I hope this note finds you well and staying warm. When I moved to North Carolina, I gave away a lot of the winter clothes I had in Ohio. Five years later, as I begin to pack for my first ever Winter Camp, I am beginning to regret that decision! Nonetheless, I am very much looking forward to camp in a few weeks, and hope to see many of you there.

As a rule, I don’t like to dwell on the negative too much. I’m just not that type of person, and I like to keep my focus on the positive things in life. For example, while winter might not be my favorite time of year, it brings on some great things. Winter Camp, as mentioned, Winter Family Weekend, hot chocolate, fireplaces and football (if you’re into that sort of thing like I am). My point is, no matter what or where you find yourself in life, you can find positive aspects if you look hard enough.

This issue of Compass Check focuses on some of those positive aspects. In a society that has drifted from God, how do we maintain a faithful course? As a teen, what are some ways you can preach the gospel (hint: it doesn’t involve giving a speech)? If your life has taken a negative turn, or is going a direction you’re not happy with, you possess the ability to change course.

As you settle in with this issue of Compass Check, grab a cup of hot chocolate (or tea or whatever), curl up by the fireplace (if you have one) and think about the good things in life. Have a happy, safe and warm winter!

Dan Preston 
Editor of Compass Check magazine