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The Heavens Are Open
God speaks to His prophet on the earth today. And He will speak to you, too.
That is the powerful testimony of Sister Wendy W. Nelson, wife of President Russell M. Nelson, as she shares her personal witness of truths that will increase our capacity to receive and act on revelation from the heavens. In this volume, she offers a number of ideas for things we can do—and stop doing—in order to understand the Spirit’s direction more clearly.
“All I have witnessed, all I have experienced tells me that our Father wants to communicate with each one of His children and will do so commensurate with our desire and earnest seeking,” writes Sister Nelson. This remarkable book will help readers learn how to open that door.
That is the powerful testimony of Sister Wendy W. Nelson, wife of President Russell M. Nelson, as she shares her personal witness of truths that will increase our capacity to receive and act on revelation from the heavens. In this volume, she offers a number of ideas for things we can do—and stop doing—in order to understand the Spirit’s direction more clearly.
“All I have witnessed, all I have experienced tells me that our Father wants to communicate with each one of His children and will do so commensurate with our desire and earnest seeking,” writes Sister Nelson. This remarkable book will help readers learn how to open that door.
151 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2019
158 people are currently reading
1342 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
January 27, 2020
Anything Wendy Watson Nelson writes is 5 stars, y’all. This book is so refreshing. She is my forever hero.
November 16, 2020
Wendy Watson Nelson is an inspiring, amazing woman who can lift others to a higher level of purpose and change, all the while being very down-to-earth and real. Her recommendations to receive divine guidance were enlightening; avoid contention, even in what you watch and listen to the prophets with a question in mind, stood out to me. I loved hearing her personal stories of being guided in her life. She was well prepared to fulfill her role now as the wife of our prophet, Pres. Russell M. Nelson.
September 29, 2020
I love Sister Nelson! Her words and stories were just what I needed right now. Seek for zero contention. Focus on what matters and lay aside what doesn’t. Take a question to Conference. Celebrate the Atonement of Jesus Christ daily. Do family history (and be ready to receive revelation in your own life while you do it). Pray and ask for what you should pray for. The heavens are open!
October 31, 2019
I didn't enjoy this one as much as I hoped. I really like Wendy Watson Nelson, but the tone of this book made me feel a bit inadequate in areas where I thought I was doing pretty well. I know that that would never be her intent, though. In hindsight, I would read this more as a memoir and not as a "how to."
January 29, 2021
I have a hard time ingesting (and remembering) complex, lengthy non-fiction. This was exactly what I needed! I listened to it (which gives even a more personal touch since Sister Nelson reads it). I want to get the physical copy now and re-read certain sections. This was simple and straightforward, yet powerful and insightful. Highly recommend!
December 30, 2019
This is a book I'll return to again and again. I'd listen to a chapter or two and try to apply what I learned. I saw miracles in my life. I'm grateful for Sister Nelson's example and that she would share with us how we can have the heavens open to us.
Read
November 8, 2025Good content, but so short… it almost felt like an extended scripture study?
This question made me pause, “Is a new, time-consuming, exciting project in my life one more step forward in fulfilling the mission for which I was sent to earth, or is it really just a distraction, constituting one giant step backward or sideways?”
I also loved the reminder to include “or something better” to requests made in prayer.
This question made me pause, “Is a new, time-consuming, exciting project in my life one more step forward in fulfilling the mission for which I was sent to earth, or is it really just a distraction, constituting one giant step backward or sideways?”
I also loved the reminder to include “or something better” to requests made in prayer.
April 19, 2020
Excellent. I’m so glad I read this book. I had many lightbulb spiritual moments. I highly recommend this one! Wendy is so sweet and humble. She does a wonderful job sharing her insights.
July 26, 2020
Loved, loved this book. Very small, you can read it in one afternoon, but it is well worth it to read this over several days and apply each principle learned.
