A great concept and overall topic to cover in a season of life where you're running 100 miles an hour. For me, the liturgy sold me. It is beautiful, from the heart and causes you to pause and press in. Beautifully poetic and would make an excellent gift! My only reasoning for not 5 stars is nothing blew me away - I was simply refreshed and filled.

This is my first time reading Ruth Chou Simons and I am already a fan! I can’t wait to dive into more of her books. I found myself deeply connecting with Now and Not Yet. It truly captures the essence of life. We all go through those "unwanted" and "not yet" moments when life doesn't go as we planned, and the outcomes we hope for seem distant or delayed. But what resonated with me is how she reminded us that even in those challenging times, there is a divine purpose at work. God’s timing, though sometimes mysterious, is always perfect, even when we can’t fully understand it. Netgalley, thank you for the opportunity to discover a new author and read an amazing book.

Now and Not Yet: Pressing in When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More by Ruth Chou Simons is a deeply moving, encouraging book. I’ve always enjoyed this author’s books, but this one is honestly special. It is deeply personal and touched me deeply. I think most of us can relate to being in transition or periods of waiting. Ms Chou encourages you through those times and directs you towards more. I highly recommend this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

As always, Ruth Chou Simons hits the nail on the head and has written an incredibly poignant and timely book.
Our children are similar ages so her and I go through many stages together and I feel that she is writing these books “at me” because I identify so much with them.
This book is full of wisdom, encouragement, and definitely one I will re-read and recommend.

This was a deeply encouraging book, packed with hope-filled truth that believers can hold on to in seasons of waiting. Chou Simons is a gifted artist, but her writing truly feels like an exhale as I read her books.

We all make plans and push towards our desired outcomes, but what about when we're stuck? How can we not only survive but also thrive in the desert places?
When I picked up the ARC for Now and Not Yet by Ruth Chou Simons, I had completely forgotten the premise of the book. I could not even remember what the title meant. Yet I started to read and the author's words jumped off the page, reaching me with truth I didn't even know I needed. Its subtitle offers some clarity: “Pressing in When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More.” This book is a wonderful guide for those who find themselves wishing for more in the mundane, water in the desert, anxious for the future. Each chapter addresses a situation the author herself has been through and offers Scriptural and experiential hope to readers in similar places. At the end of each chapter the reader will find “Liturgy for Pressing In,” a prayer to bring you through the current topic. Throughout the book are questions and prompts for reflection. I found it helpful to read this book with my journal so I could write down my responses and meditate on the truths. The book ends with even more Scripture to help readers when they find themselves in need. Now and Not Yet will be a good resource to return to for inspiration and encouragement.
This was the first book I have read by the author, but it won’t be my last. I found her writing style to be easy to follow. It felt as if I were sitting down with a friend from church who wanted to guide me through my unwanted restless season and give me hope for the “yet to come.” I highly recommend this book to anyone who is thinking, “Why can't I just skip to the good part of my life?”
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

There was a lot of truth in this book, but I don't feel that it was a cohesive thought.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ruth Chou Simons writes so beautifully (as usual) in this book addressing the struggles between our time on earth and waiting for heaven, and from her own personal experiences and insights from the Lord continually points the reader upward to where our help comes from. If you’re in a season of struggling to understand why God has you where you are right now, this is the book for you!
Ruth sprinkles Scriptures all through the book and through personal anecdotes, she makes this book very easy to relate to.
Praise God for people like Ruth who so beautifully use the gifts God has given them to point others to Him and give Him the glory!

*I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review

I have yet to read a Ruth Chou Simons book that I haven't absolutely adored. She's is a very talented writer, full of Truth and grace. I can definitely see myself rereading this and recommending this often.

Book Review: "Now Not Yet" by Ruth Chou Simmons

In her collection of remarkable books, Ruth Chou Simmons has truly outdone herself with "Now Not Yet," which stands out as my personal favorite. Simmons' writing style is akin to engaging in a heartfelt conversation with a close friend - relatable and authentic. One aspect I particularly admire about this book is its strong foundation in the Bible, shifting the focus away from our emotions. The author adeptly navigates the theological concept of the already and not yet, demonstrating how we can approach worship and respond to God amidst life's uncertainties. Simmons' commitment to anchoring her writing in the teachings of God's word shines through, making "Now Not Yet" a truly enriching read.

This was a good read, it had some good take aways and some great food for thought.

I hope to use things and change me to be more Christ like.

When life with Jesus isn't what you thought it would be, you are living in the Now and Not Yet. This book is the perfect companion to help you deal with the disconnect and lean into God regardless. A good part of discipleship is learning to see things as God does. Now and Not Yet will give you spiritual practices to transform your thought life and how you see the world. I highly recommend this book for anyone who feels that stretch.

