Monday, December 6, 2010

The Miracle Chase Giveaway!

(Photo by artist Katherine Du Tiel)
I like to think that even though I create beautiful interiors for my family and clients, my inspiration is deep rooted and not just led by a color palette, a fabric sample or which way the sun comes into a room. Just like a beautiful woman with no soul, a beautiful room with out personal warmth can be very cold and uninviting. Where we draw this personal warmth and inspiration is so important. I am blessed to find it in many different places.

(google images)
So each month or so I hope to bring you an inspiring person, project or experience that has touched me and helped me become a more beautiful mother, wife, friend and designer. Because these moments of personal inspiration are a great part of what helps create a larger more beautiful world around me (and hopefully you, too).

Meet Joan, Meb, and Katie, the authors of the book The Miracle Chase. I have known Joan personally for several years. When I first met her, at one of my husband's business work dinners, she mentioned she was writing a book about miracles. I was very intrigued and we spoke briefly about it. We dropped the subject when the conversation at our larger table turned more "business - like". What Joan failed to tell me then, and several years after, was that she and her friends had all been the recipients of several personal miracles.
(Authors in 1999)
Those miracles led them on a 10 year personal exploration to uncover "What Really is a Miracle?" Because just like you and I; Joan, Meb and Katie really had trouble believing that their Modern Day Miracles weren't just really weird coincidences. In fact, in some cases it would have been better to believe they were coincidences rather than Miracles, because then they had to question the roots of their Faith.
(Photo by Artist Katherine Du Tiel)
Miracles can be really messy stuff. When you need a miracle you're probably not in a very happy place, you are in turmoil and in great need. And after you have received a Miracle, revisiting the traumatic event and trying to make sense of everything can be very painful and difficult. Most of us prefer to forge ahead into the light rather than look back on dark events. To recognize the Miracle you have to recognize the pain and that's why I think we hear so little about a Miracles these days.

I do not want to give away too much of the book, but it highlights each of these women's journeys, their personal Miracles, their incredible friendship and the history behind Miracles in every religion. What is so touching and personally endearing to me is that these women could be your friends, the women sitting next to you at PTO, or your neighbors.

The book has become a wonderful gift to me. After I read it I started sharing the stories of these three women with my close friends. And that is when I received a wonderful, unexpected gift. My friends revealed to me their own personal Miracle stories. I have had many moments of wonderful, deep, meaningful conversations with women I have known for years, yet never knew their secret stories. What a wonderful surprise to develop deeper friendships with them through these conversations. Who thought a little book would provide such a tremendous gift to me?!

Joan, Meb, Katie and I wanted to give the readers of Willow Decor this Gift as well. If you are the recipient of The Miracle Chase Giveaway, we will send you five The Miracle Chase Books and a $25 Starbucks Gift Card. This will allow you to share the book with your five closest friends, enjoy some time together and hopefully spark some wonderful conversations and bring you closer as friends.


The authors are always trying to help others, so please know that a large portion of the book sales profits go right back into the Miracleworks Foundation. A charitable organization set up by the authors to give back to women and children in need. You can check it all out on their new website by clicking on the photo above or HERE.


To enter The Miracle Chase Giveway leave a comment below. To purchase the book click HERE. They also have put together an online forum for people to write in and share their Miracle stories. To learn more about the Miracle Club Online click HERE.

'
I hope you are as inspired as I am - Happy reading, my friends - may you take the time to find out some extraordinary things about each other!! xox - Gina

(as always Willow Decor receives no compensation for recommending this book)

72 comments:

  1. What a wonderful "giveaway gift"! I've always been one to think that miracles happen to and for other people, not so much for myself. I love the title of this book! Sounds like a delightful read...and would be a wonderful time to enjoy an afternoon or evening with friends reading and discussing this book.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Really lovely idea to highlight what sounds like a fabulous book.
    I love any positive reading.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a lovely book just in time for Christmas. Thank you for the giveaway - we need more miracles in our lives (and to acknowledge the ones that have already taken place).

