information call 954-545-7800.

Black Heritage Banquet

Saturday, Feb 23, 7 p.m.

Oveta Mckeithen

Recreational Complex

Dr. Leo J. Robb, Jr. Gymnasium

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come out for a delicious soul food buffet and live entertainment as the city honors some deserving individuals in our community. Keynote speaker: Judge Gina Hawkins. For more information, contact the Community Events and Outreach Division at 954-480-4429.

Tropical Wave

Saturday, Feb. 23, 3 p.m.

St. Nicholas Episcopal Church

1111 East Sample Rd.

Pompano Beach, FL, 33064

This South Florida Gay Men’s Chorus ensemble will present a toe-tapping, finger-snapping program. A spirited reception will follow. A $10 donation is suggested at the door. All are welcome. Please call 954-785-0042 for further questions or details.

Hounds of Hillsboro Beach

Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m.

Town Hall

1210 Hillsboro Mile

Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062

Join us for a town photo with your hound. Canine agility demo.

Save the Date:

Festival of the Arts Boca

Thursday Feb. 28 to March 10

Mizner Park Amphitheater 

590 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Presenting a diverse range of quality musical performances and literary events, kicking off with events like a screening of Star Wars accompanied by a full symphony orchestra (March 1), a talk by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin (Feb. 28) and so much more! For more full schedule, visit https://festivalboca.org/events.

St. Ambrose Carnival & Music Festival

Thursday to Sunday, Feb.28 to March 3

St. Ambrose Catholic Church

380 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The St. Ambrose Carnival celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with rides, food and other fundraising opportunities for the church, as well as live entertainment all weekend long.

Sip & Stroll

Saturday, March 2, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Constitution Park Arboretum

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The City of Deerfield Beach Parks & Recreation Department, in conjunction with Deerfield Beach Kiwanis Club, will be hosting the annual Sip & Stroll. Guests will enjoy a sampling of wine, beer and cuisine from local restaurants while taking a stroll through the beautifully lit canopy of the Arboretum and listening to live music. Tickets can be purchased at Constitution Park for $25. Please note: This is a 21 and over event with a limited amount of tickets. Additional event parking, with a free shuttle service, will be located at the east parking lot of the Target Plaza located at 3313 W. Hillsboro Blvd., from 5:45 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, please call the Constitution Park at 954-480-4494.

The Soroptimists Nash Bash

Saturday, March 9, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Pavilion Grille

301 Yamato Rd.

Boca Raton, Fl 33431

The Soroptimists of Pompano Beach are going “country” with their annual fundraising event. This year’s event, themed Nash Bash will include great country music for dancing, a buffet dinner and desserts, and an open bar all evening. It will also include a silent auction, a balloon “Pop,” a 50/50 cash drawing and more. Proceeds support girls and women in the community. They provide scholarships and awards to young women going on to college, as well as single mothers who are working to improve their education and lives. They also support the Flite Center whose one-of-a-kind program assists and guides young adults aging out of the foster care program, as well as the Woodhouse Center and many others. Come dressed in your best casual or country attire and have a ball. Tickets are $100 and can be obtained from any member of the Pompano Beach Soroptimist or contact Becky Walzak at 561-459-7070 for details.

“You must love your neighbor as yourself.”

Leviticus 19:18

“Who is my neighbor?”

Luke 19:29

What does ecumenical dialogue look like? I think of two images. The first image is the more formal. Learned scholars and theologians from one religious denomination sit down across the table with learned scholars and theologians from another denomination. One scholar shares her or his thoughts, usually with a vocabulary that comes from years and years of schooling. Another scholar shares her or his thoughts, again, with an impressive vocabulary. Differences are recognized yet common ground is reached. And then, two or more theologians get together and write a document that comes from their dialogue, and, of course, the language is lofty and academic. Everybody shakes hands and goes home feeling that something great was accomplished, and, indeed, something great was accomplished. There is just one problem. Only a few people are really aware of the dialogue. A few people get a copy of the document that is derived from the dialogue, and, of the few people who read it, only those with advanced degrees understand it. It is important stuff, to be sure, but it is “jargon” and only those who know the jargon benefit.

