When the Arrogance of Man Meets the Goodness of God?

I never knew how much I talked about my mistakes and misunderstandings until I had to write this post and realized I’ve shared most of the ones (if not all) that are remotely interesting. Let’s face it. I’ve got an unbelievable talent for blowing it. Case in point: I didn’t get this post finished last night. I was wandering down memory lane, reminiscing about the crazy things my dad and I used to do (he’s on hospice right now so… yeah), and totally spaced finishing it.

While I’d like to say most people forgive me… (they do), what astounds me more than anything is how God knew all the ways I’d slap Him in the face with my ingratitude, arrogance, and faithlessness. He knew, and He still chose to give me life–to give me the opportunity to be that messed-up person.

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When the Arrogance of Man Meets the Goodness of God?

Life–that’s what happens. Life. I’ve lived a life of failure. No doubt. But in that failure, God’s goodness has shone brighter than any star He created. It shines in the light of people who forgive. The glow of His grace illuminates confusing moments. In all, it’s a wonderful expression of that verse we all know so well.

Romans 8:28–And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

So why am I yammering on about the myriad mistakes and misunderstandings that would crush me without Jesus lifting them and dumping them on the cross? Well, the FINAL book in the Independence Islands series released yesterday, and Carolyn asked the authors to share about mistakes and misunderstandings because those are the central theme of her final book.

Refining Josie by Carolyn Miller

What’ll it take for the prodigal daughter to share her deepest secrets… and her heart?

Josephine Green returns to the islands in an attempt to reconcile with her family, but with a cloud over the family business, and little in the way of gardening skills, Josie’s painful past and flaky ways prove less than endearing for Greener Gardens’ hardworking crew.

Stuck without any other options, Josie is forced to accept her sister’s offer of a job that takes her to Breakers Head where she encounters Aussie teacher, Lachlan Jones.

A long-lost relative might’ve brought Lachie to a tiny music recording studio on the Independence Islands, but it’s also brought questions about how to care for someone he barely knows, especially considering he’s the last family she has. Questions regarding his future soon pale when he encounters the vibrant-haired Josie, whose sass and attitude takes some getting used to.

Neither imagined more until they began to bond over music and environmental causes. Both discover that first impressions need not be lasting ones.

But with the future of Gardens Gardens looking shaky, and Josie’s faith and self-worth just as tenuous, can deepening a friendship into something more ever work? And what happens when Lachlan’s work means he has to return to Australia after Christmas? What’ll it take for two hearts to heal and make a future possible?

This Breakers Head novel is Carolyn Miller’s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.