"The love of God truly is the most joyous and delicious thing we can experience on this earth." With these words, Virginia Hinckley Pearce begins her account of a journey she and several other women embarked upon in an effort to more fully enter into a love relationship with God and with others.

The premise is interesting: don't go looking for more people to talk with, more cookies to bake or more quilts to make. Instead, take what you have and delve more deeply into the opportunities at hand. Make a conscious effort to reach out to those around you -- family, friends, neighbors -- and discover how you can help these people live more fully in the light of God's love.

What follows is a nice collection of anecdotes and lessons from scripture that flesh out the meaning of God's love, what it means to have an "open heart," and ways of sharing the blessings of an open heart with others. Practical suggestions and some questions close each chapter.

This book is intensely introspective. It seemed at times to be part reflection, part catharsis -- an attempt to reach out beyond normal Church roles and enter into a more intimate relationship with God and with others. One almost senses a healing taking place as the author relates her experiences of contact and fulfillment.

What she studiously avoids is the "one size fits all" approach to her subject. She recognizes that each person experiences God differently, and that scripture and statements from General Authorities serve as broad guidelines toward deeping relationships.

A Heart Like His is a pleasant and often-instructive read, and will be enjoyed by many who seek this deeper encounter with God.

-----------------------------------

Jeff Needle
February 15, 2006