Here is another image. Two neighbors of different faiths get together and have a cup of coffee or tea. They sit across the table and share their faith with each other. They do not judge. They do not proselytize. They simply talk and listen. They love and respect each other and, when their meeting is over, they both leave informed of each other’s faith and become closer friends.

There is no jargon, or documents that come with language that doesn’t translate well into everyday language. It’s just two friends building a bond and sharing each other’s faith.

So I ask you, of these two images of ecumenical dialogue, which one is going to impact your community more?

The word ecumenical comes from the Greek “Oukumene,” which simply means, “community.” Ecumenical people are community-minded people. Put simply — ecumenical people are good neighbors looking out for the neighborhood, both local and global.

When Jesus quoted Leviticus 19:18 “Love your neighbor as yourself,” a lawyer asked him “who is my neighbor?” The answer was the parable of the Good Samaritan. I don’t know if that was the answer that the lawyer was looking for, but the people of Judea and Galilee had no time for the people of Samaria. The fact that the Samaritan was the hero of the story would have made many listeners uncomfortable, perhaps even angry.

I would venture to say that the same question could be asked today and a similar answer would make some people uncomfortable, maybe even angry? If we look throughout our neighborhood and beyond our community, you will discover that many of the people with whom we coexist do not believe what we believe, vote the way we vote, look alike, dress alike or like the same kind of foods. It is no news that we live in the midst of diversity, especially in south Florida, and, if we want our community to be stronger, than we must heed the call to be better neighbors. Loving our neighbor as ourselves requires us to get uncomfortable and challenges our limits. Yet, good neighbors, this is crucial.

Who is going to lead the charge? The answer is you. Theologians can only do so much. Community leaders can only do so much. But if you invite your neighbor out for coffee and engage in friendly conversation, you just may move a mountain or two.

Pastor Gross is a pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, located at 959 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more information, call 954-421-3146 or visit www.zion-lutheran.org.

Procrastination is the practice of carrying out less urgent tasks in preference to more urgent ones. We all procrastinate to some degree. There are only 24 hours in a day to accomplish all we need to and some tasks are more of a burden than others. If you want to manage your life with less stress and more time for the things you want to do, then it is time to get a better handle on procrastination.

I have a patient we will call Sam for confidentiality purposes. Sam is a husband, a father and an accountant who works 60 plus hours a week. He told me that he came to therapy because he cannot stop procrastinating about his need to diet and exercise.

Psychotherapy allowed Sam to face some tough realities. He realized that his top priority was his work and career. This was above spending time with his family and attending to his overall health. Sam said that all that had to change. He also told me he had 30 pounds to lose and avoided facing this fact by procrastinating about it for years.

I am pleased to report, that within a short period of time, Sam began using some of the following therapeutic strategies to address his procrastination (You can too!):

Acknowledge that you are procrastinating:

The initial step involved in any behavioral change is to become aware of behavioral patterns. One must admit they are stalling rather than moving forward on a desired task or action.

Admit reasons for procrastination:

If you are disorganized: Break down tasks into manageable small steps and develop to-do lists and schedules.

If you fear failure: We learn from our mistakes just as much as we do from our successes. Take note of self-sabotaging thoughts and replace with more optimistic and realistic thoughts.

If you think a task or action is unpleasant or undesirable: Use the 10 minute rule. You can do anything for 10 minutes. If you procrastinate about riding a stationary bicycle, do it for 10 minutes and, once you get yourself moving, you will most likely do more minutes.

If you are a perfectionist: Most daily tasks do not require perfection. Learning to accept good enough may take practice, but it is something that can be accomplished.

If you are physically and/or emotionally drained: See your healthcare provider for a thorough check- up. I discuss self-care with patients and recommend various ways for each individual to do things that increase daily relaxation and joy.

