Sledding

I've always loved it. Ever since I was a kid. Even though I have a real job, real responsibilities and am supposed to be mature. I still go sledding.

For the uninitiated, it's basically snow tubing... without the tube. Not as much balance required as snowboarding, not as many pieces as skiing. Just you sitting on a board with snow blowing in your face.

It's even better with friends. Which is usually the only time I do it. There's nothing like a bunch of 20 somethings hitting up a hill on a cold day and acting like they're 5.

It's a rush. Plus, this winter has made things perfect. Just remember to wear a hat... and boots. Things go south pretty quick otherwise.

Operation Christmas Child

I really love this ministry.

There are a lot of great causes out there to contribute too. More than I will ever likely be able to get around to. That being said, I can honestly say that OCC is the most fun to give to.

Going around from store to store, hunting deals on stuff you imagine someone else would like. Trying to get a theme together for the appropriate age. Figuring out if you would have liked this thing when you were 5. It's great!

It's also helping an important cause.

One thing we take for granted in North America is gift giving. Not excessive "look how much I got" just simple "hey, I got you something special." There are families all over the world that never have received anything. Ziltch. Hard to wrap my head around that one. Operation Christmas Child aims to fix that. Plus, they present the gospel at the same time! Bonus!

This year I'm challenging myself to pack a shoebox every month. Call it an early New Year's Resolution. That way when November 2014 hits next year, I'll have a nice big stack ready to go.

If you've never given to OCC before, maybe you want to take the challenge too. Or, just pack one come November. Either way, it's great to imagine the look(s) on the kids faces when they get their new -- insert gift here ---