I just finished reading a kid’s book called Frindle, in which the main character makes up a new word. I loved it because, as you can see, I have done the same thing with Poorganic. I love making up words.
The problem is once you release a word into the world, you can’t really control what it means.Β Nonetheless, I’m going to try to explain what I THINK IT MEANS–what I MEAN for it to mean.
Most readers assume that The Poorganic Life is a “real foods” blog, so I want to explain that . . . . it kinda is and kinda isn’t.
When I came up with The Poorganic Life as a name, I tried to explain the term “poorganic” in the About page, telling you some of the poorganic things that I discuss and using tasty words like “sweet, nutty, crunchy, and full of fruit” to keep it fun, and light, and enjoyable.
But truthfully, I’ve been keeping a little bit of a secret. The problem is The “Poorganic” Life website might have to do with real food, but the ACTUAL life is about something else entirely.Β And I’m afraid to actually say it because then I’ve really set myself up to look like a hypocrite.
GULP.
But, it’s time. It must be done—even if it means that scores of you go scurrying off to less crazy blogs, I have to be upfront about what’s going on here.
Poorganic (Adj)-Having the characteristic of being deliberately and freakishly frugal, natural, nourishing, and contented. Poorganics are people who have the SPECIFIC GOAL of living BELOW their financial ability with the expressed purpose of sharing the saved money, time, and excess with others.
Thus, The Poorganic Life, will be a life in which my family and I attempt to model this type of existence.
We will keep on blowing raspberries at social climbing people who continuously strive to upgrade.
We will find enrichment and contentment in God’s blessings as we wallow in His grace.
We will give our money away when it seems stupid and financially foolish.
I know. I know. It sucks. I could put up a dozen Bible verses that would make me sound really awesome at this point for attempting this, but I’m not gonna do that. I already feel inadequate and overwhelmed enough. Putting this in actual words scares me quite a lot.
Maybe you don’t see how is this problematic for me?
It’s just . . . sometimes I don’t want to do it. I don’t want to be simple, OR frugal, OR natural OR give my money away when God asks me to. But this blog is my accountability and my challenge to do what I believe is what God has designed for us all to do. Since it is actually HIS stuff in the first place.
Oh snap!
Now I’ve gone and done it. I told you that I think God means for you to live this crazy way too, pretending to be poorer than you are and giving the extra away to serve God. Now I’ve stepped all over your American dream, your emergency fund, and your entitlement. And mine.
“WT Heck!I thought this was a food blog. !” You say. “Is she gonna try to make me feel guilty for not being poor?”
No. I won’t try to make you feel guilty; I hate false guilt. That is not the point at all. And I wish this was just a food blog. That would be way easier. Sometimes when I’m so tired of this that I almost light my coupons on fire, I have to sit down and write an easy post about grass-fed beef. I’m a very reluctant poorganic.
BUT . . . there is one nice thing about poorganics. It’s totally enrichingly abundant. (Did I just make up the word enrichingly?) It is not about following a meal plan, or a tithe plan, or a budget plan. It is full of blessings that you didn’t earn, grace you didn’t deserve, checks you weren’t owed, and food you didn’t buy. Miraculously, what grows organically out of this crazy lifestyle is an amazing, mind-blowing connection with our Provider, who supplies all our needs. Check out the provision stories tab to see what I mean.
Maybe I’ll give you just one eensy weensy verse to show you that I didn’t make this stuff up.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
So, despite my cynicism, anybody want to be a Poorganic? π
You inspire me more and more each day I read your blogs. I had no clue you had such faith, and I feel like a shlup because I read your β100 Days of Real Foodβ add much add I can on my phone as it is my primary means of internet now. I had no clue about this blog. You are so amazing, and Good bless you and your family for your honesty, and hard work. I’m so glad I read that yahoo struggle several months ago, and like you on facebook. I’m so touched I’m actually teary eyed, and I know it’s not from pregnancy. I an actually working on a grow room right now for an outdoor greenhouse. Ontop of that a cistern to correct rain water to make the sprinkler system in the greenhouse. Plus a windmill. I was saying βHow can I do this. I’m pregnant, tired, and have so much to do in house work aloneβ. Your blog just gave me hope, and leery me know that I an listening to god, and he has the faith in me, or he wouldn’t have asked me to do this. Thank you so much! (hug)
Hooray! I’m thrilled that you’ve been reading here and God has used this crazy food journey for a “REAL” reason. I hope you’ll keep me posted on what God does in your life, pregnancy, and greenhouse. My, you are ambitious! You GO GIRL!! π
YES! and I am shouting. Shouting to the rooftops, so I have no room to back down. Because doing this is going to take guts. The guts to believe God, not say I believe, but believe. Guts because it will take changing the way I live and I generally, completely, totally hate change – unless it is moving up the ladder!
Thank you Helen! I am so excited when I meet other gutsy, nutso people who are willing to join us in what God is going to do.
