Deerfield Beach

• Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Thursday, March 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Pre-event starts at 6:30 p.m. Ages 7 – 12 at 8 p.m. Ages 13 – 17 at 8:15 p.m. Ages 18 & up at 8:30 p.m. Wristband required. Deerfield Residents: Free; non-residents: $2.

• Easter Egg-Stravaganza

Friday, March 30, 6 to 8 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Easter Egg Run & Parade

Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m.

Deerfield Beach Athletic Complex

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, call 954-480-4494.

Lighthouse Point

• Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 1, 1 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park

3500 NE 27 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For ages 10 and under.

Tipperary Pub St. Patty’s Day

Sunday, March 11, through Saturday, March 17

Tipperary Pub

1540 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join Tipperary Pub to celebrate St. Patty’s Day while feasting down on some traditional Irish grub. For more information, look on the bottom of this page for their ad or call 954-326-0800.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival

Friday, March 16, 5 to 10 p.m.

Old School Square Park

51 N. Swinton Ave.

Delray Beach, FL 33444

St. Patrick’s Day Fest

Saturday, March 17

Olympia Flame Diner

80 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Enjoy corned beef & cabbage dinner and more. (See ad pg. 10). Info: 954-480-8402

St. Pat’s on Intracoastal

Saturday, March 17

2 Georges at The Cove

1754 SE 3 Court

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Intracoastal! All day specials: Corned Beef & Cabbage and drink specials: Guiness $5, Jameson Shots $5, Green Tea Shots $4, Nuttly Irishman $5. Located on Hillsboro Blvd. & Intracoastal Waterways. For more information, call 954-421-9272.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 17, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Atlantic Avenue

Delray Beach, FL 33483

Fun Run will start at 11 a.m. Parade kicks off at noon.

St. Patrick’s Day Block Party

Saturday, March 17, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The Dubliner

435 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Traditional Irish Buffet. Live Music by U2 Tribute Band Someday Radio. Palm Beach Pipes & Drums Marching Troop, Adam David Duo – 11 a.m. Walk Rooney – Noon, Irish Cloggers & Bagpipers – 2 p.m. Spider Cherry – 3 p.m. For more information, call 561-620-2540.

Pompano Pier Food Truck Round Up

Friday, March 16, 6 to 10 p.m.

Pompano Beach Fishing Pier

222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Join the city for an evening of Food Trucks, music and fun! Bring blankets and folding chairs since seating is limited! Full bar. For more information, call 954-786-7824.

Family Fun Day

Sunday, March 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sullivan Park Splash Pad

1633 Riverview Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Enjoy food, fun and friends! Kids can enjoy splashing on the splash pad, getting their faces painted, doing crafts and playing games. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach, who is dedicating the day to former publisher for The Observer David Eller for his service to our community and the commitment he made to their club. Mr. Eller passed away on Nov. 18, 2017. For more information, call 954-980-1833.

Pizza Fundraiser

Thursday, March 22, noon

Five Star Horizon Club in the Breezeway

1208 S. Military Trail

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Fratelli’s Pizza, drinks and ice cream! For Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund. All you can eat. Must pay cash. All proceeds go to provide relief and financial support to the victims and families of this tragedy. To make reservations, call Lynne at 954-481-2304.

LHP Library Semi-Annual Book Sale

Thursday, March 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, March 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 24 , 9 a.m. to noon & 1 to 4 p.m.

Dixon Ahl Hall

2220 NE 38 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Gently used books, DVDs, music CDs, records and audiobooks available for purchase. Prices range from 50 cents for paperback to $2 for hardcover. Coffee table and collector books are specially priced. DVDs and CDs are $1 to $9. On Saturday, March 24, they will be closed from noon to 1 p.m. to prepare for the Bag Sale, where from 1 to 4 p.m., $1 will get you as many books as you can fit in a plastic bag (they provide). No book donations are currently being accepted. All proceeds benefit the library.

Brigadoon

Thursday, March 8 through Sunday, April 8

The Wick Theatre

7901 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33487

The Wick Theatre is delighted to present the captivating Lerner and Lowe classic, Brigadoon. The romantic fantasy about a town that appears once every hundred years debuted on Broadway in 1947 and was immortalized on film in 1954 by Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse. With big production numbers and a score that has become part of the American songbook, Brigadoon offers an enchanting escape. Opening Night is March 10, 7:30 p.m. with Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $80-$85, www.thewick.org or call 561-995-2333.

