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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Latter-day Saint Life

First-Ever Mormon Arts Festival Set to Open in New York

By Maddie Tolk

June 27, 2017 03:08 PM MDT

On June 29 through July 1, 2017, Mormon artists, musicians, and scholars will gather from all over the world to participate in the first-ever Mormon Arts Center Festival. The festival will take place in New York City at the recently established Mormon Arts Center and is co-directed by Richard Bushman, the Gouverneur Morris Professor Emeritus of History at Columbia University, and Glen Nelson, the founder/director of the Mormon Artists Group.

1 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

LDS Teen with Disabilities Heading to the 2017 National Miss Amazing Pageant

By Maddie Tolk

June 23, 2017 04:23 PM MDT

Earlier this year, 17-year-old Abigail Manery was crowned the 2017 Idaho Miss Amazing Teen Queen. She is currently preparing to compete at the National Miss Amazing Pageant, which will take place this August in Chicago, Illinois. Abby will be featured in an upcoming documentary highlighting her preparations for the pageant, as well as her life and the disabilities she lives with daily.

1 Min Read

Fun

11 Incredible Mormon Moments Caught on Google Earth

By Maddie Tolk

June 21, 2017 07:56 PM MDT

Thanks to mybestlds.com for the story idea.

1 Min Read

Famous Latter-day Saints

LDS YouTuber on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Launches New eSports Gaming Brand

By Maddie Tolk

June 20, 2017 02:49 PM MDT

LDS YouTuber and social-media celebrity Shaun McBride, better known by his online name Shonduras, has made a large impact in the internet community. Recently he launched an eSports gaming brand called "Spacestation Gaming," which will start competing in the Smite eSport professional leagues with a top tier North American team and aims to expand eventually into other games and opportunities.

1 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

LDS Actress Shares How Playing Emma Smith Helped Her Develop Empathy, Overcome Postpartum Depression

By Maddie Tolk

June 09, 2017 07:55 PM MDT

Lindsay Farr Harper, known for her portrayal of Emma Smith in the movie Joseph Smith: Plates of Gold, recently shared her experiences and testimony in a segment of Splitting the Sky, a YouTube documentary series that aims to share authentic stories of faithful women.

1 Min Read

Fun

Why an LDS Weatherman and Opera Singer Are Getting a Ton of Attention for Their Family "Hymn Selfies"

By Maddie Tolk

June 08, 2017 04:00 PM MDT

The Siebert family loves to sing together. Jim and Debbie, and their four children—Ashley, Emmie, Grant, and Dallin—enjoy sharing their testimonies of the gospel through videos of acapella hymns, which they post on social media using the hashtag #hymnselfie.

1 Min Read