A Heart’s Inscriptions

By Rebekah M. Sweet

Every person’s life has some form of secret in darkness. Each of these stories will touch on those secrets and how there is hope.

A spoken word becomes a thought. A thought becomes a dream. A dream becomes an explosion of letters—letters that tell the story of one person. Every person’s life is a letter. Some letters bear sorrow, while others bring tidings of joy. There is hope!

Letters are written by pen, others on the heart. Such is this book, A Heart’s Inscriptions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Feb 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781973653592

Rebekah M. Sweet

Rebekah was inspired to start writing at the age of ten. She grew up writing short stories and poems for her school, this is probably where her love of doing it started. She wrote off and on throughout the years. She did not introduce her writings to the public till 2017, when her church allowed her to direct her first program of miniature plays, as she refers them to, of American History.

Book preview

A Heart ’s

Inscriptions

Rebekah M. Sweet

Copyright © 2019 Rebekah M. Sweet.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-9736-5358-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-5359-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019901652

WestBow Press rev. date: 2/22/2019

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Contents

Introduction

Dedication

Two Sacrifices My Mom Made

Stories for Children

Gennesaret

The Little Cowboy

Pup the Seal is Seal-Napped

The Maple Leaf

Child of the White Token

Adult and Young Adult

Coniah

A Judas Poppy

The Stalker

Introduction

Some of these stories I have written for people personally. This has been unknown to them till now.

The Garden of Gennesaret is written for two acquaintances of mine that are suffering from health problems. No matter how you are suffering, God is still in control. What you are going through is painful, but don’t let the pain turn your soul into bitterness. The word Gennesaret means, Garden of the Prince. Our lives are like a garden and the master gardener is Christ. Let Him prune your life the way He seems fit; because in the end, it will blossom and bring forth fruit.

The Judas Poppy, is a tribute to those many lives in the Holocaust. I tried to base it on the main character’s feelings and emotions. What was it like? How did they possibly struggle?

Child of the White Token, is about a girl learning to trust. What will happen when she finds herself in the place of the enemy?

The Stalker, is written specifically for the Christian and for them to understand who their real enemy in life is.

The Little Cowboy, was written while I was in college and just needed a little break from schoolwork. This story almost won in a competition. It’s the story of how a little boy’s imagination can sometimes run wild.

Two Sacrifices My Mom Made, was a school assignment but also a dedication to my mom.

The Maple Leaf, was written for younger children, it is to remember Thanksgiving and how we should always be grateful in life, not matter what may happen.

Dedication

Dedicated to my Grandpa, who passed away in October 2017, for inspiring me to make and do something with my life. I wanted to have this completed before you passed away but even though you will never get to see this, you are always in my heart and I have very special memories of you. To Hannah my deceased sister of whom I never met but share a special bond with and always promise myself that my first book would be dedicated to her. To God as none of my writings would be possible without His help and guidance. To my Dad who has supported me all these years. And to my mom, whom I love very much.

Two Sacrifices My Mom Made

My Mother gave a sacrifice,

By coming to this land.

To leave her mom and country,

Was part of God’s great plan.

She sacrificed by giving,

To her family in time and need,

Some money to provide for them,

She did it without greed.

My father she did marry.

How happy they both were.

But soon she hoped to carry,

A child of their own.

They had no children the first year,

The second, or the third,

It wasn’t until June 29,

A baby girl was born.

The year was 1989,

Her name was Hannah Len.

She had black hair and cute brown eyes,

God answered their prayers just then.

She lasted only for nine months,

Then on April the 16th.

She left this world to be with Christ,

My mom found out just then.

It was and Easter Sunday,

The day that Christ arose.

To take our punishment for our sins,

That day he took a rose.

A rose so beautiful and so young,

It broke the parent’s hearts.

But God knew best,

That it was a special time to part.

They took her to the hospital,

And hooked her up to a respirator.

They told them it would help her heart,

But it was time to part.

My mom took her glowworm,

The one my grandma gave.

She put it gently, against her cheek,

And gently called her name.

Then one last time,

My mother held that baby in her arms.

They had a funeral for her,

The last time they would see her.

And on the grave tombstone it say’s,

Mom and Dad’s Little Sweetie.

And the beautiful song by Fanny Crosby,

Safe in the Arms of Jesus.

So when you read this poem,

Think what mom has done for you.

My mom she sacrificed,

To leave her country, and her baby too.

She may never get a hero’s crown,

But I’ll tell you she was brave.

But it’s all because of Jesus.

Jesus died to make you free.

Don’t you understand,

That He still loves you and me?

