Confessions of a Disciple, Johnny 5

2000th Tweet!

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:42:37 GMT

Since i wanted more room to mention my 2000th tweet. Im making an entry here.

This is dedicated to all my Twitter Family! @im_hiz, @JwinfrmSA @rattlerguy @kylaaak @rattlergrl @LYNNE_RKO1 @playmatejen @Kate_Kat @Scrubbybubbles @Jenreynolds25

Thanks for all you done through my tough times.

This tweet is dedicated to yall. Thanks guys!

I love each one of yall.

Johnny Herrera

Funeral Services for My Dad

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:19:47 GMT

My dad went to rest with the Lord this morning at 940am. He was 53 years old.

Here are the services for his Funeral:

Rosary will be on Friday at 7pm at Trevino Funeral Home in Pearsall

Mass will be Saturday Morning at 11am(Tentative) at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pearsall with Burial at Pearsall Cemetary West.

If you are wanting to make donations or want to contribute in anyway...please let me know.

Thanks for all your prayers!

Thanks and God Bless!

Johnny Herrera.

For My Dad.....

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:08:54 GMT

On September 12, 2009, the Sons and Daughter of Rodolfo “Rudy” Herrera will hold a medical benefit plate sale at the Moreno Park in Pearsall. We will be serving BBQ Chicken and Sausage with all the trimmings for only $6.

Also we will be holding a raffle for $1 a Ticket, and DJ King Rat will be providing the Musical Entertainment for this days plate Sale.

If you are unaware, Rudy was diagnosed with cancer in his throat in June and is currently doing well and is conducting his Chemo.

If you would like to make a donation to this fund, purchase tickets, or would like more information, you can contact John Herrera at 830-399-1151 or Brandon Herrera at 210-214-3368.

Whats it Gonna Take?

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:07:16 GMT

So im the facebook earlier and notice that EVERYONE is posting up pictures from the Youth Retreat in Sacramento, NM. Every single YA that i know have put up pics over there.

But when I wanted to see pictures of the retreat I missed in May, there were NO PICTURES!! Where were the pics guys? Work, Job, School, Whatever. I dont know if this shows that our youth are more inportant thatn our YAs, i think we should be even, you know, even support for both. But I havent seen it....
You see hundreds of youth at these retreats, but YA retreats, maybe 60?
Whose fault is that, i mean if we have a great transition program into YAs, why do we see dramatic drops when the conversion happens? I know we all have school, but we move retreats to later dates, and still they dont go.

So...whats it gonna take YAs? Just cause of the greatness of other churches, doesnt mean we cant go. How many times has SAN PABLO went to a youth assembly in New Mexico.....NONE!? why?? cause we are the lost sheep, were in between SA, and the Valley, so we get pushed aside, cause we dont live near there. and we never get the info...

I made changes to the YA Council, i broke the mold. I wasnt a valley person, I wasnt a PK, or went to school with everyone. I represent change in the council. But still i feel outnumbered, and now im the oldest on the council...

So...will I go to the next YA retreat? ya, because I got to show our NEW YAs at San Pablo, how yall run things....if its good or bad, he will know.

So just think people, fellow YAs, Its true...if we had retreats like we have our iMPACT services, yall would be blown out of the water.

Anyways, enough of the rant...im out!

Laters!!

-J5

We Start....

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:03:20 GMT

Well the news is in, my dad officially has a lymphoma. We dont know which type till manana.

Keep him in your prayers.

Updates will be made at my twitter first, then here if i get a chance.

Showing some love!

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:25:07 GMT

Hey everyone! Its been a while since i posted. I dont know who still reads my journal. Someones got to, i mean its there.

Anyways i just wanted to post that if you want to keep on an eye on my 24/7, just hit me up on twitter. www.twitter.com/mavmanager2000

Its just more easier to get me over there.

Random Thoughts

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 03:07:11 GMT

Random Thoughts

Will it ever work with me and S? I seriously doubt it. Shes seen what i have put Rosa and now Molly Through, and what ive done to her with the whole Rich situation. I doubt she would want me for that. I know people say around the church, me and her would make a good couple, but i doubt she would be willing to pull the trigger. I would love to call Star my girlfriend, but it wont happen cause of my actions i have done to her, and to her friends Rosa and now Molly.

