The Real Laura Ingalls Wilder

The first time I learned of Laura Ingalls Wilder, I was in the fourth grade at Monterey Elementary School in Ohio. I can still picture the small library and even the very shelves where her books were kept. I read through the whole series and then I would start over again. Something about the free and independent spirit of her pioneer family captured my attention. I never tired of reading about Pa and Ma, Mary, Laura, Carrie and baby Grace as they traveled from Wisconsin, Indian Territory, and DeSmet, South Dakota. As soon as my girls were old enough to understand, I began reading the same stories to them. The TV show made the family more popular and the made-up episodes were fun but there was nothing better than the real stories in Laura's written accounts.

So I was thrilled when my family traveled to Missouri last week and visited Mansfield, where Laura lived with Almanzo until her death in 1957. Seeing Pa's fiddle with my own eyes, the slates that Pa bought Mary and Laura in Plum Creek and more, was very meaningful to me. I bought a replica of Ma's Shepherdess that she always kept on their mantel, a tin cup with a peppermint stick and penny...the same thing the Ingalls girls got for Christmas one year and something else that I will always treasure. I bought a copy of bible references in Laura's handwritting that were in her small bible near her rocker where she sat to read. They were a blessing to me and I thought I would share. She wrote:

In facing a crisis read 46 Psalm

When discouraged read 23 & 24 Psalm

Lonely or fearful read 27 Psalm

Planning a budget read St. Luke chapter 19

To live successfully with others read Romans chapter 12

Sick or in pain read 91 Psalm

When you travel carry with you 121 Psalm

When very weary read Matthew 11:28 & 30 and Romans 8: 31-39

When things from bad to worse 2 Timothy 3

When friends go back on you, hold to 1 Corinthians 13

For inward peace the 14th Chapter of St. John

To avoid misfortune Matthew 7: 24-27

For record of what trust in God can do Hebrews 11

If you are having to put up a fight-the end of Ephesians

When you have sinned read 1 John 3:1-21

And make Psalm 51 your prayer

It was so wonderful to see how Laura relied on God's Word in hard situations. I am sure she faced many, as we all do. I am so glad that Laura lived her life with God walking by her side. I am so happy that I got to see this side of her....the real Laura Ingalls Wilder.