January 13, 2022
Every time i picked up this book i felt motivated, inspired, and uplifted. I rarely (never) re-read books but this is one I’ll probably read again.
February 27, 2020
She has some great insights
March 29, 2020
I just loved what she said about treating the first 15 minutes you get with your spouse very carefully.
What great advice.
Lots of good insights here and she is a very spiritual lady.
Really enjoyed this book.
What great advice.
Lots of good insights here and she is a very spiritual lady.
Really enjoyed this book.
March 14, 2020
I love Sister Nelson!
March 31, 2021
I listen to this as an audiobook read by the author. There was not a single chapter or section of a chapter that I didn’t absolutely love. Recounting personal stories from her life and others, Wendy outlines how it is actually possible to open up heaven for ourselves. I know that what she has outlined will change my relationship to Heaven. This book has given me so much hope.
March 16, 2020
An excellent book about how to increase the revelation from heaven that we can receive in our lives. Wendy is an inspiration. I love how she boldly speaks truth with such a kind and gentle heart. Loved this book.
July 27, 2020
So inspiring
This book taught me several ways I can draw closer to the Lord. I appreciate Sister Nelson’s humility, humor, and spirit. Reading this book felt like talking to a friend. I especially loved the chapter on “no contention.” With several young children in my home that’s something I feel we can focus in together. Highly recommend this book!
This book taught me several ways I can draw closer to the Lord. I appreciate Sister Nelson’s humility, humor, and spirit. Reading this book felt like talking to a friend. I especially loved the chapter on “no contention.” With several young children in my home that’s something I feel we can focus in together. Highly recommend this book!
April 10, 2023
By a strange coincidence, I received this book at the same time that I got Melinda Gates' The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World. I finished this one first (it is much shorter) and couldn't help comparing the two.
Gates is a powerful voice for the struggles that many women face in the world today and she is doing much good.* But, ultimately, I found Nelson's confident, encouraging, and action-packed voice and exemplary stories more inspiring, inclusive, and empowering. Impossible as it may seem, I believe that she pointed out the solutions to many of the same problems highlighted in the aforementioned book-- solutions that would be more easily-distributed because they require less funding. That isn't to say that those solutions advocated by others aren't valid. In many cases they are admirable and provide great solutions to the worries that surround us all. But are they the root of the problem?
Nelson's experience as a professional woman leads her to look for the roots, and she finds them. Though there are so many differences between us all, in status, language, age, ability, belief, and experience, her words empower every reader to take control of their own days, months, years, and lives--- not by adding a million different things, but by removing the unnecessary and adding coping and enabling tools into our lives. And I loved it.
Note: Whoever did the design of the book did a fabulous job as well. For the most part, DB and their associated publishing houses are not automatically added to my reading list-- with the exception of Wendy Watson Nelson, Sheri Dew, books by the Quorum of the Twelve and possibly a couple others as judged on an individual basis. But, I will say, they have certainly stepped up their game on the visual appeal of their books.
*This is not a critique/review of Gates' book--that is forthcoming when I've finished it.
Gates is a powerful voice for the struggles that many women face in the world today and she is doing much good.* But, ultimately, I found Nelson's confident, encouraging, and action-packed voice and exemplary stories more inspiring, inclusive, and empowering. Impossible as it may seem, I believe that she pointed out the solutions to many of the same problems highlighted in the aforementioned book-- solutions that would be more easily-distributed because they require less funding. That isn't to say that those solutions advocated by others aren't valid. In many cases they are admirable and provide great solutions to the worries that surround us all. But are they the root of the problem?
Nelson's experience as a professional woman leads her to look for the roots, and she finds them. Though there are so many differences between us all, in status, language, age, ability, belief, and experience, her words empower every reader to take control of their own days, months, years, and lives--- not by adding a million different things, but by removing the unnecessary and adding coping and enabling tools into our lives. And I loved it.
