10 Lessons From Little House For The Entire Family

No matter the age of my children, they all seem to enjoy the "Little House" series.  Especially the Bug, who still envisions herself as our resident Laura, especially the part about being the "half-pint of sweet cider half drunk up".  I love literature that is living and applicable to every generation that encounters it.  I would certainly say that the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder would certainly meet these criteria.  

If you haven't picked up a "Little House" book in a long while, then here are 10 Lessons For The Entire Family that you can learn from just reading together.  Perhaps this will give you good reason to read them with your family again, or for the first beautiful time.

{ORIGINAL PHOTO CREDIT}

1.  Simplicity:  The Ingalls family consistently found pleasure reveling in the simple pleasures and blessings of life.  A new handmade doll on Christmas morning, an orange with a peppermint stick, maple candy and a Sunday picnic.

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." Psalm 19:7 NKJV

2.  Contentment: Charles and Caroline taught their children early on to be content with the blessings they were given.  Not that envy didn't rear it's ugly head in Laura and Mary every now and again.  Their parents were loving, yet stern when redirecting these emotions.

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" Philippians 4:11 KJV

3.  Children need discipline:  Pa was thorough and consistent in disciplining his children, especially Laura, who still writes her father well and with fondness.  A child who is disciplined will grow a more confident adult.

"He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." Proverbs 13:24 KJV

4.  Self-Government: Weather the family was in the Kansas prairie or the woods of Wisconsin, it was business as usual in the moral training for the Ingalls' children.  Charles and Caroline taught the importance of governing one's self through every circumstance of life.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" Colossians 3:23

5.  Obedience:  Weather to authorities, or parents or to God, obedience was expected in the Ingalls' home.  Expectations were clearly communicated, consequences clearly lined out and all were strictly enforced. 

"And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him." 2 Corinthians 7:15

6.  Endurance:  No matter the circumstance, Charles and Caroline, had the true pioneering spirit.  They continued on, no matter the difficulties.

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." Matthew 24:13

7.  Hope:  The Ingalls family continued to support one another throughout each of these stories.  The hope of a future together was enough to continue through the toughest times.  Loosing homes, children, crops and more, hope kept them from sinking.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." Psalm 42:5

8.  Sacrifice:  Giving to other in time of need is a truly Ingalls' quality indeed.  Even more of an Ingalls' characteristic was to go without, so another might be blessed.

"I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good." Psalm 54:6 

9.  Thankfulness:  Giving thanks in all that is said and done, while giving glory to God appeared a natural occurrence in the Ingalls' household.

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people." 1 Chronicles 16:8

10. Family is our testimony to the world!:  We are the salt and the light.  When we are unified as a family and working together, we are giving testimony to the goodness and glory of God in our daily lives.  Charles and Caroline worked as parents to keep the heart string's of their children firmly tied to home and to God.  So much so, that decades later their middle child commemorated their efforts with one of the best loved book series in American history.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:14 KJV

Happy Reading!

 

The Joyful Socks Mom 

Where we are at? 

• Little House Link-Up
• Top Ten Tuesday

• Homeschooling on the Cheap 

Here are some more homeschool resources we recommend: 

• Notebooking Success is the #1 Notebook Resource! This teacher gives this eBook an A+
• No "falling" behind on Homeschool organizing! Get the Weekly Homeschool Planner today!
• Bright Ideas Press - The curriculum that Moms Love! Home of the Mystery of History.

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