AAUW Pompano Beach Dollars for Scholars

Luncheon & Author Presentation

Saturday, March 10, 11:30 a.m.

Lighthouse Point Yacht and Racquet Club

2701 NE 42 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Award-winning mystery author Elaine Viets to speak. All money raised goes to scholarships for local women. $45, includes salad, entrée, dessert, rolls/beverage. For more information, call Judy Kalir at 954-481-2294 or Margarite Falconer at 954-524-2938.

Zonta’s Cabaret Brunch

Sunday, March 11, 11 a.m.

Boca West Country Club

20583 Boca W. Dr.

Boca Raton, FL 33434

Enjoy brunch, entertainment, raffles, auction and a chance to win a basket of select wines. This year’s Amazing Women to be honored are Anne Marie Dunn, founder of J.R. Dunn Jewelers, and Rachel Wheeler, a student at North Broward Preparatory School, president of Students for the Poor, treasurer-secretary of the Ronald McDonald House Charity Club and a member of the National Art House Society. In keeping with Zonta’s Mission to advance the status of women locally and worldwide through service and advocacy, this year’s recipients of the funds raised will be Zonta’s Scholarship Programs for non-traditional students at Broward College and for other service projects. $80 per person (Children 12 and under, $35). For further information, call 561-392-2223 or e-mail bosanboc@bellsouth.net. Visit their Facebook page at Zonta Club of Greater Deerfield Beach or www.Zontadeerfieldbeach.org.

Winter Concert Series: The Magic of Tony Bennett

Wednesday, March 14, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Community Center

800 SW 36 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Starring Steve Leeds in his “Rags To Riches” tribute w/ musical Director Gary Lawrence & a special guest. Steve Leeds started as a child performer that included the popular NBC variety show “Star Time.” For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Paws for a Cause

Sunday, March 11, 3 to 8 p.m.

Baja Café

1310 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

This is a special event to benefit Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of persons with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs. Live music, raffle prizes, and more. Provided by GFWC Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach.

Save the Date: Tell Me A Story Concert

Saturday, March 17, 4 p.m.

Community Presbyterian

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Suggested $10 donation at the door. Reception to follow the performance. For more information, call 954-427-0222

Lenten Fish Frys

•Friday, March 9, 5 to 8 p.m.

St. Ambrose Catholic Church Parish Hall

380 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Enjoy beer- battered Cod, Syracuse Salt Potatoes and homemade coleslaw for only $10 ($5 for kids). Eat in or take-out. Tickets available at the door.

• Friday, March 9, 5 to 7 p.m.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church

5201 Military Tr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

Will also be held on March 16 and 23. Tickets are for adults are $9 and children, $5. Take-out available. For more information, call 954-421-3246.

• Saturday, March 10, 6 p.m.

St. Peter’s Anglican Church

1416 SE 2 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Fried Fish, Hot Dogs, Potato Pancake, Cole Slaw and all the fixins. Eat-in or take-out. Adults are $10 and children, $5. For information, call 954-695-0336.

As a parent desiring to train up your children with a biblical world view, be encouraged by the responses given by young people from varying ages, schools, socioeconomic status and nationality in the following areas:

NFL protest

Colin Kaepernick told NFL Media that he started the national anthem protest by taking a knee because he was “not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” While Kaepernick may have desired to raise awareness of a serious social issue, the students like Lucas, 12, a Deerfield Beach Middle School student, had this to say, “I feel like you should be able to express your first amendment rights, but not in such a way that’s disrespectful to the citizens and the country.” Katie, 16, a Deerfield Beach High School student added, “There’s people out there literally dying because they love this country.” Overall, among this group of students, the protest failed to convey its message.

