What is it about this little word?  It is only three characters put together in the English language, yet it seems to hold much power over us.  For some, this word means we will achieve more than we ever thought possible.  At the same time, there are others who fear this word beyond belief.  Maybe it is not our understanding of this word we need to examine. 

It is very possible that we need to take another look at how we understand success and failure.  If we assume that success is the absence of failure, then we need to do nothing in order to succeed.  Well, that is setting the bar very low by anyone's standard.  So, does success mean we have reached perfection?  I sure hope not.  That would make success just unobtainable.  Of course, this would explain why some people choose not to try.  Let's go in the other direction for a moment.  Failure means that we haven't reached our desired goal.  Well, if we don't try, then we will never reach the goal.  That sounds the same as what we said about failure.

What does this all mean?  We can try and fail a few times, and maybe we will start to see a little success along the way.  We all have achieved various levels of success, and we have had our share of bumps, bruises, and embarrassment.  The question you should ask yourself is "Have I quit trying?"  This is where I'm going to remind you that in Christ all things are possible.  If you need to get back on that road to success, here are some simple steps to try.

• Say a prayer
• Talk to a friend
• Go to church

What is Relay for Life?  This is one of the many events sponsored each year to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.  It's that time again.  Members of Trinity Lutheran will participate in the annual walk held at Lincolnton High School.  This year's event will be held on Saturday May 2.  For details on how you can help, contact Tommy Hartsoe or other team members.  You can also visit the American Cancer Society at http://www.cancer.org/.

What an appropriate day to begin a quilt.  Today, February 14, Valentines Day we began the quilts for our high school graduates.  We are making a heart quilt and today just cut out fabric and constructed several hearts just to practice making them again.  Congratulations to Ethan Herman, Arthur Houser, Henry Hull, Allison Johnson, and Jesse Navey. 

Ash Wednesday is the Wednesday of the seventh week before Easter and the first day of Lent. The day is named for the practice of imposing ashes, a practice which many Lutheran congregation have found to be a very meaningful part of the Ash Wednesday liturgy.