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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.”

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!

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.*

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.

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.

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.

Yet again, Ruth has outdone herself! It is so evident throughout her newest work of art and truth, Beholding and Becoming, such depth on each page could only be through her faithful, compounded investments of time with the Lord. In even more stunning detail, Ruth included a glossary to describe the process and meanings behind her illustrations that prayerfully adorn each page.

Ideally, I would prefer at least three copies of this beautiful hardbound book: One for making notes as I study it deeply alongside my Bible, another copy for displaying the exquisite book in my living room, and at least one more copy to gift to a dear friend(s).

If you are looking for gorgeous artwork with depth, this is an incredible resource. I am so grateful for Ruth, and so excited to have this newest book next to her Gracelaced and Garden of Truth!

“What we behold determines who/what we become”. We are all designed to adore and worship, but the object of our worship is often misplaced. We are designed to adore and worship the One True God, the King of Kings, and Ruth Chou Simons writes so beautifully about her journey to grasp this truth, as well as educates us in practical ways to train our eyes and heart to worship the Lord unceasingly – in outdoor nature, in our homes, in our vocations, our words, our view of Self, our identity. Simons’ desire is to see us fully engaged in the dance of Worship and Transformation, for example: behold God’s goodness, become generous as an outpouring of that truth; behold God’s mercy, become a merciful and tenderhearted person; behold the rest of God, and become someone who rests in HIS sovereign power and unending care. Once you fix your gaze upon Jesus and his truth, you begin to see yourself becoming more like Him because He is the object of your affection. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, our eyes come OFF of ourselves, and we become more like Him. See this truth beautifully portrayed through the author’s delightful artistry and words; Simons' art is refreshing and compelling, as it is infused with biblical scripture truths. You will enjoy this book immensely.

We all with unveiled face beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is in Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18


Art, painting, is like poetry in color.


These words ring true when describing the latest masterpiece by Ruth Chou Simons, of Gracelaced. 

She described her own work as harkening back to William Morris and Art Nouveau. With repeating motifs, balanced designs, and harmonious colors, the paintings that fill the pages of this book are inspiring and delightful to meditate on. Each time that I stepped away from reading, I was filled with a sense of joy and inspiration. It is easy just to stick to one or two pages, soaking up the watercolor paintings that Ruth has so lovingly created.

Beholding and Becoming is a long form meditation on what it means to live our lives in a transformative state. She offers relatable examples and simple solutions to live our lives as we are called by Christ. Each chapter is split into two, creating a rhythm to the teaching that Simons lays out. As the title suggests,”Beholding” - what we perceive and how we look at the world, and “Becoming” - how we should seek to daily transformed as guided by the Word, the Creator and the Holy Spirit.

There is a strong focus, not only on scripture but also on Hymns of Praise, to reset the mind and refocus the spirit. You cannot help but singing the familiar words in the back of your mind as you read. 
It is hard not to want to mark up this book, if you resonate with the writing. It is truly a work of art from cover to cover. Ruth has done it again and I am sure will continue to grow as an artist and writer with each new book.

“We become joyful and glad about this day—today—as we take our eyes off of what we must do and behold the One who created us to do it in the first place.” Page 18

First, let me say that the paintings in this book are beautiful! I often retreat to nature to feel more connected to our Creator, and it was so refreshing to be able to encounter nature while reading scripture and reflections. The author works hard to connect our ordinary, every day lives to something bigger and more important - everyday worship. Her quote: "How we direct our eyes, minds, hearts and hands in the everyday will determine whom we ultimately worship and what we ultimately become" is a touchstone for this entire book. Through using a back and forth between 'Beholding' and 'Becoming', Ruth provides a combination of reflection and action. I look forward to returning to this book through different seasons of life.

So, so, so beautiful!!! Can’t wait to have the hard copy in my hand! (Although I would love to see this and Gracelaced in kindle so I can take it with me places I would worry about ruining it😉).
I would say this is probably the most detailed one to date. I LOVE the image glossary especially because it shares the intimate meaning behind Ruth’s art. (She didn’t just paint bees and butterflies because she thought they looked nice that day). In fact, I believe this the most personal of all her work. Ruth speaks as a friend. I felt I was getting to know her better and that she felt more comfortable sharing now that she knows we actually care to hear her thoughts and processes. I look forward to seeing where this friendship takes us in the future.