I just dont know what to do anymore, should i just stop chasing what is mine. Im in this mode again like i was last year after the whole Rosa incident. I just dont know what to do. I know God has the right person for me, i just wish he would hurry up and do it. I mean, I thought it was Molly, but i cant have a half-assed christian as my girlfriend and potentioally my wife. I dont want that, and plus the baggage of a little girl who has alot wrong with her, I dont want that, i mean i would accept a significant other with a kid, but im making sure the kid is older, like 3 or 4.

I guess i just got to put in Gods hands and see what happens. I just hope he does it soon, im already 27 and i want out of here.

Thats it for now. Keep tabs on me on Twitter: twitter.com/mavmanager2000

Later Gaters!

-j5

Tweeting on the Twitter

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:32:21 GMT

It looks like most days that i just want to shut down this journal and call it a day. I mean, I rarely post here anymore. I mainly use twitter or do the whole facebook thingy. Ive been here at livejournal since 2002. But i need this journal, cause it lets me post more than just 140 words, like twitter does.

But we have been alot, me and this journal. We have had our rollercoaster rides, but im ready to go on more. We just got to see where it goes.

If you have a twitter account, im there, just follow me: www.twitter,com/mavmanager2000

Im out gaters, see you in twittervision!

-j5

A Picture is Worth......

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:08:44 GMT

I just bought a new camera, its pretty good.

Most of the pics are up on my MySpace Page, go there to see them.

Spider Webs

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 06:08:48 GMT

so, i guess im back for now......

its been a while since ive been around here, but im here. Im writing this on my new notebook purchased by me. I really wanted one and i got the opportunity to get one, so far its been pretty cool.

Well, i dont know if anyone reads this anymore, but im here... back for now....plan to start posting some blogs on my blogs. this will be its 7th year of existenance, so get ready and enjoy the ride for 2009.

Later Gaters!

-j5

Changes 3

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:03:44 GMT

I so want to do what i wanna do on this journal, but i wont cause i know its right.

Everyone has their own opinions of me and my views and when it comes time to choose who my friends are in the battle, i choose wisely.

Do i have happiness in my life today, you damn right i do! Everyone has. Do I have bad times, uhh...duh! Were all human! I dont hide myself behind a facade anymore. Im me... you now get the real Johnny 5.

I have changed.......changed for the better. and if you aint along for the ride, well then honey, dont let the door hit you on the way out.

Oh yeah, birthday is Monday, ill be 27. 27...man im old!

Later taters!

j5

Blowing Off the Dust

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:57:40 GMT

As I sit here in the church, its about 140pm. I see that my livejournal is so old, i need to just write something in it.

RIght now, im just in overflow of this whole CD sermon i have been listening to. Its a Rod Parsley Sermon that I got from him, its called Here and Hereafter: What Happens to Me When I Die?

If you are a true christian, you know what happens, but are you really ready for what happens?

You have to choose for who you will serve. Everyone will live forever, the choice is yours where you are gonna exist? Heaven or Hell.

We cant be playing church anymore cause God doesnt play church with us. People wonder why God does things to them, he does them to cause frustration in their lives to see what they will do with them. True christians will see the frustration at just a temporary obstacle and overcome it.

As I said, death is coming, we just dont know when where. We gotta decide on which side of the line we will be on.
Will you be on the side where you will see Peter, Paul, Mary, and other disicples or will you choose the other side where darkness and coldness appears.

Come to Jesus...Come to Jesus..and LIVE!

I Remember…The Love That You Gave Me

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:48:14 GMT

Psalm 63:6 . . . I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.

First off before I begin this blog. I just wanna say, this is for a person who ive been thinking about for a while, I remember our past, I remember what we did together. I don’t know if she will ever read it or even see this on Livejournal, MySpace or Facebook. But im willing to give it a try and see what happens.

This entry is entitled “I Remember.”

I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. I’ve been checking constantly if you’re coming back to MySpace or LiveJournal. I’ve noticed that you have changed your picture over at Yahoo Profiles. I’ve just been checking up on you. I notice you’re still on my Yahoo Messenger. Im just waiting for the moment when you get online so we can chat, but it never happens. I searched you in myspace, I found your profile, but you haven’t updated it in like 4 years. I don’t know why im searching for you. I just wanna know you’re ok. I wanna know what’s been going on in your life these past 6 years we haven’t talked. I really hope you’re still that Christian girl I knew, going to church every Sunday, because I remember you would write about it every Sunday in your LJ. I would just like for you to see, I am a Christian guy now. And all that I have accomplished in my church itself. I know you would be proud of me.