Note: Whoever did the design of the book did a fabulous job as well. For the most part, DB and their associated publishing houses are not automatically added to my reading list-- with the exception of Wendy Watson Nelson, Sheri Dew, books by the Quorum of the Twelve and possibly a couple others as judged on an individual basis. But, I will say, they have certainly stepped up their game on the visual appeal of their books.
*This is not a critique/review of Gates' book--that is forthcoming when I've finished it.
July 23, 2020
Wendy Watson Nelson is my hero and one of the women that I look up to the most in this life. This book is one that I know I will read over and over, and I will recommend it to anyone and everyone forevermore. Sister Nelson offers a unique perspective as our prophet’s wife, and POWERFUL testimony about the reality of personal revelation and the direct and willing hand of the Lord in our lives. Her insights mean the world to me, and her words moved me to tears several times (with a few chuckles along the way—she’s such a gifted writer with a lovely personality!) The Spirit taught me a lot of precious truths about my own life during the months I spent reading this, and I am in awe at how I couldn’t have picked it up at a better time. I’m excited to start it over again, because honestly, reading this was kind of like having a beautiful conversation with a friend you’ve known your whole life who loves you with their whole heart, and reminds you that there are loving Heavenly Parents and a loving Savior that feel the same. Cannot rate it highly enough.
February 17, 2020
I listened to this at least 2 times and some parts more. I love it. Some books really speak to you - this one did.
Some thoughts -
Search diligently IN the light of Christ
Avoid contention
Lay hold upon every good thing - Sometimes be still and wait
Take a question to general conference
Pray to think of Savior more
Have you prayed about your ancestors work - they know where their records are
Joseph Smith prayed - "Lord we thank thee for this johnnycake. Please bring us something better."
Instead of praying for "them" to sell their house pray for them to draw nearer to thy Son.
Love this book - so many thoughts and impression I will think about for a long time.
Some thoughts -
Search diligently IN the light of Christ
Avoid contention
Lay hold upon every good thing - Sometimes be still and wait
Take a question to general conference
Pray to think of Savior more
Have you prayed about your ancestors work - they know where their records are
Joseph Smith prayed - "Lord we thank thee for this johnnycake. Please bring us something better."
Instead of praying for "them" to sell their house pray for them to draw nearer to thy Son.
Love this book - so many thoughts and impression I will think about for a long time.
October 23, 2019
A small giftable hardbound book by Wendy Nelson. She is someone I could listen to speak for hours. She has a very relateable and engaging style. She is very frank about the things we struggle with, and open about her own vulnerabilities. With a mixture of very uplifting phrases and comments, and stories to illustrate her point, I liked the way the whole structure of the book is put together and organised.
If you need a lift in your life, or wish to share it with another this is a great book for that. Beautiful cover too.
If you need a lift in your life, or wish to share it with another this is a great book for that. Beautiful cover too.
October 3, 2022
I read this aloud to my husband in one road trip sitting on the heels of a Sunday afternoon General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved it! Sis. Nelson is bold, profound, and completely relatable, and I was even more motivated to go home and live the gospel of Jesus Christ that I love, at a deeper, more diligent level.
October 23, 2020
A short and powerful book about hearing the Lord in our every day lives. I learned some powerful lessons about removing contention from our lives in all areas; focusing on what matters, do things the Lord's way and celebrate the Savior's grace and atonement every day.
November 5, 2019
Just what I needed to hear. A straightforward reminder that revelation is real and needed in my life. This book helped me shift my perspective in many needed ways.
January 1, 2020
A book that inspires readers to see that personal revaluation is something all can experience. Ideas are also provided to encourage the process
February 2, 2020
This is a very quick read, perfect for a Sunday afternoon. I only wish I had a paper copy, because the Kindle version isn't easy to flip through to reread portions and remind myself of the overall view.
I really like the insights Sister Nelson gives about personal revelation. I love the examples she shares from her own life. This book gives a glimpse into what it must be like to be married to a prophet. I like the view into President Nelson's lifestyle and personality.
