By Rev. Doug Forbes

Rev. Doug and Kathy Forbes with their ten grandchildren. Doug and Kathy’s grandkids often inspire their Ministry Tip articles.

There are many great handbooks regarding life’s little lessons and we’ve probably all read a few.  Your class can create their own Handbook For Life in a few easy steps.

For the Handbook for Life activity you need:  Bibles, Bible concordances, construction paper, scissors, pencils, fine tipped markers, glitter glue and any other decorating items you may have on hand.

Have your students use their Bibles and concordances to discover positive ideas and instructions for life from God’s Word.  Allow time for each child to share his or her thoughts and write them on the board.  Discuss each idea, and collectively choose the best ones for your handbooks.

Read Mark 12:29-31 to your class.  Explain that the most important commandments are to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor like yourself.  Ask the children to share ways that they could show love for others.

Give each child a sheet of construction paper and have them fold it sideways.  Have them place their left hand on the paper so that the fold is on the left and the left side of their hand is touching the fold.

With the fingers and thumb tight together, have them trace their left hand with a pencil.   Next, have them cut out the shape of their hand, leaving the left side where there hand touched intact to act as a hinge.

Each child should now have a little book shaped like their hand.

Write on the cover “Handbook For Life” with a marker.  Open the book and use a fine tipped marker to write the positive ideas and instructions for life you have chosen including the two greatest commandments.  Decorate the outside of the card with glitter glue and any other materials you may have on hand.

Re-read mark 12:29-31, and encourage your class members to do at least one good deed during that week.