I was privileged to endorse this book—one a person doesn’t just read once. While it is a field guide to weight loss it is so much more. The book covers a wide range of topics that mankind has been dealing with throughout tim
e. Many of us have read books that address the Bible’s promises on a variety of subjects, this Scriptural Field Guide includes Scripture verses addressing almost 230 different alphabetical topics using 6 different versions and translations of the Bible. At the end of each topic, the author provides some delicious tidbits and morsels of her own that never detract from what the Bible says.
It also has several Appendices addressing What God Says About You, Weight Loss Questions, and Evangelism.
I wanted to know something about the genesis of this treasure trove.
- You have published five entertaining fiction titles. What motivated you to tackle this non-fiction A Scriptural Field Guide To Weight Loss?
In 1999, I self-published a series of seven topical Scripture booklets, which included You and Your Maker, Salvation, Hope & Healing, Emotions, Family, Workplace, and Grief. I loved studying God’s Word and got so excited every time I dug out an applicable nugget of truth. My goal was to compile a booklet on weight loss—and had been “collecting” verses for years—but I got distracted writing fiction. Or perhaps I wasn’t ready.
Twenty years later, as I considered working on the weight loss compilation, John 21 came up in my daily reading—again. Holy Spirit impressed upon me to “cast my net on the right side”—which to me meant turning from fiction (for a season) to nonfiction.
“Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”
- The research you’ve done is extensive, obviously keeping you delving into the Scriptures for a lot of time. It’s been my experience that this kind of endeavor invites spiritual attack. Did you find this to be the case?
The evil one knows our weak spots. Mine was self-doubt and feeling inadequate and unqualified. He tried unsuccessfully to make me feel guilty for taking time away from wifely obligations, too, but his efforts backfired because my husband was my most enthusiastic supporter.
- I know you’ve had a very challenging year, can you share what you’ve been dealing with while compiling this book?
Yes, the challenge has been real. My husband, David, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2016. As his main caregiver, my priority was him. David and I often went over the Scripture verses together. Even on his worst days, he gave me his input and encouragement. The Lord knew when he would take David home and He knew I would need to be strong. Being steeped in God’s Word strengthened me. David died on August 18, 2021.
- I suspect there have also been some unexpected blessings as a result of writing this field guide. Please share those with us.
While studying the Word, my faith grew, and peace reigned even on the worst days. My former struggle to lose weight no longer became a struggle. As a result of focusing on God and His Word, I released all my extra weight and have kept it off—even while experiencing grief.
- So what is next for y
ou? Are you going to tackle another novel or non-fiction work?
I have begun my second book in the series: Say Grace: A Scriptural Field Guide to Grieving the Death of a Spouse. I may also resume writing my novel Out of Hunger, where my characters overcome their struggle with turning to food instead of or before God.
Let us know how to find out more about you and your books.
Your local Christian bookstore would happily order you a copy. Put in a request at your local library. You can also order them on Amazon. If you’re local to southern NH, you can purchase an autographed copy.
Say Grace: A Scripural Field Guide to Weight Loss (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. 2022)
The Least of These (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. 2021)
The Girl He Knew (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. 2019)
Manhattan Grace (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. 2018)
Doubleheader (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. 2nd Ed. 2019)
Party of One (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. 2017)
If you’d like to get a feel for my contemporary women’s fiction, shoot me an email at claricegjames3@gmail.com, and I’ll send you the first chapter of one of my novels.
Clarice G. James, Author
Smart, Fun, Relatable Fiction & Non-fiction
Hudson, NH
Website: www.claricegjames.com
Email: claricegjames3@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarice.g.james