I remember the first time we first met, it was a Saturday. I was alone in my dorm room, you called my phone saying you were coming over with your dad in the car, and wanted to drop by the dorm to meet me. When you came, I had to go open the main doors to the dorm, because they locked them on the weekends, and I did and that’s when we met. I remember that we ate at Taco Bell, and you had the Encharitas, or something like that. You always said you ate them whenever you went to Taco Bell. After that, your dad had to go home so he took me back to the dorms. I still remember that moment, because it meant a lot to me.

There were so many moments we shared. I’m trying to look for that letter you gave me that you wrote to your pastor. I still have it somewhere because I saved it.

I remember the night we stayed up till 3, and my phone died…

I remember the Thursday night, I was watching Smackdown, and you showed up at my window to say hi, and give me a big hug and kiss.

I remember the long nites talking on the computer on AIM.

I remember I gave you my high school Letterman Jacket that night as well.

I remember the moments we shared alone in my room…you know….

I remember our phone calls always ended in “I love you”

I remember that you would always want me to say THAT word, and I never did. Then you made me shout it in the living room of my apartment at 1am.

I remember the package I sent you for your birthday.

I remember that Linkin Park song you liked.

I remember when you wanted to come down and participate in my Backyard Wrestling.

I remember our nicknames.

I remember the people who made fun of me for dating a girl younger than me. (I was turning 21 and you were 17 I think) and I said “Fuck them, if its true love, it’s meant to be.”

I remember how you would always get excited for the summer when you would go work at the youth camp.

So I just want one thing, I know you’ve married some one and had a kid. And according to your profile at Yahoo, it says youre separated, I just want you to contact me in any way. You can do it here; you can find me anywhere you think of. I have a myspace, a facebook, livejournal, still on Yahoo Messanger, I have a cell phone (830-444-1614) so I really want you back in my life as a great friend. I know you can. If youre still a good Christian woman, you will like me even more because we can share stuff about church and loving our Lord.

So let me know the letter is out there, please read it and respond. I hope and pray that you do, I feel I need you in my life now for some reason, its God telling me that.

So that’s it b. let me know whats up!

No j5…. Its just…..

- J (that’s what she would call me)

Chaos

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:10:30 GMT

Well it’s a Monday after a retreat, one of the most dreadful days in my life. Cause it’s when I hit the reality of what I have to go through everyday. Its coming off that spiritual high of the retreat, and you’re dropped like a penny, its back to the chaos of my life. The same mundane stuff I do everyday because I don’t really have a life other than my cell phone or church. I kind of hate it actually. I just really dread this day after a retreat because its back to my normal…its back to the life I don’t want anymore. I just wanna get out there and be me, but I can’t.

Well life isn’t pretty at this retreat. Well at least this one wasn’t after a while, it turned out awesome.

Let’s break it down for the non frequent readers of my journal.

Just a quick disclaimer: I’m going to speak my mind here about stuff…if you don’t like it or are offended by it I’m sorry. I just hate being censored cause of the people who read this. I like being uncensored. That’s why my Livejournal and MySpace ARENT private. So there ya go…

OK, let’s start off on Friday. Going to the retreat, I was expecting 2 things. One, I was ready for a confrontation with Rosa about all this stuff we have been going through. I didn’t know when it was gonna happen, but as I told Camille and others, I just felt it was gonna happen, so I had to be ready for it. Two, I was set to see this guy who she is with now. I didn’t know who I would react, so I was kind of concerned.

So I was already informed via the district email, that she wasn’t gonna be there Friday night, so I kind of expected her not to be there. I was feeling kind of sick late into the day, around 11. When going back to the dorms, I see Star on the phone outside, I say, “what are you doing”, and she says “im just texting. And its not rich.” So im like ok. and walk off. After that around 1230, I get a text from star while im laying down saying if I was mad at her, I told her I wasn’t, I just wasn’t feeling well. And she never replied back.

I just want to explain this now. When I attend a retreat, don’t be surprised of I tone you out. I tend to do that because I want to focus on getting to know others, like I should. Plus, this was a DISTRICT retreat, on which I am a member of the council, so I was busy, and to put the icing on the cake, I was with the band through most of the practices, and rehearsals doing sound and PowerPoint, so my time was limited. I tell them that from the beginning, even before this retreat, in Camp Zephyr.

