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 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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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President Jeffrey R. Holland speaks to youth during the October 2025 worldwide youth broadcast titled “Look unto Christ.”

Follow the Prophets

Pres. Holland’s counsel to youth that everyone needs to hear

By Maddie Tolk

October 27, 2025 01:58 PM MDT

At a recent devotional. President Holland shared timeless wisdom.

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The Feather River California Temple in Yuba City, California.

Temple Worship

5 helpful things to say to someone before they receive their endowment

By Maddie Tolk

October 13, 2025 08:52 AM MDT

Try these talking points to start more meaningful conversations about the endowment.

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President Dallin H. Oaks, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, opens the Sunday morning session of 195th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.

Temple Worship

The last time no new temples were announced during general conference

By Maddie Tolk

October 08, 2025 03:16 PM MDT

Here’s a quick look back at new temple announcements during general conference.

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President Russell M. Nelson, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, waves to conferencegoers as he enters the afternoon session of the 194th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024.

Follow the Prophets

10 ways Pres. Nelson invited you to prepare for the Second Coming

By Maddie Tolk

September 28, 2025 06:00 AM MDT

Do you remember these 10 prophetic invitations?

1 Min Read

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Sharon Eubank greets someone Mormon Women for Ethical Government conference at UVU

Latter-day Saint Life

The first thing Sharon Eubank tells people who want to help others more

By Maddie Tolk

September 24, 2025 04:05 PM MDT

Sharon believes this approach can lead to more lasting solutions.

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A young woman prays with an open Bible on her lap.

Latter-day Saint Life

A way to hear God’s answers more clearly when you’re making decisions

By Maddie Tolk

September 23, 2025 03:41 PM MDT

Elder Renlund suggests this approach will help us better recognize revelation.

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Meditative senior man looking up at sky with serious expression

Latter-day Saint Life

One of the most important ways to prepare for life-changing revelation

By Maddie Tolk

September 16, 2025 09:43 AM MDT

“Life-changing revelation is not reserved for prophets,” Dale G. Renlund writes in his new book.

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A woman pondering during an LDS sacrament meeting

Help for Life Challenges

This new hymn is a must-listen if you have anxiety

By Maddie Tolk

June 24, 2025 02:11 PM MDT

The composer based the song on a turning point in her experiences with anxiety.

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A confident Black woman with curly hair

Help for Life Challenges

A 2-word mantra to help you recognize personal revelation more often

By Maddie Tolk

June 23, 2025 01:54 PM MDT

This framework helps remind us that God is always reaching out to us.

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The Hartford Connecticut Temple

Temple Worship

Practical advice for first-time temple goers

By Maddie Tolk

June 20, 2025 02:13 PM MDT

These two suggestions can help you find more joy in your temple worship.

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Shelby Stroud in front of "A Sure Foundation"

Stories of Faith

Must-see portrait of Christ made with seashells

By Maddie Tolk

June 11, 2025 02:22 PM MDT

This breathtaking image is composed of stones, seashells, fossils, and wood.

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Elder Patrick Kearon smiles while speaking from a church podium.

Follow the Prophets

Watch: Deeply moving clip of Elder Kearon testifying of Christ’s love to Filipino Saints

By Maddie Tolk

May 29, 2025 02:00 PM MDT

“You are loved so much more than you can imagine,” Elder Kearon affirmed.

1 Min Read

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A woman wearing a striped shirt holds her hands over her heart.

Latter-day Saint Life

It’s time we stop limiting revelation to a ‘burning in the bosom’

By Maddie Tolk

May 27, 2025 02:26 PM MDT

Feeling a “burning in the bosom” is one pattern for receiving revelation that may not be helpful for everyone.

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