If you need to develop better decision-making skills: Focus on asking for more support. Learning how to have more patience as well as being more assertive can help.

Psychotherapy has helped Sam use strategies to reduce his procrastinating behaviors. Use of time management skills allow Sam to plan more quality time with his wife and children. He is making better food choices and has started a weight training and exercise program.

Today, Sam is 20 pounds lighter and determined to lose 10 more pounds to reach his weight loss goal. Procrastination is no longer in Sam’s way. He is moving forward. Change is always possible!

Dr. Julia Breur is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private clinical psychotherapy practice in Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.drjuliabreur.com .

Click here to view this year’s Pioneer Days special section.

By Gary Curreri

Even though the Deerfield Beach High School girls basketball team lost three of four games during the Jerry Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas during the holiday break, Bucks coach Tamala Vaughn called the trip a victory.

Deerfield opened the Las Vegas trip with a 55-22 win over Modesta Christian (CA) before dropping four straight games to Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV), 46-36; Lynwood (Lynwood, CA), 67-50; and Desert Oasis (Las Vegas, NV), 56-26.

The Bucks won the District 11-9A title for the fourth time in five years and second year in a row. The lone year they didn’t win was in 2017 when star guard DenAsia Mitchell tore her ACL and was lost for the post season.

“This year’s team is a different team,” Vaughn said. “They are young and really inconsistent. The positive thought is that they are growing and the future is bright. They have great attitudes and I love coaching this group of girls. I don’t know what team is going to show up, the team that I think can win state or the team that gives me butterflies when they step on the court.”

Deerfield Beach (16-9) will host Cypress Bay (7-10) on Thursday night in a regional quarterfinal game. Of the Bucks’ 16 wins this season, 13 have been by 30 or more points. Of the nine losses, two have been by four points or less, one has been by eight points and the others have been in double digits.

“I know they all want to go to state,” she added. “We all have that goal in common.

They have grown since the beginning of the season and the light bulb is finally going on with some of the younger players. I don’t think they have been pushed as much. It was hard in the beginning for them to understand the system and the work ethic of the program.”

“We had kids that wanted to quit and kids that said, ‘coach, I can’t do this,’” Vaughn continued, “but now, since I pushed them beyond their limits, they are coming into their own.”

Vaughn said the trip to Las Vegas was vital to the team’s success. She said the players and coaches bonded both on and off the court.

“I have no regrets about the trip,” Vaughn said. “They were mentally weak before the trip and now they are becoming mentally tougher. I saw that in the St. Thomas Aquinas game (a 68-64 overtime loss). I was proud of the way they played and I think we are where we should be at this time of the season. They have gotten over that hump.

“The players became closer (in Las Vegas),” she added. “The players want to be the best teammates for each other. We bonded as a team. It was like a family atmosphere.”

In addition to DenAsia Mitchell, the Bucks have been getting strong play this season from freshman center Fatima Diakhate, who Vaughn says will be an All-American. Also playing well is senior forward Chakoi Mitchell (Indian River College commit); sophomore wing Aaliyah Reid; junior shooting guard Jasmin Worsley and junior combo guard Natalie Hessing, a transfer from Archbishop McCarthy.

“The girls have become more serious and they are working hard in practice to get better,” Vaughn said. “They just have to bear down, play hard and be consistent.”

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

The Last Resort opens this weekend.  This documentary presents the Miami culture that I witnessed when my parents and I moved to South Florida over 45 years ago.  While Miami today looks like any theme park in Orlando or Las Vegas, The Last Resort features a bygone people and culture. 

When World War II ended, my dad was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army Air Corp. He and his brother Paul celebrated by taking a trip to South Florida. While attending the Tropics Nightclub featuring the Tony Pastor orchestra, my dad met my mom and the rest is history. 