So that ends Friday. Were moving on to Saturday. We get done with praise and worship in the Chapel. And im walking along with friends back to the dorms, and who do I see pulling into the parking, I see a blue PT Cruiser, and I immediately know its Rosa cause I know her car. So mentally I prepare myself. And I see coming out of the driver’s side is the boyfriend, so now im just like ok. So I continue walking while she sort of greets the friends I was walking with. Not saying anything to me as we walk. I just walk away from the group to be on my own for now. Im now in the dining room where everyone’s at, and they walk in. She goes through the usual, greeting everyone she knows, even Star and Dezi, so she’s coming this way towards me, while the boyfriend was on the phone for some odd reason, and she greets some one near I was sitting, and then walks away from me. So then she’s talking to Mike, and her and the boyfriend leave. I’m thinking that maybe she’s leaving to have lunch with her boyfriend so I just play it off. Come around 4, I notice there still not here so I assume there not coming back and heres where I get kind of mad. I knew she knew that she had to be here, but she’s not anymore. Now, I don’t know the real reason she left, I may never know since she isn’t saying anything to me, so im just running on assumptions now. So then I take a walk during the free-time to clear my thoughts of what happened, about this whole shit with Rosa…I take time to just let it go and enjoy the rest of the weekend. I take time alone with God and tell him my problem, and let me enjoy this weekend. So after this moment I have a great time, but there were also some assumptions. If Rosa had stayed, I probably wouldn’t have talked and hanged out with the people I did Saturday Night in the dining room. I mean I know she and Christina are great friends, but if she was there, there was NO way I would have been able to talk to Tina because Rosa would be there, and I didn’t want that. I just felt something that I had to be around her most of the evening on which I did along with Joey, Smiley, Iesha, Walter, and Jeremiah. Now if Rosa was in that mix, I wouldn’t be there. In a way, im glad she wasn’t there because I got to socialize with Christina, which I rarely get to do at retreats.

So that was it for the weekend…After all this, the weekend was awesome. Great to see everyone again! I was just reliving the memories of the last retreat, but now those are just pictures on my computer, they don’t mean anything to me anymore.

This is kind of that Rev. Dave Moreno concluded with his message before we left on Sunday morning.

I’m just telling my story. Telling it for everyone to see and view, and experience what I go through in a retreat. It’s good to just let loose and tell your TRUE story. So I followed Brother Dave’s example… im going to keep telling my stories, with no fear of what will happen. Its just how I express myself is through writing, and I you don’t like it, you can either don’t read this blog anymore or go somewhere else and read whatever. My life could better, but what can one do if I can’t change it now. Live each day for each day. Tell your story.

-j5

Finally...Finally!

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:10:52 GMT

There comes a time in a persons life when you have to do something you want, whether it be buying that 42 inch LCD TV for the living room, buying the Nintendo Wii for your son, getting that car for your daughter. I mean it’s meant to be, it will happen, you just got to have patience.

Well people, I have waited 6 years to finally type out this blog, but it has FINALLY come!

I have completed my meeting of friends I have originally met back at school, online! In the beginning around 2002, there were 3 people I mainly talked to when I was in school, online. They were Priscilla, Brittanie, and Camille. Now the first 2 were close to me (Priscilla live 2 blocks away from Schreiner, and Brittanie lived in Bandera) so I met them in a flash, maybe 6 months after meeting them online. Bur I never met Camille. Well finally this changed Sunday!

We’ve tried 4 times to meet before, but it never happened because something always came up. But this Sunday, one of my biggest nights cause it was WrestleMania Sunday, we finally met in person. We have always talked, shared pictures via picture mail, but NEVER met in person. But now im thanking God, that he have me this great means to finally meet a great friend. I mean who knew we would finally meet at a WrestleMania viewing party at a sports bar. Now before you make an assumption that “Ohhh, Johnny was in a sports bar, probably drinking” that wasn’t the case. I know what are my standards, and I don’t drink, and im not picky if others drink around me. It shouldn’t matter if they do or not, as long as they know their limits and stuff. I’m not like that where you drink, I can’t be your friend because its not “Christian” like, in not like that, im open to anything. Im confident in my relationship with God, so I can enter these places and act right and be comfortable.

With all this that has been going on, it was great to meet someone who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Someone different, someone out of the normal. Which is good and healthy to have, I say. I like I say, you can’t be a total Christian 24-7. There are times when you need to let loose and do stuff out of the normal.

