Whenever I'm tempted to write a book to comment on someone's Facebook page, I know I need to blog!!

This time, it's in response to the scrapbooking phenomenon.

I look back at my media coverage of Edward's (my first born) babyhood and laugh at how far removed from that I've become with the third! With your first, everything they do (smile, breathe, whatever!) is so brand new and TOTALLY THE MOST AMAZING THING EVER! And that's so great to go through. Bask in it, Mommies!!!

But as I've grown as a mom, I've personally discovered that when I live life behind my camera lens, I am less engaged in it. I've found that my personal temptation is to tailor my life to photo ops rather than activities with meaning. I've decided that for me, I'd rather spend less money and time documenting my life and more time doing things I consider more eternally valuable. I've come to the conclusion that though impeccable photo albums are beautiful, they tend to reinforce for selfish (we all are!) children that the world revolves around them and not God.

What happens if our house burns down with all our photos? Would I be OK with that? NOW I would be, but I'm not so sure I would if I spent literally hundreds of dollars and days of time making elaborate scrapbooks.

What happens if we get called to the mission field and must sell most of our possessions to live in relative poverty - would I bring ALL my pics or just a tiny key few?

What will happen when we get to Heaven? Will I be more upset that I didn't make scrapbooks or didn't spend every last drop of my time and effort storing up treasures in Heaven? Besides - I have a feeling God's scrapbooks are better than anything we could make!!! lol

Do I begrudge hobbies? No. But I believe that we are supposed to do EVERYTHING to the glory of God. If you can make scrapbooks that glorify the Lord, DO IT! Right now, I can't.

OK, Lord. Now You can call me to make a scrapbook, since You seem to delight in having me do whatever I decide I will not do! I love You, Lord! You crack me up!