New Name & Location

With the new year, we have decided to switch blog hosts as well as change the blog's name.  Temple Dwellers Ministry is now Faith Steps-Walking in Grace, Stepping Out in Faith.  We are prayerfully anticipating seeing God move in ways we have never before seen or experienced this next year.  Please take a moment to visit our families new blog at Faith Steps and register to follow us through e-mail.

We look forward to sharing our Faith Steps with you as well as hear how God is strengthening and carrying you through your own faith steps.  Leave comments, like, and spread the word as we journey together in God's grace.

Blessings from the Love of a Puppy

I’m sorry if my last post (Love for a Puppy) ended a bit abruptly.  It was done intentionally.  Hopefully after reading it you felt a little like you do when watching a movie and it suddenly ends without a full conclusion or after reading a book and arriving at the end only to have the author leave it up to you to figure out what happened next.  Knowing the loss of our puppy pairs in comparison to the loss of a human life, we believe God gave the Zbylot’s a small taste of what it feels like to loose something you love dearly.  While we no longer have Delilah physically with us, sweet memories with her do remain.  In addition, while we definitely would love to have her physically with us now, we would not trade the world for the lessons the children as well as Scott and I have learned through this experience.

Love for a Puppy

August 25, 2012 was a grand day for the Zbylot’s.  Our children had never had a puppy before and we had spent almost 9 months praying, researching, and looking for just the right one.  We had narrowed it down to a miniature female dachshund.  Then as we were coming home from my niece’s third birthday party, we passed two roadside tents selling puppies.  As we passed the second one, I told Scott we should probably turn around and see what they have.  Right as I was telling Scott he said that he was thinking the same thing.  This might not seem out of the ordinary for some people, but we had NEVER stopped to look at puppies on the side of the road.  We turned around and was going to head to the farthest one first and work our way back when the first stand caught our eye with the sign Terriers, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas. 

The Church of Today

The Lord wrapped up the month of July for the Zbylot family in the most powerful way.  (Yes, I know I am still writing about July, but please indulge me as God’s work in our lives is never boring.)  On July 30, 2012 I posted this message on Facebook as Scott, Hannah, Dawson, and myself left for a week at Preteen Camp:

Sweetness of Friendships and God's Faithfulness

Picking up where I left off with my last post (Where in the World is the Zbylot Family?), the children came home from a great week with their cousins and studying God’s word.  We shared the weekend together as a family and worshipped for the first time with Silver Springs Baptist Church as Scott preached his first sermon as the pastor.  Overwhelmed with the joy and love from the congregation, God continued to confirm the place He wanted our family to be serving. 

Where in the World is the Zbylot Family?

Where in the world is the Zbylot Family?  We have asked ourselves the same question this last month!  As crazy as the month of July was for our family, it was an extremely blessed and encouraging month. 

VBS Boot Camp

The Zbylot’s have been attending what we have termed VBS Boot Camp this year.  As God appears to have our family in a transition period, the kids are attending not one VBS, but TWO!!  In the mornings at FBC Tomball, the kids have learned about the Amazing Wonders of the world that God has created and the Amazing God we serve.  Then they come home, eat, take a nap and prepare to head to Babylon at Silver SpringsBaptist Church where they are learning about how God gives you what you need to handle change, stand up for what is right, and how He is always with them.  I would like to share with you how this VBS Boot Camp has eternally changed our family.

Powerful Change

Powerful change.  If you live around the Houston area and listen to the amazing Christian radio station, KSBJ then you have undoubtedly heard this phrase over the last two months.  In addition, if you are wondering where I have been over the past couple of weeks, you must know that it has in part to do with change.   It never fails either, anytime change is on the horizon for me, it seems like every aspect of my life begins to be in transition.  This time is not different. 

Part 6-What are your feet saying?

Resurrection--Now What?

Memorial Day.   A day set aside by our country to remember all the brave men and women who freely gave of their lives in order that we as a nation might be free.  Yesterday, the church had a significant event to remember—The Day of Pentecost.  In the past, I have not given it much thought.  However, this year I did not just want to stay at Jesus’ death and resurrection only to wait until Christmas to celebrate and remember His birth again. My question and reading has been focused on What happened after the Resurrection?  As we have explored together the past three weeks the period of 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection, we have seen Him appear to many people and share with them His parting words.  Last week we looked at His last words before His ascension which spoke to the work we are to carry on as believers and followers of Christ.  After He ascended He told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Holy Spirit.  Remember He did not even tell them how long, what time, or how it would be received.  It is now ten days later and the time we now label the Day of Pentecost.  As we remember today the lives sacrificed for our freedoms here in this nation, may we not forget the sacrifice we as believers must be willing to make in order to save souls from eternity spent absent of the presence of God.

Part 5--Waiting...

Resurrection—Now What?

It’s Friday and Memorial weekend has arrived.  The kids are ready for school to be out, teachers are REALLY ready for school to get out, and parents are beginning to fret as to what they are going to be doing with their kids all summer!!  I love summertime because it gives me the opportunity to catch up on things that don’t get done during the school year.  It allows me a time to relax and not have everything on a schedule.  It allows me time to spend with my family experiencing new things together. 

The time for Jesus’ earthly ministry had ended with His death and resurrection.  He had spent 40 days appearing to His disciples and followers and was now ready to ascend to take His place at His Father’s right hand.  Jesus left them with the words that He would never leave them as well as some final instructions.  Today we visit this period as we are preparing our hearts for the day of Pentecost on Sunday. 

Part 4—Plunging in Feet First

Resurrection—Now What?

