Cover Image: Beholding and Becoming - PART 2 OF 2

Beholding and Becoming - PART 2 OF 2

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Member Reviews

The author’s first book was truly important to me and helping my devotional life along. This book was a step up! I found the writing even more beautiful and clear. The author has a way of writing so direct yet so simple and creative. I also found the artwork in this book next level!! I was captivated from the start and blessed by so many things and quotes and this book I was captivated from the start and blessed by so many things and quotes in this book. It is a work of art in every way possible. I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book and share it with my friends!

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Beholding and Becoming is first of all stunning. Ruth Chou Simon’s artwork is incredible and to hold her book in your hands is to hold a piece of art. We behold what we become, and in this book Ruth invites us to behold our Savior in every way and become more like him. This book is perfect for still, quiet mornings with a cup of coffee as well as chaotic moments of mothering or life when you need a piece of truth to hold on to. It is also a perfect gift.

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Get ready for an adventure of the senses. One can see, smell, touch, taste and hear the beautiful artwork, liturgical writing style and Gospel truths that are creatively intertwined to create Beholding & Becoming – The Art of Everyday Worship.

Ruth shares practical truths that are relatable to everyday life and the struggles we all endure to find meaning and purpose in our days. Her down to earth, intimate and honest approach encourages readers to have a shift in perspective and to see their days as not a “…random cluster of time. [Rather]… ordained and sacred, even when it feels ordinary.”

This book is one that will be read again and again with new nuggets of wisdom extracted each time, as one pauses to reflect and refocus on the truth that what we behold, worship and give attention to, is what we become.

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My first exposure to Ruth Chou Simons was through her first book “Gracelaced” and I was so blessed by her words and by her amazing artwork. This book is just as inspiring in both what she writes and by her watercolor artwork.

In each chapter, we are challenged to behold what God has done for us and in turn, choose to become what He has created us to be. This book is not meant to be left on the coffee table to be admired but rather to be devoured and highlighted and read again and again.

Her thoughts and insights on worship in our everyday life are so moving that your soul cannot help but be stirred to action. Worship is not just meant for the four walls of our church buildings but also in our kitchens… in our workplaces…in our laundry rooms…in the coolness of our morning walks… in the quietness of the bedrooms of our sleeping children.

It would be easy to get caught up in admiring Ruth’s artistic talent, but her words continually point us back to the Savior. This book is a gift from her heart… open it and receive it gratefully.

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Beholding and Becoming is a beautiful piece of work. Her artwork is breathtaking and invokes a love of the ordinary beautiful things around us.

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I will start by stating that this book is absolutely gorgeous. I have admired her art for years and it is a joy to see to see it page after page throughout the book. Ruth show us how to behold the glory of God in our everyday circumstances and how to become children who embrace life through the lens of how God has woven his beauty even in the ordinary. The chapter about being faithful right where we are (even if it is while we are doing dishes) really resonated with me. If we focus on God’s provision, even mundane moments become opportunities to praise Him. Her words are both succinct and beautifully written. I love how the prompts to help you “become” are actually part of the art work. All in all, this book is a treasure, leaving the reader refreshed and inspired

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I’ve been a fan of Ruth Chou Simons’ work for years. Her books Gracelaced and Garden of Truth have helped me focus on the beauty of God’s creation and meditate on his Word. I jumped at the chance to review Beholding and Becoming, because I know Ruth writes and paints with grace, loveliness and beauty.

I enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoy my prayer walks in my rural area. Pausing to muse on God’s glory through Ruth’s artwork and lyrical writing breathed peace into my soul. The chapters are at a nice length for busy women like me, and they are interspersed with gorgeous nature-based art.

I especially enjoyed Ruth’s throwback to William Morris, one of my favorite artists that I studied when I was in college. This was a special treat for me, and if you love the arts, it will delight you as well.

Ruth’s art prints fill my home. If you have not yet checked out her shoppe, please do so today. Every time I see her prints in my hallway or on my shelf, I pause to meditate on God’s Word. You’ll love her designs, and if you sign up for her emails, you’ll get special offers and discounts.