The Last Resort begins its history discussing the advent of air conditioning and how it led to the real estate boom during the post World War II years. Many of the urban dwellers were European Jews who were transplanting from New York, some retirees from garment districts. There was a vivid night life which featured Big Band dances that led comedian Jackie Gleason to relocate his Saturday Night variety show from New York to Miami Beach. By the 1970s, many retirees moved into the hotels and became known as the “porch sitting generation.”

The buildings aged as the population aged. Once glamorous hotels became hovels of smelly incontinence. In 1980, the community became known for the Mariel boatlift and the McDuffie riots, which changed the character of Miami; it was no longer “Mollie Goldberg.” It was now Scarface. 

The visuals of this narrative are provided by the photography of Gary Monroe and Andy Sweet, who tragically become a symbol of the rise and fall of Miami Beach. Andy Sweet captured the glamour of The Last Resort culture, yet saw the seeds of corruption infiltrate his beloved community. On Oct. 6, 1982, Sweet was brutally murdered in an unsolved mystery.

While lacking tact in 1982, Gary Monroe and Florida historians eventually resurrected the photographs to create The Last Resort.  By waiting to tell this story, The Last Resort is a better cinematic experience and the story is more solid. This film works as a piece of nostalgia for an older generation, but an important social studies lesson for young people, who can witness how much a culture changes in a short period of time.

As the Oscar nominees quickly make their way to home video market, it has been announced that this year’s Oscar ceremony will have no host and now will present television commercials instead of the technical achievement awards like art direction and cinematography. Beyond a good story and interesting characters, it is the visual technical component that draws ticket buyers to the big cave known as Cinema. When a creative organization loses sight of its own technical details, how much longer will it be for the consumer to lose interest in a creative organization’s product?   

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Deerfield Beach

Jan. 29: A man reported that someone stole his Viper bass boat and trailer from in front of his residence at 107 SE 10 Ct.

Jan. 29: A man reported he was robbed by sudden snatching in the lobby of the LaQuinta Inn by a man who fled on a bicycle. The man was robbed of a gold necklace valued at $300 and a gold pendant valued at $400.

Jan. 29: It was reported that a parked vehicle at 401 S. Powerline Rd. was entered and a laptop and purse were stolen from inside the vehicle.

Jan. 29: A man was arrested and charged with two counts of retail theft after he walked out of Target at 120 S. Federal Hwy. with an Air Fryer XL valued at $99.99. He had stolen a similar item on Jan. 26. The man was issued a notice to appear.

Jan. 29: A woman reported that someone took $7,840 from her home over a period of time. The incident was reported at 3930 Crystal Lake Dr.

Jan. 29: A man and woman entered a Family Dollar store at 3930 Crystal Lake Dr. and stole three packages of diapers. They fled in a vehicle.

Lighthouse Point

Jan. 29: Police responded to a report of a tow truck on fire in the middle of a roadway at 3600 NE 21 Ave. The fire department also responded. 

Jan. 31: A resident found a German Shepherd at 4241 NE 23 Ave. and was turned over to police. The dog was known to get loose and was returned to its owner.

Feb. 2: Police responded to a report of a lost wallet at 3580 N. Federal Hwy. The wallet contained debit cards, credit cards, a driver’s license and $100 in cash. The victim said she placed the wallet in the restroom and left, returning a short time later to discover it was missing. The total loss was $195.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

RE: Center for Active Aging

Dear Editor,

I usually do not like to tout credentials but after listening to the Commission Meeting [on Feb. 5] about the Center for Active Aging, I have to speak up. I am in total agreement with the contractor that spoke up about the estimated $500 per sq. ft. to construct this building — it’s outrageous! Prior to moving to Florida, I worked for large architectural firms in two other states and I was on the team performing programming for large scale construction projects, both in government and the private sector. Two such projects that I will name were the 1) NORAD Space Command Headquarters and 2) the headquarters for Peabody Coal in Henderson, KY.

