Me, myself & I escaped for a weekend

. . . . to a Women's Retreat last month, at Canby Grove.It was a wonderful time with fellow believers.

The Guest Speaker was my room-mates mother, Gloria Califf.

Speaking of room-mates . . . . what a hysterical, bubbily funtime

it was laughing so late into the night with her.

The rooms were tiny but perfect for the purpose of sleeping,

or in our case TALKING & LAUGHING! :-)

It seemed just as we both would be close to dozing off

a loud train would rumble thru the nearby town of Canby,

or fellow campers (H.S. football teams) would hollar something

outside our open window like "John! John! John!" (maybe 6 or so times?)

Ok so back to the incredible message . . . . much of it was based on a terrific

self-published book by Gloria Califf titled "Winning The Race Of Life".

She had thoughtfully prepared a wonderful message for us women.

Gloria, a triathlete, reveals insights for a successful spiritual race, and

we spent a lot of time chewing on this particular scripture:

Hebrews 12:1-2

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,

and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,

and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

The book is an incredibly easy read and a powerful message.

You can buy your own copy for only $10 + $2 shipping.

Go to her website at: http://www.gloriacaliff.com/