As I write this, there’s a definite chill in the air. Here in North Carolina, we’re starting to get down to some freezing temperatures at night, and by the time some of you receive this issue of Compass Check, you may already have snow!

Growing up in Ohio, winter time always brought on a set of mixed emotions. On one hand, it was a sure sign that summertime activities like swimming and baseball were over. On the other, it brought on the prospect of sledding and snow days off school!

Aside from those things, there were other changes and challenges to consider, such as the inevitable awkwardness of friends asking, “What are you getting for Christmas?” or “Where are you going to celebrate New Year’s?”

I didn’t know it then, but as I learned how to tactfully and politely answer those questions, I was learning all about apologetics. No, that’s not the art of saying you’re sorry! Instead, it’s the practice of being able to give a well-reasoned answer for the things you do—or do not—believe in. In this issue, you’ll get a little more info on how to give a truly apologetic answer! In addition, we’ll look at some things like what we can be thankful for, how we can encourage and include others, being a light to the world, dealing with illness and how to handle fear.

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, I pray you stay warm and the articles in this issue help you deal with the challenges of life, as well as encourage you for the future!