Gender dysphoria

Gender dysphoria, as defined by Andrew Walker in God and the Transgender Debate: What does the Bible Actually Say About Gender Identity, is when “someone experiences distress, inner anguish, or discomfort from sensing a conflict between their gender identity and their biological sex.” While the students expressed compassion for those experiencing such distress, when it comes to children “it should not be encouraged,” says Anna, 16, Highlands Christian Academy student, “they’re not old enough to make that decision.” Julia, 18, also a Highlands Christian Academy student, agrees, citing the example of a young boy wanting to be a girl because he was envious of his parents’ affection toward his baby sister, mistaking their attention being related to gender.

Same-sex marriage

Author Andrew Walker also notes about a post-Christian nation, “With declining [Christian] influence, greater opportunity emerges for different value or ethical systems to displace Christian morality as the widely accepted norm.” As such, Wilson says acceptance is growing for gay and lesbian relationships. However, even though both gay and straight individuals possess the “same inherent dignity,” these teens, again, while open to compassion and embracing the person, affirm the Biblical view: God’s design and purpose for marriage (is between one man and one woman).

Abortion

With the advancements in biology, which have shaped science curricula, students like Julia, were able to clearly articulate the stages of birth and intelligently argue against the choice for abortion. While the group predominately favored the pro-life stance, due to the complexity of the issue, some students did wrestle with how to respond should a young girl become pregnant due to circumstances beyond her control. Based on responses, greater awareness and how to respond is needed.

#metoo movement

Students were not aware of this movement.

Illegal immigration

When it comes to the topic of illegal immigration, the students concluded the following: 1) Quicker, and simplified, path to citizenship is needed for those seeking a better life and are here working. 2) Illegal immigrants who choose to consume from entitlement programs without any contribution should face deportation. 3) The United States should use federal dollars in support of citizens in need within the border. 4) There is need for an intentional conversation leading to viable immigration reform over simply saying, “build the wall.”

Gun control

The night I conducted this interview was the eve of the Douglas Stoneman shooting. Many present shared their personal connection to the school, from having friends there to having graduated from the school.

When I asked the question about gun control, one student said, “Guns don’t kill people; people kill people,” followed by applause from the group. Yet this impassioned response, which included voicing support for carrying a firearm for protection, included being in favor for smart gun regulations — such as exploring new methods to prevent weapons from being smuggled into the country.

They also expressed their concern for a more effective method to address mental health issues.

In summation: students engaged in a growing relationship with Christ tend to predominately reject relativism, and when faced with situations that challenge universalism, avoid generic talking points and search for real solutions.

C.J. Wetzler is the NextGen pastor at The Church at Deerfield Beach. Before transitioning into full-time ministry, CJ was a commercial airline captain and high school leadership and science teacher. He loves to mentor the next generation of leaders and considers himself a fast food connoisseur. For questions or comments, connect with him on social media: @thecjwetzler.

[Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect views of The Observer].

Hillsboro Lighthouse Full Moon Diamond Gala

Friday, March 2, 5:30 to 11:59 p.m.

Pompano Beach Parking garage

270 N. A1A

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Dress in your best black & white in honor of 111 years of stoic light. Leave your heels at home so you can safely climb to the top for a rare opportunity to visit the lens room and see the brightest and only working second-order bivalve Fresnel lens in the world! Park at the new Pompano Beach parking garage and the historical Sun Trolley will pick you up and chauffeur you to the Hillsboro Lighthouse for the perfect evening. For more information, email media@hillsborolighthouse.org or call 786-251-0811.

Waterway Clean Up — LHP

Saturday, March 3, 9 to 11 a.m.

Great way to keep city clean and earn community service hours. Can get bags and gloves as needed at Dan Witt Park, 4521 NE 22 Ave., Lighthouse Point. Debris drop-off will be at Fletcher Park, 3035 NE 31 Ave., from 1 to 3 p.m.

Century Village East Art Expo

Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, March 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Century Village at The Club House

2400 Century Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Annual CVE art exhibition of over 400 works of art by talented painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelry makers and stained glass artists. Raffle of many beautiful prizes to support scholarship program for budding artists at Deerfield High School.

Retro Night

Saturday, March 3, 5 to 9 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Community Center

800 SW 36 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

FREE live music and entertainment from the featured band “Happy Daze” followed by the outdoor flick “Grease.” View the 30 antique cars and hot rods, have your photo taken with a Grease impersonator and sock hop on the dance floor! Yummy eats and treats will be available from local food trucks! Dress up in your best 1950s fashion, including poodle skirts, pink ladies jackets and rolled cuffs. For more information, call 954-786-4590.

