ribbon cutting

Our pastor, Pastor John Manglona was asked to do the opening prayer and benediction for the ribbon cutting ceromony at the Rota Office on Aging this past Saturday. It was for a big solar panel project just recently completed.

Our Mayor was there, Honorable Aubry Hocog (the youngest Mayor in the history of our commonwealth, and the first ever woman mayor). Other government leaders were there, including our former U.S. Congressman Honorable Kilili Sablan, CNMI Senate President Dennis Mendiola, CNMI Senator Ronnie Calvo, and the director of the Rota Office on Aging, Ms. Valery Apatang.

Wanted to give prayer support (in the background) for Pastor John, as well as touch base with friends at the Aging Center.

Someone handed me a huge pair of scissors and herded me over to our Chamorro style tropical ribbon. Then it was, "One, two, three, CUT!" Didn't even realize I was standing between all these government officials (there's Congressman Killili in the very back) until looking at this photo just now.

 

It was so good to see Man Amko (senior citizen) friends again.

But, honestly, the most important of all - our heavenly Abba Father was there with us. Thank you, Jesus!

mangoes very soon

Baby mangoes popping out all over the place.

What a welcome sight - it's already been about a week. No flowers, just these red or pinkish branches popping out everywhere,  covered with tiny buds. When May rolls around, they'll all be ripe mangoes.

Hopefully, this year will be the same as last - mango jam, mango smoothies, pickled baby magoes, mangoes on frenchtoast, mangoes on cheesecake, mango pancakes, and crepes with fresh mangoes.

Renting a 2nd floor apartment which has two huge mangoe trees on the property. One of them grows right over the adjoining roof, providing a beautiful sight from the back windows.

To think this is only the top of the tree. Below the roof are loads and loads of branches covered with mangoes. 

Got about a month and half before being able to enjoy all the fresh fruit from the backyard. Perhaps even in April, some Chamorro pickled baby mangoes will be possible.

The little mango buds remind me of the fruit of the Spirit, which becomes evident in a person who loves Jesus with all their heart. The kindness, patience, love, and self-control don't all kick in immediately. But, with the passing of time, and gradual steady growth, as the fruit matures, a person actually changes into a better person (from the inside out).

Self control is the slowest fruit of the Spirit to develope in my life. Not saying, "no self control", just saying, "more self control is always needed." It always helps when the Lord brings to mind, "life with zero self control."   

Heavenly Abba Father, fill us with your Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!