    Chryselle @ Frangipani Decor

    ReplyDelete
  4. "Happy Holidays!" I am in a bit of turmoil in my personal journey at this point in my life...
    Confusion and anxiety/depression have set in and I am slowly trying to work my way out.
    This book sounds delightful and very interesting.
    Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a beautiful giveaway! I would love to win so I too can share the books!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Deb@loveyournest.comDecember 5, 2010 at 7:52 AM

    Miracles are like love -- they find us when we're not looking but just when we need them most. Thank you for sharing the book!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gina, this is such a wonderful giveaway for this time of year, thankyou!!! It would be amazing to win this giveaway. I am a very lucky lady to have several very close friends that I get to share deep and meaningful journeys we call LIFE!!! Merry Christmas, Gina
    KATTHYSUE

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a great giveaway gift just in time for the holidays. Sounds like a great read and would love to share this with my friends.

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a wonderful giveaway! Not too long ago, I took a Parish Nursing course, and heard personal miracle stories from some of the other students. I'd love to read, and share, this book and read about more miracles! - Anna annakcc@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you! What a wonderful gift idea for the women I love! Of course this would be fun to win. Thanks so much for the opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a wonderful giveaway. I would love to win this and share with the women in my life.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is an extraordinary and beautiful give away!
    I would love to read and share this book.
    Thank you for a chance!
    :0

    ReplyDelete
  13. Everyone can use a miracle but we all receive them just sometimes not really paying attention when they arrive. What a lovely giveaway and I would love to read.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I had goosebumps reading this story, along with the warm fuzzy thoughts of your friends opening up to you . What a treat to offer a fabulous giveaway such as this. Sounds like the perfect thing to share with friends. Happy Holidays. xo

    ReplyDelete
  15. I LOVE that you posted this - you will have to see what I posted about today (titled: the miracles you don't see) How weird is that???http://sherricassaradesigns.blogspot.com/2010/12/miracles-we-do-not-notice.html Thank you for sharing this! I will look forward to their book! I believe in miracles and I have experienced MANY; large and small. And I have found (like you) that when we step beneath the "business" and normal conversations and share those stories with others that we reach a new level with people and hear their stories as well. And that is what drives me in this business... not the perfect house, but being able to touch (and be touched by) the people who live in those houses.

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a beautiful book...perfect to read at this time of year! Happy holidays to you! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello, I have had many miracles, little ones and big ones.Some people would call them luck or coincidence but nearly when everything is stacked against you and suddenly everything does your way though a series of odd conincidences; that is a miracle.
    When you life is saved because the two trailer truck that hit your sedan three times in three different places, as it jack knifes ... hits it in just the right places , so you dont have a mark ... that is a miracle.
    When people , places, events and opportunities appear in you life siuddenly to whisk you away into a new life , that is a miracle. I love miracles
    thank you so much,

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sounds like a book I can use right now. Thank you so much for doing this post. I'm headed over to purchase a copy right now. No need to put my name in for the drawing -- hopefully it'll go to someone else who needs it at this time. Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I believe in little miracles every single day. I also believe in big ones. Thanks for sharing the story of these women & for the gifts to one blessed person.

    ReplyDelete
  20. What pefect timing this is. I just finished taking an Anatomy and Physiology class for my job. My last test was yesterday and I decided I would like to find an inspirational book to read now that I have some spare time. The past year has been a crazy one for me and my 16 year old son and I feel like I could use some inspiration right now. This is a wonderful giveaway for the holiday season.

    lrzawiskie@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  21. sounds like a wonderful book...would love to
    win and share with others...
    thank you<3...nv

    ReplyDelete
  22. Miracles are special gifts to remind us that God is in control. ><>

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh, how lovely. It (and they) sound fascinating. Please count me in the draw. I think I could use some miracles and/or inspiration right now!! xo Terri

    ReplyDelete
  24. Gina,
    This is a touching meaningful giveaway! I would love to share these books with friends. Thank you for sharing.
    Teresa

    ReplyDelete
  25. Love the idea of being able to share! When ever i read a good book i want to share it! Love it...
    I have seen miracles. I think sometimes we don't recognize as such. We call it a coincidence, or luck. Good job making us aware!