I thought it was particularly interesting that President Nelson can't stand contention. He'll turn off a movie if the people in it fight. He doesn't want that influence. I also like Sister Nelson's example of choosing to turn off the radio and listen to other uplifting things. They seem diligent in their efforts to live so the Spirit can be with them. They clearly live what they teach.
I really like the example Sister Nelson shares of when she was house hunting. She tells how her friend prayed that Sister Nelson would be able to obtain a particular home "or something better." Those words surprised Sister Nelson. She asked her friend if she always prayed like that. Later they recalled how Joseph Smith also used those words. He was thanking the Lord for their "johnny cake" and asked Him to bring them "something better." A knock on the door followed moments later. It was a man bringing flour and a ham. The Nelsons ended up being blessed with a home that suited them better.
This reminded me that Heavenly Father wants the best for us. His will is better than our will. Maybe asking for something better is another way to say, "Thy will be done." It shows faith, trust, and hope. My husband and I sometimes talk about opportunity management. It's a way to project a positive future and to be ready for it. If we're asking for "something better" we are more prepared to receive it. I want to change to this way of praying.
In the end, she quotes her husband, which more or less summarizes the book and says:
"Nothing opens the heavens quite like the combination of increased purity, exact obedience, earnest seeking, daily feasting on the words of Christ in the Book of Mormon, and regular time committed to temple and family history work."
I just found out that quote happens to also be the theme for our upcoming stake conference. I'm so glad we can receive guidance and answers from God.
This book is helpful and quick enough that I think I'll read it again in the paper form. The hold list at the library is much longer for the hard-copy version, so to get it sooner I went for the Kindle edition.
I definitely recommend this book.
I really like the insights Sister Nelson gives about personal revelation. I love the examples she shares from her own life. This book gives a glimpse into what it must be like to be married to a prophet. I like the view into President Nelson's lifestyle and personality.
I thought it was particularly interesting that President Nelson can't stand contention. He'll turn off a movie if the people in it fight. He doesn't want that influence. I also like Sister Nelson's example of choosing to turn off the radio and listen to other uplifting things. They seem diligent in their efforts to live so the Spirit can be with them. They clearly live what they teach.
I really like the example Sister Nelson shares of when she was house hunting. She tells how her friend prayed that Sister Nelson would be able to obtain a particular home "or something better." Those words surprised Sister Nelson. She asked her friend if she always prayed like that. Later they recalled how Joseph Smith also used those words. He was thanking the Lord for their "johnny cake" and asked Him to bring them "something better." A knock on the door followed moments later. It was a man bringing flour and a ham. The Nelsons ended up being blessed with a home that suited them better.
This reminded me that Heavenly Father wants the best for us. His will is better than our will. Maybe asking for something better is another way to say, "Thy will be done." It shows faith, trust, and hope. My husband and I sometimes talk about opportunity management. It's a way to project a positive future and to be ready for it. If we're asking for "something better" we are more prepared to receive it. I want to change to this way of praying.
In the end, she quotes her husband, which more or less summarizes the book and says:
"Nothing opens the heavens quite like the combination of increased purity, exact obedience, earnest seeking, daily feasting on the words of Christ in the Book of Mormon, and regular time committed to temple and family history work."
I just found out that quote happens to also be the theme for our upcoming stake conference. I'm so glad we can receive guidance and answers from God.
This book is helpful and quick enough that I think I'll read it again in the paper form. The hold list at the library is much longer for the hard-copy version, so to get it sooner I went for the Kindle edition.
I definitely recommend this book.
July 5, 2020
This is the second time I'm reviewing this book. I read the Kindle version the first time and was curious if the hard copy had pictures. It doesn't. It does have pages of enlarged quotes of her text, but other than that it's the same.
