Approximately 30 years ago, in the temple, the title of this book came to me. I knew that someday I should write this book to my posterity about what I had learned from life that’s really important.

At that time my posterity only amounted to one little boy, and I had yet to learn most of what I’ve learned about life. I’ve been married for 35 years now. My family (myself included) numbers 35. What I’ve learned from life I’ve learned from them.

The only really important things in life are the gospel of Jesus Christ and one’s family. My purpose in writing this book is to leave something which will, hopefully, help anchor my ever-so-great grandchildren to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I won’t be where I can influence them in person; but if I can leave behind some family scripture, perhaps their parents will use it to teach themselves and their children.

Adam, our first parent, was commanded to write. He was told to keep a book of remembrance. The prophets through the ages were also commanded to write. The purpose of their writing was to leave something to keep us all in remembrance of who we are, why we’re here, and how our lives should be conducted.

I’ve been commanded to write, too. What I’m giving you here is the Book of James. My hope is that it will help you in some very real ways, and bind every one of my posterity to me so that there are no gaps in our eternal family.