    ReplyDelete
  26. It would be a miracle if I won as I never win anything. Sounds like a wonderfully uplifting book. cheers, Victoria

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a great giveaway. If I do not win, I intend to buy the book for myself and some good friends and family members as well. Miracles happen when we least expect them, but when we need them the most. Ann

    ReplyDelete
  28. Faith and miracles leave no doubt about the existance of God.

    ReplyDelete
  29. This would be lovely to win

    ReplyDelete
  30. Such a interesting & thought-provoking post dear Gina. I'd never thought about the fact that to appreciate a personal miracle you will need to revisit that moment in time to truly recognize & undertand what took place. So thanks to you & The Miracle Chase girls for enlightening me!
    Millie ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  31. What a meaningful post Gina. And something we all need to read in order to stop the pace a little bit this hectic season. Thank you for bringing the book to our attention. I believe wholeheartedly that you all connected for a reason. I am looking forward to many more miracles told by you.

    Please, put my name in the hat!

    Love, Mon

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thank you for such a wonderful story and giveaway. At this time, when so many are without jobs, family or health this infusion of hope and possibility is glorious. I know a young couple who go to starbucks to get warm last thing at night, because they can't afford oil. I tell them to keep their eyes open for soemthing wonderful to happen to them, and send another Starbucks gift card.
    You are doing a wonderful thing, sharing from the heart in places it will matter.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Magnificent give-away!
    Each week, I meet, a group of five fantastic women and I know each of them would love this book. We all truly believe in miracles! I can attest to a few of my own. I plan to give each of them this book....nothing short of miracles that these women are in my life!
    pve

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sounds like some lovely inspiration to share with friends and family.
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  35. This is such a poignant story and of course I would be honored to win this giveaway. Several of my friends would love the book, I am sure.

    Fingers Crossed!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    ReplyDelete
  36. This is such a meaningful giveaway and helps to remind us all of the deep connections we have with others and what being human is all about. Sounds like a very inspiring read.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Aren't I lucky to find a great giveaway on my first visit to your blog?! Stopped by to take a look and say thanks for coming by my blog, glad I'm here and will be back.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I always enjoy reading your blog, but today was a special treat. I expected to indulge only my sense of sight, but instead you warmed my soul!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I am very curious about this book since my Mom experienced "unexplainable" events during her life. It is nice that you thought of the idea of giving a gift that extends to gifts to others.

    ReplyDelete
  40. This sounds wonderful! Thanks! (btw, I'm a blogless one, so I can be reached at jtfamily@earthlink.net)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi Gina
    What an interesting post and wonderful giveaway... I know how hard it is to go back and dissect the past and that is probably why many of us don't open that door.... Unfortunately that leaves us with many other doors remaining firmly closed.. How wonderful these three women are reaching out to share their own miracles and joy.. to help others do the same.. Being the visual person I am.. the book cover really appeals to me also..

    Thanks for stopping by my way and your kind comments... Have a lovely week and thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway... ciao xxx Julie

    ReplyDelete
  42. I was so moved by this post I can barely speak!
    What a wonderful inspiration to all of us. Thank you and the authors of this book for making this giveaway possible. I would love to win, but I believe with all my heart that whoever the winner is, that person's life will NEVER be quite the same, EVER AGAIN. May God bless you all.

    ReplyDelete
  43. What a wonderful giveaway!! Thank you for the opportunity! Such an inspiration...

    ~mary~

    ReplyDelete
  44. A great give away! WHo wouldn't love to have miracles in their lives?

    ReplyDelete
  45. What a wonderful Gift these women are sharing by having their stories published! I would love to win this giveaway and share with my Sister/Friends!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Gina, I popped over here to say thanks for visiting my blog and found the wonderful post about the teacher's gifts below, and THIS most magnificent give-away! I would be so excited and thrilled to win a copy of this wonderful book, and to share its stories with others.

    Linda. x

    ReplyDelete
  47. Sounds like a fascinating book; I believe in miracles, and have personally experienced several over the last few years.

