Fish Bowl Letter Matching Game: Teach Kids to Recognize and Match Upper and Lower Case Letters

Image Credit – Clker-Free-Vector-Images – CCO Public Domain – Pixabay

 Fish Bowl Letter Matching Game

There are tons of ways to teach children the letters of the alphabet.  As parents and teachers, we want to start teaching our kids to recognize letters early.  We want them to recognize upper and lower case letters.  We also want them to differentiate between letters that look similar.  We want them to know that M and W are two different letters.  They need to realize that a and A are the same letter but they are used differently in the English language.   Letter recognition is obviously a foundational step in teaching children to read.  Parents and teachers will want to use as many methods as possible because children learn in different ways.  Using multiple methods to teach letters provides more exposure.  More exposure means that children are more likely to master the skill of letter recognition.  I’ve created a cute letter matching game for kids, the Fish Bowl Letter Matching Game.

To play the game, children match the lower case letter on the fish to the upper case letter on the fish bowl.  Kids can check their letter matching skills by turning the fish bowl over to check their work.  If the lower case letter fish on the back of the fish bowl matches the upper case letter on the front fish bowl, then the letters are matched correctly.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

 The Fish Bowl Letter Matching Game is free for you to use in your home, in-home daycare, or classroom.  Since it’s in your child’s best interest learn in various ways, I’ve gathered a list of several other letter matching games and activities for you to consider.  After checking out lots of different ways to teach letter recognition to your kids, you’ll find a link to my free Fish Bowl Letter Matching Game at the end of this post.

Just click the link below to get your free game.  Be sure to read the terms of use when you download your copy.

Fish Bowl Letter Matching Game Free Download

You might also like this cute coffee filter wall hanging planter craft.

Coffee Filter Flower Wall Hanging Planter Craft 

Praising God (The Lord’s Prayer Series)

Photo Credit – Michelle Jimenez – CCO Public Domain – Freely Photos

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Our main scripture passage is Matthew 6:13b.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. – Matthew 6:13b

 Praising God

“For thine is the Kingdom” . . . the last verse of The Lord’s Prayer.  God is sovereign!

“Thine is the power” . . . God never runs out of power.

An angel is never called “all mighty” in scripture.  Neither are humans.  This title is reserved only for God.

“Thine is the glory” . . . “Glory” means “majestic brightness.”

1.  We are to reside in His kingdom.  Where God is is where His kingdom is.  Our hearts reside there if we are believers.

So that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. – 1 Thessalonians 2:12

We are more interested in building our kingdom than building God’s kingdom.  Make life about God’s kingdom.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33

Whatever you want God to bless, put Him first in that area.  Then, watch what He does.  If you want God to bless your finances, then put God first in your finances.  TITHE!

Apply this principle to other (ALL) areas of your life:

Finances
Interests
Relationships
Schedule
Trouble

2.  We are to rely on His power.

For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. – 1 Corinthians 4:20 

God does not bless self-reliance.  He blesses those who depend on HIM.

We  practice dependence without expectancy.  Expect God to do something big in your life.

God’s power is unleashed every time we pray.  Prayer is being plugged into the power of God.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. – James 5:16    

Don’t just say it . . . PRAY IT!

God’s power is unleashed when we step out in faith.  Often, God’s power comes DURING instead of before a conflict.

We have to step out.

The Jordon River wasn’t rolled back until they put their feet in the water.

When we are weak, HE is strong.  When we are inadequate, He is adequate.

3.  We are to remember God’s glory.

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. – Romans 11:36  

God did not make me for me.  He made me for Himself . . . for His glory.

It’s not about making money.  It’s about making a difference.

Don’t rob God’s glory.  Don’t rob God of His glory.

To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all God has entrusted to us.” – Truett Cathy 

To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:21 

For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:15 

The more we talk about Jesus, the more glory God gets.

God is forever.

We will spend eternity somewhere.  Are you born again?  Where will you spend eternity?

There was a time when you were not, but there will never be a time when you will no longer be.  Where will you spend that time?

Do you want to be sure you will spend eternity in Heaven?  Click here to learn  more about how you can be absolutely sure you will spend eternity in Heaven.   

You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here. 

Temptation and Help from Temptation (The Lord’s Prayer Series)

Photo Credit – Naasom Azevedo – CCO Public Domain – Freely Photos

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Our main scripture passage for today is Matthew 6:13.

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Temptation and Help from Temptation

We are on a hit list . . .Satan’s hit list.

1.  Temptation is not a sin.

2.  Temptation is an opportunity for great spiritual growth in the life of a Jesus-Follower.

Pray for God to get you through it and grow you through it.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. – James 1:2-3

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. – James 1:13-14

Tests motivate us and measure us in order to grow us.  God does not tempt us but He allows temptation from the enemy to test us.

3.  Temptation is a tool the devil uses to destroy us.  Satan’s purpose is to destroy us.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. – Matthew 26:41 

Watch and pray!

We are prone to temptation:

when our bodies are weak and worn down.

when we are preparing for a great spiritual undertaking.

after enjoying a great spiritual incidence (for example, after a church camp.)

