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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

When the Arrogance of Man Meets the Goodness of God?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Refining Josie, the last book in the Independence Islands series, is here, & the authors are talking about mistakes and misunderstandings. via @chautonahavig

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.

refining josie

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

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 Carolyn MillerRefining 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.

Don’t miss the other authors’ posts and giveaways!

Carolyn Miller: December 6

Chautona Havig: December 7

Melissa Wardwell: December 8

Kari Trumbo: December 9

Rachel Skatvold: December 10

Tabitha Bouldin: December 11

Celebrate Lit (Sandy Barela): December 12

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 234: A Chat about The Chosen Kids with RM Ruiz
byChautona Havig

Remember when you were a kid and you wanted to help with whatever the family was doing, so Great Aunt Tissy gave you a stack of napkins and told you to put one at each plate? Remember how she commented on what a  “big girl” you were?  And then, as if that weren’t bad enough… remember how you were fourteen and a “big girl” was the last thing you wanted to be? 

RM Ruiz’ The Chosen Kids Saga does just the opposite. She has a cast of related characters who are given real work by God–important work. They’re pulling on the armor of God and doing real battle with real enemies of the Kingdom of God and all while He works out their sanctification. Listen in to where she got the idea and where the Chosen Kids are going next.

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you!

What if God Decided to Use Ordinary Kids to Battle the Underworld?

Can I just say that I love the respect Rosemary shows her characters? These kids, as young as eleven, aren’t told to fold napkins and praised as if they saved the world. They’re given tools and assignments and do save the world… or at least a piece of it and with the real help of the Holy Spirit. How cool is that?

And she does it with a tortilla in one hand and some eye and mouth-watering chili stuffs in the other.

Oh… and don’t forget the research for Encounter at Paradise that sent her up a literal slippery slope into frozen tundra. In July. #BecauseResearch.

And the result is book two of the Chosen Kids Saga! (To listen to the first episode where we talked more about the first book, go HERE.)

The Chosen Kids: Encounter at Paradise by RM Ruiz

A thrilling adventure for middle-grade readers, showcasing the supernatural powers of God, His son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.This is the second book of The Chosen Kids Saga.The Chosen Kids are ready for their second mission!

It’s been two weeks since Caiden and his family’s summer of fun turned into a secret quest for God. After their first mission, the Chosen Kids step into their new roles without fear or reluctance. With revived faith and God’s blessed tools, they embark on their second hunt—ready to track, capture, and expel the enemy.

But the day turns into a tedious game of hide-and-seek as the family races to get ahead of the fiend. When the unthinkable happens, and their mission becomes personal, they must keep the faith and trust God’s plan. They could set things right with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, but only if they obey His commands completely. Caiden thinks he’s uncovered the answer, but no one ever listens to the youngest cousin…

With nightfall quickly approaching, the Chosen Kids set a trap.

But if their plan fails, they could lose one of their most valuable assets, and their quest will end in heartbreak and disaster.

In this next chapter of the Chosen Kids Saga, readers will see the cousins in action as they take on their new roles with renewed spirits. Just like the first book, this fast-paced adventure includes family love, kid banter, and humor with even more adventure, danger, and spiritual growth!

This series mixes fantasy and adventure elements with transparent Christian themes for young believers who want a story that includes gospel truths without reading through symbolism.

Middle-grade readers will follow along as these flawed, relatable characters—still finding their way in Christ—embark on a life-transforming quest to save humanity. With family love, spiritual growth, kid banter, and humor all mixed in for a fun and exciting journey.

The adventure starts with Encounter at the Dunes and continues in Encounter at Paradise. Grab a copy of both to begin the redemptive journey today! Book three, Encounter At Ambrose, coming summer 2024.

Learn more about the series, the characters, and Rosemary at TheChosenKids.com

And the series she mentioned was The Son of Angels.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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Episode 234: A Chat about The Chosen Kids with RM Ruiz
Episode 234: A Chat about The Chosen Kids with RM Ruiz
June 6, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 233: A Chat about In Feast or Famine with Mesu Andrews
June 2, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 232: A Chat with Janine Rosche
May 30, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
May 26, 2023
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Episode 230: A Chat with Bryan Timothy Mitchell
May 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 229: A Chat about Murmur in the Mud Caves with Kathleen Denly
May 12, 2023
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Episode 228: A Chat with Author Emilie Haney
May 9, 2023
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Episode 227: A Chat about the New Jewels of Kalispell Series
May 5, 2023
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Episode 226: A Chat with Archaeological Thriller Author, Doug Powell
May 2, 2023
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Episode 225: A Chat with Dani Pettrey
April 28, 2023
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