Nicole M. Miller

Being thankful helps me live in the moment. Taking the time to pause and examine the gifts in life keeps me from just rushing onto the next thing. And the next, and the next. Ann Voskamp writes, “Maybe it is the hurt that drives us on? For all our frienzied running seemingly towards something, could it be that we are in fact fleeing—desperately to escape pain that pursues?” Well, this struck a nerve for me. I’m usually running from silence and stillness and running towards doing anyhting to keep my hands busy. I don’t think that is necessarily a good thing. So, as Voskamp says, “I don’t want more time;...

  This week, I thought I’d share my “gifts” lists through photos. Are you still keeping track of your gifts? Or do you at least stop and think of your blessings in spite of a trying time? I hope so. I struggle often, but these weekly reminders help.     Share your “gifts” this week in the comments below. Much love, the former rodeo queen-turned-Instagram-addict   

  Today’s Thankful Thursday list is different — as I was writing about how “it can wait until tomorrow” is a lie I had been thinking of the times I put off visiting my family, because of the inconvenience of traffic or the chaos of life in general. Specifically, I thought of my great-grandmother, Peggy, who just celebrated her 90th birthday. The same day of that post, I learned that Great Grandma had been called to heaven. I envy the angels who get to enjoy her smile and infectious laughter. 21. I’m eternally thankful for my grandmother and the time I had with her. 22. I’m thankful that she was there...

Last week, I started the first of 52 weeks of “thankful thursdays,” inspired by Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts. I strongly, strongly challenge you to do the same. In two weeks of writing down my gifts each day, I’ve noticed a distinct change in my own heart. I am more positive in my interactions with others. I’m more motivated. I’m refreshed whenever I look at my list {even after looking at my lengthy to-do list}. 11. the feeling after all the laundry is sorted and put away 12. seeing the refreshed smiles on student’s faces at the start of a new quarter 13. eating candy canes in January 14. unexpected...

  In Ann Voskamp‘s book, One Thousand Gifts, she chronicles how a friend challenged her to write down one thousand “gifts” she saw in her everyday life. This transformed into a blog with thousands of followings and a whole host of people who do “thankful Thursdays.” As I look at 2012 and forward into 2013, one of the things that resonates with me most is the need to be thankful for every gift in your life—whether that gift is an empty gas tank or a sunny day in January (seriously, we’ve had like four sunny days in a row—I’m amazed.) I’ve been tracking my gifts off and on for the...