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. – James 1:14

4.  All temptations fall under these three areas:

A.  Pleasure
B.  Possessions
C.  Pride  

5.  There are four stages in every temptation.

Desire – I want it.

Doubt – I’m not good enough anyway.

Deception – We believe lies such as “noone will find out” or “God doesn’t care what I do.”

Disobedience – We give in to sin.

6.  God helps us through His Spirit.

He guides us.

He convicts us.  We are uncomfortable because we know it is wrong.

If there is not conviction of sin in your life, you are not saved.

7.  God helps us through His Word.

Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might no sin against thee. – Psalm 119:11 

Memorize scripture.

If we are hungering for sin, we are not hungering for God’s Word.

Watch what we allow into our lives:  books, movies, etc.

Don’t fill our minds with trash.

8.  God helps us through His people.

For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. – Ecclesiastes 4:10 

God’s people provide accountability and encouragement.  Go to church!

9.  The greatest temptation is to do nothing.  Apply what God has taught you.  One great temptation is to not do what we should be doing.

Don’t put stuff off . . . especially the decision to know Jesus.

You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.

Forgiveness – Forgiven and Forgiving (The Lord’s Prayer Series)

Photo Credit – Ben White – CCO Public Domain – Freely Photos

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Our main scripture text for today is Matthew 6:12.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. – Matthew 6:12 (NASB)

 Forgiveness – Forgiven and Forgiving

There are two evil twins.  There names are “Resentment” and “Bitterness.”

We have a choice.  We can hold on to hurt or we can release it.

Hurt people hurt people.

I need forgiveness.

I must forgive.

I will forgive.

Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 

For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.  But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made.  So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’  And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. 

But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’  So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’  But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. 

So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened.  Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.  Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’  And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him.  

My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” – Matthew 18:21-35

1.  I need forgiveness.  I will never have to forgive someone else more than I’ve already been forgiven by God.

2.  I must forgive.  Forgiving others leads to a cheerful heart.  Refusing to forgive leads to bitterness.

A joyful heart is good medicine.

But a broken spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22 

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.  – Hebrews 12:15

Bitterness is contagious and has a generational curse. 

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:31-32

My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart. – Matthew 18:35  

3.  I will forgive.  How?  Let it go.  Leave it with God.  Live in God’s grace.

Read Corrie Ten Boom’s story of forgiveness here. 

You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.

 

 

 

Grandpa Hugs by Laura Neutzling – What a sweet book for a child to read with his or her Grandpa!

Grandpa Hugs by Laura Neutzling

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 Grandpa Hugs

Grandpa Hugs by Laura Neutzling . . . what a sweet book for children!  Both of my grandfathers passed away a long time ago.  I loved them both dearly and I miss them every single day.  Grandpa Hugs brought back a lot of sweet memories of them.  This cute little book is about the things children do with their grandpas.  They visit their favorite places, enjoy ice cream together, and laugh at jokes.  They take walks, play games, read, and pray together.  The characters in the book are all animals.  Children who read this book will enjoy watching bunnies, monkeys, elephants, sheep, giraffes, tigers, owls, dogs, bears, and even wolves make memories with their grandpas.  Grandpa Hugs is a great book for grandfathers to keep at home to read with their grandchildren when they come to visit.  Parents who read this book to their children should find it as a useful tool for teaching children to love, honor, and respect their grandfathers.

Grandpa Hugs is a new 2017 publication.  It is a durable board book so it should last through lots and lots of book-loving.  It is well illustrated with appealing soft colors by Cee Biscoe.

My in-home daycare children love it and I’m sure your kids will love it too.    Get your copy by clicking the link below.

Get your copy here!

Give Us Daily Bread (The Lord’s Prayer Series)

Image Credit:  Kate Remmer - Public Domain Image - via Freely Photos

Give Us Daily Bread

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Our scripture reference for today is Matthew 6:11.

Give us our daily bread.

 Bread = God’s Word, Spiritual Nourishment

“Soul” Food

Bread = God’s Family

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

 Bread = Jesus Christ

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. John 6:35

1.  God is my source.

A Great Giver

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17  

 A Great Provider

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

A Great Inviter

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 

You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. James 4:2

2.  God wants our trust.

We shouldn’t worry.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. Psalm 37:8

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

When I trust God, I’ll be thankful.

In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

  3.  God wants us to share.

You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.

God is Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer Series)

Photo Credit – Ben White – CCO Public Domain – Freely Photos

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

God is Our Father

Prayer comes naturally for some. It’s as simple as talking to the Lord like He’s right here with us, sitting next to us. It’s like having a conversation with a close friend. For others, it’s not so natural. Some people feel intimidated about prayer, especially if they are asked to pray out loud in the presence of others. In Matthew, chapter 6, Jesus gave us an example. He showed us how to pray. The passage is known as The Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father in Heaven

Our passage for this series on The Lord’s Prayer is Matthew 6:9-13

Pray, then, in this way:
Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Our focus verse is Matthew 6:9.

Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

To refer to God as “our Father” was shocking in Biblical times because they did not refer to God in a personal way.

