Emma really meant it when she decided to have a "quiet time" with God each day. She had made the same decision before, but she had failed miserably in doing it. I'll do better this time, she told herself. She started out well, but before long, she often forgot. "I really mean to read my Bible and pray every day, but half the time, I forget," Emma confided to her mother.

"Why not try setting aside a few minutes the first thing in the morning-before you do anything else each day," suggested Mom.

"I've tried that," said Emma, "but sometimes there just doesn't seem to be enough time before I have to get off to school."

"And you've tried other times as well?" asked Mom.

Emma nodded. "Yes, but after a few days, I either get too busy or forget."

Mom thought for a moment. "Do you give thanks before you eat?"

"Of course," said Emma, a little surprised her mother would ask that. At their home, prayer was a very important part of the meal.

"Why do you suppose you have time-and you remember-to thank God for your food?" Mom asked.

"I . . . I don't know." Emma hadn't thought about that before. "We just always do it, that's all."

"Exactly!" Mom nodded. "It's a habit, isn't it? I trust it's not just a habit, but that you sincerely thank God for the food He has provided. Still, it is a habit-and a very good one, too. I think you can also establish a habit of spending time with God daily, whether it's the first thing in the morning or after school or at bed time. If you miss a day or two, don't quit. Start over. Keep at it until it becomes a natural part of your life."

"Okay," agreed Emma. She opened a drawer and took out a blank piece of paper. "Maybe it will help if I make a chart and put a checkmark on the days I remember. You can ask me about it once or twice a week, too-okay, Mom?"

"Good idea," agreed Mom. "I'll do that."
Pray regularly