But other than that, we had a great time Sunday! All 5 of us! We defiantly need to do it again, like Zeeshan said to do! Maybe next pay-per-view or something else? We will just have to see.

So thanks to all for making this day possible for me, after a long 6 years. Thanks….

-j5

The Doors Are Opening...

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:41:54 GMT

The Doors are Opening

The Gospel of John 10:9 states “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

Everyone uses doors throughout everyday life. Have you ever thought about how many doors you pass through in your daily walk? I think it is plenty of them. There are all kinds of doors, sliding doors, wood doors, automatic sliding doors, metal doors, screen doors, garage doors, and cat and dog doors.

Right now, I feel that doors are opening in my life now that I need to pay attention too. There are those situations where I have passed through the doors and shown me a situation. I know I had doors open for me previously, but I have decided to close those doors and move on. I have to move on and search for more doors to go through. God is opening more doors for me now, due to the recent events, he has given me more opportunities to meet people that I didn’t know.

There are situations where im glad, God opened my door to see what is going on. Through all this, there are three people who haven’t deserted me, and that’s Camille, Jaymz and Lucy. They have all been there through all this stuff going on in my life, telling me to focus on what I want, what my needs are, who shares my vision, who is that “missing piece”

The main one who has helped me through all this has been Camille. I honestly think, God gave me a reason not to move you from my #1 spot on myspace, and that would be that youre the best thing I have now. I like that you tell me the truth, you don’t lie when it comes to telling me something. You do not hide your emotions. I’m a way, we are both similar like that. Ive been around people who cause me to be censored, and I hate that. I like how you just let your feelings flow and don’t care who gives a fuck about them. That’s how I want to be, but im reserved because I have this church thingy on my back (not saying there’s nothing wrong with that) I just feel that we share a bond, that I don’t have with ANYONE! Do I think there was a reason you broke up with your boyfriend? Yes I do, because it’s like you say to me, you do deserve better. You deserve someone who likes you for you, doesn’t argue for petty little things, doesn’t bitch to you for no reason, doesn’t complain because you’re somewhere else. That’s an integral part of a relationship, trust. If someone doesn’t trust you, it isn’t going to work at all. Now that’s something I have in you, is trust.

However, through all this…all this relationship stuff, the texting, the calling, the myspacing, the facebooking, we have to remember that GOD is the Door. He has to be first in our minds and our hearts in order for those doors to open and for us to choose which ones we want and which ones we just want to slam the door and let go. So pay attention to the doors in front of you, you might miss your shot to go through it and get the door slammed behind you.

-j5

Waiting...

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:59:46 GMT

Waiting…

When you get hurt…Ill be waiting.

When someone hurts your feelings…Ill be waiting.

When you have those reoccurring dreams of him and you want to get rid of them…Ill be waiting.

When you need a shoulder to cry on…Ill be waiting.

When its 1am, and you need someone to talk to…Ill be waiting.

When you feel alone…Ill be waiting.

When you ARE alone…Ill be waiting.

When you need prayer…Ill be waiting.

When you need a favor…Ill be waiting.

When you need help with anything…Ill be waiting.

When your friend doesn’t want to talk to you anymore…Ill be waiting.

When you feel sad or abandoned…Ill be waiting.

When you need some spiritual help…Ill be waiting.

When you need strength to get you through a long day…Ill be waiting.

When you need some love or want to feel loved…Ill be waiting.

When you need relief from the secular world…Ill be waiting.

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1)

Ill be waiting…The Time is almost right… I’m just waiting for you to be ready…Ill be waiting!

Infinite Titles

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 01:12:46 GMT

There were so many titles I wanted to call this entry, but then thinking on the way home from the retreat, why I don’t just call this entry Infinite Titles.

There’s no title that I can put to describe the weekend I had at this latest retreat. This weekend was one of the most glorious weekends ive ever had along with friends. This weekend I had plans, and Thank God, seriously, those plans all fell into place at the right times!! Im extremely thankful for that. Whether it be with the fellowship and friends of the band, or the alone time with Rosa and I, it was a good weekend, and I congratulate (I hope that sounds ok) God for the Great job he did this weekend, telling us to put on this great retreat for all the Young Adults.