I love the gentleness and thoughtfulness with which Ruth Chou Simons writes, and this book is no different. She gracefully delivers biblical wisdom on how to handle that season of waiting, I am sure all of us a familiar with- the space between where we are currently and where we know we are called to be stretching out before us. The author writes from both personal experience and biblical references to offer encouragement, and practical advice. It is beautifully written and a timely word in season.

Many thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

BOOK REVIEW: Now and Not Yet by Ruth Chou Simons

// What I Loved //
🤍 The title of this book describes so many of our lives. How often have you wondered how to enjoy your life right now when it feels like so many things you long for are not yet here? Ruth teaches us restless souls how to press into these seasons so we can see God in them.
🤍 I appreciated the honesty. It’s nice to hear very plainly: you are missing out on your own life. And that you don’t have to like your “now” in order to lean in.
🤍 I just love RCS. I’ve read so many of her books that I can almost predict how she’ll round out a thought or start a new chapter. There’s a comfort in familiarity that makes tough love a little less, well, tough.

// What I Wished For //
◽️I wish this book would have been a workbook! (Part 2, maybe?) It felt like I needed some places to take notes, process new learning, and think through how to apply the teaching to my own circumstances.

// Favorite Quotes //
💭 “We want deliverance without the desert. But God deliberately designs deserts to draw us to himself... It can feel like the desert itself is the source of the pain, but, in reality, the desert often serves to reveal a heart issue: what we think we can't be happy without. In other words, sometimes the desert reveals the comforts, idols, and treasures we lean on for sustenance.”

// Overall Impression //
⚪️ This is a timely book for anyone who’s wishing for a future they can’t quite have yet. Highly recommend!

I can wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful and timely book. It's a warm embrace for anyone feeling stuck in the "in-between" stages of life. Ruth's vulnerability is refreshing, reminding me that God is with me even in the messy unknowns. This book isn't just about enduring the wait, but about finding purpose and growth in the present. It's a call to quiet the external noise and listen to God's voice within. While the journey may be challenging, with practical tools and gorgeous design, "Now and Not Yet" equips you to press in and find the beauty in the mess. It's a must-read for anyone longing for a deeper connection with God and a more fulfilling present.

Not only is Simons a gifted artist and speaker, but she writes beautifully as well. I appreciated that this book came from a personal place with lots of vulnerable stories and admissions. It was straight forward and yet encouraging. I am definitely in this right now...waiting and wondering what God has for me. Simons sprinkles her artwork throughout this offering, but mostly lots of Scripture, not just her own conjecture. I am intrigued to learn more of her personal story in When Strivings Cease. I'll be heading there next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC. All opinions are mine.

A great resource for those struggling in the present situations they are facing when those present situation don't line up with where they had hoped to be at this season of life.

I have followed Ruth Chou Simons for years on social media and her artwork is so beautiful, but this is the first time I have read one of her books. Her writing is as beautiful as her art. I truly appreciated all of her personal stories she shares with the readers which shows us that she is on this journey with us. This book is all about living in the now, the present, instead of waiting for the next season, whatever that looks like. She has practical advice, scripture, stories and my favorite her prayers at the end of every chapter. If you cannot wait to get out of whatever season you are currently in this book is perfect for you, and if you are living in a season that is just fine, but remember what it's like to be in a horrible season this book is for you too! Highly recommend!

What a timely read! 4.5 stars!

I work with college students who live in the tension of living in the present while also being in the middle of preparing for their future. They live in a season of life that is focused on the next milestone, the next achievement and tallying how many "ring by spring" engagements occured. It is so difficult for them to even comprehend the idea of "being present". This is a resource I will recommend to many!

Chou has helped us to be reminded to live in the moment - the day that the Lord has made. The artwork was beautiful and the liturgies were so wonderfully crafted. What a great resource for so many founded in biblical truth.

May we all be able to be faithful in the NOW.

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for the eARC

I really enjoyed, "Now and Not Yet" by Ruth Chou Simons. We all face circumstances that we're waiting on, hoping for, and Ruth shared encouraged for the right now season we're in. I'm currently contemplating a big decision, dreaming of the possibilities this change will make. So it was a timely encouragement to see the goodness of this current season, even if nothing ever changes. To notice what's right about now and to thank God for it. My only critique was the Theological Framework of the Now and Not Yet. There verses that backed up her thoughts felt exhaustive, rather than curated. I may have enjoyed them more with a hard copy format, but I was reading in my Kindle and the last chapter just felt like it went on and on.