Breathe

It’s that time again when we reflect on the past year and look forward to what the next brings. In this piece, Amanda Bartley talks about being a reflection of God in all that we do. In 2018, will you be seeking the Holy Spirit’s help in faithfully representing God as you model your Christian walk to your family, friends, and co-workers? Join us on the blog and share!

Whether it was a tough decision, complicated relationship, or a new curiosity about God and faith, books have navigated many of life’s biggest decisions. Do you need motivation to achieve personal growth in 2018? In this piece, Mandy Santos shares several books which helped her grow. Visit the blog and share some of your favorite books.

God rewrote her story. He rewrote her story through Mary. God could have sent Jesus down anyway He wanted to but He chose a women. He chose childbirth, the curse He spoke of to Eve. The pain would bring new life, the suffering would bring forward light, the struggle would birth love. Have you ever wondered about Eve’s story? Erika Soto uses spoken word to give us a different perspective of Eve’s story. Listen to it, then join us on the blog and share how it moved you.

In this piece, Breanton Dealana Deatherage shares her excitement surrounding her daughter’s first Christmas and the importance of passing on family traditions that teach the true meaning of the season. Visit the blog and share your family’s Christmas traditions. I want my daughter to know what matters most during Christmas. It is not about the presents. It’s about the Birth of Jesus Christ, and the quality time you spend with your family and loved ones.

Are you struggling to find peace in this season? Today on the blog Syzette Gountang shares how God shows up in unexpected ways even when we don't find time to show up for Him. Join us on the blog and share how you've been still or not so still this holiday season. "If you are like me, every year I have to remind myself to be still. In other words, don’t get caught up with the holidays. And to prepare my heart, to prepare my heart. No, I didn’t just type that statement twice. It’s like pre-gaming with Jesus. Last month I asked for a time of peace to be still so that I can celebrate the true reason for the season, Jesus’ birth. Apparently God had a different plan for me"

Last Sunday Pastor Andy and Pastor Filipe shared the vision and impact of South Bay Church (soon to be Echo.Church). If you missed the service be sure to check it out on our website. On the blog, we get to experience first hand what kind of impact we as a church have made on just one family. Join us on the blog as we hear from Harmony Oswald. "South Bay/Echo Church may have a big vision, but I believe it is quality local relationships that make it great."

"On the tired heels of two preceding holidays, we will now be baking, hosting, driving, flying, packing, unpacking, and fill in the blank. So, let’s strategize. How are we going to thrive over the next few weeks?" Today on the blog, Brooke helps uncover a few of your strengths that are core to your peak performance this holiday season. How are you living out your purpose to bless the lives of others while also bringing joy to yourself?

"I was on the couch reading at 7:30AM, enjoying the sound of my quiet house on Saturday morning. The kids were sleeping in. As I turned the page of my book, I looked up to see my bright-eyed husband standing in the doorway, asking if I had a minute for him to share something with me. I could tell it wasn’t going to be a 1 minute conversation, but from the way he looked, it seemed like something good." Today on the blog, Kendall Hibiske shares how her family, along with the church and community can echo faith. God knows how much faith it takes to trust Him. What can you trust God with that you’ve been trying to control? Join us on the blog and share in the comments.

"There is a reason why January is the busiest month for trainers, coaches, and pretty much every gym in the country: the all too common holiday binge and busyness, followed by working off all the cookies, pies, and exercise hiatus. " Join us on the blog as Suzie Williams shares 5 habits to instill that help keep the holiday pounds off! Click the link below. Share with us some of your holiday health routine tips.

"My quest to be known for love to the world can keep me from loving well at home. I'm not always echoing love to them, instead I'm echoing busyness, anger, frustration. " Last weekend, Pastor Filipe shared a powerful message on how we can be known by our love. Today, Mandy shares some ways we can show love at home. Join us on the blog and share how you can show love to those closest to you today.

"This week, many of us sat around a table with family and/or friends, expressing our thanks for the blessings given to us: God’s provision, the relationships we have, our jobs, our homes, our food. Thanksgiving can bring out the very best in us. It’s an annual reminder to reflect and be thankful for all that we have. But what does thanksgiving look like when life is hard?" Today on the blog, Thankfulness in All Circumstances by Casey Moore. Click the link below to read more...