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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.

Allison Hong Merrill Mission and Baptism in Taiwan
Stories of Faith
After being disowned then stranded, the temple became her saving grace
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
May 23, 2025 01:37 PM MDT
At age 21, Allison was disowned by her father. Then, only two years later, she was stranded by her first husband in an unfamiliar country. 
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The Nairobi Kenya Temple in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Temple Worship
6 temple stats that might surprise you
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
May 21, 2025 01:55 PM MDT
Two countries outside the US will have over 20 temples.
1 Min Read
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A painting of a young woman playing the violin with a painting of Jesus Christ in the background.
Latter-day Saint Life
Greek words that will change how you think about perfection
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
May 16, 2025 01:59 PM MDT
Have you heard of katartismós or téleios?
2 Min Read
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Elder D. Todd Christofferson, April 2025 general conference
Follow the Prophets
What may be the best, most genuine form of worship
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
May 15, 2025 01:47 PM MDT
This insight from Elder Christofferson can bring even more meaning to how you worship God.
2 Min Read
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Moanahiwalani Walker dances hula with the Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir at Carnegie Hall
Latter-day Saint Life
Watch: BYU–Hawaii hula dancer performs with choir at Carnegie Hall
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
May 14, 2025 02:35 PM MDT
A Hawaiian student danced hula in a moving tribute to survivors of the 2023 wildfires in Lahaina, Maui.
6 Min Read
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An outdoor portrait of a family of eight in Hawaii.
Latter-day Saint Life
2 simple ways to prepare your children for the Second Coming
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
May 09, 2025 01:56 PM MDT
These two things can help prepare your kids for the Savior’s return.
1 Min Read
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The Belém Brazil Temple
Temple Worship
3 things you can do to feel more comfortable in the temple
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
May 06, 2025 01:34 PM MDT
Try these simple tips to feel more at ease during your temple trips.
1 Min Read
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Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson speaks to young adults during a worldwide devotional, broadcast live from the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Latter-day Saint Life
Ask yourself this question to feel more prepared for the Second Coming
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
May 05, 2025 01:57 PM MDT
President Camille N. Johnson recently posed a question that will empower you to be a force for good in the days ahead.
2 Min Read
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Elder and Sister Gong in Kohala, Hawaii
Follow the Prophets
Elder Gong on ‘the way that we can answer all the longings of our hearts’
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
April 30, 2025 02:02 PM MDT
In a recent video, Elder Gong explained how the Lord helps us feel His love in a sometimes isolating world.
1 Min Read
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Elder Bednar ‘Come, Follow Me’ 2025 Video
Follow the Prophets
Elder Bednar on why you don’t need to wait until you feel the Spirit to teach
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
April 28, 2025 02:04 PM MDT
In a new video, Elder Bednar shared a thought-provoking insight about Doctrine and Covenants 42:14.
1 Min Read
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Film studio stock image
Stories of Faith
What’s the audition process like to play Jesus Christ? 1 actor’s inspiring experience
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
April 25, 2025 02:19 PM MDT
“The whole thing was just an incredible experience,” Paul Wuthrich says of auditioning for the Book of Mormon videos.
3 Min Read
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Monte Deere,
Help for Life Challenges
The D&C section that comforted a mission president when his brother died by suicide
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
April 22, 2025 10:25 AM MDT
Kizik CEO Monte Deere was serving as a mission president in Spain when he learned that his brother had died by suicide.
2 Min Read
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Adassa performs “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” with BYU Noteworthy.
Latter-day Saint Life
This a cappella version of ‘His Eye Is on the Sparrow’ will lift your spirits
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
April 18, 2025 11:30 AM MDT
Disney star Adassa joined BYU Noteworthy for a soaring rendition of the hymn.
2 Min Read
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President Jeffrey R. Holland sits at his office desk with an open copy of the Bible.
Follow the Prophets
Pres. Holland on what ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ means in the Easter story
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
April 15, 2025 01:50 PM MDT
“I think the force of that verse is the force of the ultimate expression of Christ’s gift for us,” the Apostle shared in a recent video.
1 Min Read
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The Toronto Ontario Temple in Brampton, Ontario, is pictured on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Follow the Prophets
Pres. Holland turns the phrase ‘going through the temple’ on its head
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
April 10, 2025 02:01 PM MDT
At the Toronto Ontario Temple rededication, the Apostle shared an insightful spin on this common phrase.
1 Min Read
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A woman praying outside in a field
Latter-day Saint Life
Your prayers will be more meaningful if you do this first
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
April 09, 2025 03:15 PM MDT
Do this to open yourself up to more authentic prayers.
2 Min Read
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The 195th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Latter-day Saint Life
14 noteworthy stats from the April 2025 general conference
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
April 07, 2025 02:42 PM MDT
President Nelson has now announced 200 temples during his 7 years as the prophet.
1 Min Read
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Sympathetic female friend in SUPPORT with suffering woman. Person in sorrow embracing supportive companion
Latter-day Saint Life
The most helpful things to say to someone going through a hard time
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
March 28, 2025 02:43 PM MDT
Here are 5 phrases to use instead of “let me know how I can help.”
2 Min Read
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Iam Tongi Sings "Silent Night" with the Rexburg Children's Choir
Latter-day Saint Life
Watch: ‘American Idol’ winner’s soul-stirring rendition of ‘Silent Night’
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
December 12, 2024 03:28 PM MST
Iam Tongi’s powerful version of the hymn also features a choir of 100 children.
1 Min Read
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Screenshots from Elder Dale G. Renlund, Elder Gerrit W. Gong, and Elder Patrick Kearon speaking at First Presidency Christmas Devotionals for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Follow the Prophets
Christmas traditions from 3 Apostles to help bring the Spirit to your holiday season
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
December 09, 2024 10:54 AM MST
Try these simple activities to keep your family’s focus on the Savior.
3 Min Read
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Latter-day Saint Life
A simple way to feel connected to Christ in the here and now
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
December 05, 2024 05:09 PM MST
“This practice helps me feel the Savior’s grace on a more tangible level.”
3 Min Read
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An illustration of a father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, and two children enjoying a Thanksgiving meal at the table.
Latter-day Saint Life
The best question to ask your family this Thanksgiving
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
November 25, 2024 12:52 PM MST
Share this powerful prompt during your dinner to foster happy feelings.
3 Min Read
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President Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks before the ribbon-cutting for the reopening of the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, September 29, 2015.
Help for Life Challenges
President Holland shares how to heal from broken dreams
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
November 22, 2024 04:00 PM MST
Remember this principle when life’s disappointments seem to break you down.
1 Min Read
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Latter-day Saint Life
A simple way to fill your home with Christmas magic
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
November 21, 2024 02:01 PM MST
Your family will gravitate toward these bright, Christ-centered decorations.
3 Min Read
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