Save the Date: AAUW Pompano Beach Dollars for Scholars Luncheon & Author Presentation

Saturday, March 10, 11:30 a.m.

Lighthouse Point Yacht and Racquet Club

2701 NE 42 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Award-winning mystery author Elaine Viets will be the speaker. All money raised goes to scholarships for local women. The cost is $45, which includes salad, entrée, desert, rolls/beverage. For more information, call Judy Kalir at 954-481-2294 or Margarite Falconer at 954-524-2938.

Fundraiser Jewelry Party

Sunday, March 11, 11:45 a.m.

St. Stephen Lutheran Church

2500 NE 14 St. Cswy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Will be held in the fellowship hall. Religious and other style jewelry, 50/50 games & jewelry giveaway. Discover waxing poetic / personally poetic and grace & heart jewelry. Lunch provided. Please call to put your name on the list and orders can be placed prior to event. Hosted by Natalie Prego and Rosie Fennelli. $10 donation. For more information, call 954-942-4473 or 954-784-0414.

By Rachel Galvin

On Feb. 14, 17 lives were lost in the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland. There are no words to really capture the heartbreak felt by the families and friends. Yet, our television sets are being bombarded by the graphic images captured that day, by the outpouring of grief and anger, and calls for action. We have heard the timeline of events. We have seen the disturbing social media messages from the shooter. We have seen the heroes who have died to save others. We know all this. But the question is what is being done today to stop this from happening again. Yes, there is talk of new gun regulation, talk about mental health. There are so many lessons to be learned, missed opportunities.

The incident led schools to scramble to take a look at their own security procedures.

Principal Baugh, from Deerfield Middle School, said, “We have drills a couple times a year – Code Black for a bomb threat, Code Red for a shooter or an unknown on campus. After [what happened in Parkland], we had an emergency facility meeting and reviewed procedures. We reiterated with students on the intercom… ‘Please do not open doors, make sure they are locked.’ We have students hide in the classroom during a lockdown with lights off. We had a meeting with the school resource officer Deputy Jimetta Williams that day and asked ‘What are the lessons learned?’ She felt very confident that our procedures are good.”

She added that grief counselors were made available for students and teachers and that many utilized them. They consisted of school counselors and social workers, who were set up in the media center.

Gordon Vatch experienced a lockdown at Deerfield Park Elementary recently when giving out dictionaries to 3^rd graders on behalf of the Kiwanis Club.

“Principal Reid said, ‘It’s a Code Red’ and took us into the cafeteria and we were in lockdown. We had many 15 to 20 of us in a closet. We were given the ok after 20 minutes. Someone had perpetrated the area. The way they did it was very professional and very quick. The kids listened and obeyed instruction,” he said.

This tragedy led the city to cancel their annual Pioneer Days activities, a controversial move, but one that Vatch said he agrees with.

“I am glad they canceled,” he said. “They could have been our kids.”

Some shared his sentiments; many others shared their disappointment about the cancelation of events. But everyone felt this tragedy strongly and many have reached out to lend a helping hand.

Joan Gould said she waited three hours to give blood, something the city encouraged people to do.

“I was there at 11:15 in the morning and people were already waiting. Deerfield Beach called for action. I was so proud to see one [Blood Mobile] bus after another. We all felt so helpless. What can you do? I gave blood so I could feel like I was doing something. “

Buddy Sparrow, who is known for spearheading the branding of Deerfield Beach Island (DBI), decided to lead a silent march where the parade would have been, from Pioneer Park to the beach. A few followed his lead.

“We would just like the victims, families and all of Parkland to know we stand with them and that Deerfield Beach cares. They bleed — we bleed… One human family. We know it cannot assuage the incredible anguish of these families but it felt wrong to do nothing,” he said.

Deerfield Beach Elementary School (DBES) art teacher Suzanne Devine Clark created the idea of “Stones for Stoneman” and, as of press time, was rallying volunteers to paint rocks with hearts and such to be placed in their memorial garden at DBES.

