Economy

I think that 2009 is going to be a year of economy.

This idea keeps popping up--

• using what you have
• not wasting anything
• gathering bits and pieces of time and materials to make something new
• living within the means available
• spending wisely 
• knowing what's needed and what's wanted 
• choosing words carefully--not wasting them
• using resources wisely (to quote the Girl Scout Law)

So what is economy exactly?

Dictionary.com says this (emphasis mine):

e⋅con⋅o⋅my

 

noun, plural -mies, adjective, adverb

–noun

1.	thrifty management; frugality in the expenditure or consumption of money, materials, etc.

2.	an act or means of thrifty saving; a saving: He achieved a small economy by walking to work instead of taking a bus.

3.	the management of the resources of a community, country, etc., esp. with a view to its productivity.

4.	the prosperity or earnings of a place: Further inflation would endanger the national economy seriously.

5.	the disposition or regulation of the parts or functions of any organic whole; an organized system or method.

6.	the efficient, sparing, or concise use of something: an economy of effort; an economy of movement.

7.	economy class.

8.	Theology. a. the divine plan for humanity, from creation through redemption to final beatitude. b. the method of divine administration, as at a particular time or for a particular race.

9.	Obsolete. the management of household affairs.

–adjective

10.	intended to save money: to reduce the staff in an economy move.

11.	costing less to make, buy, or operate: an economy car.

Much of this has to do with financial economy, but I think it also applies to how we spend our time and energy and emotions and words. It applies to housekeeping and homework, purchasing and planning.

God doesn't waste anything. Someone said it to me a week or so ago. And just this morning, I read that nothing is wasted when it comes to time spent memorizing Scripture. I had an "a-ha" moment as the idea of God being a God of economy hit home.

There aren't really any leftovers when it comes to God. He uses everything for our benefit; everything--no matter how seemingly small and insignificant--has purpose and the potential when we give it to him to handle.

We live in a culture in which waste is rampant. We toss food and things and even people aside without a second thought. We create tons and tons of trash.

We are all too often ashamed of economy--worried about what others will think. We feel rich when we waste things, too proud to carry our leftovers home for lunch the next day. We assume that to have value something must be new.

I disagree with the dictionary. I don't think that the idea of economy as the management of household affairs is obsolete. I want to manage our household with economy in the coming year.

Want to join me?

Comments

[Megan]

I'm in.....

Now, more than ever, we need to purposeful in management.... and it all starts at home!

[mel]

Thank you for an a-ha moment too! I've been thinking alot about all this lately, i need a change, it's not about what i want (consumeristly speaking) but what can i do with what i already have.
I'll be an Austalian Frugal Housewife!

[Stephanie]

You know I'm totally with you! And one of my favorite parts in all of this is the need to be creative. To think outside the box to use something in a different way. To find new ways of doing things to still meet the same need. Anyone can buy something brand new---a truly creative person figures out how to do the job with stuff on hand. And God is the most creative of all...what an example for us.

[Dedra Herod]

I totally agree with you! Guess what I have been doing? :-) Reading Living Simply by Joanne Heim. Wonderful author, great message... have underlined a ton already... I am totally in with you. I am on a fasting from spending needlessly... Hard, but very doable... and making do with alot less. More time.. more memories with less of the world. I love that... and grateful for your new friendship! Keep the encouragement coming!

[Kate]

Oh I'm in! This is an idea I have been trying (a failing misarably at) I could defently use the support group!

I am looking forward to it!

[Gretchen]

Okay, God...I'm listening.

Just needed Him to let him know I heard his nudge. Between your post, Mer's post, and talking to my BFF today, I'm hearing God loud and clear. Thank you for this, Joanne. I'm on board, too, and instead of dreading it, I'm looking forward to the creative aspect of it.

[Fuzzytop]

I'm in! This has been percolating in my heart too.

Adrienne

[Dawn W]

(*Waving hand in the air*)

I'm in! This idea has been rambling around in my head throughout the late fall and ideas of how to be a (better) frugal housewife have also been floating around.

Let's get to it!!!

[Holly @ Crownlaiddown]

Yes in every way, except in friendship and loving others. There I want to be extravagent and over the top!

[Janna Widdifield]

Yes, yes! I am in! In fact, I just ordered a copy of the book on Amazon (through your shop...wink, wink).

I am dedicating the month of January to simplifying so I'll be reviewing Living Simply again. But all of these tips about not wasting items and using resources wisely is going to play into my choices of what stays and goes in our home and in our lives.

I can't wait for you to come and visit what will soon be a "simplified and frugal" surroundings.

[Meredith]

Yep...I'm in too!

One thing that I've wanted to do for a few years now is start a compost pile...and your words about not wasting anything really jump started my thinking in regard to that project!

