Linda Dillow, in Satisfy My Thirsty Soul, gives several practical ways to cultivate a grateful heart.  Here are two of the ways that she mentioned that I would like to attempt to implement in my own day to day life….

1) Thankful Triggers:  Dillow describes a ‘thankful trigger’ as some thing, sound, or place that you come across frequently during your day that will ‘trigger’ or remind you to say a prayer of thanks to God.  She gave examples of passing a certain church or hearing the sound of a train whistle.  At this point in time, I think that I would like to try to remember to lift up thanks to God whenever I hear our new baby cry.  She should be a good, regular reminder to thank my Lord at least every 2 1/2 to 3 hours for awhile =)

2) Make a Sign:  Dillow shared how her daughter in law had posted a sign in her kitchen to remind her to thank God for her three young children.  Here are words for me to remember as I daily care for our four precious children, ages 5 1/2,  4,  2,  and  3 weeks.

What is truly important for each day?

• Sing praises and songs of worship together.
• Give thanks in ALL things.
• Hugs and kisses.
• Think before committing to a yes or no.  (Try to say yes more often.)
• Stop, look, and listen when they speak.
• Respond with patience and love.
• Be consistent.
• Let the princesses dance.
• Let them help.
• Be their encourager.
• Pray.
• Smile and laugh.
• Sing and read God’s Word together.
• Making messes makes for fun memories.
• Start and end the day with thanksgiving to our Lord.
• Our children will not always be this little.
  Train them now, but also enjoy them now!

Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!