I'm glad I read it again. First, I noticed that she dedicated the book simply: "For Russell." Put so simply, it is easy to remember that the current prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, is a man who is married to a woman who loves him as a person, not just as our prophet. That reality touched my heart.
Another thing that stood out to me this time is when she quotes her husband as saying, "The Lord likes effort," something she says he says often. He also says, "The Lord likes effort," in a video that was shown during a recent Conference talk. I felt like that was a great thing to remember.
I've been listening to a podcast and reading a lot of self-help books lately. This time reading I was reminded that a better way to receive life help is through personal revelation. As part of that I realized that I need to try harder to remember the Savior in everything I do. Also, I need to be a better steward of my time and not neglect "weightier matters."
I'm fasting today, which is always hard for me, but she says something that's making it a little easier. She says:
"Could you, or someone you love, be blessed by having the bands of wickedness loosened or heavy burdens taken off? Is there someone you love, or you yourself, who feels oppressed and longs to be free, who feels constrained by the yoke that is presently upon him or her? Fasting, true fasting the way the Lord has taught, can open the heavens and bring each of those blessing to your life or to the lives of those you love."
I would love those blessings for myself and people I love.
Also, I was reminded of the story where her friend prayed that Sister Nelson and her husband would be able to purchase a certain house or "something better." They were blessed with something better. Then she shares how Joseph Smith once prayed for the dinner they had and asked the Lord to send "something better," and He did! I'd forgotten that story. I want to pray for better things in my life. At the same time, she reminds that we need to trust in the will of the Lord.
It's not very often I have the patience to reread books. This only took me a couple of hours and was a great Sunday activity. It was definitely worth my time today.
I'm glad I read it again. First, I noticed that she dedicated the book simply: "For Russell." Put so simply, it is easy to remember that the current prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, is a man who is married to a woman who loves him as a person, not just as our prophet. That reality touched my heart.
Another thing that stood out to me this time is when she quotes her husband as saying, "The Lord likes effort," something she says he says often. He also says, "The Lord likes effort," in a video that was shown during a recent Conference talk. I felt like that was a great thing to remember.
I've been listening to a podcast and reading a lot of self-help books lately. This time reading I was reminded that a better way to receive life help is through personal revelation. As part of that I realized that I need to try harder to remember the Savior in everything I do. Also, I need to be a better steward of my time and not neglect "weightier matters."
I'm fasting today, which is always hard for me, but she says something that's making it a little easier. She says:
"Could you, or someone you love, be blessed by having the bands of wickedness loosened or heavy burdens taken off? Is there someone you love, or you yourself, who feels oppressed and longs to be free, who feels constrained by the yoke that is presently upon him or her? Fasting, true fasting the way the Lord has taught, can open the heavens and bring each of those blessing to your life or to the lives of those you love."
I would love those blessings for myself and people I love.
Also, I was reminded of the story where her friend prayed that Sister Nelson and her husband would be able to purchase a certain house or "something better." They were blessed with something better. Then she shares how Joseph Smith once prayed for the dinner they had and asked the Lord to send "something better," and He did! I'd forgotten that story. I want to pray for better things in my life. At the same time, she reminds that we need to trust in the will of the Lord.
It's not very often I have the patience to reread books. This only took me a couple of hours and was a great Sunday activity. It was definitely worth my time today.
February 28, 2020
3.5 stars. I loved hearing her testimony of and experiences with revelation. This is a very short read, and while it wasn't consistently strong, it did have plenty that I marked for future reference.
--"The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity--thou must commune with God." --Joseph Smith
--"We live far beneath our privileges." --Brigham Young
--"You know those times as you're reading the scriptures when you feel yourself getting close to something more wonderful than you've uncovered or discovered before, and you don't want to breathe for fear of dislodging the increasing light?"
