Stories By Johnny

? Nice to meet you, where you been? I can show you incredible things ?

A KNACK for organization is key, and if it’s easier to organize your experiences with this do-it-all backpack, the @knackbags can make it happen! I’m such a sucker for bags with zillions of zippers to store things in, so when I have to look for things, I can imagine being on a scavenger hunt looking for hidden treasure (kind of like when you find a $20 bill tucked in a hidden pocket of your coat). Still, not all backpacks are built with secret compartments to turn your day bag into a travel bag! Now I don’t need to carry more than two bags at once, phew!

My go-to essentials as a content creator in the Knack Bag includes a notebook to brainstorm ideas, pens, laptop, iPadPro, earbuds (music is a must!), chargers of any kind, tripod, camera, and other accessories such as my keys and wallet. And just in case I have a random work meeting, I can always pack business clothes, a pair of fresh socks, a belt, and more. The Knack Bag is a gem that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and organized. A BIG thank you to @knackbags for sending me this bag to review. It’s one of a kind, and it’s really the only bag I need for 2020!

?: @lismethpesce 

#ad Teamwork is all about trusting each other and using a combination of each others talents to achieve an effective goal. It’s also about honesty, responsibility, initiative, patience, perseverance and learning by trial and error. I’ve always been a team player at heart and it was important that my team and I put our best out there in order to bring our A-game into the battleground!

Now I get to relieve my competitive spirit with PUBG Mobile, a multiplayer battle Royale game where you’re thrusted on a parachute, along with (up to) 100 players,  onto a remote island in a winner-takes-all showdown. The best part is that you can work with a team within the game and personalize your character!  It will also take friendly rivalry and strategic thinking if you want to be the last one standing. PUBG Mobile is truly addictive and it’s a great playing experience with its rich graphics that is easy on the eyes! Are you ready for it?

Download at  @pubgmobile!

“The most powerful leader in the world is the one who loves others more than himself, the one who conquers without leaving a trace of blood, who disarms armies and opens borders. The one who does good.” — @danielhabif

I am reminded by this photo of the cobble-stone stairs taken at San Juan Capistrano Mission that we should all lead and encourage others to greatness with love. Always going upward. Heaven sense. I want to dedicate this post and my prayers to Venezuela and its people. The quote above is a small excerpt from a powerful speech wrapped in hope by Mexican motivational speaker Daniel Habif at the Venezuela Aid Live concert hosted by Richard Branson in hopes of raising funds to buy food, medicine and essential supplies for the country.

Habif reminded Venezuelans of their strength and taking aim at president Nicolas Maduro’s hellish dictatorship with the Truth. A few days ago humanitarian aid convoys were headed to Venezuela and set on fire at the border by Maduro’s loyal troops. How can a man with great power stoop so low!? Maduro, step down from your pedestal! It’s very disheartening and my heart is heavy. I am amazed that the King of all Kings, with the greatest power in his hands, God uses it to bring people together in love. That’s how it should be done. I love you, Venezuela! We are lifting you up in prayer!

?BOOK REVIEW: “This Is The Day” by @timtebow — First book of 2019 and it was an absolute home run! (see what I did there!?) A lot of people give up on their dreams for the reason of it being too difficult (setbacks), they become doubtful, or because the fire is not in them to pursue it. There are times we get knocked down multiple of times that we don’t have the strength to get back up. Imagine waking up — mind, heart and soul — to something better: POSSIBILITY. Living without fear. Imagine having an impact on loving others, helping someone to pursue their dream and being of encouragement to lift them up in their highest potential!

I have to say that this book couldn’t have come at a BETTER time when I was questioning the direction of my purpose, but Tim’s words reminded me of God’s truths, on His promises and what He says about me. Packed with inspiring stories of courage and love, it has re-ignited my passion to thrive forward and not fear of the unknown because God has a plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11). I am confident in that and I will continue to fight for my dreams because it’s been put in my heart. It’s a privilege to live our best lives. For me? Living for Jesus and taking action! ??

Be encouraged to read “This Is The Day” and give your purpose a chance. Maybe you’re stuck and are in need of re-igniting your passion, or your looking for an answer. Please be aware that I’m not someone to force my beliefs on you (I will never), as I’m merely sharing my thoughts on this book. Whatever the case may be, I invite you to pursue your dream wholeheartedly. Invest in things that have value. Will there be risks? sure! But we are meant to THRIVE and live with PURPOSE!

Church can’t be a place where we feel like a visitor, or somewhere we’re afraid to allow others to see our messes. It’s got to feel like home. — Ross Parsley

Saddleback truly feels like a home to me! I have no words as to how I feel when I step foot in church, seeing those welcoming, joyous smiles and loving hugs of encouragement on Sundays and when I get to serve. Joining the Worship Team as a PICS member has been a thrilling adventure, and even though I’m a shy person, I enjoy loving on the community while taking pictures and glorifying God with my gifts. I know Jesus has been transforming my heart ever since because there’s more of a pull to do so much more for him and our home church! It gets me super excited every time I’m there.

This post is dedicated to these THREE wonderful Worship Team Leaders — Rosie, Aaron and Kyle (Pastor Kyle, staff and everyone else included at the Saddleback Anaheim campus: AMAZING!) — you guys are awesome at what you do and your hearts for the church and the team is extraordinary! Thank you for your encouragement, for allowing us to grow in our talents and for believing in us. I can’t believe we get to do this together! You guys have no idea the big influence you have on me and I thank God for that. Each week I want to be better in what I do and give it more than a 100%. Working with you guys and attending Saddleback gives me a sneak peek of what Heaven will be like — and I cannot wait! Looking forward to doing more for our church and expanding on the skills.

God bless you all three and may He continue to work in you in EPIC ways. I love you guys! Thanks Saddleback Anaheim campus and to the Worship Team who also work behind the scenes and get things ready for us to worship the Lord!