Activity: In His Shoes

During a gathering of family or friends, write each person’s name on a separate piece of paper, and put them all in a basket or bowl. One at a time, each person picks a name and begins by saying whose name was picked, and then puts on a piece of that person's clothing. For example, Jane picks her father’s name. She will put on an item of his clothing—it can be his hat, his shoes, his sweater, his watch, etc., whatever her father lends her. Then, while Jane is in her father’s "shoes," she praises the Lord for something she admires, appreciates, or loves about him.

Bible action: Here is a verse to post in a variety of places around the house:

“By love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13b KJV).

Activity: Hand by Hand

You can use patterned or colored paper for this project. Trace the hand of each person in your family or group of friends. Inside the hand shape, write one or two special things that this person adds to your family or group. It can be something you like about that person, something he or she does that you admire, or a reason why you’re glad this person is part of your family or one of your friends.

Make sure everybody gets to see the final product so that this person can light up in smiles because of your active appreciation of him or her!

Bible action:

Post this verse inside your notebook, closet, or bathroom cabinet as a reminder:

“Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14 NIV).

Activity: “I'm Thinking of Someone…”

Each person takes a turn to think of someone whom he or she appreciates, but doesn’t say the person’s name aloud. Whoever guesses the person, says a praise of appreciation to Jesus about that person.

For example, Kevin begins, “I'm thinking of someone whose name begins with the letter J. …” Amy guesses, “Ms. Jennings,” which is the person Kevin was thinking of. Then Amy says a praise appreciation to Jesus: “Jesus, thank You for our teacher, Ms. Jennings. She’s so bubbly when she teaches us and makes it easier for us to learn.” Now the next person in the circle takes a turn.

Bible action:

Do the same activity again, but this time think of your favorite Bible characters.

Activity: Secret Hearts

Each person chooses someone to show appreciation to, such as a relative, a teacher, a friend, or someone else you see frequently. Cut out a few heart-shaped papers, and on each little heart, write something that you appreciate about that person. Try to be creative in what you say. Rather than writing, “I love you for being my mom,” why not say something new that you might not have told your mother before, such as “I love your pretty smile, Mom!”

Now, place the appreciation hearts somewhere where the recipient will find them easily. You can place them under his or her plate at meal time, or somewhere else where he or she would notice them.

Bible action: Post this somewhere so you can easily read it each morning to start your day:

“Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7 NKJV).

Activity: Personal Invention

List three individuals to do a kind deed for that will show each one how he or she is appreciated. Choose people you haven’t included in an act of appreciation recently.

Bible action:

Here is a verse for you to memorize or review this week:

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God” (1 John 4:7 KJV).