cover image Regret-Free Living: Hope for Past Mistakes and Freedom from Unhealthy Patterns

Regret-Free Living: Hope for Past Mistakes and Freedom from Unhealthy Patterns

Stephen Arterburn, with John Shore. . Bethany House, $19.99 (230pp) ISBN 978-0-7642-0424-1

Arterburn, author of 60-plus books, this times turns his heart and mind to helping readers deal with regret, “one of the biggest inhibitors to living the life God most wants you to live.” He readily admits his own regrets (girlfriend's terminated pregnancy, failed marriage) as he honestly and pointedly guides readers toward a life of peace, patience and self-control. Arterburn first addresses the signs of an unhealthy relationship, moves on to how to admit the need for help and then to acknowledge one's own part in problems. His trademark humor and honesty make the responsibility pill easier to swallow as he leads readers toward knowing how to withdraw from conflict, keep dignity intact and get rid of baggage of the past. Forgiveness, says Arterburn, is “the essential ingredient to living a regret-free life,” and he coaches readers on how to reach that point. Arterburn fans new and longtime will find more useful life lessons here, always pointing to God, who is “showing us our path along a magnificent, God-centered, regret-free life.” (Oct.)