Dr. Tim Clinton - Turn Your Life Around: Break Free from Your Past to a New and Better You

Copyright 2006 by Dr. Tim Clinton

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

Unless otherwise noted, Scriptures are taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Scriptures noted AMP are taken from the Amplified Bible. Copyright 1954, 1962, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scriptures noted NIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

All rights reserved.

Scriptures noted ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scriptures noted KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Scriptures noted NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scriptures noted NLT are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Faith Words

Hachette Book Group

237 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10017

Visit our Web site at www.HachetteBookGroup.com.

First eBook Edition: November 2006

The FaithWords name and logo are trademarks of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

ISBN: 978-0-446-55475-6

Praise for Turn Your Life Around

Dr. Tim Clinton deals not only with the reality of brokenness but the great possibility of restoration with compassion and practicality. In TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND, biblical principles become tools that anyone can use to follow the path of recovery to a place of lasting victory. A must-read for those struggling to recover from personal setbacks or those seeking to encourage the wounded.

Michelle McKinney Hammond, author of Release the Pain, Embrace the Joy

Tim Clinton is a genius at personal relationships. His own family is a shining example of love in action. He shares his heart and soul in his new book, TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND. Don't miss this heartwarming and practical look at how to make the most out of your future in spite of your past.

Dr. Jerry Falwell, founder/chancellor/president of Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia

When you're hurting, confused, or stuck in a place you don't want to be, what you long for is a way to turn things around. This book is what you or a hurting friend has been looking for: a positive, encouraging way of escape from past hurts, and practical guidance toward God's best.

John Trent, PhD, president, The Center for Strong Families

Bothered by life stressors and robbed by insidious dependencies, many warriors have lost their effectiveness for Christ. Through encouragement and spiritual guidance, Tim Clinton offers a way back in this informative new book, TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND.

Frank Minirth, MD

Tim Clinton has been strategically positioned by God to reach a broad audience with a transforming message. This book may just be his magnum opus. It's written from a heart consumed with Christ to hearts longing to break free into the reality of God's power and plan.

Larry Crabb, NewWay Ministries

There is no more devastating experience to a pastor or a leader of people than to see someone who seemed to have it all together emotionally and spiritually suddenly take a nosedive into self-destruction, self-pity, and futility. Think what it must be like for that person. In TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND, Tim Clinton provides both pastors and those who struggle a road map for a return trip to wholenessa trip only God can orchestrate.

H. B. London Jr., vice president, Church, Clergy and Medical Review, Focus on the Family

Every comeback starts with a defining moment. No matter what's happened, what you've done, or where you've been, you can change your life; and TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND tells you how. This book by Dr. Tim Clinton will trigger your spiritual transformation.

Dr. Tony Evans, senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship; president, The Urban Alternative

Tim Clinton has a clear understanding of the human condition and of the suffering, the fears, and the bondage under which people live. His heart of compassion and his utter confidence in the transforming power of God to heal and redeem are evident throughout this book. It will instill hope both for yourself and for suffering humanity.

Diane Langberg, PhD, psychologist

Pain and adversity can easily tempt us into superficial service to God instead of true relationship with God. He has our brains but not our hearts. This book leads us back from our distracting activities to our first lovetrue intimacy with God.

Dr. Michael Lyles, psychiatrist, Lyles and Crawford Consulting, Atlanta, GA

To my brothers and sisters, with whom I have shared so much joy in life: Joy Calvert, James Clinton, Ruthann Smulik, Gale Smulik, Candace Mayersky, Tom Clinton, and Wendy Wagner.

N o book is ever published from the work of one author; it takes many dedicated persons. Therefore, it is very humbling to have my name alone on the cover of this book when so many others have contributed to the work you hold in your hands right now. Many thanks are in order.

Foremost I would like to thank Larry Walker for his diligence in assisting with the writing of this book. I love your passion for Christ and life. Similarly, both Dr. Anthony Centore and Joshua Straub put in many long hours and worked in tandem with Larry and me. Both contributed significantly to the research and editing.

A special thank-you goes to Tom Winters, my agent, who stepped up and believed in this work from the first mention and introduced me to the wonderful publishing team at Faith Words, especially Chip McGregor and Holly Halverson.

I'd also like to acknowledge the many mentors, teachers, and fellow Christians who have walked with me and taught me about life over the last twenty years or more. In particular, I would like to thank Drs. Diane Langberg, Ron Hawkins, Michael Lyles, Archibald Hart, and Larry Crabb: your wisdom and kindness have always been felt.

Also, to Dr. John Ortberg, whom I have referenced extensively: your lectures at AACC events are an inspiration to me and to our members.

Thank you to my friend and colleague Dr. Gary Sibcy: your research and our mutual work on attachment relationships is foundational to the process of regaining heart.

To Jimmy Queen, Troy Morgan, and George Ohlschlager: your excitement about this book and its potential was the energy I needed to finish and get this work to press.

Many thanks to the executive board and each staff member of the AACC. The fruit of your work has resulted in changed lives all across the globe. The same is true for our AACC members: it is an honor to serve you, and you never cease to amaze.

Some brave persons allowed me to tell their stories in this book. Their names, identities, and aspects of their stories have been modified to assure absolute anonymity. If you think you recognize someone in this work, I am absolutely certain you are mistaken.

Finally, I would err greatly not to thank my intelligent and beautiful wife, Julie, and our two wonderful children, Megan and Zach. The three of you have sacrificed more than anyone and you deserve deep love. God has been so kind to us, and I love every moment of life with you.