Elder John H. Groberg has had his fair share of missionary adventures in his lifetime, and some of them have even made it to the big screen in the Disney-distributed The Other Side of Heaven and the newly released The Other Side of Heaven 2: Fire of Faith. We recently sat down with the emeritus General Authority Seventy to learn a little bit more about his experiences.

Kate Lee spent nine months working on a painting at the invitation of her stake president, and this particular piece took longer than most of Kate’s paintings. Here’s why:

The calamity of September 11th, 2001 has cast a long shadow. Ten years later, many of us are still haunted by its terrible tragedy of lost lives and broken hearts. It is an episode of anguish that has become a defining moment in the history of the American nation and the world. This week, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, along with Tom Brokaw, will pay its own homage to the unforgettable events of September 11, 2001. There was, as many have noted, a remarkable surge of faith following the tragedy. People across the United States rediscovered the need for God and turned to Him for solace and understanding. Comfortable times were shattered. We felt the great unsteadiness of life and reached for the great steadiness of our Father in Heaven. And, as ever, we found it. Americans of all faiths came together in a remarkable way.

Mexico's dutiful Latter-day Saints would be recognizable to fellow members across the globe. They are diligent, temple-going people who worship, serve and raise their families in faith despite the troubles sometimes found just outside the doors of their homes. Yes, they have worries — but they also live purposeful lives fueled by optimism and gospel principles. That was the observation made by a trio of General Authorities who recently spent several days touring Mexico. Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve, along with Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy, traveled to Mexico to conduct an annual review of the Mexico Area and also meet with thousands of local priesthood leaders, members, missionaries and Church employees in a variety of gatherings and training sessions across the country. At times the three were together, but they also split up to visit members in several different Mexican cities.

As the largest Church history site, Nauvoo's expansion project is set to be a great undertaking both physically and spiritually, making it significant not only for Latter-day Saints but for other visitors as well. "If we communicate that significance, we'll strengthen the faith of Latter-day Saints that come here but also share the spiritual significance of our faith that many people don't particularly adhere to but want to appreciate," Steven Olsen says.

Life in the NBA can test the mettle of any professional athlete, but for Mark Madsen, now an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, it presented golden opportunities to build his faith and spirituality. A member of the Church, he was a guest speaker on June 15 at the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center’s “Why I Believe” series.

The compilation, translation, and publication of the Bible is an endless source of interest to religious believers and scholars the world over. In particular, the King James Version, completed 400 years ago, holds special interest to many because of its enduring use and profound influence on centuries of literature.

Though perhaps not as prolific or well known as Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi has shared many pieces of counsel that can also be applied to a gospel setting.

INTRODUCTION:

I close my eyes and focus on soaking up the warmth of the sun. It is halftime, and I am exactly where I most love to be: on the sideline, cheering on my girls and their coach. This is my joy.