I was so glad that there were a lot of new faces at this retreat. People I didn’t see or even realized they were there in the last retreat. From Tracey, to the Torres couple, Sophie, Eli, and others in our groups, it was my honor to meet yall and consider yall fellow Young Adults. We definitely shared a lot in our group, even though there were only 4 people in that group. I kind of felt more open in that little group than probably if I was in a big group.

As for the stations that the council put into place I did some of them. I really needed some time to think about how my life is now, how glorious it is now, and how valuable these moments I had this weekend were great. I really think those stations, played a pivotal part in this retreat. It was for everyone to “Check Yourself” and see where they were with God. What is in your future plans with God? What does he have for you, what is his plan that he has dealt you and will you follow it?

Friendships are there for the taking during this retreat, and sure enough I met some great friends I have never met. As I wrote earlier, Friendships are done on purpose, their not accidental. There Gods way of saying this friend is gonna play a part in your life, we just don’t know how. So it wasn’t an accident that I met those friends I wrote about earlier. These friends are now gonna play a part in my life, and I will truly try to play a part in theirs. Also another situation came up where friends need friends for comfort and friendship. I won’t mention the situation, but friends need to be there for other friends when there down, the devil attacks then and they need their good Christian Brother/Sister there for them, in their time of need. I was witness to this, this weekend. Now if that’s not a true friend who will be by your side when their sad or to lend then a shoulder to cry on, I don’t know what is.

When we come to praise and worship, in his house, we should be grateful that God has picked the right format for the worship songs. This was soooo evident on Saturday Night! This P and W service was beyond awesome!!!! Again, just like I told Rosa during the week, I broke down during this intense p and w service. Holy is Our King, really hit me again. And I saw it made lasting impact on other people. I just felt something that came over me during this; I also noticed that it really got to others too. I just felt his presence in the room. It was a great feeling.

Last night, when they were building the fire after it was going out, I was reminded of something. Rosa, you and I stepped another step, added a part to this “Friendship House” were building together on Saturday Night. I mean we had planned to spend time alone, and we certainly did. Along with the hay-ride(remind me to call the lawyers on Monday, lol) and that time we spent together(even though it was freezing outside and windy) I just felt that our relationship/friendship grew again, we stepped on another step on that ladder to success. We hugged, we laughed, and we probably shed some tears during praise and worship, you grabbing my leg when you were sliding on the trailer, lol, the cuddling (but with no hugging, lol) on the trailer because you were cold. I really enjoyed those moments with you and everyone else. I thank you for that.

You see, if I were to put that plan into action you read about in that entry I gave you, we would have NEVER met. Im glad I gave you the honors of ripping up some of my past. I was a past that I want to certainly forget. Cause I like the result that happened. I met you! And now I consider you one of my best friends, I hope you do the same. Thanks again! I hope you appreciate it! J

So all in all folks, this retreat was a great blessing to me and along with the other Young Adults. Its just like our shirts say, “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of Man, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”

We truly should get the approval of God, I mean he approved everything this weekend. The Approval of Friends, The Approval of Praise and Worship, the Approval of Our Speaker, the Approval of the Teachers, The Approval of the Camp, The Approval of having Rosa as my friend, The Approval of even the food. Maybe some people still have that mentality of proving and winning the approval of Man, but I hope this retreat made you realize that you truly should get not try to get the approval man, but of getting the MAIN approval of God! Cause of you Approve Him, he will approve your finances, your friendships/relationships, your family status, your schooling, your future family, your well being in the world and church, and even tell you your potential mate is.

So thanks all for a great retreat. I hope to see yall in April in Weslaco, were WE (The Southern District Council) put on our first retreat on over 10 YEARS!!!

Hope you enjoyed this entry! And God Bless!

-Johnny (Johnny 5) Herrera

On Purpose

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 06:37:20 GMT

Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? -Amos 3:3

Developing quality friends is intentional, not accidental. It is a choice. There may be a series of unplanned events that throw you in a situation to get to know someone, but there are intentional choices that move that relationship from just recognition of each other to a friendship. Two people do not become quality friends unless they agree to do so.

Quality friends are great to have. They are great to hang out with and can help you get through some of the hardest times in your life. You can trust them, they make you stronger, and they encourage you to be better. Friends that are not of good quality can sabotage your life. They can be harmful to you and cause you to fall.

If you are in unhealthy friendships, they did not just happen over night. It may not be encouraging at first to accept personal responsibility in relationships that have been harmful, but take some advice from G.I. Joe, "Knowing is half the battle." You have to first admit that some of the relationships you are in right now may not be the best thing for you. If you don't have any quality friends, it could be that you are not being intentional in looking for them.