    ReplyDelete
  48. That is such a great giveaway:) I do would love to read this book:) Fingers crossed:) Hugs and kisses, my dear

    ReplyDelete
  49. This is a wonderful giveaway. I will need to share this book with my youngest sister as she is in need a huge miracle right now! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I'd love to read this! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Thank you so much for your post. I wise friend counselled me recently, "That miracles can and do happen, we just need to ask for them." I cling to this source of strength right now in my life and your thoughts and those of the book, I know will strength others. Thank you with gratitude.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Oh how wonderful... I actually have a miracle story of my own.... and I would LOVE reading this... My step-sister started a tradition of passing her favorite inspirational books along with her name and the date she read it inside....then the next person does the same and passes it along...and so on. It's so special and lovely to read the comments written by others...

    Warm blessings,
    Spencer

    ReplyDelete
  53. What a lovely and thought provoking idea for a book! Great giveaway, inspiring actually!

    ReplyDelete
  54. What an amazing and beautiful book; I have been waiting for a miracle since my son died. All i have wanted is to just see him in my dreams and know he is ok. As much as my head knows he is, it is the heart of a mother that wants to hear it straight from thier child. I am hoping onw day for that miracle. God bless these beautiful authors who wrote this book.

    ReplyDelete
  55. That was a lovely post, and I have several friends with whom I would love to share this book. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  56. A miracle I often recall is the time my daughter fell asleep at the wheel when driving on a rural road. We happened to go off the road where the ground was flat, and there were no ditches, fences, trees, guide posts etc. As the passenger, I was able to wake her and she had time to manoeuvre the car safely back onto the road. Someone was definitely looking out for us that day.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thank you for the opportunity to win this wonderful book! It is nice to have something inspiring with all the negative stuff we encounter in our every day lives!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Wow! This book sounds like one I would recommend for my neighborhood book club. I'm sure it would provide us with a lot to talk about.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I would love to be able to read and share these books with my family and friends. Thanks for the opportunity and Happy Holidays....Arlene

    ReplyDelete
  60. I do believe in miracles. We all need to remind people they happen and to always be aware of the angels in our lives. *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thank you for sharing about this book. I really need to believe in miracles.
    Amy

    ReplyDelete
  62. What can be more precious than a miracle. We have to believe, otherwise, how could we get though the day? I can't wait to read this book. Thank you for the labor of love so that we could benefit!

    ReplyDelete
  63. You are doing a beautiful thing w/your elegant, simple decorating. Just love it. Thanks to Willow Decor for sharing you w/us.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Thank you for this opportunity during this the biggest season of miracles.

    ReplyDelete
  65. What a wonderful gift!
    It would be the perfect way to start the new year!
    Thank you for the opportunity!
    Trish
    triciaconverse@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  66. I have a sister in need of a miracle right now so this would be a wonderful inspiration for her. Thank you for the offer to share this in the spirit of Christmas ~Mary

    ReplyDelete
  67. The Lord is the same today as He was in the days of Isaac's birth to old parents, in the days of Moses' burning bush and the 10 plagues, and in three Jewish boys' rescue from a furnace...I have witnessed miracles in my own life and the lives of others. I sure hope I can receive the copies for myself and five friends!

    ReplyDelete
  68. This book sounds like an affirmation of the most positive kind. I so look forward to reading it!

    ReplyDelete
  69. What a wonderful chance to share miracles with others!

    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  70. I recently experienced a miracle when my dear friend's son received the gift of 5 more years of life after a bone marrow transplant. I would love to share this book with my closest friends as we have all been through so much in the last 10 years. I believe this book could give us cause to explore our unspoken thoughts, strengths, and faith and provide inspiration as we await the inevitable changes of the next decade.
    lee6336@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Coming to your book signing at Tattored Cover, tomorrow in Denver! delasue@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. I have read the book and loved it! As many of us have been privileged to witness a true miracle, I only wish the media would also acknowledge the "Divine intervention" (aka God) that is responsible for them. That would be a miracle in itself!

    ReplyDelete

Please leave comments! I love to hear from you!

But since we have had a recent influx of Anonymous comments, I will not post comments which do not have an email account listed with them. This will cut down on spam.

If you are inquiring about a paint color, finish, etc, please take a moment to read through all the comments. More often than not it has been identified. If not, please send me a direct email.

Finally, please no advertisers. Thanks so much for reading!

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.