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What Would Ma Ingalls Do?

what would ma ingalls do

You know when you were younger and you read the Little House books and would have day dreams about how awesome it would be to be Laura Ingalls? You’d dream of how much fun you’d have in your dresses, fishing and playing in the creek? Hmmmmmmmmm, not just me, right?

There’s a lot we can learn from the wisdom of Ma Ingalls. For whatever reason, we’ve gotten away from letting the older women lead us and give us direction. We head on over to Yadda Yadda Expert Blog (yes, I realize I’m a blogger) and assume they know what they’re doing instead of seeking a mentor. 

News flash – just because someone has a blog doesn’t mean they know jack squat, or have experience in a particular topic.

The best advice and guidance we can get are from the women who have come before us. When I’m having a problem with my kids or when I need a listening ear and advice, I don’t head to my friend with no children. I ask my mentor, Lori – who has three grown children who still like her (that’s key – you probably don’t want help and advice from someone in the slammer).

What I’m saying isn’t news either…it’s downright biblical.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:3-5

Someone yesterday told me: “You are so smart!” (Smart is totally relative.) I told her, “No. I just listen to smart women and try to copy them.”

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

In order to be a better homemaker, I’ve been reading and listening to experienced women so I can fully embrace my calling. Also, just so you know…all women are homemakers, even if they work full time. We are all in the business of “making a home.”

large-family-logisticsMy #1 favorite resource for this is Large Family Logistics. A lot of what you will see referenced in this post are things I’ve learned from that book and put into practice. Keep in mind that “large” is relative and I believe this book offers so much information to those even with “small” families like ours.

Note: this book is no longer in print, but you can still find used versions…I paid $25 for mine from another mom who didn’t need it any longer. Also, check your library. A new version is supposed to come out soon.

So, what am I saying here? I’m saying: GIRL, FIND YOU A TITUS 2 WOMAN.

If you’re a new mom, struggling with mornings, check out the Makeover Your Mornings eCourse from Crystal Paine.

If you’re a mom getting ready to start homeschooling, check out the podcasts from Pam Barnhill.

If you can’t figure out why your dog is suddenly refusing her dog food…call the vet.

We need to stop assuming at that stuff we read online is all true. Instead go to a reliable source – like the women who have lived what we are living now and who have advice and guidance to offer us.

Who is someone you believe you can start learning from?

For the other posts in this series see:

what would ma ingalls do

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Comments

  1. I watched your scope and couldn’t comment because I was days late, so I’ll comment here. I would be hesitant asking for a mentor relationship. I have been asked twice by friends to mentor them over the last ten years. Both times the friendship went south once they didn’t like what I said or I didn’t fulfill their expectations.

    Do you have to specifically ASK someone to mentor you? Or can you just ask her opinion on stuff without “formalizing” that aspect of the relationship. Personally, I would have preferred the latter because now I feel like a failure as a “mentor”. You know what I mean?

    Reply

    • For us, we wanted that very close knit relationship – and we were already close with these people so it made sense. Do you always have to ask? No. The point is to learn from those who are farther along in their journey and have much to teach us. Like learning from Ma Ingalls or Mother Theresa – they won’t even know the impact or the influence they had on so many women. <3

      Reply

  2. I loved Laura Ingalls so much that I was a child reenactor! I spent summers at Rocky Mount in Bristol TN playing the role of The Cobb’s granddaughter. I got to wear long skirts and bonnets and cook over an open fire. It was a dream come true. I always felt like I had found a way to time travel. It was the best.

    Relationships are of vital importance for us humans. God created us that way! I’m personally quite fortunate to have a few “Titus” women in my life and serve as one in the lives of many others. I have been talking to friends just this week about how wonderful it is to have some guidance from a woman who has been where we are and how fulfilling it is to offer yourself to a woman coming up behind you. The design for intimacy here on earth is quite a beautiful foretelling of the ultimate intimacy in heaven!

    Thanks for sharing your heart!

    Reply

  3. Good thoughts! But don’t discount the older women who haven’t been blessed with their own children–often they have had the opportunity to be involved in many children’s lives and can offer wisdom from a different perspective…the family of God is just that–a family.

    Reply

  4. I love what you have said. It amazes me the many times God says to call out to him and he will give generously. He is generous! Love that. Sometimes i have wondered why so much struggle at times. I wonder if it is that He wants our whole heart, rather than a little God, a lot of self, mix in some this and that, dont know. I do know he sees us through, snd i am thankful for the older women in your life!

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  5. The Little House books and show were my absolute favorite when I was a kid and I am so enjoying introducing my kids to both! It is great re-reading and rewatching as a mom because Ma Ingalls is just the best!! My mom is definitely my mentor, she is so Godly and such a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker! I also really love Sally Clarkson’s books, blog, and podcast.

    Reply

  6. I will add be careful who you choose to be a mentor. For me, it is my Mom and sister. But, even they don’t know everything about what’s going on in our home. Make sure you husband is on board with the idea of you seeking advice. Some fellas are really particular about what is put out there about their families. Make sure you not trash talking your husband and children as you seek counsel and maybe even just need some “Lucy and Ethel” moments. A good gal friend is great to have to laugh with , cry with, and help but in the end it’s Jesus and husband we should take everything to. 🙂 Not everyone that appears to be in our “Corner” really is. Be discerning.

    Reply

  8. Your topic intrigued me so much I had to stop my work for a moment and reply, first because I also have watched all of Little House several times each by now I’m sure; in fact I started recording them recently (they play on Hallmark I found out a few months ago) and I watched the “As long as we’re together” series the other day, I kept thinking about how Mrs. Ingalls was someone I would aspire to be like, she always wore her “big girl panties” and did what had to be done! And secondly I’m responding because my Titus 2 woman is someone I no longer have to talk to, she was my mother in law, I met her when I was 14, my husband and I have been together over 36 years and Betty was always someone I found myself easy to talk to. I learned she had taken in so many of the “cousins” when their parents had rough times or whatever the reason, she was a lunch lady for awhile and treated every child the same regardless of race or financial ability to pay (I know for a fact she paid for many lunches and milks out of her own pocket); over the years we talked about EVERYTHING, when I felt odd for no longer having close girlfriends she told me it was a good thing, she put more faith in family and one or two close friends than having numbers, it opened my eyes. Anyhow, she’s been gone one year ago this month, I miss her.

    Reply

    • Sue, what a wonderful influence you had. Thank you for sharing your story here with us – I’m sorry to hear about her passing.

      Reply
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