Why Joseph and Emma’s Heartbreaking Love Story Matters to Me

Justina McCandless Church History, Historic Nauvoo, Marriage, Overcoming Adversity, Testimonies, Wonderful Women

Joseph and Emma were never meant to be together. She was rich. He was poor. She was well-educated. He was just a farm boy. Honestly, when Emma met Joseph she probably should’ve just looked the other way. Not only that, her parents were also entirely opposed to the marriage. But yet, Emma still chose to…

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8 Ways to Find the True Spirit of Christmas

Justina McCandless Church History, Family History, Family Trips, Inspirational Quotes, Overcoming Adversity, Testimonies, Wonderful Women

What is the True Spirit of Christmas? December comes just once a year. If we’re not careful it can pass us by in a frenzied whirlwind of ribbons, packages, and parties. Or, for some, it may seem like a month just like any other. Nothing special. Neither of those scenarios sound like a fun Christmas!…

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Battles with Grief: Then and Now

Justina McCandless Church History, Historic Nauvoo, Overcoming Adversity

Memorial Service This summer my family and I participated in a memorial service at Smith Family Cemetery in Historic Nauvoo for the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith (June 27, 1844).1 The service included prayer, music, scriptures, and quotes all crafted into a dramatic retelling of that fateful June-day when…

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