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.

President Dallin H. Oaks April 2026 general conference

Follow the Prophets

What Pres. Oaks said in his first conference as the prophet

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

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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Stories of Faith

How one artist captures the Savior’s presence without painting Him

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

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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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

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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

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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.

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Latter-day Saint Life

16 Tips for Helping Children Suffering from Anxiety and Depression

By Maddie Tolk

June 07, 2017 11:00 AM MDT

Mental illnesses and emotional disorders can be difficult to understand, especially for children who are still learning to identify and understand their emotions. How can parents and leaders help their children to become resilient and learn to cope with difficult emotional issues?

4 Min Read

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Famous Latter-day Saints

Why Latter-day Saints Are Dominating Billboard's Classical Music Charts, and People Are Taking Note

By Maddie Tolk

June 05, 2017 04:00 PM MDT

Latter-day Saints are dominating the classical music scene, and people have begun taking note.

5 Min Read

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Latter-day Saint Life

"VICE" Features LDS Couple for Defying Cultural Expectations, Balancing Faith, Family

By Maddie Tolk

June 02, 2017 07:25 PM MDT

Recently VICE News featured an LDS couple and their courage in “bucking stereotypes” and cultural norms as the husband, Robert Wood, pursues his passion by creating $5,000 violins in a converted tool shed in his backyard.

2 Min Read

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