A Dry Place...

I have gotten a lot of positive feedback on The House of BeJeweled series. And with book 2 recently released, many readers are ready for book 3. Book 2, BeJeweled: What A Tangled Web We Weave definitely leaves readers wondering what happens in book 3, because of the great cliffhanger at the end.

Book 3 goes more in depth with dealing with Nikki and Carlos' issues, as well as Wesley and his romantic life. Mrs. "O," Olivia, uncovers a secret buried so deep in the grave with her mother that it challenges her faith and ability to forgive. Where she has always been a rock for others, she's looking for someone who can give her the support she needs.

Today, I'll share an excerpt from book 3, BeJeweled: Remix. This excerpt comes from the chapter: A Dry Place. Sometimes, we find ourselves in that place in life, where we feel hopeless, powerless, and discouraged. We have to find inspiration and hope by taking it back to the presence of the Lord, and His people.

A DRY PLACE:

Olivia lowered her frame down and looked around the room. There were framed pictures of the Hightower family all around, as well as members of the church family. One wall showcased Elder Hightower’s degrees, including her Masters of Divinity and other certifications. A glass table sat under the window, overlooking a small circular garden with a waterfall. On the table was Elder Hightower’s mother’s bible and pictures of Elder Hightower’s mother, Thelma, and Olivia’s mother, Jewel. They had both been close and passed within a year of one another.

“Yes, every now and then, Pastor needs a rest from the pulpit. He wants me to preach more often, but I get so nervous up there,” Elder Hightower shared.

“Really? We can’t tell from down there. We would love to hear you minister more often. Not that there’s anything wrong with Pastor’s preaching,” Olivia added with a laugh.

“Honey, I know. He just often gets long-winded and it seems we’ll never get out of here,” Elder Hightower joked. “But, I try to be obedient and minister when he asks me, too. He knows that I get nervous that’s why he’s having me do more of these studies, to get me comfortable. Whenever he lightly suggests, I simply nod and smile. But when he tells me that’s what he wants, then I honor his word.”

“Hmm, I admire that. I really do,” Olivia replied, shedding a little light into her own ordeal.

“How’s everyone at the shop, Ivy?” Elder Hightower asked, pulling a pen and notepad from her drawer.

“Everyone’s great. It’s still full of drama and gossip as usual,” Olivia chuckled.

“It wouldn’t be the beauty shop without it,” Elder Hightower agreed. “What about the second salon. Is that going well for you?” she asked.

“It is. It’s a lot of hard work, but I don’t regret a moment of it. Most times, anyway,” Olivia confided.

“Mm-hmm. Do you mind if we pray first?” Elder Hightower asked.

“Of course, not,” Olivia smiled, reaching her hands out to grasp hold of Elder Hightower’s extended hands.

They bowed their heads for a moment of prayer, and Olivia instantly felt better afterwards.

“What’s going on with you, darling?” Elder Hightower asked, sitting back in her chair.

“I honestly thought that because Ray and I had known each other so long, it would make our marriage relatively easy. Not to mention we’re both mature adults now, we’re settled in our careers, and we know ourselves. But it seems as if every time that I turn around we’re arguing about something. For instance, he was one of my greatest supporters in pursuing this shop. Now it seems as if all he does is complain that I’m not home,” Olivia explained. “I need to spend a lot of time at the shop to get it off the ground in the beginning. And I can’t ignore the second shop,” Olivia complained with a look of frustration. “And if quality time is so valuable, then why doesn’t he stay in town sometimes? He has been gone out of town almost every weekend this year, to visit his kids,” she continued.

“It’s important that spouses spend quality time together, especially in the early years of marriage. And honey, it’s not going to be an easy road. However, that will always need to be an important part that you both nurture throughout the rest of your marriage. You and Raymond need to sit down and pencil a date night together weekly, and stick to it. Nothing should be more important than that or allowed to sidetrack that. And you both need to be respectful of each other’s time when making this date,” Elder Hightower pointed out.

“We’ve tried to do that once before and it doesn’t work. Our schedules just won’t mesh,” Olivia retorted.

“Would you be willing to change your schedule to mesh with his, Ivy? God has blessed you with your own business for this purpose. And I understand that you need to spend more time there because of the new salon, but there are sacrifices your marriage needs from you as well,” Elder Hightower explained.

“I mean, I guess I can change my schedule around to meet his. I just thought it was supposed to be give and take. I’ve always heard a marriage should be fifty-fifty,” Olivia responded.

“Ivy, you know that you are to submit to your husband in everything. For a long time you have been a strong, independent woman. And it’s hard for you to be anything but strong or independent, because you learned from the best. Jewel was the epitome of strength and independence, and you have followed in her footsteps. But it’s okay to let that go now, darling. It’s not only okay, but it’s necessary. You can still be strong, but you are part of the most important union in life now. Genesis two and twenty-four says ‘that is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.’ You have to become one with your husband and not continue to live independently of him,” Elder Hightower expressed. “You will only get out of this marriage what you put into it.”

“You’re right, it is hard to let go of the independence,” Olivia admitted.

“Why? What are you afraid of?” Elder Hightower inquired.

Olivia sat staring out the window for a moment, rubbing her hands together. She saw a little red bird flitting back and forth. It reminded her of the freedom she once enjoyed as a single woman. But then she also recalled how lonely she had been.

“To be honest, I guess I’m afraid of failing,” Olivia shared, turning back to look at Elder Hightower.

“Of what? Your marriage?”

“No. My mom,” Olivia declared.

Don't miss books 1 and 2 in The House of BeJeweled series, if you have not read them yet.

BEJEWELED: THE FLIGHT OF AN ANGEL
BEJEWELED: WHAT A TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE

Living Life Beautifully Inspired!
Chelle Ramsey