Key to the Treasure 2
The Old
Love Note
As the historian publicized the treasure, Emma and Liam's hearts raced with excitement. In part one of “Key to the Treasure,” the two of them set course for an exciting expedition that began with the discovery of a mysterious treasure. Months later, while playing at a local park, they stumbled upon a rusty key buried beneath the sand. Their curiosity led them to the Historical Museum, where the historian opened the door to a room filled with countless treasures one of which was a beautiful porcelain box that had not been opened In centuries.
Among the artifacts, they learned about Edwin Barker, a brave soul who perished at the Battle of Bunker Hill, leaving behind his beloved Gracelin and their 11 children. While examining the relics, a newspaper reporter arrived, eager to interview them about their remarkable find and share their story with the world.
Little did they know, the key they found was just the beginning of an adventure that would test their courage and persistence. Now, in part two, the adventure continues as Emma and Liam investigate deeper into the mystery of a treasure that holds value beyond pure gold. This experience will shape their lives and the lives of many others who are touched by the life changing stories of the Barker family.
While
observing the treasures inside the old treasure box, they were in awe of some
of the jewelry pieces that had people painted on them, curious to know who they
were and who had carefully painted them. Emma held the beautiful piece of Jewelry in
her hand.
Mr. Whitmore, the enthusiastic museum historian, began to explain the fascinating items. “This is beautiful”, said Enma, they all agreed.
"Ah, I see you've found Gracelin
Barker," he said, pointing to the delicate brooch in her hand which was adorned
with a painted portrait. "Isn't she lovely? Painted by a renowned artist
of the 18th century. Just think of it as the old-fashioned version of a
selfie!" They all laughed.
Mr. Whitmore gestured toward a delicate
piece of parchment. "Here we have a diary entry written by Edwin Barker
before he went to battle. It gives us a glimpse into his thoughts and feelings
during that tumultuous time. Reading it is like stepping into a time
machine."
Mr. Whitmore opened the diary and began
to read aloud:
"Dearest Gracelin,
The
days here are long and filled with uncertainty, yet my thoughts constantly
drift back to you and our family. The preparations for the Battle of Bunker
Hill are underway, and I can't help but feel a mix of fear and determination.
We are fighting for a cause we believe in, for the freedom and future of our
nation.
Though
the nights are cold and the future uncertain, I hold on to the hope that one
day, we shall be reunited, and our struggles will not be in vain. I carry your
love and the memory of our time together as my shield, and it gives me the
strength to face each new challenge.
If I am
to fall in battle, know that I did so with your love in my heart and the belief
that our sacrifices will lead to a brighter future. Remember to keep faith and
stay strong, for our love will endure, even in the darkest of times.
Yours
always, Love, Edwin Barker"
As Mr. Whitmore vividly described and
continued to talk the imagination of the children wandered upon the scene on
bunker hill.
They could hear the deafening sounds of musket fire and the clash of bayonets filled the air as the Battle of Bunker Hill raged on. Amidst the chaos, Edwin Barker and his close friend, Thomas, fought valiantly side by side. They had faced many battles together, but this one felt different—more desperate, more intense.
Edwin, covered in dirt and sweat, glanced
at Thomas, who was equally battle-worn. "Stay close, Thomas. We've got to
hold the line," Edwin shouted over the noise.
Thomas nodded, determination etched on his face. "We've come this far, Edwin. We'll see it through."
As the battle reached its peak, a sudden
blast echoed nearby, and Edwin felt a searing pain in his chest. He stumbled,
clutching his wound, and fell to the ground. Thomas quickly knelt beside him,
his eyes filled with concern.
"Edwin! Stay with me!" Thomas
urged, trying to stop the bleeding with his trembling hands.
Edwin's breath came in ragged gasps as he
looked up at his friend. "Thomas... tell Gracelin... I fought bravely...
for our future," he whispered with a faint voice.
Tears welled up in Thomas's eyes as he
nodded. "I promise, Edwin. I'll tell her."
Edwin's vision began to fade, and his grip
on Thomas's hand weakened. "Thank you... for standing by me... until the
end," he whispered, his voice barely audible. God be with you.
With
tears streaming down his face, Thomas said, "You are a hero, my
friend."
With
those final words, Edwin took his last breath, his hand slipping from Thomas's
grasp. Thomas bowed his head, a mix of sorrow and determination filling his
heart.
