Maddie Tolk

Maddie is a content specialist for LDS Living. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Harvard and has published and edited content for the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, Macmillan Learning, HarvardX, Utah Valley University, and Adobe. Maddie enjoys reading, playing the violin and piano, and watching musicals.

LDS scriptures triple combination with the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price

Latter-day Saint Life

The scripture we hear so often we may not fully appreciate

By Maddie Tolk

January 28, 2026 03:39 PM MST

These verses imply a vital truth about our divine identity.

1 Min Read

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Hebrew Pentateuch from the 10th century

Latter-day Saint Life

6 Hebrew words every Latter-day Saint should know

By Maddie Tolk

January 21, 2026 01:47 PM MST

These powerful definitions can help shine a new light on the Old Testament.

6 Min Read

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Hand of woman picking apple in orchard - stock photo

Latter-day Saint Life

6 beautiful truths we know about Eve

By Maddie Tolk

January 15, 2026 03:30 PM MST

These restored truths clarify Eve’s courageous role in the plan of salvation.

2 Min Read

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Toronto Ontario LDS Temple

Temple Worship

9 exciting temple ‘firsts’ you may have missed

By Maddie Tolk

January 14, 2026 09:30 AM MST

Last year was filled with new temple milestones.

2 Min Read

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A night sky with stars and clouds

Latter-day Saint Life

An inspiring detail we sometimes forget about the Council in Heaven

By Maddie Tolk

January 08, 2026 10:40 AM MST

The scriptures clarify a common misconception about the premortal council.

1 Min Read

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Pres. Oaks writing at his desk 2

Follow the Prophets

5 teachings from Pres. Oaks to help you with your goals

By Maddie Tolk

December 22, 2025 02:53 PM MST

These inspiring quotes will help you start the new year strong.

1 Min Read

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Pres. Oaks, 2025 First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional

Follow the Prophets

5 inspiring things Pres. Oaks has said about Christmas

By Maddie Tolk

December 18, 2025 03:12 PM MST

“The spirit of Christmas brings out the best in us.”

1 Min Read

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President Dallin H. Oaks and Sister Kristen M. Oaks smiling together

Follow the Prophets

4 words Sister Oaks would use to describe the prophet

By Maddie Tolk

December 11, 2025 02:20 PM MST

“He always tries to do what’s right,” Sister Oaks shared. “He doesn’t ever cut a corner.”

2 Min Read

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"Little Lamb" by Jenedy Paige (cropped)

Latter-day Saint Life

The special significance of ‘swaddling clothes’ in the Nativity

By Maddie Tolk

December 10, 2025 04:52 PM MST

More than a description of an “ordinary diaper and receiving blanket,” this clothing detail suggests several profound truths about Christ.

2 Min Read

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The red cast (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night shows) perform during the manger scene at a dress rehearsal of the “Savior of the World” production on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.

Stories of Faith

25 years of ‘Savior of the World’: Actress shares miracles that brought her to the show

By Maddie Tolk

December 09, 2025 04:05 PM MST

Tens of thousands of people attend this beloved Church production every year.

5 Min Read

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Grandfather and grandson hanging decorations on Christmas tree at home together

Latter-day Saint Life

An easy way to give your family a spiritual boost this Christmas

By Maddie Tolk

December 05, 2025 02:00 PM MST

This activity only takes a few minutes but leaves a lasting impact.

3 Min Read

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Thanksgiving table setting with an open Bible and autumn decorations

Latter-day Saint Life

Why gratitude can open your heart to receiving revelation

By Maddie Tolk

November 24, 2025 03:02 PM MST

Thanksgiving just might be an ideal time to seek revelation.

1 Min Read

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Elder Kevin G. Brown speaks at the October 2025 general conference

Latter-day Saint Life

Why Elder Kevin Brown’s conference talk hit home for so many

By Maddie Tolk

November 13, 2025 09:19 AM MST

“Elder Brown’s testimony was so powerful it caught my teenager’s attention from the other room,” one mother shared.

2 Min Read

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Dallin H. Oaks and Kristen M. Oaks smile with seven of their great-grandchildren

Follow the Prophets

3 sweet traditions Pres. Oaks has with his grandchildren

By Maddie Tolk

November 12, 2025 02:15 PM MST

To help each grandchild feel special, President Oaks has a tradition of honoring a “Grandchild of the Month.”

2 Min Read

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Dirt road in autumn forest in fog

Help for Life Challenges

One of the best verses for when life doesn’t go as planned

By Maddie Tolk

November 06, 2025 03:46 PM MST

This scripture can help reassure anyone facing an unexpected life path.

2 Min Read

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Expressions of Jesus

Latter-day Saint Life

This beautiful art book is helping families talk about Christ

By Maddie Tolk

November 04, 2025 10:02 AM MST

“Everyone found a different painting that helped them feel connected to Jesus.”

2 Min Read

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Ancient oil lamp

Latter-day Saint Life

The first thing to remember about the parable of the ten virgins

By Maddie Tolk

October 29, 2025 02:19 PM MDT

There’s a hopeful detail from the story we can emphasize even more.

2 Min Read

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A woman takes notes as she listens to the 195th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.

Help for Life Challenges

The quote from conference that’s on my mind weeks later

By Maddie Tolk

October 28, 2025 09:32 AM MDT

“I’ll admit that when I first heard the sentence, I felt intimidated. But as I’ve pondered more, I’ve come to realize it teaches a profound truth.”

2 Min Read

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Family Reading the Bible Together

Latter-day Saint Life

Elder Bednar’s reassuring insight on repetition will breathe new life into your routine

By Maddie Tolk

September 16, 2024 03:06 PM MDT

If it feels like you’re just going through the motions in your spiritual habits, read this.

4 Min Read

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Primary children at Riga Chapel in Riga, Latvia, on March 7, 2023.

Latter-day Saint Life

3 ways to help children feel sacrament meeting is for them—not just Mom and Dad

By Maddie Tolk

September 13, 2024 03:05 PM MDT

Here are a few simple ways to help kids feel engaged and involved in our local meetings.

2 Min Read

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President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gestures during his 100th birthday celebration at the Little Theatre of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, September 9, 2024.

Follow the Prophets

8 inspiring quotes from Pres. Nelson’s 100th birthday celebration

By Maddie Tolk

September 10, 2024 01:37 PM MDT

“Our family has become very large, but he has always focused on us as individuals.” —Ashlyn Owens, President Nelson’s great-granddaughter

1 Min Read

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A fork in the road in a beautiful autumn forest, symbolic of making a decision and receiving personal revelation.

Latter-day Saint Life

How can I know when I’m receiving personal revelation? These 2 tips might help

By Maddie Tolk

September 09, 2024 09:10 AM MDT

Sheri Dew recently shared two things that have helped her recognize answers to prayer more clearly.

3 Min Read

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Sheri Dew in her office in Salt Lake City in 2010.

Help for Life Challenges

Can I still have a testimony if I have questions? Sheri Dew’s reassuring answer

By Maddie Tolk

August 29, 2024 02:24 PM MDT

Even if you have questions, you can have a firm testimony if you know these five things.

2 Min Read

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Follow the Prophets

Elder Bednar’s 3 tips for sharing the gospel online

By Maddie Tolk

August 21, 2024 02:05 PM MDT

Ten years after his landmark address on sharing the gospel using social media, Elder David A. Bednar gave insights on spreading light online today.

2 Min Read

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