I received a preview copy of Beholding and Becoming from Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley.

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Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons is a book I will return to again and again. Her writing is accessible and honest, and the pages are filled with her stunningly beautiful watercolor artwork.

She writes with gentle vulnerability and with a desire to see God glorified as she reminds us about who God is and who we are. As a wife and mama of three boys, these truths are exactly the things I need to remember when the daily struggles of life start to pull me down.

“Faithfulness in the unremarkable daily tasks often goes unnoticed—but not to the God who numbers your days. To our all-seeing God, everyday faithfulness is an act of worship and not just an act of survival.” When we remember this, “today’s tasks become opportunities to praise, to give thanks, and to remember the One we aim to please.”

If you find yourself settling into discontentment or struggling to find joy in this life, let Ruth gently remind you that we are what we behold, and that “daily choices make deep channels.” Read this book. Read the Bible it points us back to, and let the truths of Gods word bless your heart. “Abundance begins with a heart that stores up its true treasure in Christ.”

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This book is not only beautiful but full of spiritual depth and encouragement! It is something I will treasure and share with everyone I know!!

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Ruth has done it again! Beholding and Becoming was such a blessing to my soul. Reading this book has come at such a right time! Ruth's artwork is usually what always catches my eye at first, but then I read her thought provoking words and my heart and mind are automatically engaged. Along with the passages of Scripture, and Ruth's well-thought words, "Beholding and Becoming" has moved my heart toward loving God more.

One of the things that I appreciated with "Beholding and Becoming" is that Ruth takes sometimes confusing or intimidating theological concepts and she explains them in a way that makes it easier to grasp and understand. Coming from a person that graduated from a Bible college where I learned all the scholarly theological terms, Ruth has a way of giving those stale, forgotten theological terms vivid color and new meaning that sinks down deep into my soul.

I cannot recommend "Beholding and Becoming" more for those of you thinking of purchasing it! It's a book I plan to leave out on a coffee table for others to see and read, and for me to revisit over and over again!

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An Exquisite, Life-Changing Book

I am honored to share my review of Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons. Beholding and Becoming is an exquisite book: nourishing, thought-provoking content that engages the heart; but also gorgeous artwork by Ruth Chou Simons that draws readers in as they ponder this book's message.
Beholding and Becoming guides readers to carefully examine their own hearts, looking deeply at their own hearts and examine their actions in light of the faith they profess. I found my own heart challenged as I realized that often my actions do not line up with the faith I so deeply profess.
This lovely book draws readers toward God, who heals and restores. Beholding and Becoming is a definite must-read, lovely to share, most importantly, impacts lives for eternity. I am honored to highly recommend Beholding and Becoming.

*I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the publisher. The opinion stated is my own. I have not been compensated in any way.*

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Ruth's new book definitely doesn't disappoint! I love how she incorporates art with truth as she truly has a gift. In her latest book she weaves Scripture in context throughout to remind us that who or what we behold eventually heavily shapes who we become. She uses Scripture along with practical advice and biblical wisdom for us to reflect on what we prioritize, what is it that we value and are seeking, and why it's so important for us to be aware of who or what is sitting on the throne of our hearts, governing our thoughts and actions. I personally felt convicted at moments throughout, and the beauty of her artwork just adds to the preciousness of this book. The truth in this book applies to everyone and there is certainly something/s we can all gain from reading this over and over again.

Thanks to GraceLaced and Netgalley for an advanced, digital copy.

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Beholding and Becoming is like a breath of fresh air. Throughout this book, Ruth alternates between these two focuses to encourage the reader’s pursuit of everyday worship. Each chapter entails both intentions: beholding and becoming. First, the reflection is on beholding who God is and standing in awe of Him. Then, Ruth uses this beholding almost as a springboard into who we are becoming.

This book is full of wisdom and constantly is pointing back to scripture. In a world where we are constantly fed ideas of “finding ourselves” and “being a better you”, this book helps reset the focus on our true identity in Christ and pushes the reader to pursue the Lord first above all things. One of the lines that was equally refreshing as it was convicting is “Being yourself is not as important as being His.” Being in my late twenties, I feel this pressure creep up of trying to chase “who I am”, to be “successful” and to be my “best me”, but this book was a much needed reminder that my “best me” will never be found by me trying to become any of those things. The only way to truly become is to first behold!

