Emily Abel

Emily first found her love for storytelling as an editorial intern with LDS Living. Before returning to work full time as a writer and editor, she graduated from Utah State University with a degree in English and worked for the Liahona magazine. Hiking trails, dance studios, and behind the cover of a good book are some of her favorite places to be.

Recommended by Us

5 clever design features in this conference study journal

By Emily Abel

March 21, 2023 12:38 PM MDT

As your resident journal expert, here are five reasons the General Conference Addresses, Journal Edition has everything you need to study effectively and joyfully.

4 Min Read

Fun

I gave 17 Taylor Swift lyrics a gospel twist for when life isn’t a ‘Love Story’

By Emily Abel

March 18, 2023 07:00 AM MDT

I planned to stop this list at 13 (for obvious Taylor-related reasons), but I had to squeeze in a few more lines.

9 Min Read

Feature Stories

Quilting sensation Jenny Doan on faith, creativity, and accidentally building an empire

By Emily Abel

March 16, 2023 06:00 AM MDT

Hamilton, Missouri, was once in serious financial trouble. But in a matter of a few years, Jenny Doan and her family transformed the sleepy town into a magical destination. How did the Doans do it? By the power of faith—and quilts.

16 Min Read

Feature Stories

How a perfect cherry cheese pie led to food-world fame

By Emily Abel

March 14, 2023 07:00 AM MDT

As she tried to cope with the loss of her sister, Christy Denney found the connection to family she was craving in an unusual place—a cherry cheese pie.

7 Min Read

Fun

20 stunning photos of temples in winter wonderlands

By Emily Abel

March 07, 2023 10:00 AM MST

Enjoy this collection of beautiful photos of temples blanketed in snow.

1 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

What the Church has actually said about astrology

By Emily Abel

January 27, 2023 07:00 AM MST

Astrology's popularity is on the rise. What does the Church have to say about it?

6 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

7 Book of Mormon verses that have changed my perspective on body image

By Emily Abel

January 18, 2023 07:00 AM MST

When I find myself longing to feel comfortable in my own skin again, I have found a perhaps unusual source to be one of the best remedies: the Book of Mormon.

5 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

This could be the New Year’s resolution you need—what will you not change?

By Emily Abel

January 04, 2023 07:00 PM MST

A yoga teacher shared an idea that changed how I approach New Year’s: she suggested we make a list of things we are not going to change about ourselves.

3 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

3 unforgettable, unexpected moments from The Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert

By Emily Abel

December 16, 2022 01:06 PM MST

That many phone flashlights wasn’t a sight I ever expected to see in the conference center, but it was moving and glorious.

5 Min Read

Fun

The Crosbys and the Shaws: Daddy-daughter duos will warm your heart with new Christmas video

By Emily Abel

December 09, 2022 02:25 PM MST

If you love Christmas and the sweetness of singing daddy-daughter duos, this video is for you.

1 Min Read

Feature Story

Artisans from Turkey to Ghana show that nativity scenes can be for all of God’s children

By Emily Abel

December 02, 2022 01:11 PM MST

When artists create scenes reflective of their own cultures, nativities becomes a way for all to liken the scriptures unto themselves.

12 Min Read

Feature Stories

Watch: ‘Encanto’ actress sings at Giving Machines kick-off in Salt Lake City

By Emily Abel

November 22, 2022 03:38 PM MST

Adassa from Disney’s Encanto gave a live performance in Salt Lake City not as her character Dolores, but as a member of the Church eager to shine light into the world.

3 Min Read

Short & Simple

Trivia to entertain your family with during holiday dinners

By Emily Abel

November 21, 2022 01:18 PM MST

To satisfy that craving you might be having for some trivia, here are a few of the facts and other tips from our November/December issue.

4 Min Read

Feature Stories

What is the purpose of a YSA ward? (Hint: It’s not marriage)

By Emily Abel

November 06, 2022 02:35 PM MST

By shifting the focus of young single adult wards from finding a spouse to finding Jesus Christ, members can more fully enjoy life now.

8 Min Read

Recommended by Us

Jason Momoa visits BYU–Hawaii to promote lifesaving cause

By Emily Abel

October 31, 2022 01:19 PM MDT

It’s not every day that BYU–Hawaii welcomes a superhero on campus—a superhero ready to help save lives in a very real way.

1 Min Read

Fun

6 tasty treats and filling eats for Halloween

By Emily Abel

October 14, 2022 01:55 PM MDT

Help make memories with your friends and family this spooky season with these delectable dinners, savory snacks, and party treats.

5 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

‘Forbes’ includes Latter-day Saint on 50 Over 50 list with Dolly Parton and Tina Turner

By Emily Abel

October 13, 2022 02:43 PM MDT

Forbes writes, “Their stories are important reminders that while we can’t control every circumstance, we can control our actions [and] experience can fuel a more vibrant career than your younger self could have ever imagined.”

3 Min Read

Close Quote

How to navigate vague or unfulfilled promises in your patriarchal blessing—Q&A with Keith Erekson

By Emily Abel

October 03, 2022 07:05 AM MDT

Do you have questions about patriarchal blessings? After writing a book on the topic, Keith Erekson might have some answers for you.

5 Min Read

Fun

12 facts about the new Relief Society General Presidency

By Emily Abel

October 01, 2022 02:31 PM MDT

The new Primary General Presidency began their service on August 1, 2022. We are excited to learn from these inspiring women! Here are four facts about each member of the presidency.

5 Min Read

Fun

12 fascinating facts about the new Primary General Presidency

By Emily Abel

October 01, 2022 10:38 AM MDT

We are excited to learn from these inspiring women! Here are four facts about each member of the presidency.

5 Min Read

Feature Stories

Have you paid attention to the Hebrew word President Nelson keeps teaching about?

By Emily Abel

September 29, 2022 04:19 PM MDT

“Mostly by accident, I’ve found three different messages President Nelson has given in the past six months in which he taught about this special Hebrew word.”

6 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

How Elder Andersen helped me let go of living my best life—and why that’s a good thing

By Emily Abel

September 26, 2022 07:00 AM MDT

There are a lot of things to experience and choices to make, but there is really only one thing on my bucket list I want to be sure I can say I’ve done.

4 Min Read

Fun

4 wonderfully easy lunch recipes for general conference weekend

By Emily Abel

September 24, 2022 06:00 AM MDT

Help make this special weekend even more memorable with these delicious and easy meals your friends and family are sure to love.

5 Min Read

Feature Stories

‘One step at a time’: What 1 woman’s escape from the 99th floor of the South Tower on 9/11 can teach the next generation

By Emily Abel

September 09, 2022 12:00 PM MDT

Editor’s note: This article first appeared as the cover story in the September/October 2021 issue of LDS Living magazine.

16 Min Read