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A Heart Like His: Making Space for God's Love in Your Life
The ability to feel God's love doesn't just make life nicer or more comfortable-it changes everything. When filled with God's love, we can do and see and understand things that we cannot do and see and understand on our own. As our own hearts are softened by these blessings, our overriding desire becomes to help others experience this joy also. But how do we do that in the normal course of our everyday lives? Presented in the form of an experiment undertaken by eight friends, this step-by-step guide helps us discover the one change we can make within ourselves that will automatically increase our ability to feel the love of God and to extend that love to others.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2006
53 people are currently reading
2415 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 505 reviews
June 4, 2013
This book anonymously arrived on my doorstep, completely out of the blue. I have no idea who sent it to me, but I sincerely wish I could thank them. It resonated with me completely....
"In the name of self-preservation, they have learned to survive by protecting and hardening their own hearts. Even as they speak the right words and go through seemingly righteous motions, these ... people keep their shriveled hearts safely hidden behind protective walls. I understand this. It may even be wise at times. They have been wounded ... and wish to protect themselves from further pain. But at the same time their hardened hearts also prevent them from feeling love from their Father in Heaven. And it is His love and peace that they so desperately crave."
Until I read this book, I had not realized how much of the time I keep my heart closed off rather than open. It's something I definitely need to work on, and I'm thankful for this book (and my wonderful anonymous friend) for helping me to see that. This is a book I will probably re-read and reference many times throughout my life.
"In the name of self-preservation, they have learned to survive by protecting and hardening their own hearts. Even as they speak the right words and go through seemingly righteous motions, these ... people keep their shriveled hearts safely hidden behind protective walls. I understand this. It may even be wise at times. They have been wounded ... and wish to protect themselves from further pain. But at the same time their hardened hearts also prevent them from feeling love from their Father in Heaven. And it is His love and peace that they so desperately crave."
Until I read this book, I had not realized how much of the time I keep my heart closed off rather than open. It's something I definitely need to work on, and I'm thankful for this book (and my wonderful anonymous friend) for helping me to see that. This is a book I will probably re-read and reference many times throughout my life.
May 16, 2009
Our stake Relief Society invited us to read this book and experiement on the principles. The two parts that stood out to me were: 1.)Being aware of what my heart is doing (opening or withdrawing) and 2.)Learning about the Hawthorne Effect and wondering if I can use that to break some of my bad habits. This book was okay, and I probably don't give it enough credit simply because I was introduced to it by all these ladies bearing testimony of it over the puplit, which kind of weirded me out.(Note: this is an example of my heart not being open:)
March 28, 2021
Great feel good book - how to have a loving and healed heart. I'd love to reread this one.
February 7, 2013
This was a short read but was packed with some good principles -- principles that aren't really new but still seemed fresh, since they were presented in a way that I hadn't thought about before. I loved that Sister Pearce put forth her ideas as an "experiment" and that this "experiment" was more of an attitude shift than another thing to add to our never-ending to-do list.
I hope I can remember the ideas she put forth in this book. Here are a few things I wrote down in my journal that I liked:
God's love for us (and loving others with a charitable love) makes us (and them) feel:
acknowledged, accepted
validated, noticed
cared for, supported
motivated, inspired
comforted, healed
nourished, nurtured
changed, more confident, more able
This quote offered a whole new perspective for me:
Learning to live with an open heart is not about learning to say the right words and refraining from saying the wrong ones. In fact, just the opposite. I would venture to say that when my heart is open and filled with God's love, I cannot say it wrong, and when it is hardened and closed to Him, I simply cannot say it right, no matter how carefully I may choose the words or phrases or inflections of voice. Remember that this is all about becoming, not doing or saying. (p. 64)
And I just plain like this quote from John Steinbeck included in the sidebar on one of the pages:
"We are lonesome animals. We spend all our life trying to be less lonesome. One of our ancient methods is to tell a story, begging the listener to say -- and to feel -- "Yes, that's the way it is, or at least that's the way I feel it. You're not as alone as you thought.'" (p. 79)
I really loved the stories included in this book -- they seemed so real and relatable -- as well as Sister Pearce's transparent honesty as she talks about her own life, her successes and shortcomings. A good book.
I hope I can remember the ideas she put forth in this book. Here are a few things I wrote down in my journal that I liked:
God's love for us (and loving others with a charitable love) makes us (and them) feel:
acknowledged, accepted
validated, noticed
cared for, supported
motivated, inspired
comforted, healed
nourished, nurtured
changed, more confident, more able
This quote offered a whole new perspective for me:
Learning to live with an open heart is not about learning to say the right words and refraining from saying the wrong ones. In fact, just the opposite. I would venture to say that when my heart is open and filled with God's love, I cannot say it wrong, and when it is hardened and closed to Him, I simply cannot say it right, no matter how carefully I may choose the words or phrases or inflections of voice. Remember that this is all about becoming, not doing or saying. (p. 64)
And I just plain like this quote from John Steinbeck included in the sidebar on one of the pages:
"We are lonesome animals. We spend all our life trying to be less lonesome. One of our ancient methods is to tell a story, begging the listener to say -- and to feel -- "Yes, that's the way it is, or at least that's the way I feel it. You're not as alone as you thought.'" (p. 79)
I really loved the stories included in this book -- they seemed so real and relatable -- as well as Sister Pearce's transparent honesty as she talks about her own life, her successes and shortcomings. A good book.