I can assure you that, if this city spends $500 per square foot, then somebody is making out like a bandit — unless this Center for Active Aging is the equivalent of a five star hotel! I am also very concerned about the programming parameters, because its present use is very low. In the meeting, the city admitted that the number of Pre-K kids using this facility is 17-19 children and that this number has never increased over the years. It was also stated that, at the most, on a Friday, it was attended by 15 senior citizens. That’s a total of 34 persons! And we are building a $12,000,000 facility for 34 people? That equates to $352,941 per person. This is absurd. I have never been involved in a project where there is a “if we build it, they will come” philosophy. This is not being prudent with our tax dollars.

But back to the costs per square foot issue … Please look over the national averages of construction costs for hotels and office buildings (see link at www.fixr.com/costs/build-hotel) and tell me straight up that YOU, the citizens of Deerfield Beach, can justify spending $500 per square foot on this Center. [It says the national average for hotel construction is $325 to $450 for square foot].

— Sarah Moran
Deerfield Beach

Florida Renaissance Festival

Through March 24

(Weekends Only + President’s Day)

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Featuring Renaissance-theme performances, artisans and activities, the festival includes theme weekends, including:

Time Travelers/Steampunk: Feb. 16 to Feb. 18

Vikings & Barbarians: Feb. 23 & Feb. 24

Swashbucklers & Sirens: March 9 & March 10

Kilts & Colleens: March 16 & March 17

Magic, Witches and Wizards: March 23 & March 24

Call 954-776-1642 for more information.

Coconut Creek Farmers Market

Sunday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Recreation Complex

4455 Sol Press Blvd.

Coconut Creek FL 33073

Buy locally-grown fruits and vegetables, fresh cut flowers, orchids, fresh herbs, assorted variety of plants, artisan breads & bakery products, prepared foods, cheeses, honey & honey products, jams & jellies, coffees & teas, fresh eggs, gourmet foods, organic produce, doggie treats, soaps, candles, and more. For more information or to become a vendor, call 561-299-8684

Blonde Poison opens

Friday, Feb.15 to March 10

Fridays & Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.

Sol Theatre

3333 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Based on the true story of Stella Kubler who, in present day London, reflects on her harrowing days as a young Jewish girl in Nazi Germany. The stunning play by Gail Louw is directed by Keith Garsson, and stars four-time Carbonell Award-winner Lourelene Snedeker. Decades after the war, Stella agrees to be interviewed by her childhood friend Peter Wyden, who had a schoolyard crush on her in his youth and is now a prominent journalist.This reunion may be her last chance for redemption. Can she ever be released from her past? The play is a compelling and artful exploration of the darkest corners of a human heart. $30-$35. Tickets are available at www.primalforces.com or call 866-811-4111.

Pioneer Days

Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, All Day

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Deerfield Beach celebrates its roots with this three day festival that features a carnival, arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, a parade and a grand fireworks show. Free to attend. Guests must pay to park. For more information, call 954-480-4429 or visit www.deerfield-beach.com/1179/Pioneer-Days.

Tag Sale

Saturday, Feb. 16, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grace Community Church

600 W. Camino Real

Boca Raton, FL 33486

Professional Education Organization (PEO) Tag Sale. For further information, contact Cissy Kross at cissyboca@gmail.com.

Pompano Green Market

Saturday, Feb. 16, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Corner of Dixie and Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Presented by the Pompano Beach Historical Society in partnership with the Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). They are committed to providing the community with the best and freshest fruits and vegetables, juices, baked goods, seafood and other food items, as well as orchids, plants, and health-related products and services. Visitors will also find handmade crafts, art and culinary products at the market. 
For more information, call 954-786-5535.

Save the Date:

Boca Concours de Elegance

Friday, Feb. 22 until Sunday Feb.24

Boca Raton Resort and Club

501 E. Camino Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

The star of Jay Leno’s Garage, and former host of The Tonight Show on NBC, will attend the DuPont Registry Live Hangar Party in Atlantic Aviation at the Boca Raton Airport on Friday, Feb. 22, headline the Grand Gala Dinner, Live Auction & Show on Saturday night, Feb. 23, take part Feb. 24 in an exclusive ($500 select- or $1,000 premier-seating per person) brunch and then walk the show field that day to greet fans and select “The Big Dog Garage Award’’ for his favorite automobile and motorcycle in the exhibition. Event parking located at 1515 N. Federal Hwy., in Boca Raton, and 1515 S. Federal Hwy., in Boca Raton. For tickets to events and information, including a full schedule of events, visit www.bocaCDE.com or call 954-537-1010.