Since you know that quality friends don't just happen, you have to be conscious about the relational decisions you are making. Ask God to help you identify good people that will make great friends. It may take a little relational risk like initiating conversation or inviting them to places to get to know them, but the results can be the friend of a lifetime.

It All Begins.....Monday!

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 04:59:30 GMT

Well, Monday i start a new chapter in my life. The Life of Johnny 5. Monday is my first day as a Tax Technician at Jackson-Hewitt here in town. Like no more training(im getting paid for my hours at the meeting(6pm-10pm) Monday and Tuesday!

Im so excited that God has given me this great opportunity and job that i wanted. Ive been blessed during this training to meet great friends and our boss. Greg(my boss) and Lee Ann are probably the ones im closest to now during our last week of training in the office. God has placed these people in my path for a reason, and hopefully the end result will be great, not only for me, but for them as well.

Right now, im working on the 2% bonus for a Tax Technician. Right now i have 1% bonus, which means ill get one percent of the fees we charge a customer to file their taxes. But there is REALLY a difference in getting that 2 percent bonus.

so yeah, im excited for this! I would like to thank everyone around for praying for this job to come to me. I really appreciate it. YOull always know how fortunate i am to have your prayer in my life.

Thanks and ill be back soon!!

See ya monday!

-j5

Another one Down.... Waiting for the Next One (My Year in Review)

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 04:12:26 GMT

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1)

Wow, what a 2007 this has been for me and my life. I’ve had my ups and downs, been turned over, been turned down, been through loops, been denied, been forgotten, but all in all, it was well worth it for the life I have now on this December 27, 2007. My life has changed 1000% from what it was last year around this time. I didn’t know half the people/friends I know now. It’s great to have the bond I have with them, and share our love of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

I’ve been places ive never been before, (Alto Frio, Trinity Pines, Bryan/College Station, McAllen, Weslaco, Mercedes, Mission, Pharr, Edinburg, Freer (thanks Walter for the great greatfruits), Laredo, trips to Crystal City, and Abilene) just to serve our lord and get to know people! God has taken my through a journey this year, and hopefully for 2008, he will continue to let me on this journey that he has set for me.
Ive had my downs for this year. My friend going to jail who was heavily involved in our church, the bouts of depression I had when no one would talk to me, when I felt alone in this world. A time where our YAs were dead, just the 2 of us (Walter and I) were attending church. Getting rejected from job offer, after job offer. Not finding a job anywhere here. I kind of know why I was down during these times, I wasn’t confident with my relationship with God. But now that ive drastically matured, I know that God will guide me through those troubling times I have in the future.

As for the ups, man where do I start. There so many ups that I want to mention, but the main one Ill mention is my election to the Southern District Young Adult Council. I was so glad that God blessed me with this position. In having this position I have had a drastic change in my life, not only meeting friends I never would have met, but to see the inner workings of how our YA ministry works.

Now I just want to list some friends that I want to thank for a great year. If I forget you, im sorry and I do care about you, you just didn’t make an impact on me as these following people did.

Walter- I just thank you for your guidance throughout this year. We have grown our Media Ministry into what it is now. I could have never imagined that It would be this successful last year around this time. Thanks for your leadership in our YA groups. Thanks for your teaching of Discipleship on Sundays. Thanks for being there for me, and all the prayers for this new job and listening to my rants about stuff.

Jaymz and Lucy- Thanks a bunch you two. I could have never imagined that our friendship would be like this after not talking to you (lucy) for half of the year. Im glad God gave me the opportunity to finally get to know you better, as I did Jaymz before. Im so glad that your marriage is successful and hope and pray that you will have a successful birth of your new baby. I thank you for your nomination at the YA retreat in Trinity Pines for me. I really appreciate that you had the confidence in me to represent you, and our church in that fashion and also do Gods work as it relates to our Young Adults.

Margarita Moreno- Even though you may be 66, you are surely a mentor and a YA in my heart. Your actions and demeanor towards me is great. I really appreciate what you did for me this year. Even though we may not agree on some of the items we discuss while eating breakfast tacos from Jalisco, I really appreciate your opinions. I just thank you for showing me guidance throughout our church, and especially our council.
Camilla- At the beginning of this year, we didn’t talk at all, but to end the year we have shared a lot. I just thank you for being there for me, when I needed to talk to someone. And I guantaree that we will DEFINITELY meet in the next coming months. We just have to be patient.