Stories for Children

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Gennesaret

Princess Gennesaret lifted the rose to her nose and sniffed. Oh how refreshing the smell seemed.

Princess Genne? Gennesaret smiled as she heard her handmaiden, Hadashah calling for her. Princess Gennesaret, where are you? The tone of the voice sounded like panic.

Gennesaret’s smile faded. She tucked the rose in her sash and headed towards the voice.

As she stepped through the trees, her hair caught on the rose bush leaves making her hair look messy and tangled.

Hadashah turned around when she heard the scuffling. A look of relief was on her face. Oh, Princess Genne. How relieved I am to find you. She saw that Gennesaret’s hair was tangled and went over to help her. Here let me, my Lady. She began to untangle her hair. When she finished she glanced down at the Princess’ hands and gasped. Lady, Genne. Just look at your hands. How filthy! She grasped her hands and tsked. What is your mother going to say?

Gennesaret quickly drew her hands away and slightly wiped them on her dress. Hadashah, dirt washes off. It is not harmful to anyone. She continued when she saw the frown. I was in the garden. What do you expect when you are playing and working in the garden?

Working? Hadashah’s voice rose in shock. Princess, really. Young ladies do not play or work in the garden.

Gennesaret just giggled and ran away. Hadashah followed screeching at her to stop.

Gennesaret ran all the way to her room and shut the door knowing that Hadashah would follow. She ran behind the curtain and began to look for a new dress.

Hadashah ran in panting. Princess! You know you cannot dress yourself.

Gennesaret peaked around the curtain. You know I am perfectly capable of doing things myself dear Haddy. She giggled and continued what she was doing.

Hadashah finally gave up and flopped herself down on the Princess’ bed.

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Before entering her mother’s chambers, Gennesaret made sure her hair was nice and her dress was smooth. She put on her best smile, knocked lightly, and walked through the door.

Mother?

Over here, dear.

Gennesaret walked over to find her mother bent over her needlepoint. Her mother smiled at her and looked her over.

That dress is very becoming on you my dear.

Thank you, Mother.

And what have you been doing today?

Playing and working in the garden, Mother.

Her mother stopped what she was doing and looked at her daughter in horror. Then she smiled.

My dear, when will you learn that Princess’ do not play or work in the gardens?

Oh, but Mother, it is so beautiful there and peaceful.

Her mother reached up and patted her cheek. She was not angry. It is isn’t it? She cleared her throat meaning that it was time to get down to business. My dear, your father has chosen a suitor for you.

A suitor, Mother? She asked in disbelief. Mother, I am but only twelve. Still too young to marry.

Her mother smiled at her. Yes my dear, but you will be old enough soon. It is just an arrangement. You do not have to be married till you are eighteen, remember?

Gennesaret sighed in relief. Thank you Mother. Tell me please, what is he like? This suitor Father has picked out?

Her mother stopped her needlework completely and began telling her the details.

An hour passed and then it was time for dinner. At the table, it was the same scolding, the same details about the suitor, and then-a surprise gift for the Princess.

My Daughter?

Yes Father?

I have a gift for you.

Oh! Gennesaret exclaimed in delight. What is it Father?

The King smiled. Would you like to see what it is now, my pet?

Gennesaret clapped her hands joyously. Please, please Father.

The King held out his hand for his daughter to grab and they both walked outside.

Now close your eyes and I will lead you.

Gennesaret giggled but closed her eyes. They walked for a bit and finally he stopped. Okay, my dear. You may open them.

Gennesaret opened her eyes and squealed in delight.

Oh, Father. Thank you. He is beautiful. She glanced over at the beautiful black horse. She let go of her father’s hand and began to walk around the steed. He’s beautiful, Father. Thank you! She hugged the horse on the neck and then ran over to her father and hugged him too.

May I ride him now, Father?

As long as Captain Matthew goes along with you.

Yes Father. She hugged him once more then ran off to find her guard.

When they entered the village people’s heads raised. Some cheered and others bowed their heads to the Princess. Gennesaret waved back to the people.

They stopped at a fountain and tied their horses. Gennesaret saw some of the village children playing and looked at her guard. Captain Matthew, may I please go talk with some of the children. I won’t be long.

Captain Matthew smiled at her. Yes Princess but please be on guard. The captain was given specific instructions to keep the princess in sight at all times but that she was able to play and communicate with other children her age if she wanted as long as the atmosphere and place seemed safe.

Princess Gennesaret! One of the kids motioned for her to come over to them.

Where did you get that beautiful horse? Asked one of the girls.

Gennesaret thought that was quite obvious but replied just the same.

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