[Mary @ Simple Things]

Sign me up! I've been thinking A LOT about getting control of our finances and not throwing money away. I hadn't really been thinking of the term economy when it comes to time but I am now. I can't believe the dictionary lists handling the affairs of the home as obsolete. I guess they've done that because most people aren't managing their affairs and are just winging it. Like I've been doing.

[Becky Jo]

Not only do I want to join you ... I NEED to join you! I absolutley need to be an economic wife! In every sense of the word... outdated or not!

[Susan]

Right there with ya, baby. We are going to live like no one else so that we can live like no one else...thank you, Dave Ramsey. We've already begun this New Year with a new way of thinking about $$, time, things. Can't wait to keep it going.

[Kim Feth]

Count me in! It looks like God worked it out for these thoughts to be percolating in a lot of women's heads. In these horrible economic times, my husband just got a new job with a raise - what a blessing. My focus of prayer and area of concern is that we continue to live at our current level and start rapidly paying off debt and saving - not squandering - or robbing God. So, count me in!
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC

[Melissa @ Breath of Life]

I'm jumping in with both feet, friend!

[Jen]

This was an "ah-ha" for me too. I HATE clutter and anything laying around, extra, etc. Often, in my efforts to reduce clutter and "organize", I waste/throw away! I am so thankful God doesn't do the same. I'm quite certain that my action/behaviors/attitudes are often seeming "clutter" to him and yet it doesn't seem as important to me to get rid of those! I am interested in frugality and economy too--especially as our nation faces such uncertain times. I'm looking forward to your posts! Thanks for sharing your heart.

[Jen]

This was an "ah-ha" for me too. I HATE clutter and anything laying around, extra, etc. Often, in my efforts to reduce clutter and "organize", I waste/throw away! I am so thankful God doesn't do the same. I'm quite certain that my action/behaviors/attitudes are often seeming "clutter" to him and yet it doesn't seem as important to me to get rid of those! I am interested in frugality and economy too--especially as our nation faces such uncertain times. I'm looking forward to your posts! Thanks for sharing your heart.

[Jen]

I love it Joanne....this is a subject very near to my heart for the coming year. It's actually been on my mind for quite some time. Count me in! I'm on the same page with Dedra (above)...I've been failing miserably at this and love the idea of a support system. I too am loving "Living Simply"...as a matter of fact, I'm about to crawl under the covers and read some more! With Rob and I not having any children (yet), I find it's easy for us to sometimes take "the easy way out" and just go out to eat, or ___________(fill in the blank). Now more than ever 9and before there are any children), we really need to get on the track of frugality.

GO TEAM!

[Julie]

I am definitelty with you! We are striving to be more "economical" this year. We are implementing Dave Ramsey's system and I am going to be doing a $35 weekly grocery budget! We'll see how I achieve that goal! Anyway, thanks for doing this and I love your blog! I read it every day! :)

Blessings,
Julie

[Michele K]

I am so in. This is perfect for me. I drew up my goals for 2009 and they all had something to do with being more economical this year. Not being wasteful with my time or money. Thanks for helping us all stay on target.

[sara sparks]

I'm in! Thanks for starting a Frugal Revolution :)

[Toronto realtor]

Very, very nice words. We have been the society of consumption. Full dustbin has been the mark of prosperous family. Nothing second hand, everything new. I hope these times can help to change a bit, at least a little tiny bit...
Best wishes and Happy New Year!
Elli

[Joanne Heim]

Hi Elli,

I couldn't get my response email to go through! But wanted to say hi and nice to meet you and thanks for commenting!

Joanne

[Elizabeth]

I'm in. I need your help, though! Looking forward to more great info.

[Elizabeth]

Hello.
This is one of our goals for 2009. To use what God provides for us and not waste anything. We are starting to look at things in a whole new way.
Blessings,
Elizabeth

[Heather]

I am in!!!
I just found your blog.... enjoying it!!!!
Heather

[Becky]

I'm in!! Love your blog and am simplifying my life! We have begun to really try and watch out for waste, and spending too much needlessly.
Becky

[Farm Fresh Jessica]

Amen sista! Can I put this badge on my blog?

[Kasey]

I enjoyed reading what you have to say!! I agree.

[Donna Jackson]

Just found your site...I would love to join in on this!

[Scarlett Hilton]

I love frugal living! Can I put your badge on my Frugal and Simple Living Blog?

[Gilda]

Yes, me too! I'd love to put this badge on my blog as well! I'm in!

[Doylene Brents]

I put the badge on my page. It helps me to visit your blog quickly and others can find your blog. Doylene

[Lisa Landis]

I'm in. I'd love to put this badge on my blog.