The
battle continued to rage around them, but in that moment, Thomas felt the
weight of his friend's sacrifice. He knew that Edwin's legacy would live on,
and the story of his bravery would be remembered for generations to come.
As
Thomas later penned down his memories of that day, he hoped future generations
would understand the depth of their sacrifice.
Gracelin read the letter in his diary a month after he died, her tears mingled with the ink and left stains upon the page, feeling Edwin’s love and bravery in every word. “I miss you”, she said, in a whisper.
Once again Emma and Lucy’s attention was again focused upon the treasure and Mr. Whitmore’s presentation of the wonderful artifacts found within the old beautiful treasure box.
Here we find Gracelin Barker’s Bible the pages are yellowing and the Bible is warn from use.
Mr. Whitmore carefully opened the old Bible that belonged to Gracelin Barker. As he turned the fragile pages, he found a passage that had been underlined.
"Here we are," Mr. Whitmore said, his voice gentle. "This passage, Proverbs 22:28, reads: 'Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.' It’s a reminder to honor and respect the heritage and values passed down through generations."
As they continued to examine the Bible, Emma noticed something unusual tucked between the pages. "Look! There's a note here," she exclaimed, carefully unfolding the yellowed paper.
Mr.
Whitmore's eyes widened in surprise. "This appears to be a note written by
Gracelin Barker herself," he said, reading aloud
They imagined themselves there as He continued to speak. Like a dream in their heart.
Gracelin Barker gathered her children around her in the dimly lit parlor. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, yet her voice carried a note of gentle reassurance. She held the old Bible close, her hands trembling slightly as she prepared to read the note she had written.
"Come closer, my dear ones," she said softly, her eyes filled with love. "I have something important to share with you."
Her children huddled together, their faces reflecting a mix of sorrow and curiosity. Gracelin unfolded the note, her voice steady but filled with emotion. I wrote this for you so that I would not forget to give to you the message your Father wanted to give to you.
My Dearest Children,
As you read these words, know that I have written them with a heart full of love and sorrow. Your father, Edward, is now in heaven, watching over us. He was a man of great honor and bravery, and his spirit will always be with us.
In these pages of my diary, torn out,
I have written a devotion to remind you of his love and the faith that
sustained him.
Proverbs 20:7 says,
'The just man walketh in his
integrity: his children are blessed after him.'
Your father walked in integrity, and his life was a testament to his faith and love for our family.
As we grieve his loss, let us find comfort in the promises of God.
John 15:13 tells us,
'Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends.'
Your father's sacrifice was a reflection of Christ's love for us.
Though we may worry for our lives without him, let us hold on to our faith.
Ephesians 5:25 reminds us,
'Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ
also loved the church, and gave himself for it.'
Your father's love for us was deep and unwavering, and we must carry
that love forward.
It was your father's deepest wish that each of you know Christ as your Savior. He feared that in these troubled times, without him to guide you, you might face the perils of war without the spiritual safety of salvation. He did not want you to be lost, to face eternity without the grace of God. Which many this hour suffer in the fiery torments of hell for not accepting the gift God has given.
To be saved, my dear children, you must believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again. Romans 10:9 says, 'If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.' This faith is your shield and comfort in these uncertain times.
Pray to Him, confess your sins, and accept His forgiveness. Let His love and sacrifice be your guiding light. Know that through Christ, we have the promise of eternal life, and that one day, we shall all be reunited in heaven.
Remember, my dear children, that we
are never alone. God's love and your father's spirit will guide us through the
darkest of times. Let us honor his memory by living with hope God desires us to
have, loving Him and each other, and faith that endures.
With all my love, Mother
As Gracelin finished reading, tears streamed down her cheeks. Her children huddled around her as they wept together, their hearts aching with grief but also filled with a sense of comfort and hope. They clung to their mother, finding solace in her words and in the faith that bound them together.
. "Let this memory remind you of your father's love and the promises of God."
The children looked up at her with tear-filled eyes, their spirits lifted by the devotion and the love that had been shared. The room seemed to glow with a sense of peace and unity, as the family embraced the legacy of faith and love left by Edward Barker.
Gracelin gently wiped her children's tears away, her heart aching with both grief and hope. "Remember, my dear ones, Jesus will comfort you as a father does his children. Let us not grieve as those who have no hope." The children nodded, their spirits uplifted by their mother's words. As night began to fall, Gracelin tucked the letter into her Bible for them to read again someday.