1. God is a Father who cares.

Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalm103:13 

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Matthew 6:31-32 

2. God is a Father who is consistent.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17 

3. God is a Father who is competent.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. Ephesians 3:20

God is the creator of all but He is a Father to those who receive him.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. John 1:12

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:16-17 

It is important to teach our children how to pray.

You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.

Image Credit:  44833 - CCO Public Domain Image - via Pixabay

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Letting Go of Your Past and Moving on to Your Future

Have you ever felt like you’ve made such a mess of your past that you can never be good enough for God?  Maybe you just really blew it and now you can never recover?  Well, I’m here to tell you that we have all blown it.  The good news is that there is hope.

The scripture passages are Ecclesiastes 7:10 and John 5:3-9

Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.  Ecclesiastes 7:10

In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, waiting for the moving of the waters; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted. A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?”  The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”  Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.”  Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk.  John 5:3-9

Gossip, adultery, lying . . . make a list of all the sins you can think of, whether you are guilty of violating them or not.  The list goes on and on, but there is no sin that the cross can’t cover

Letting Go of Your Past

How is your past hindering your future?

Years of dwelling on past mistakes can lead to a bad attitude.  Past guilt causes us to feel unworthy.  When we think of others involved, we might start to hold grudges.  The weight of our own faults causes us to grieve our past.  Dwelling on our past causes a bad attitude, grudges, self pity, and grief. 

 Do you want Jesus to change your life?

When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?”

If you want something better, it requires a change.  We must want to make a change.

Will you obey what Jesus says?

Jesus said, “Pick up your mat and walk.”  Are you willing to “pick up your mat and walk?”  Are you willing to get up from “your current condition” and walk into your future in a life of obedience to God?

If you already know Jesus as your Lord, then this is a matter of a changed attitude – a rededication of your life.  If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord, then please consider reading this post which explains how to receive Jesus.

Take up your mats and walk, my friends.
 

Image Credit:  Public Domain Image - via Freely Photos

The following are my Bible study notes based on a sermon from my pastor.

Check Your Motive When You Give, Pray, and Fast

Our primary passage is Matthew 6:1-8,16-18

Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.  Matthew 6:1-8

Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.  Matthew 6:16-18

When we give, when we fast, and when we pray, we need to check our motives.  There is a wrong reason to give, pray, and fast.  That would be if our reason for those things is only to be seen by others. It is wrong to give, pray, and fast for the sake of self-promotion.

Points to Ponder

Check your motive when you give.

When we give, are we looking for praise from people or from God? 

But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.  Matthew 6:3

Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.  John 12:42-43 

When giving:

Be an active giver.
Be an anonymous giver.
Don’t seek recognition.

Don’t rehearse in our minds over and over again about what we gave or did so that we seek to build ourselves up.

When we give in the right spirit, we can expect to be rewarded – but don’t give for the sole purpose of getting reward.

Private Prayer vs. Public Prayer

The Bible tells us to pray in a secret room. 

But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.  Matthew 6:6

It’s not wrong to pray in public.  It’s not wrong to pray in a small group of friends.  It’s not wrong to pray aloud with another person.  It is wrong when the purpose of those prayers is to look good in front of other people.

We’ve come to the end of my sermon notes but I would like to add that some of my most heartfelt prayers . . . some of my sweetest times in prayer with the Lord . . . were the times I poured my heart out to Him in secret.

The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) . . . but let’s check our motives when we pray, when we give, and when we fast.

What is love? (Bible Study Notes on Love Based on 1 Corinthians 13)

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What is love?  Love is difficult to define by human standards, but the Bible tells us what love is.

What is Love?

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing^. And  if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.  Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.  – 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a

There are four types of love:

1. Storge – Storge is the “I like you” kind of love.  It provides for companionship.
2. Eros – Eros is the “I want you” kind of love.  It is romantic.
3. Phileo – Phileo is the “I enjoy you” kind of love.  It provides for friendship.
4. Agape – Agape is the “I love you” kind of love.  This kind of love is a choice.  We choose to love.Love is more than just a word.  We show it by our conduct.  It is a commitment.Love is a covenant. 

And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female and said, ‘For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?’  So they are no longer two, but one flesh.  What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. – Matthew 19:4-6

Love is unequaled.  (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) 

It is greater than words.
It is greater than ability.
It is greater than martyrdom.

Love is unconditional. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) 

Love is patient and kind.  (verse 4)
It is not jealous or arrogant.  (verse 4)
It has a toughness and a tenderness.  (verse 5) 

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32

Love loves truth.  (verse 6)
It is fearless and strong.  (verse 7)

When love has no evidence, it believes the best.  When the evidence is adverse, it hopes the best.  And when hopes are repeatedly disappointed, it still courageously waits – Alfred Plummer

Love is unending. (verses 8 and 13) 

Love never fails. (verse 8)

And now these three remain:  faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love.  (1 Corinthians 13:13)

“I DO” love you means:

Say “I love you” daily.
Write it down.
Begin this moment.
Love God first.

Image Credit: Abundant Family -Living

 Everything you do must be done in love. – 1 Corinthians 16:14

This is my prayer for you:  that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love. – Philippians 1:9