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It was a really busy week at work. We have been preparing for our Toys for Tots Kickoff Luncheon and now it’s finally here.

This week, we had a situation that happened where people in my office were misquoted. Those quotes were passed along to the press and, of course, the situation became very controversial.

I just wanted to say how disappointed I was with the so-called Christians (or at least those that claim they are Christians but are truly not) on how they handled this situation. They are the ones that give Christians a bad rep, and you know exactly the ones I’m talking about. My view of a true Christian is one who is soft-spoken, is not easy to anger, keeps their emotions in check, does not swear, is forgiving, and shows a Christ-like, loving attitude to those around them. What I found out this week is that there are a lot of fake Christians out there; at least the ones that called the office this week. I cannot tell you the anger, the swearing, and the unforgiveness attitude that came across over the phone and through emails.

The Bible teaches us the fruit of the spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It’s hard for someone to believe that you are a Christian when your attitude does not reflect it.  The world is out there watching to catch you in your weak moment. Are you going to be caught off-guard or are you going to allow the love of Christ to shine in you. It was truly embarrasing to be associated with those people who act out of control and, at the same time, claim to be Christians.

The Marine Toys for Tots is an organization worthy of your support. During this Christmas season, we need to think about those that for whatever reasons are not going to be able to celebrate Christmas. The Marine Toys for Tots has made Christmas possible for thousands of people, but they cannot do it alone. It is through your contributions that they make it possible. This Christmas, I urge you to think of someone else and do a kind thing for them–support the Marine Toys for Tots.

On this Veterans Day, my thoughts go to those that are serving in our military. I think of my two nephew’s that are both in the Air Force. My sister-in-law’s son Denny who is serving in Japan, and my brother’s son Travis who is at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs Colorado.

Of course I am concerned about the war in the middle east, but i am more concerned by the actions of those that are now in power in congress who, mistakenly, think that if we get out we will be ok. They forgot what happened in the late 70’s when president Carter thought that Khomeini was a religious man and would be better than the Shah of Iran. From that decision sprang the hostages in Iran and all of the turmoil that we see in the middle east now.

I read an article from Justin Haag who is the managing editor at The Spectrum at the University at Buffalo. It defines why we are there, to help the people of Iraq and Afganistan out of the clutches of people that hate freedom and to give them a chance for a better future.

To those family and friends that are currently in the military and served in the military, I thank you. There are those that will hate you and protest what you have done, but rest assured that they would be the first to run to you for protection when, not if, we are attacked. Your service to our country is valued by myself and my family.

We celebrated the Marine Corp birthday at the office. This was a first for me. The General had a birthday cake. It is typical for marines to cut the cake with their sword. I also found out that if the marine is disliked, they place the sword back in its holder without cleaning it–a bad clean up mess. Also, after the cake is cut, the oldest and youngest marine get to sample the cake before distributing to all the guest. We saw a DVD of the Marine Corp history and a message from the Base Commandant.

The Marine Corp Museum also opened today. President Bush gave a grand opening speech. The amount of security on base and on the roads was unbelievable. They shut down the HOV lanes to allow buses to transport people. I guess everything went well. Can’t wait to go visit.

Happy Birthday Marine Corp!