District 2 Debate

Friday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m.

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church,

1060 SW 3 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Pelican is sponsoring a debate with the District 2 candidates, including incumbent commissioner Gloria Battle and candidates Ben Preston and Terry Scott.

Rockin’ at the Hop

Saturday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m. & Sunday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Curtain Call Playhouse is ready to rock! The theater company is proud to present this special concert event featuring the iconic music of the ‘50s and ‘60s. From the birth of Rock-n-Roll through the girl groups and Motown, this concert will have you dancing in the aisles to songs from your favorite performers, including Elvis, Ritchie Valens, Chuck Berry, Dion, Etta James, Leslie Gore, The Supremes and more! The cast includes Maurice Sheps, Susan Lloyd, Rob Romero, Bill Cerny and Jack Coffelt. Tickets are $24.50 + fees, $15 + fees for children and are available at www.ccpompano.org. For more information call 954-545-7800.

Sip & Stroll

Saturday, March 2, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Constitution Park Arboretum

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The City of Deerfield Beach Parks & Recreation Department, in conjunction with Deerfield Beach Kiwanis Club, will be hosting the annual Sip & Stroll at the Constitution Park Arboretum. Guests will enjoy a sampling of wine, beer, and cuisine from local restaurants while taking a stroll through the beautifully lit canopy of the arboretum while listening to live music. Tickets can be purchased at Constitution Park for $25. Please note: This is a 21 and over event with a limited amount of tickets. Additional event parking, with a free shuttle service, will be located at the east parking lot of the Target Plaza located at 3313 W. Hillsboro Blvd., from 5:45 p.m. through 9:30 p.m. For more information, please call the Constitution Park at 954-480-4494.

Have you ever heard of the term “tough love?” People will say, “I think that person needs some tough love.” There is a new saying that is true that I heard the other day, and I think it’s the opposite of that term “tough love” because “love is tough.”

Valentine’s Day is just a few days away, and it is easy to love on special occasions like this. However, there are still many days left out of the year where some days are easy to show love, and some days we have to work hard at showing love to others. How about showing someone love who does not love you back or even someone that may not treat you the way you believe you deserve to be treated. Love should be a big part of our lives. Love is something meant to be expressed, not something to be kept a secret. It seems like people even have a hard time saying “I love you” when we should say it all the time, and we should also show it all the time. It is tough sometimes, but it is not impossible. Why is it that we can say that we love our car, job, dog or even our favorite restaurant, but we cannot say it to each other. We have a hard time saying I love you to the ones that really mean the most to us.

We have to understand that we need God’s help to love others in the same way that He loves us. We always want to put conditions on love, but God does not do that to us. We speak with our actions and say I will love you if you do this for me, treat me this way or buy me this, etc. God does not work on the point system and neither should we. God tells us to love others, period. There are no conditions on that love. God does not say love someone if they do something for you or make you feel a certain way. God says love each other, and, if God tells us to love, then we must be able to do it.

Love is so many things, but it is not conditional. Let’s look at what love is.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.

5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

NLT

Love gives us the ability to be sensitive to the needs, hurts and desires of others and also to feel with them, and experience the world from their perspective. Love gives us the ability to give with no conditions or expectations. Love builds up and encourages; it is determining what is best for someone and doing it. Pray and ask God to help you love the way He loves and He will help you. Have a Happy Valentine’s Day. I LOVE YOU!

Pastor Tony Guadagnino is the pastor at Christian Love Fellowship church, located at 801 SE 10 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more information, visit www.clfministries.org.