May 17, 2012
During the same time period I was reading this, I also listened to a "Discussions with Mormons" with Heidi Swinton, author of President Monson's new biography. A section of the recording was about President Monson's big heart and his focus on the individual. Between the thoughts generated by that program as well as the ideas presented in this book, I am reminded that life really is about the state of our hearts, and how we are choosing to shape them.
I only rated the book a three star, because a three star is "I liked it," no more, no less. Perhaps after having had some time to do some concentrated experimenting with my own heart, I will like it even more. We shall see. :o)
I only rated the book a three star, because a three star is "I liked it," no more, no less. Perhaps after having had some time to do some concentrated experimenting with my own heart, I will like it even more. We shall see. :o)
April 1, 2023
This has been a year of re-reading for me. My soul is calling to wise words it has learned from in the past.
I read this for the first time in high school. I needed a reminder of what A Heart Like His Looked Like. Life lately has left me feeling jaded and I don’t want to feel this way. So I turned to a book I loved as a youth. It is simple, but poignant. Virginia H. Pearce, like her mother Marjorie Pay Hinkley, speak hope and light but are so very relatable. I want to be more like them.
This book is a very easy read. I will be visualizing the condition of my heart in situations after re-reading it.
I read this for the first time in high school. I needed a reminder of what A Heart Like His Looked Like. Life lately has left me feeling jaded and I don’t want to feel this way. So I turned to a book I loved as a youth. It is simple, but poignant. Virginia H. Pearce, like her mother Marjorie Pay Hinkley, speak hope and light but are so very relatable. I want to be more like them.
This book is a very easy read. I will be visualizing the condition of my heart in situations after re-reading it.
April 30, 2021
I've read this book a few times now, and each time I get something new from it. I especially like Sister Pearce's discussion about reaching out to others with compassion, without worrying that you will be expected to take the person on for life. She encourages you to act within your capacity and explore expanding that capacity without stretching yourself to the breaking point. An encouraging and uplifting reminder of our need for and ability to receive and give love.
February 27, 2018
This book was very timely for me. It helps me understand how to keep my heart open and why others hearts and my own can sometimes close. I want to read Marjorie Hinckley’s book letters now. Definitely a book I will refer back to and re-read.
July 25, 2025
This book explores the changes that happen in your life or that can happen when you just open your heart to people literally that was what the experiment was. Just see people and love them. Clearly, I need to do this more.
December 18, 2025
This one filled my cup again! A friend gave it to me at the start of grade 12 but it meant so much more to now, with being older, on my own and married! It truly filled my heart with God’s love!
October 6, 2024
Loved the way this book made me think, and I especially loved gathering with some other women in my neighborhood (including the author) to discuss it.
June 4, 2021
Fast, good uplifting read.
September 12, 2011
Another thought-provoking book by Virginia Pearce.
My favorite thing is the idea that we don't have to find more time in our busy lives to reach out to others – we don't have to bake more (not that I would mind that) or make time for more visits. All we have to do is pay attention to the condition of our hearts and desire to have softer, more open hearts so that we can feel God's love in our own lives and then have more of that love to give away. Awareness is the key.
I've only been trying it for a short while, but I can already tell a difference.
Some favorite quotes:
"Opening one's heart creates energy. Closing one's heart depletes energy."
"When filled with God's love, we can do and see and understand things that we could not otherwise do or see or understand. Filled with His love, we can endure pain, quell fear, forgive freely, avoid contention, renew strength, and bless and help others in ways surprising even to us." – John H. Groberg
"We cannot help others feel God's love when we are: irritated, critical, discouraged, annoyed, self-absorbed, angry, indignant, or filled with self-pity, hostility, or bitterness."
"When we experience God's love, we feel: acknowledged, accepted, validated, noticed, cared for, supported, encouraged, uplifted, motivated, inspired, comforted, healed, nourished, nurtured, changed, more confident, more able – precisely the ways we want others to feel when they are with us!"
"It is very often in the act of reporting that the Holy Ghost chooses to witness and confirm the actions. And ultimately, it is the confirmation of the Spirit that provides the best motivation to keep doing good things."
My favorite thing is the idea that we don't have to find more time in our busy lives to reach out to others – we don't have to bake more (not that I would mind that) or make time for more visits. All we have to do is pay attention to the condition of our hearts and desire to have softer, more open hearts so that we can feel God's love in our own lives and then have more of that love to give away. Awareness is the key.
I've only been trying it for a short while, but I can already tell a difference.
Some favorite quotes:
"Opening one's heart creates energy. Closing one's heart depletes energy."
"When filled with God's love, we can do and see and understand things that we could not otherwise do or see or understand. Filled with His love, we can endure pain, quell fear, forgive freely, avoid contention, renew strength, and bless and help others in ways surprising even to us." – John H. Groberg
"We cannot help others feel God's love when we are: irritated, critical, discouraged, annoyed, self-absorbed, angry, indignant, or filled with self-pity, hostility, or bitterness."
