I really cherish Saturday afternoons in Saipan. After church we usually go hiking at Forbidden Island, Old Man By the Sea, Bird Island, or the cliffs in Dan Dan. As of late we have been hanging out on the beaches in the North part of the island. The water is a lot cleaner on the north end and its less touristy.
Amy, Rikki, and I headed out to Pau Pau for an afternoon of snorkeling and relaxation. Pau Pau is a great beach because its got little nooks and crannies that you can bum around in. Another bonus is because it has a lot of trees and shaded areas that you can hang your hammock in. Chilling in your hammock with a good read and a view of crystal blue waters is true bliss for me. Ok, maybe you can add fresh coconut juice and I'm good to go.
I've been thinking a lot lately about how to keep Sabbath without feeling bogged down with all the legalistic aspects of religion. Many SDA's have different views on how Sabbath should be kept. I suppose there really isn't one true way to keep the Sabbath since everyone's beliefs range from ultra conservative to really liberal. Everyone is different. I guess you can say I'm somewhere in the middle. Definitely not the most religious. I believe that God knows your true heart of worship.
What I have learned is that when you focus too much on the do's and don'ts . . . you start to lose the true meaning of why Sabbath is meant to be so special. I think being out in nature is how I feel I connect best with God. Just seeing all the amazing creatures and beauty He created renews my love and joy for Him in my life.
What I love also about Sabbath is spending time with those who really lift my spirits up. So thankful for all my friends at the Sda clinic and SDA School.