And last but not least:
Rosa- Wow, where do I start?   Ill start on that July day, when I first saw you. We were at the CMT meeting in Crystal City, and we were there listening to a pastor talk. And in your dad and mom walk in and there’s this girl who I didn’t know. I seemed kind of interested, but was shy and did nothing. I remember you asking for my email to send me something for the retreat and I did, just didn’t say 1 word to you. I don’t know what happened or why I didn’t say nothing, I just didn’t. Over the next weeks you got me online, you introduced me to Facebook, and then I said well meet finally at the retreat in Trinity Pines, and we certainly did.

I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I haven’t had the guts to talk to you, seriously. Our friendship has had its ups and downs, but look where we are. Our friendship is stronger than ever. I don’t think I could go a day without a text or im from you. I know ive shared my feelings for you, but we put them on the backburner for now, and just focused on this friendship we have now.   And whatever God has planned for the both of us, well just have to wait. We have been really truthful with other, shared our opinions about stuff, wished you were here, wished I was there, and stuff. But all in all, I love our friendship. Your friendship has made the greatest impact in my life this year. Im truthfully saying that. No lie. So I thank you, for being an awesome friend, a girlfriend( not romantically) and just being a listener to my problems, as I did for you when your had your problems with the ex. Thanks a bunch, and I can’t wait for what 2008 has in store for both of us. Thanks, Rosa! :)

So all in all I thank everyone for making a great impact in my life in 2007. As we begin 2008, I would just like to end with a prayer, you can say it with me if you want or not.

“Dear heavenly father,   Tonight I just ask that you give everyone of my friends the love and affection that you give me. I ask that you bless them and their families throughout the last days of 2007 and continuing in 2008. I know were going to make a BIG impact in 2008, and with your guidance, we will do what your plan has for us, Lord.   In his name, we pray…. Amen!”

Thanks everyone, Lets have a great 2008!!

Lots of Love!!

-j5 (Johnny Herrera)

To Go, or Not Go, Whats the Problem?

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 06:04:36 GMT

Well most of yall know what ive been wanting to do for a while. Ive been wanting to meet this girl who ive known for around 5 years, ever since my last year at Schreiner. Ive been planning on going with Jaymz and Lucy to visit her and chat with her about, you know God, and stuff that Jaymz is good talking about.

Well today marked the 5th time that I havent gone to see her. Jaymz and/or Lucy say were gonna go, but we dont go. Im getting tired of telling Camilla, what her plans are and that we are going to SA, then i tell her were not. I just get sad cause i sooo really want to meet her, and talk, and share our views, one-on-one, not through a computer. I mean we only live an hour away, so distance aint a problem.

I mean is God telling me not to go, cause this isnt the right situation, or is he keeping me from meeting her for a certain reason, or he just waiting for the right time to meet her. Maybe it could be, that God wants me to learn to drive and meet her by myself, with no one else, i dont know.

I know, im just sad cause i really want to do this, and something keeps coming up, preventing me to do it. I mean if i would KNOW how to drive, i would have done this already, but i dont drive. :(

so i dont know, im just confused! I dont know what his plan is for this, but im ready for whatever he brings in my path, and eventually ill finally meet Camilla!

ok, Johnny 5....OUT!

-j5

You are Mine

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:20:54 GMT

I just got the new MuteMath CD, thanks to Walters recommendation. And there one particular song on that CD that is amazing its called "You are Mine" I just wanted to share the lyrics.

Everyone has their obsession
consuming thoughts
consuming time
they hold high their prized possession
it defines the meaning of their life

You are mine.

They're our objects of affection
that can mesmerize the soul
there is always one addiction
that just can not be controlled

You are mine.

This song is really representative of what im going through now, no matter what it relates to. Take of it what you will. Its just a great song.
Its my addiction....its my object of affection...it mesmerizes my soul.

-j5

Impossible Kisses

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:49:44 GMT

Anyone know how to eat these things. I got one of those BIG ones and i dont know how to eat it. Shall i get a hammer, bite it off or chip it off? LOL i dont know how to eat it!

HELP ME!! LOL

-j5

Life sucks!

mavmanager2000@yahoo.com — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 06:55:09 GMT

Life sucks! thats it! Life Sucks!
Why? Cause it just does!