"When we experience God's love, we feel: acknowledged, accepted, validated, noticed, cared for, supported, encouraged, uplifted, motivated, inspired, comforted, healed, nourished, nurtured, changed, more confident, more able – precisely the ways we want others to feel when they are with us!"
"It is very often in the act of reporting that the Holy Ghost chooses to witness and confirm the actions. And ultimately, it is the confirmation of the Spirit that provides the best motivation to keep doing good things."
February 15, 2016
This book reads like a support group of women that read "Bonds That Make Us Free", decide to live the principles for a month and then report back to each other. I dearly love the concepts in the book "Bonds". Reading these women's experiences was fun. It helped me remember the similar experiences I have had and that life doesn't have to be as hard as we make it. Being inspired by this "no extra work (no making meals or quilts for people), just crack open your heart a little bit wider to people you contact in your regular day" idea has brought a really beautiful lightness to today. I visited a friend this afternoon just because I was out. Rare occurrence. Very fun. I'm looking forward to more such adventures.
November 5, 2015
I just read this book for the second time, and liked it even more than the first. I love the quest to feel God's love in your life daily, and the very real application of what that looks like. It has helped me pay more attention to my heart, my thoughts, my intentions, and my to-do lists, that can aid or distract from the greatest goal of charity. Feeling God's love for you, and yours for Him, always translates into seeing others differently and connecting more genuinely and lovingly with others. Its a beautiful thing when I have experienced it, and I hope the tools in this book can help me make it more habitual. I loved Pearce's openness and insight, which truly brought deeper understanding on this most important gift.
August 18, 2015
8/18/15 Got around to rereading this, and I loved it yet again. It's reminded me to watch the state of my heart and be more open to the love of God.
6/1/13 Reread this over the weekend. I forgot how much I liked this book. I made a resolution to reread it every year or so. It's a really fast read, but very good. I really identified with Pearce and her stories. That made what she said even more motivational. She's delightfully funny and very wise. I highly recommend this book.
6/1/13 Reread this over the weekend. I forgot how much I liked this book. I made a resolution to reread it every year or so. It's a really fast read, but very good. I really identified with Pearce and her stories. That made what she said even more motivational. She's delightfully funny and very wise. I highly recommend this book.
November 26, 2016
I loved this book. It is fascinating to think about where your heart is. Is it in the front of you chest cavity ready and open or tucked in the back hiding and closed? I love the short chapters and a challenge at the end of each chapter. I read this cover to cover without spending much time on each challenge. I have a desire to go back and look at each challenge and begin now to recognize what state my heart is in and improve it.
February 21, 2010
I received this book as gift a few years ago and finally decided to read it. I liked the message of this book and that it made me reflect, but I don't think there was enough substance to justify a book. The book is tiny, 100pgs, large margins, large print, plus blocks of quotes on every page! If you want to read this, you can borrow it from me. I wouldn't spend money on this.
December 31, 2017
This book was recommended to me several years ago when I had received a calling. It was appropriate for me then. I recently received another calling that made me want to re-read this book. I needed the book a 2nd time. There were things in this book that gave me some good reminders about opening up my heart and my relationships to other people. It is a great book!
September 15, 2008
Virginia Pearce has a warm and personable style. This book provides ideas and encouragement for us to open our hearts to others and to feel the love of God in our lives and to share it with all of those around us.
May 24, 2009
This was a really quick and enjoyable read. It's about opening up our hearts more and feeling and showing our Saviors love. I liked it because it's something I need to work on. Feeling his love in my life and being more open to others for them to feel His love as well.
June 26, 2012
I read this book a few years ago and just read it again, I LOVE it!!!!!!!! Really helps me think about what I am doing and thinking and try to be more open. I would love to form a group as she did and try the experience :)
July 10, 2015
Simple but thought provoking book. I enjoyed it as part of my morning scripture study time. It helped me think about how I approach others and show my love and also how I hold back. I'm glad I read it.
January 23, 2016
This book brings to mind the simpleness of life and finding joy without all of the unneeded stress. It is a fast read and brings a light to shine through our daily exhausting experiences. Of all things it helps our attitudes about life rather than thinking we have to change everything.
August 18, 2021
What a beautiful book with such wonderful directions on how to soften and open our hearts to feel the love of God more strongly and share that love with others. It perfectly points out that it's a cycle! Where we share our hearts with others we more fully feel God's love. ❤
March 13, 2008
Seriously one of the most reflective/best books I have ever read. I think everyone should read this book.
August 20, 2008
This is a wonderful book with practical experiments to try to see if I can open my heart more to others and love as the Savior does. I am loving how Virginia writes.
May 14, 2008
This book was touching for me. It made me want to be better. I love the story that shows how Sis. Hinkley focuses her energy on others, even when she's tired, lifting everyone around her.
August 12, 2008
Wonderful. Can't wait to put this into practice.
April 10, 2009
As soon as I was done reading it, I wished that everyone else could read it too. Thus far, it has made me stop and think about what I'm feeling when I'm with others. Its all about being aware.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 505 reviews