I used to say I was patriotic before patriotic was cool. My husband joined the Army Reserves in 1997, and I have to admit, there was something slightly aggravating to me about 9/11 creating a host of flag-waving Americans who couldn’t muster support for our troops prior to that.
Well, frugality strikes me similarly. A recession (or whatever you want to call it) shouldn’t be the only reason we decide to be frugal…especially as Christians!
I grew up in a frugal household as the by-product of the marriage between a Depression-era child and a penny-pinching single mom. They had me only because it fit nicely into their budget. I have no full-blooded siblings because an addition of that sorts wasn’t a financially sound decision (or so I suspect). Mom and Dad never have quite understood the economics behind my growing brood…more than likely because there are no economics to be understood. (But, THAT, my friends, is a post all its own!)
I spent my growing up years learning to turn OFF lights, NEVER letting the water run while I brushed my teeth, and believing LEFTOVERS were worthy of a meal all their own.
I was frugal by default.
And here I am 30-ish and still frugal. I’m not a fly-by-night, in-these-uncertain-times coupon-clipping, plastic-sandwich-bag-washing kind of mom. I’m frugal because I don’t know any other way to be.
So, has the economic downturn affected our family? You can bet your WalMart jeans it has. But am I scared? Nope. You see, all the things the “experts” are telling me to do in order make it through the recession, I was already doing…not because I want to be economically savvy, but because FRUGAL is my middle name! (thanks mom and dad for giving me such a cool middle name!)
But honestly, as Christians, we SHOULD BE economically savvy! Frugality is all part of the Christian Conservationism I talk about on my About Me page. It’s ECONOMY that stems from THEOLOGY.
When God gave Adam and Eve “dominion” over everything, do you really think He meant trample it all to the ground and use it all up as quickly as possible? Do you think the Lord is pleased when we spend and spend and spend on STUFF, rather than investing in the only thing that matters…His Kingdom?
Frugality should be part of our lives so that GENEROSITY (in the Lord’s name) can be part of our lives!
Don’t let the recession get all the credit…It was God’s idea first!
Just letting you know that I left something for you on my blog today.
I am in the same boat. I was frugal before frugal was cool. I have been looked down upon my entire life for my cheapskate ways and now when others are feeling the pinch because they have to. My lifestyle is looking pretty good. It saddens my heart.
Yes God was the first to say that Frugal should be a way of life after all we are suppose to display good stewardship in all things.
Great post I have enjoyed being around here the last few days.
Amy, I thoroughly enjoyed this post! I, too, grew up with turning the lights off when I left the room, not running the water while brushing my teeth, etc.
I clicked over here from At the Well…and I love your blog. I think I’ll stay around a while and have a look! Hope you have a great day!
While I’ve watched others around me express fear because of the recession, I have been virtually untouched myself because my whole life I have made it a habit to NOT spend money. I make do with what I have, even saving the smallest bit of ribbon to recycle for gifts, etc. I also am very content by nature, which helps! I don’t spend time wishing I had material possessions because the things that bring me more joy are the relationships I have with friends and family.
I think a lot about “stewardship” and how we are to be good managers of what the Lord has “lent” to us. He is so generous with us and gives us the freedom to decide what to spend money on. It comes with great responsiblity!
AMEN! We too were frugal and patriotic before it was cool (hubby was in the USAF 96-99) their really is freedom in being frugal and not living up to societies expectations!
XoxoGapGirl
I have not always been frugal. My children used to get so much at Christmas that halfway through they were sick of opening presents.
The Lord did a mighty work on me when we made the committment to live on one income. I feel so much happier now that we live on less than we ever did and that is because for the first time we live on what we have not on credit.
Great post.
Oh dear. I wasn’t raised to be frugal even though I was raised right at the poverty level. My parents were very uneducated in finances. I’m learning as I go. I’ve recently delved into frugality with our grocery budget…I’m here to say…it’s giving me a flippin headache! Literally! I wish it was in my blood. You’re lucky.
Amen! I was raised in a frugal family too, and sometimes it grates on me how UN-frugal people can be – even the man I married… but he’s learning!
AMEN GIRL! Frugal is my middle name too! weird
OH and the patriotic thing, gets me every time too! I am a military wife, and we can tell the difference between putting a yellow ribbon on your car and TRULY supporting the troops and their families. Great job!
I have a confession…. I wash and reuse Ziploc baggies!
Great post, Amy!
Are we related? My favorite thing to say is that I was born cheap I cant help it! One of the most irritating things to me is how mainstream frugal is becoming! I mean I was using cloth diapers from baby #1 and now all my too good to use cloth friends are doing it.
Great post Amy. 
Amy,
This was my life, too: “I spent my growing up years learning to turn OFF lights, NEVER letting the water run while I brushed my teeth, and believing LEFTOVERS were worthy of a meal all their own.”
My father, a product of the depression-era, was obsessive- compulsive in this area, and boy, did we have stories to tell–all funny–I wish I could remember them all! But, I didn’t “get it” until I grew up and (especially) until I left home, married and was raising my own kids. Now, I remember this, and comfort myself, that my children will be more consistent in practicing what we “harp” on about turning off lights, etc., when they have their *own* home and family. It still drives me crazy when I have to go around the house turning off lights! But, my father had to do the same thing for me. (As I grow older, and can’t see as well, I appreciate using more electricity for good lighting, but my hope is that it balances with not having to spend money on stronger glasses:) (Ah, the lovely benefits of aging!) Anyways, thanks for a post I could really relate to–I just wish you could have met my dad:)
Wendy @ Faith’s Firm Foundation
i cannot believe we have the same first AND middle names?! what next?
all I have to say is same here
good to hear you on the subject.
amy in peru
http://apilgrimsproject.blogspot.com
I really enjoyed this post Amy! I think we should be always be wise and careful with our money and posessions, etc…because we are Christians…not because of the economy ~ great article.
BTW…I was raised to be frugal and so was my hubby…we really do agree in the money department…such a blessing!
Blessings,
Camille
I so enjoyed this post; and since reading it, I’ve been doing some thinking on my own frugality.
I linked up to you in the blog post I just wrote, “Frugal to a Fault?”. Thanks for the inspiration! 
Love,
Angela
Hi Amy,
Thank you so much for sharing this post with me. It gave me some interesting things to think about.
Blessings
Honey
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