Later in the Present Day:
Emma and Liam, having spent an enriching day at the museum, found themselves deeply moved by their ancestors' legacy. As they prepared to leave, Liam said, "It's time for us to go now."
Emma,
filled with curiosity, replied, "I want to learn more about the Barker
family."
"I do too," Liam agreed, "but
we promised Mom we'd be back by 4:00 PM."
The newspaper man, who had been meticulously taking notes, approached them. "Be sure to read Sunday's paper," he said with a knowing smile.
"We will," Emma and Liam chorused, waving goodbye as they left the museum.
Sunday Morning:
The community buzzed with excitement as
the Sunday paper hit the stands. The headline read: "The Discovered Love
Note: A Family's Legacy of Faith and Love".
The article detailed the touching story of
Gracelin's devotion, Edward's heroism, and the family's unwavering faith.
Readers were captivated by the amazing
story. Many were moved to tears, and the story spread through the town like
wildfire. People discussed the legacy of love and faith, and many were inspired
to learn more about Christ and salvation.
The
impact of the discovered love note extended far beyond the museum, touching
hearts and minds throughout the community. It served as a powerful reminder of
the importance of salvation, continuing In faith, and the hope that gives us
enduring strength. The hope we have in Christ and the promises He has given us.
Emma and Liam, having read the article,
felt a deep sense of blessedness and connection to their heritage. They knew
that their ancestors' legacy would continue to inspire and guide their family
for generations to come.
What other discoveries are yet to be
discovered with this great historical find?
Susan Barker Nikitenko March 1, 2025©
"Hope itself is like a star—not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity." Spurgeon
Dedicated to all my family including the Barker family love you forever.
The Key to The Treasure
**Part
1: The Treasure of Faith and Community**
In the
small, historic town of Willow Creek, hints of an unsolved mystery had lingered
for decades. The story revolved around an old antique box that had captured the
curiosity of residents and visitors alike. According to an aged newspaper
article, the ornate box was discovered in the attic of the town's oldest
mansion during a renovation in the early 1900s.
The box, crafted with stunning detail and adorned with beautiful art, was unlike anything the townspeople had ever seen. Its allure was heightened by the note, carefully wax-sealed underneath the box, which read: "This box must be opened with the key, kept in the small drawer of the old oak desk." Despite their best efforts, the owners of the mansion and subsequent treasure hunters never found the elusive key. The desk, which was also part of the mansion's antique collection, had been searched thoroughly, but the key has not been found.
One day
months after reading about the mysterious treasure box, Emma and Liam were
playing at the old wooden playground in Willow Creek, a place where they often
built sandcastles and chased each other around. The playground was surrounded
by tall oak trees, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The sun shone
brightly, casting playful shadows on the ground as the children's laughter
echoed across the park.
As they
dug into the sand near the swings, Liam suddenly hit something hard and
metallic. "Emma, come look at this!" he called out, his voice filled
with excitement. Emma hurried over, her eyes wide with curiosity. Together,
they carefully excavated the object and discovered an old, rusty key.
Emma:
(holding the rusty key) "Liam, look at this! It's an old key. I wonder
what it opens."
Liam:
(examining the key) "Wow, it looks really ancient. Do you think it belongs
to something important?"
Emma:
"Maybe it opens a treasure chest! Or an old, secret door!"
Liam:
"That would be so cool! But where do you think it came from?"
Emma:
"I don’t know, do you think it could be
from that old mansion everyone talks about?"
Liam:
(thinking) "Hey, remember that newspaper article we saw at the library?
The one about the antique box that no one could open because they needed the key?"
Emma:
(excitedly) "You're right, wouldn't it be exciting if this is the key? It
said the box had to be opened with a key that was supposed to be in an old
desk, but they never found it!"
Liam:
"Do you think this could be that key?"
Emma:
"I don’t know but I sure hope it is!” We have to show this to Mom and Dad
right away!"
Liam:
"Let’s go! This could be the key to solving the town's greatest
mystery!"
Excited
by their find, Emma and Liam rushed home to show their parents. Their mother, a
local historian, immediately recognized the key's significance. She explained
that it might be the long-lost key to the mysterious antique box that had
intrigued the townsfolk for generations. She emphasized the importance of
honoring the original owner's wishes and respecting the value of the mystery the
box held for the community, much like the Biblical principle of honoring one's
heritage and the teachings of past generations (Proverbs 22:28).