So blessed that God led me to your website. I love the way he does that. The hubby and I completed Financial Peace University in December. I am totally the nerd, and there is no shame in my game. He is our supplier of all things. I look forward to reading more and future blogs. Thank you for sharing and allowing him to work through you.
“No shame in my game”? I think you’re gonna like it here. π Glad to have you as a reader.
I am so excited to have found your blog! I have been bouncing back and forth between being a “poorganic” and not for years, feeling like a hypocrite with every bounce! I have just had to remember that every step forward is a step toward health for my family and a better relationship with the Creator. I have known that God has wanted this lifestyle for my family for so long, but getting us all on board has been a struggle and sometimes I just don’t want the hassle anymore…now I have encouragement! My friends all think I’m crazy, and if they don’t, they aren’t interested in it being about a better relationship with the Lord. So thank you for creating a place that encourages me and thank God for leading me to it!
Welcome! And, maybe you need new friends? π Of course I am kidding. Living this way means that you will constantly fight with yourself because our “flesh” wants to be “normal” and accumulate stuff and try to find satisfaction in things, but when we really let the Lord have his way and “throw off the sin that so easily entangles” we find freedom. I’m SO glad that you are here. I think you’re going to love it.
Your site is very thought provoking! I appreciate your honesty!! Thanks for sharing!!
I get it! I so get it! In my heart I want to live simply, I desire to give away generously…but at the same time my heart leads me away and I sometimes don’t want to. Pray for me, as I pray for you, that God would totally transform our hearts and our desires.
I will pray! I will say, the more I give, the easier it is getting. I just hold more loosely to things, and I get a much bigger rush out of giving stuff away. π When I give for His glory, He rewards me by 1)resupplying my needs and 2)giving me satisfaction. Thanks for reading!
I like your thoughts on living within our means so we may give of our money, time and things to others as God has called us to do. Looking forward to reading more.
This actually makes me love your site more! I’m a VISTA with AmeriCorps this year, and in case you haven’t heard of it, it’s kind of like the domestic version of the PeaceCorps, and it’s all about relieving poverty issues. Part of the deal though is that VISTAs make a poverty level stipend during the service year so we can better understand the realities. We are even encouraged to apply for food stamps to supplement our stipend. As a recent college graduate, I felt like I should be moving upwards and onwards, not taking a job that was way less work for significantly less pay. But then come’s the “Ah HA!” moment when the realization “maybe God has more in store” hits.
Anyway, I explain all of this to say that your blog has been a great reminder that I’m not insane, plus a great resources on how to best utilize my food stamps and make some great meals! So thank you, and God bless π
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I love it, Katrina!! I will expand it to being Humane, being as that I’m not Christian, I see it as not what God alone would want, but what Universal Love breeds. Semantics, perhaps, but it binds us to Humanity, past and present, and it goes beyond culture and religion. It is how my idealistic view of the world has always been! We are all part of the fabric of humanity with our lives, the fibers, all interwoven.
I’m glad I read your post today! Thank you!!
Jen, thanks for your comment. I certainly agree with you about being humane for sure. And I agree that we are all bound to each other like it says in 1 Jn 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another.” Bit I guess we disagree in that I don’t see anything as beyond God. The next part of that passage says, “For love is of God, and everyone that loves is BORN of God. Whoever doesn’t love, doesn’t know God, for God IS Love.” I see God as the origin and embodiment of love. Unfortunately, lots of religions, including Christianity have warped his generous love, making it look self-centered, petty, and legalistic. Nonetheless, I still think the self-sacrificial love of Christ demonstrates the ideal that I strive to emulate. We give of ourselves so that others can live. I hope you’ll keep reading here and sharing your ideas. π
What a hidden treasure to have stumbled across you tonight! I look forward to having a good look around here. Blessings! from Victoria
Thank you! So excited to have you here and commenting. π Let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions.
I’m new to your blog, but LOVE it. =) We’re a military family, and moving often means constant budget shifts, different growing seasons, crazily undulating food prices, and a general temptation for me to go INSANE, attempting to steadily balance health and money and godliness =) Bless you for being real about the struggle, while encouraging the rest of us to keep at it!
Thanks so much Marian! It is wonderful to hear that the blog is helping you. One of my best friends is a military gal, so she’ll helps keep me grounded by reminding me what works and doesn’t work around the world. π
Awesome…even more than what I was hoping Poorganic would mean. We are “trying” to follow the same path. Sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing, and always covered by His grace. Praise the Lord!
Thank the Lord for grace, right!? Thanks so much for reading. π I hope you’ll stick around and share the journey with other “poorganics” ;).
What a wonderful post – at Azure Standard we share similar values and are very thankful for an abundant life full of blessings. It allows us to do more for others. I’m wondering if you’ve considered managing a long term food plan by creating a bulk pantry with organic foods and planning for meals on a small budget. If we can help you do that and you would like to write about your experience, just give me a call. You are welcome to check out our website. Debbie Pantenburg at 971.200.8351 ext 163.