Gabriele Schlicht, owner of CrossFit Deerfield Beach, offered CrossFit classes to anybody they could reach using the money to fundraise to help the Parkland community.

“This was a very quick decision made on Thursday the day after the shooting and completed yesterday. We offered CrossFit classes to anybody we could reach in such a short time. We opened the doors at 5:30a.m. and offered 14 classes (hourly) to raise money. The news spread fast and we raised around $1500. (It is still coming in).

“The most amazing thing is that other fitness facilities are copying our workout and using it as a way to fundraise for Parkland. This is so very heartwarming how we all come together for the same reasons,” she said.

Coastal Community Church asked member Ed Taber, of Pompano Beach, to make the crosses that were set up in the makeshift memorial for victims of the shooting in Parkland in time for the vigil that was held on Feb. 15. The church is open for anyone who needs a prayer or to help in any way they can. (www.coastalcommunity.tv).

These are just a few of the members of the community that felt the need to do something in wake of this incident, but there are surely so many more. Perhaps, the thing most needed following this tragedy is just more kindness. Nerves are raw, hearts are heavy; a kind word or hug can make all the difference. The Observer offers its condolences to all those affected.

52 Deerfield Moments

Thursday, Feb. 15, 5 to 9 p.m.

Old School House (Next to City Hall)

323 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The final 26 moments (out of 52) have been completed — pictures of moments in the history of the city set up on canvases with info. Light refreshments served. Donations encouraged. For information, call 954-429-0378.

DBICA meeting

Thursday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church / Educational Center

1920 SE 5 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Speakers: David Miller, CPRP, director, Parks & Recreation Dept.; Jessica Shuler, of the Center for Active Aging. Deerfield Beach Island Community Association (DBICA) represents property owners east of the Intercoastal Waterway and from SE 10 Street north to the Boca Raton city line. They meet the third Thursday of the month. For more information, visit www.dbica.com.

Fish Fry

Friday, Feb. 16, 5 to 8 p.m.

St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Parish Hall

380 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Enjoy beer- battered Cod, Syracuse Salt Potatoes and homemade coleslaw for only $10 ($5 for kids). Eat in or take-out. Tickets available at the door. Also March 9, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Pompano Pier Food Truck Round Up

Friday, Feb. 16, 6 to 10 p.m.

Pompano Beach Fishing Pier

222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Bring your blanket and/or folding chair and buy some great food. Entertainment, full bar. For more information, call 954-786-7824.

Tiger Trail Festival

Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

E. Pat Larkins Center

520 MLK Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Live music, entertainment, cultural foods, art displays, kids zone, vendors. Fun for everyone! For more information, call 954-786-4585.

Lenten services

• Saint Peter’s Anglican Church

1416 SE 2 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Sundays – Holy Communion at 10 a.m. , Fridays – Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m., Sat. Feb. 17 – One-Day Retreat – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 954-695-0336

• Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

(free, open to community, all services by Rev. Dr. James W. Legge)

• Worship & Lunch: Wednesday, Feb. 21 to Wednesday, March 21, noon to 1 p.m., includes guest speakers

• Seasonal Concert: Saturday, March 17, 3 p.m., with guest musicians, held in the Sanctuary

• Palm Sunday: March 25, 10 a.m., in the Sanctuary, Palm Procession and music by the Chancel Choir featured

• Maundy Thursday Communion: Thursday, March 29, 7 p.m.

• Good Friday “Vigil:” Friday, March 30, 12 to 1 p.m.

[Easter: Sunday, April 1, 10 a.m., in Sanctuary]

Fellowship and Hospitality are always part of worship. Parking available and complimentary. For more information, visit www.communitypreschurch.org or call 954-427-0222.

Valentines Concert

Saturday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

Royal Fiesta Event Center at The Cove

1680 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Dinner concert with internationally acclaimed singer Gene Townsél, to benefit the establishing of a Performing Arts Center for talented but disadvantaged youth in Deerfield Beach. On the bill with Gene will be Evangelist Delbert Mohorn. For more information, call 561-436-0868.

Plants & People Day

Sunday, Feb 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Vendors sharing information on a variety of products related to plants and wildlife. Crafts and food for sale. Noted speakers throughout the day. Free raffles, music and $5 tour of the Sample McDougald House.