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I was gifted an advanced copy of this book, and I am thoroughly enjoying it. So much truth I need to hear.
The artwork is so beautiful!
I definitely recommend.

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Beautiful artwork adorns well-crafted words that inspire, challenge, and encourage. They call me to pay attention and be aware of God’s creation all around me and thereby become more like Him even in the mundane routines of everyday life. Drawing from her own life and experiences, struggles and triumphs, wins and losses, the author/artist communicates spiritual truths by weaving words and pictures together.

If you want an easy read that will move you closer to God and bring more beauty into your life, this is the book for you.

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"We are being transformed into His likeness by looking intently on who He is."

The pages of this book are lovely, filled with luxuriously painted images of pomegranates and sweet peas, beetles and butterflies, hummingbirds and cranes. But don't be fooled into thinking it is just pretty. Ruth Chou Simons issues a call to worship, an invitation to slow down, draw near and behold our Creator and His creation.

The chapters are organized as couplets of beholding the character of God and then becoming transformed by Him. Between these chapters are beautiful paintings with practical suggestions of ways to put this into practice. Through both Ruth's words and art, you will be encouraged and challenged as you undertake the journey of practicing the art of everyday worship.

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This is a beautifully illustrated book and that alone would make it worth the purchase. The illustrations reflect the talent of the artist and the colors are eye-catching. What takes this book to another level are the well-written and thoughtful devotions that accompany it. Written with grace and insight, the author’s thoughts are encouraging and filled with faith.. This book is one that I’ll place in my shelf to look through and read again to be inspired and comforted. This book would also make an excellent gift.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
.

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This is one of those books you'll pull out again and again to flip through. The words are meaningful and the art is beautifully done. I'll be honest, even though it isn't the style of art that I like (I love Ruth's work, but not this time period of art), I still took time to appreciate each piece tucked away between Ruth's words - and I think you'll do the same. If you're looking for more practical and down-to-earth inspiration on ordinary things, you'll find it on her Instagram account. But if you want more of a keepsake to hold onto, Ruth offers a mix of truth and beauty in these pages.

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Good for the Soul

This book is a unique, creative coupling of natural world illustrations and deep spiritual truths. I savored each chapter. More than the writing and illustrating of a book, this is crafted with thoughtful intentionality. This book is good for the soul.

Written in Simons’ gentle and calming tone, all sixteen chapters, each with their own timely topic, is a duet of “beholding” and “becoming”. It is Simons' desire to guide the reader to “be transformed into God’s likeness by looking intently on who He is.” This is a book that can be read several times, causing one to linger over the visual beauty of the artwork, while reflecting on each spiritual truth.

Each section is just the right length. It’s short enough to fit into a busy daily schedule but spiritually meaty enough for one to ponder throughout the day. I especially loved the glossary- a unique expression of Simons’ personal reflections regarding the painted images.

If you are in a season where your soul longs to be refreshed and nourished this book is for you!

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“Christ makes us new, not better.” ( pg. 76) That means—the goal of busy, wearying seasons isn’t to simply just make it, but to live as new creations in the midst of all that is not yet in the here and now.- Ruth Chou Simmons.

There are so many books that promise if you follow a set of rules, guidelines, or formulas you will achieve your perfect Pinterest-worthy end goal. As we lean into following Christ and not preforming for religion's sake this idea of working more to be more gets turned on its head. Christ's ability to make us new is not dependent on us making a greater effort. Ruth reminds us that in Beholding Christ we become more like Him. He is the one who shapes, creates, and molds. My ability to become a more holistic human is entirely the work of Christ. What a wonderful relief it's not up to me!

This book is a delightful encouragement to press onward in the pursuit of Christ. The art is visually stunning and beautifully compliments the writing. As a Mom of a toddler and a full-time job on my plate, I love that each chapter while short challenges me, refreshes me, and stays with me throughout my day.

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