Just one week left before Pentecost.  It is important to note that while we are studying this week a few more events which happened after Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples, women, and some followers of Jesus spent the last ten days leading up to Pentecost gathered together in a room in Jerusalem (Acts 1:3, 12-14).  There they were continually united in prayer (Acts 1:14).  Let us keep this in mind as we study this week.  Let us meet each other at the throne of God through prayer as we read and examine the scriptures. 

Part 3--Coming off a Spiritual High

Resurrection—Now What?

Growing up I was blessed to have the opportunity to participate in many youth camps, Disciple Now weekends (sort of like youth camp, but held one weekend during the school year on Friday-Sunday), and various other events that helped to focus my attention on God and the work He was doing at the time.  Even as an adult I continue to seek times of spiritual renewal through various conferences; to take time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and rest in His presence and power in a different setting.  One thing that was and is always profound about these times is that I always come away with new understanding about God and feel refreshed and renewed.  Inevitably, though, I walk through the door and reality hits.  I am immediately hit with a choice.  Do I believe what God has shown me over the course of the weekend or week I was away and do I act upon that faith?  Or do I doubt what I heard and saw during my time spent with Him and shy away from carrying out the plans God laid before me?  As a youth, we were always warned that Satan would be ready and waiting for us on Monday mornings.  While we may be on the mountain top there at camp or at the conference, sooner or later we would have to go down into the valley (our schools, neighborhoods, etc.) and put our faith into practice.  The disciples had to make the same decision.

Part 2—Footprints in the Sand

Resurrection—Now What?

I’m no theologian so my futile attempt to categorize the events leading up to the Pentecost will probably not be as accurate as some might desire.  However, my journey is not to put together exact times, but to experience the flow of events found within the four gospels surrounding the time from Christ’s resurrection to His ascent into Heaven and the deliverance of the Holy Spirit.   While they may not be in exact order, the journey today takes us to Mark and Luke where the famous Road to Emmaus scene occurs.  Join me today with open eyes as we ask ourselves, Who are we walking with down this road of life?    

Part 1—Open Our Eyes

Resurrection—Now What? 

Easter.  It seems so long ago that we celebrated one of the most recognized events in Christianity.  However, what happened next?  The story of Christ’s deliverance for us did not just stop with His resurrection.  He promised to send a Helper.  He promised we would not be left alone.  Over the next two weeks I would like to take some time to reflect on the same question the disciples must have been asking after they saw the empty tomb—Now What?  Have we celebrated the risen Savior back in April only to forget that He is still alive and is still revealing His presence to us?  Have we seen the risen Lord over the last 40 days?  Join me as we experience the sightings of Jesus after His resurrection.

Earthly or Heavenly Eyes?

“You have a wonderful child.” 

“Your child is so well-behaved.”  

“Your children get along so well.”   

“Your child did great on the field today.”   

And the list goes on as to what we desire to hear from other parents and adults regarding our children.  But is this what we as parents should be seeking after—the praise of man?  What is important when it comes to teaching our children—good grades, behavior, athletic achievement?  Psalm 78:1-8 is a great reminder in bringing our focus back to the importance of teaching our children what God desires for us to teach them.

Where’s the Beef?

Thinking I pack his lunch in the mornings, Scott came home yesterday from work and asked me, “What happened this morning?” 

 

“What do you mean?” was my honest reply. 

“I mean, I went to open my lunch and all that was in it was an orange, chips, and some cookies. 

“What?!?” 

Z Bits of the Week

It has been several months since the Zbylot kids have written anything.  I finally sat down with them yesterday and they shared what was on their hearts.  It always amazes me what is inside of the them.  I only wish I could capture their face expressions, body language and tone of voice so that you could get the full effect of their personalities!  Evidenced by their words below they had a great time visiting the Nina and Pinta replica ships in Matagorda Harbor.  Scott was leading a Disciple Now so my sister-in-law and I took our kids for a weekend field trip.  We had a blessed time together.  Enjoy!

Concept of Majesty results in Authority Issues

While holding a garage sale today and tomorrow, I am taking advantage of the inevitable slow times by picking up my reading in the book God: Discover His Character by Bill Bright.  Read through the chapter on God’s sovereignty and just had to share this insight…

Reflections from Easter

My heart’s prayer over the last six weeks has been to prepare my heart for the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Beginning on Ash Wednesday this year I began a journey unlike any other I have experienced on any other Easter.

I told my children yesterday on the way home from church that my heart was prepared much more this year than any other year.  They immediately chimed in “Me, too!”  I asked them why and here are some of their responses:

“We read Amon’s Adventure.”

“We did the Passover.”

“We prayed more as a family.”

“We did Lent.”

I couldn’t have agreed more with their responses and not because of “the right answer,” but because of the sincerity of their responses.  They truly did have a different Easter experience this year.  

He's Alive and I'm Forgiven!!

Christ Jesus is Alive.  You will not find Him in the tomb.  Join me as I celebrate the risen Savior today!!!

Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18

 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. ² They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. ³ They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴ While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. ⁵ So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.

   “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. ⁶ “He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, ⁷ saying, ‘The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise, on the third day’?” ⁸ And they remembered His words.

 ⁹ Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. ¹⁰ Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. ¹¹ But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. ¹² Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went home, amazed at what had happened. (Luke 24:1-12)

If you still have not given your life over to the God who gave everything He had to the point of death for your sins, it is not to late.  Take a moment today and offer your life, just as it is, to Him.  Christ did rise from the dead and He will come again.  Will you be ready this time?

My Heart’s Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank you for completing what You started.  Thank you for inviting me to join You on this Easter journey this year in a new and more real way.  Thank you for continuing to love me even when I fall to temptation.  Thank you that you have forgiven all my sins and that You did not stay in the grave.  You have risen!!!  In Jesus Name, Amen.

JESUS ROSE -He's Alive_Don Francisco from nonebeforenoneafter on GodTube.

My Heart's Prayer: