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Amazing Grace

This evening my mother-in-law called to tell us that her mom (my husband’s grandma) just went to be with the Lord after a visiting friend sang "Amazing Grace."  My husband and I embraced each other and wept together.  She will be missed! My heart is saddened and I wish we could have been there to say one last good-bye.  I wish I could hear her talk about Israel again (she visited Israel a few times and loved to talk about it). 

In a loving memory of her, I’m going to post an article written by her on February 23, 1998.  It is cherished by all of us.  A piece of history (Oregon Trail) remains because of her!

     

     William and Mary Simpson, with their ten children, left Platt County, Missouri for Oregon in the Spring of 1846.  There were forty or more wagons in the train; their eldest son, Ben, was the captain.
             
     When they were nearing the Sweet Water stream, the train was moving slowly.  About fifty yards from the train, an Indian with a red blanket around him raised up out of the tall grass and gave a loud yell and started swinging his blanket.  This scared the train’s teams and they started to run, those behind passing those in front; and in this way, the whole train stampeded.  They didn’t stop until they ran into the stream.  Damage was done to the wagons, but no one was injured.
             
     Ben ordered them to strike camp in a circle.  Then he took a rawhide whip and left to find the Indian; when he caught him, he whipped him.
             
     The whole train was terrified that the Indians would come and kill them.  Sure enough, about forty Indians came, and their leader called for the man that whipped his son.  Despite the pleadings of the train, Ben went out and confessed that he did it, and why.  All the Indians dismounted and each one came and shook Ben’s hand, saying "You did just right."  Ben invited them in for supper, and they repaid them by doing a war dance.
             
     Arriving in Oregon, they settled in the Willamette Valley.  Their youngest son was my great-grandfather.
                                
Written by Mary Ellen (Simpson) Hart (Nov. 15, 1919 – Sept. 16, 2006)
 
We are reminded once again to not take our loved ones for granted, to not take life/living for granted, and to constantly have "eternal perspectives."  Life here on earth is temporary; heaven is our permanent home.  Live for God!
"…‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!

    Thru many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come; ’tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home…"

According to Amazing Grace (366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions) by Kenneth W.Osbeck, John Newton (who wrote Amazing Grace) proclaimed shortly before his death, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!"

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