Valentine’s Day Big Band Dance

Wednesday, Feb. 14, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

A variety of music from the ‘20s, Swing era and more. For more information, call 954-786-4111. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com.

52 Deerfield Moments

Thursday, Feb. 15, 5 to 9 p.m.

Old School House (Next to City Hall)

323 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

2×3 canvases of the final 26 moments on display. 52 Deerfield Moments is an ongoing educational project of The Deerfield Beach Historical Society. It captures 52 moments in the history of our city. Free event. Light refreshments served. Donations encouraged. For information, call the Historical Society at 954-429-0378.

When I was a 20-something, I knew there were two things that must not be named: Voldemort and the phrase “I quit” — because conventional wisdom commanded we follow the perseverance of Navy SEALs, who during training never “ring the bell” — never quit — because in the words of one commencement speaker, if “you want to change the world, don’t ever, ever ring the bell.”

What if that’s the worst advice. What if the only way to live a life worthy of your God-given calling is to quit? If you’re experiencing frustration, burnout and hopelessness, may I suggest ringing the bell in these seven ways?

1. Quit worrying about what people think of you. Lecrae, a Christian rapper, recently tweeted, “If you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die from their rejection.” You can’t make everyone happy, so quit trying to please everyone and live a life worthy of your calling.

2. Quit investing in bad habits. I hate jogging, but I do it regularly — mostly so I can continue to eat all the Chipotle I want. I know that if I come home after a busy day and hit the couch, the only marathon I’m participating in is binge-watching The Office on Netflix. However, the advice Rory Vaden, author of Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success, which is posted on my front door, reminds me daily that success requires doing the necessary things even if I don’t feel like doing them. It’s not a quick fix, but a lifestyle change.

3. Quit taking yourself so seriously. A general aviation magazine wisely noted that professionalism has less to do with a paycheck and more to do with your attitude. Flying passengers was definitely a serious job, but that didn’t stop me from having fun — I once threw a party for my passengers while sitting on a taxiway awaiting departure clearance to LaGuardia.

4. Quit asking the easy questions. Adam Grant, in his recently released book Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World, shares how corporate cultures that welcome individuals with dissenting opinions are more creative and make the greatest impact on society. Quit asking the easy questions like “What makes me happy?” and start asking “How do I quit being a comfortable consumer and become a risk-taking producer?”

5. Quit being so easily offended. David McCullough Jr., in his 2012 commencement speech to Wellesley High School, tells graduates that contrary to what little league trophies, exceptional middle school report cards, or even doting family members suggest, “You are not special … even if you’re one in a million, on a planet of 6.8 billion, there are nearly 7000 people just like you.” Same is true for you and me: We aren’t any more special than the next, and that’s okay.

6. Quit taking pride in being busy. Senior pastor of Life.Church, Craig Groeschel, writes in his book Chazown: Discover and Pursue God’s Purpose for Your Life, “Everyone ends up somewhere, but few people end up somewhere on purpose.” Why? Because it’s easier to say, “I’m busy” — which sounds like we’re important, than it is to discipline yourself and live your values and priorities consistently. Schedule time this week to reflect on what matters most to you. Remember Andy Stanley’s advice that a “yes” is a “no” to something, which conversely is true.

7. Quit living your dream. Mark Batterson, author of Chase the Lion: If Your Dream Doesn’t Scare You, It’s Too Small, talks about how our dreams are tied into the dreams of those before us, up-line, and the dreams of those that come after us, down-line. His point: to honor both those before and after us we must quit our wimpy personal dreams and act upon the desires God has placed deep within our hearts — dreams that require divine intervention to be accomplished.

From this day forward, quit the status quo — the safe and predictable life — while chasing the purpose God has for your life (which is anything but safe and predictable). Begin to pray and seek wise counsel so that you’ll be able to quit the “right” wrong pursuits and behaviors limiting your God-given capacity as a person and leader. Then ring the bell.

C.J. Wetzler is the NextGen pastor at The Church at Deerfield Beach. Before being able to accept his God-given calling, C.J. had to completely trust God and quit being a commercial airline pilot. He loves to mentor the next generation of leaders and considers himself a fast food connoisseur. For questions or comments he can be reached at cj@dfb.church.