With the
key in hand, Emma, Liam, and their parents made their way to the town's museum.
The curator, equally astonished by the discovery, allowed them to try the key
on the box. With bated breath, they inserted the key into the lock and turned
it. To everyone's amazement, the lock clicked open.
Inside
the box, they found an assortment of treasures: an old diary, a collection of
antique coins, and a beautifully crafted locket. They also found love letters
from a husband to his beloved wife. Their marriage was founded on godliness and
honor. He was away often, but his love was expressed through his beautiful
writings. The letters and diary highlighted the importance of respecting and
cherishing loved ones, even from afar, reflecting the Biblical truth of loving
and honoring one another (Ephesians 5:25-33).
In one
of the letters, the husband expressed his earnest desire for their children to
be taught the values of trust and honesty. He urged his wife to teach them
Biblical values and the way of salvation. He desired with all his heart that
their eleven children would be saved, and he named them all in the letters,
praying for each one individually. Their names were: Samuel, Grace, Benjamin,
Faith, Daniel, Hope, Isaac, Joy, Luke, Patience, and Ruth. This profound
expression of faith and love served as a powerful reminder of the importance of
instilling godly values and the teachings of salvation in future generations.
In
another letter, filled with sadness, the husband's commanding officer, Ed
Worthy, informed his wife that he had died while fighting for his country. He
described the skirmish of that day, detailing how her husband and his comrades
had bravely faced the enemy to save many lives. Despite their efforts, her
husband sacrificed his own life so that others could live. The letter was dated
June 17, 1775, during the Battle of Bunker Hill in the American Revolutionary
War. This poignant message underscored the ultimate act of love and
self-sacrifice, reflecting the Biblical principle of laying down one's life for
others (John 15:13).
"My
dearest Mrs. Barker,
It is
with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of the passing of your beloved
husband, Edward Winston Barker. He fought bravely on the battlefield, facing
the enemy with unwavering courage and determination. On the fateful day of June
17, 1775, during the Battle of Bunker Hill, your husband's valor saved many
lives, but alas, he sacrificed his own so that others might live.
Please
know that his comrades and I hold his memory in the highest esteem. His actions
were a testament to his character, embodying the principles of duty, honor, and
sacrifice. Your husband shall forever be remembered as a hero, and his legacy
shall live on in the hearts of those he saved.
He loved
his family and he loved his country. May the Lord grant you strength and
comfort during this difficult time.
With
deepest condolences, Ed Worthy, Commanding Officer"
Inside
the box, alongside the letters and treasures, were several old photographs.
These pictures were not found inside the treasure box; instead, the museum had
commissioned an artist to paint pictures of Edward and Gracelin Barker as they
might have looked in that time. The photos were taken of the large paintings
hanging in the museum, adding a touch of historical context and imagination to
the display. The photographs captured moments of love and joy, including a
family gathering around a grand oak tree, the husband and wife on their wedding
day, and their children playing in the fields. Each picture told a story of a
life well-lived, filled with love and cherished memories.
The
diary revealed the story of a long-lost ancestor who had hidden these items as
a keepsake for future generations. It detailed the ancestor's adventures and
the love they had for their family and town, emphasizing the values of honor,
respect, and dedication.
The
discovery not only solved the mystery of the box but also connected Emma, Liam,
and their family to their heritage in a profound way. The townsfolk celebrated
the unearthing of the box's secrets, and it became a beloved tale that would be
passed down through generations. It reminded everyone of the importance of
history, family, respect, and the joy of discovery, echoing the Biblical
principle of honoring one's past and living with integrity (Proverbs 20:7).
As the
display of items found inside the treasure box became the talk of the town, the
museum welcomed a steady stream of curious visitors. One day, a newspaper man
arrived at the museum, intrigued by the story. He carefully examined the
treasures, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
As he
approached Emma and Liam, he spoke in a hushed tone, "You two must be the
young adventurers who discovered the key."
Emma and
Liam nodded eagerly.
The
newspaper man leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper, "I've
heard a rumor that the old mansion is haunted by Edward Barker. They say he's
been searching for his beloved wife and children for centuries."