--"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, straighten their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace." Ezra Taft Benson
--"There was nothing made known to these men but what will be made known to all the Saints of the last days, so soon as they are prepared to receive." Joseph Smith
-...or something better (to add to our prayer requests)
--"The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity--thou must commune with God." --Joseph Smith
--"We live far beneath our privileges." --Brigham Young
--"You know those times as you're reading the scriptures when you feel yourself getting close to something more wonderful than you've uncovered or discovered before, and you don't want to breathe for fear of dislodging the increasing light?"
--"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, straighten their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace." Ezra Taft Benson
--"There was nothing made known to these men but what will be made known to all the Saints of the last days, so soon as they are prepared to receive." Joseph Smith
-...or something better (to add to our prayer requests)
June 15, 2020
This was a quick read but so BEAUTIFUL and so needed. The thing that stood out to me the very most was the importance of avoiding contention. (That doesn't mean we have to agree on everything...but that we can disagree in ways that are respectful and loving and that don't fuel anger or hatred.) Also I would like to photocopy her chapter "Some Things I Believe" and carry it around with me!
I also loved reading more about her love story with her husband, President Russell M. Nelson. I'd read parts of it before, but this gave some additional information that I loved.
I also loved the reminder to focus on what matters. We can get very busy doing good things and allow those good things to crowd out the best or most important things.
I should have reviewed this when it was fresh in my mind rather than waiting two months...but this is a book I need to reread again soon because it was full of gems.
I also loved reading more about her love story with her husband, President Russell M. Nelson. I'd read parts of it before, but this gave some additional information that I loved.
I also loved the reminder to focus on what matters. We can get very busy doing good things and allow those good things to crowd out the best or most important things.
I should have reviewed this when it was fresh in my mind rather than waiting two months...but this is a book I need to reread again soon because it was full of gems.
November 16, 2021
This is a wonderful little gem. An absolutely lovely gift because 1.) It is packed with good quotes and 2.) It is extremely manageable to read at 148 pages. It’s also one of those books that you can read in bite-sized chunks. Each chapter is devoted to a different topic that will help you draw closer to Heaven and receive guidance in your life.
Wendy W. Nelson (the author) is the wife of President Russell M. Nelson— the current prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this book, she outlines ways we can increase our capacity to receive and act on revelation from the heavens. Each chapter focuses on a particular topic such as removing contention from your life, focusing on what truly matters, celebrating the Atonement of Jesus Christ, doing family history work, and praying.
I found so many good insights in this book. Insights like removing the noise of the world from your mind and focusing on the light of Christ. Wendy Nelson provides scriptures and examples from her own life and others’ that help strengthen the book’s ideas.
I feel that this book will resonate with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints more because there are some things that others from different faiths might not be familiar with such as the Holy Ghost, priesthood blessings, and temple work. But at its core, this book focuses on bringing us closer to God and to Heavenly light.
Wendy W. Nelson (the author) is the wife of President Russell M. Nelson— the current prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this book, she outlines ways we can increase our capacity to receive and act on revelation from the heavens. Each chapter focuses on a particular topic such as removing contention from your life, focusing on what truly matters, celebrating the Atonement of Jesus Christ, doing family history work, and praying.
I found so many good insights in this book. Insights like removing the noise of the world from your mind and focusing on the light of Christ. Wendy Nelson provides scriptures and examples from her own life and others’ that help strengthen the book’s ideas.
I feel that this book will resonate with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints more because there are some things that others from different faiths might not be familiar with such as the Holy Ghost, priesthood blessings, and temple work. But at its core, this book focuses on bringing us closer to God and to Heavenly light.
January 11, 2021
In this book, Wendy Watson Nelson told me some things she believes. These beliefs led her to witness that the heavens are indeed open, not just to a prophet of God, but to anyone who diligently seeks to know the Lord and His will for them. Each chapter focuses on a principle that will help you receive inspiration and revelation from on high. She uses stories, doctrine and personal experiences to illustrate each of these principles.
Now, I need to go over my notes and apply some of these principles!
Now, I need to go over my notes and apply some of these principles!
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