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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.

Two young women read together on the couch with a little girl listening next to them.
Latter-day Saint Life
This story will inspire you to reopen your scriptures
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
July 16, 2026 10:40 AM MDT
A prophet called this account “one of the finest stories in all of the scriptures.”
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Primary General President Susan H. Porter shares her testimony from the new Temple Square Visitors' Center in a video titled "Never Alone Through Jesus Christ."
Help for Life Challenges
Pres. Porter shares one of her darkest moments—and how she found light
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
July 15, 2026 01:44 PM MDT
On the day of her husband’s funeral, President Susan H. Porter discovered that their home flooded.
2 Min Read
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From left to right: Lowell Gould, Nancy Gould, Margie Bradford, Dallas Bradford, Candy Olson, Della Lee, and Sheri Flygare gather for games as part of their ward dinner group in Bountiful, Utah, in 2025.
Stories of Faith
This ward dinner group has been meeting for 50 years—here’s how
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
July 02, 2026 08:28 PM MDT
The friends shared what they’ve learned after more than 600 meals together.
3 Min Read
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Derrick Porter and Andy Reid
Latter-day Saint Life
Why Andy Reid says conducting the Tabernacle Choir was one of the highlights of his life
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
July 01, 2026 03:14 PM MDT
“You [could] compare this to what you do when you win a Super Bowl. I mean, it was just that exciting.”
1 Min Read
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Lloyd E. Oaks and Dallin H. Oaks in 1939
Follow the Prophets
A poignant way Pres. Oaks honored his father
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
June 16, 2026 01:13 PM MDT
“I was not yet 8 years old when he died, but his influence lives on for me and his descendants.”
1 Min Read
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Elder Gerrit W. Gong video workshop on AI, June 2026
Follow the Prophets
Worried about AI? 9 quotes from Elder Gong to help you navigate it wisely
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
June 12, 2026 02:17 PM MDT
“Artificial intelligence can answer questions, but it cannot answer prayers.”
1 Min Read
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The Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Latter-day Saint Life
Be part of history: How to volunteer during the Salt Lake Temple Celebration
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
May 29, 2026 08:50 AM MDT
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help people learn about and tour the newly renovated temple.
2 Min Read
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Nana Okofo Ogyefo Amoako II Odikro with Dr. Thomas Appiah (Diaspora Chief: Nana Dr. Oboafo Kwamena Essuman Appiah I )
Stories of Faith
‘Just come and see’: The remarkable dream that led a Ghanaian chief to join the Church
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
May 21, 2026 09:56 AM MDT
“It’s amazing how such significant events can happen through small and simple things.”
2 Min Read
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A woman speaks over the pulpit during an LDS sacrament meeting
Latter-day Saint Life
Why Christlike leaders don’t need to be loud to teach with power
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
May 11, 2026 03:13 PM MDT
“I thought I had to change my entire personality to be a good leader. Then, I learned a powerful lesson from Sister Jean B. Bingham.”
2 Min Read
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JennaBree Tollestrup LDS Living (cropped)
Stories of Faith
How this firefighter mom manages wearing life’s many ‘uniforms’
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
May 07, 2026 04:11 PM MDT
As a mother, firefighter, and member of the Tabernacle Choir, JennaBree Tollestrup serves in many different ways.
2 Min Read
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President Dallin H. Oaks April 2026 general conference
Follow the Prophets
What Pres. Oaks said in his first conference as the prophet
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
April 05, 2026 04:12 PM MDT
Here are four themes President Dallin H. Oaks shared this weekend.
2 Min Read
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Balm of Gilead by Greg Olsen (cropped)
Help for Life Challenges
Stirring new painting depicts how Christ eases our personal burdens
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
April 03, 2026 02:14 PM MDT
The image depicts the Savior gently placing His hands on the shoulders of a discouraged man.
4 Min Read
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Artist Morgan Casteel
Stories of Faith
How one artist captures the Savior’s presence without painting Him
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
March 20, 2026 03:24 PM MDT
Morgan Casteel believes that landscape art can communicate the Savior’s love in special ways.
2 Min Read
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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
Maddie Tolk
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
Maddie Tolk
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
Maddie Tolk
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
Maddie Tolk
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
Maddie Tolk
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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A man stands at the pulpit in a Latter-day Saint chapel and speaks to the congregation.
Latter-day Saint Life
What does it mean to say ‘I know’ vs. ‘I believe’? An insightful, comforting answer
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
July 29, 2024 03:03 PM MDT
Believing and knowing both involve accepting principles as truth—but within different conditions.
3 Min Read
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Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles greets missionaries at the Manila Missionary Training Center in Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
Follow the Prophets
Elder Andersen’s simple tip will help anyone learn to love the scriptures
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
July 26, 2024 03:13 PM MDT
Elder Andersen reassured new missionaries by sharing a scripture exercise you could easily try with your family.
1 Min Read
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Cropped shot of two young women embracing each other at home
Help for Life Challenges
4 principles to help you respond to any sincere question—even when there aren’t easy answers
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
July 23, 2024 04:16 PM MDT
When a loved one asks a hard question, it can be difficult to know the right things to say. Here are simple ways to make these conversations easier.
4 Min Read
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Derrick Porter Music & the Spoken Word
Stories of Faith
Young father reflects on the Lord’s timing after accepting Church calling only 3 others have held before
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
July 18, 2024 03:11 PM MDT
The new host for “Music & the Spoken Word” says the calling came as a “complete shock and surprise,” but he trusts in the Lord’s timing.
5 Min Read
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Brandon Pak looks up at a grove of trees.
Stories of Faith
Berklee grad’s story of returning to the Church is as inspiring as his new music
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
July 18, 2024 02:39 PM MDT
Singer Brandon Pak found newfound peace coming back to church after years away. Read his story and hopeful advice for supporting loved ones who leave.
10 Min Read
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Black hispanic woman closing eyes in contemplation and smiling.
Latter-day Saint Life
Expert tips for enjoying spiritual stillness—no matter what’s on your plate
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
July 17, 2024 03:58 PM MDT
Bite-sized efforts to be spiritually nourished can add up to a fulfilling relationship with God.
3 Min Read
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