Emma's
eyes widened in surprise, and Liam's jaw dropped. "Really?" Emma
asked, her voice filled with both excitement and a hint of apprehension.
The
newspaper man nodded solemnly. "That's what they say. If you listen
closely, you might hear his footsteps echoing through the halls at night."
Liam
glanced at Emma, his eyes sparkling with intrigue. "Do you think it's
true?"
Emma
shrugged, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. "I don't
know, but I guess there's only one way to find out."
The
children exchanged a determined look, their imaginations running wild with the
possibilities of another adventure. As they left the museum, they couldn't help
but wonder what secrets the old mansion still held and whether they were brave
enough to uncover them.
And so,
a new mystery began to unfold, waiting for Emma and Liam to explore.
### Devotional Reading: The Legacy of Love and Faith
**Scripture
References (KJV 1611):**
-
Proverbs 22:28: "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have
set."
-
Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the
church, and gave himself for it."
- John
15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life
for his friends."
-
Proverbs 20:7: "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are
blessed after him."
- 1
Corinthians 15:20: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the
firstfruits of them that slept."
In the enchanting
story of Emma and Liam, we find a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of
family heritage, love, and unwavering faith. The children's discovery of the
rusty old key leads them on an adventure that uncovers the treasures of their
ancestors, Edward Winston Barker and Gracelin Ann Barker. Through their
journey, profound Biblical truths and lessons emerge, offering us a
heartwarming reminder of the legacy of love and faith.
**The
Greatest Lesson: Salvation Through Christ**
At the
heart of this tale is the parallel of salvation. Edward Barker's sacrificial
love for his family and country reflects the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for
our sins. As the commanding officer's letter reveals Edward's bravery and
selflessness during the Battle of Bunker Hill, we are reminded of Jesus' words
in John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down
his life for his friends." Just as Edward gave his life to save others,
Christ laid down His life for our salvation.
The love
letters and diary writings further emphasize the importance of godly values and
the teachings of salvation. Edward's earnest desire for his children to know
Christ as their Savior echoes the Biblical truth of passing on faith to future
generations. His prayers for his children, by name, remind us of the personal
and intimate relationship we can have with our Heavenly Father through Christ.
**The
Key to True Treasure: Jesus Christ**
As Emma
and Liam discovered the rusty old key that unlocked the family treasures, we
are reminded that Jesus Christ is the true key to the greatest treasure—eternal
life. Just as the key opened the box revealing hidden treasures and stories of
love, Jesus opens the door to salvation, revealing the abundant life He offers
to all who believe. In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the door: by me if any
man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find
pasture." Through Christ, we gain access to the eternal treasures of God's
kingdom.
**The
Resurrection of Christ**
The
story also highlights the hope we have in the resurrection of Christ. As Edward
and Gracelin's love story unfolds, we see a reflection of God's love for us.
Ephesians 5:25 reminds us, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also
loved the church, and gave himself for it." Just as Edward's love for his
family transcended time and sacrifice, Christ's love for us conquered death and
sin.
In 1 Corinthians 15:20, we are assured of the resurrection: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept." This resurrection promise gives us hope that we will one day be reunited with our loved ones who knew Christ as their Savior. The faith and love that Edward and Gracelin lived by remind us of the eternal bond we share with our family in Christ. It's comforting to know that Gracelin and her beloved husband are again together forevermore.
**The
Love Story and God's Love for Us**
Edward
and Gracelin's love story, captured in the artist's paintings and the treasures
they left behind, beautifully mirrors God's love for us. Their commitment to
each other, their family, and their faith serves as an enduring testament to
the power of love rooted in godliness. Proverbs 20:7 reminds us, "The just
man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." Their
legacy of love and faith is a blessing that continues to inspire and guide
their descendants.
As Emma
and Liam embark on their new mystery, they carry with them the lessons of
honor, respect, and dedication. Their journey is a reflection of the greater
adventure of faith we all undertake, guided by the love of Christ and the
heritage of those who came before us.
May this
story remind us of the importance of honoring our past, living with integrity,
and embracing the salvation and love offered to us through Christ. As we
journey through life, may we always remember the profound truth of John 15:13
and the hope of the resurrection that awaits us.
Author,
Susan
Barker Nikitenko 2025©
"The
Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep
discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes and say, 'O
God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.' "
Billy Graham Quote
