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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.

President Dallin H. Oaks and Sister Kristen M. Oaks smiling together
Follow the Prophets
4 words Sister Oaks would use to describe the prophet
Maddie Tolk
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
Maddie Tolk
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
Maddie Tolk
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
Maddie Tolk
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
Maddie Tolk
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
Maddie Tolk
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
Maddie Tolk
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
Maddie Tolk
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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Expressions of Jesus
Latter-day Saint Life
This beautiful art book is helping families talk about Christ
Maddie Tolk
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
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Ancient oil lamp
Latter-day Saint Life
The first thing to remember about the parable of the ten virgins
Maddie Tolk
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
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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
Maddie Tolk
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
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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
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
October 27, 2025 01:58 PM MDT
At a recent devotional. President Holland shared timeless wisdom.
1 Min Read
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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
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
October 13, 2025 08:52 AM MDT
Try these talking points to start more meaningful conversations about the endowment.
7 Min Read
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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
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
October 08, 2025 03:16 PM MDT
Here’s a quick look back at new temple announcements during general conference.
2 Min Read
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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
Maddie Tolk
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
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
September 24, 2025 04:05 PM MDT
Sharon believes this approach can lead to more lasting solutions.
3 Min Read
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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
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
September 23, 2025 03:41 PM MDT
Elder Renlund suggests this approach will help us better recognize revelation.
1 Min Read
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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
Maddie Tolk
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.
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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Cozy home sitting area with pink tulips
Latter-day Saint Life
General conference can be the rejuvenating retreat you need—here’s how
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
March 26, 2025 02:01 PM MDT
“With a little more advance thought, this can become a weekend retreat different from any other.”
3 Min Read
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A woman teaches Relief Society
Help for Life Challenges
‘I don’t have a testimony of this’: How a ward responded to teacher’s humble admission
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
March 25, 2025 01:42 PM MDT
When Meg Walter taught a Relief Society lesson one month after her father’s death, the topic felt unexpectedly personal and painful.
1 Min Read
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Beside Still Waters copy32x40.jpg
Latter-day Saint Life
‘After all we can do’: A crucial thing you might misunderstand about this verse
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
March 24, 2025 01:55 PM MDT
In Joseph Smith’s time, “after all we can do” had a slightly different meaning than how we often interpret the phrase today.
2 Min Read
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President Jeffrey R. Holland shakes a young man's hand.
Follow the Prophets
Pres. Holland on one of the ‘most important’ things youth can be doing
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
March 19, 2025 02:14 PM MDT
“I’m too old to be playing games with you or telling jokes,” President Holland said of his testimony. “This is the truth.”
1 Min Read
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Jordan Ring-Sakabe with his daughter Luna
Stories of Faith
Former atheist’s painting of his daughter with Christ is a must-see
Maddie Tolk
By  Maddie Tolk
March 18, 2025 01:49 PM MDT
Catholic artist Jordan Ring-Sakabe discovered the Savior’s love after nearly 10 years as an atheist.
4 Min Read
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