I feel like I am constantly wishing for my circumstances to change. In her new book, Now and Not Yet, Ruch Chou Simons shows us how to live in the already but the not yet. It is such a needed message for my heart. I am thankful for her heart to share and encourage women with the truth.

This book is one to be savored. To be read slowly and thoughtfully and acted upon. It’s a book I will reread. Ruth Chou Simons is a new author for me and based on the value of the message contained in this book, I will be seeking out other books by her. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

I really enjoyed Ruth's writing and how the book was firmly based in scripture. She encourages and challenges you and also provides questions to work through. As someone who loves to plan and be organized, the "Chaos Produces Character" chapter was very challenging for me but provided an important perspective.

I loved a lot of the "liturgies for pressing in". As well, Ruth's lovely artwork of course makes appearances throughout.

Thank you Ruth Chou Simons and Netgalley for an arc of this book. I really loved this book and the insightfulness. I really appreciated that the focus was God centered and reminded you it is His time and not ours

Beautiful! This book could not have come at a better time in my life. So often we are looking down the road at what our life could be. This book is perfect for anyone that's struggling with living where you are right now, loving who you are right now, and excepting that this is exactly where God needs you to be. He's got you and has tremendous plans for your future.

I have read a number of books by Ruth Chou Simons, many of which heavily feature her art. Now and Not Yet has lovely graphics, but not lots of her art. This book is directed to Christian women who find themselves in circumstances they would rather not be in. I related to this book because I have several things I hope will change in my personal life, but they have not done so yet. "This book is for those of us who are waiting, wanting, and restless for more", as Simons states in her introduction. This book helps readers see that God is working in their lives right now. Each chapter ends with a truth about God to press in to as well as a prayer. This book is recommended highly. I received an advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this book before it was available to the public. I loved Ruth's encouragement and stories from personal experiences. She always brings it back to The Bible and what God says about times in our life when we are tested and wondering about our right now circumstances. I especially love the liturgy at the end of each chapter, helping me to focus and reach out in prayer to my Heavenly Father. I will be reading this book again and go to it for reminders and encouragement.

As always, RCS books are absolutely gorgeous and inspiring! I went in thinking this would be the normal devotional format but was surprised that there was a lot more content to read and consider. Ruth deep dives into the topic of feeling restless, unfulfilled, and anxious with where we are in life. She gave honest examples of various times in her life that she felt this way. She also provided wonderful advice based on solid scripture and theology to remind the reader that though you may be wondering about your nows that God has it all covered.

(Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.)

Wow, this was an amazing book.

Ruth Chou Simons is an auto-buy author for me, and this book did not disappoint! So full of truth and wisdom, Now and Not Yet is all about stewarding the season that God has you in now well. The subtitle "Pressing in When You're Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More" really covers what this book is about, and it was such a helpful and encouraging read for me. It's so tempting to put your hope in a different season instead of in Jesus, but this book was full of beautiful reminders to embrace your current season and to be faithful in it.

One of my absolute favorite parts about this book is that there is a liturgy at the end of each chapter. These liturgies were so wonderful and I really, really looked forward to each one.

Absolutely loved this book. It'll definitely be one of my top 2024 reads!

Highly recommend!

Ruth Chou Simons is one of those Christian authors that I have so enjoyed over the years. Her years of ministry in a variety of roles, her commitment to her husband & sons, her creativity in adorning the Gospel with her art, her candid takes on life--her ministry has been a blessing to me. This book is no different. Ruth's encouragement to us as we are all in a "not yet" time of waiting. Whether it's waiting for the things we want or for Jesus to return, we all know the feeling of longing to see things come to their complete & desired end.

Incredibly practical, yet so full of grace, love and care. It’s gentle but firm. Encouraging but honest. I can tell the author walked the message she teaches. It’s personal but not overly so. It’s helpful in the right ways - going for your mind and not merely behavior modification. Love the scripture connections and the liturgies were one of my favorite parts of the book. They were relatable and just right for setting your mind on Christ in the different things the book talked about.
I really enjoyed this book and want to go back and read it again.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Ruth Chou Simons has written another beautiful book. From the cover, to the ink on the pages, you're drawn in. I purchased and then read the book from cover to cover within one week . This is not a self-help book. Ruth points the reader directly to the word of God. She shows you from some of her own personal stories how to embrace where you are in life right now on the way to what's ahead of you in the future. Beautifully written! Well done and I'd recommend this book to friends and family.

"Now and Not Yet: Pressing in When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More" by Ruth Chou Simons is a tender embrace for those navigating the ambiguous spaces of life. Simons, an award-winning Christian author renowned for her transparency and grace, delivers a poignant reminder that growth often unfolds slowly, yet purposefully.

In this illuminating book, Simons draws upon passages from the Bible to illuminate the beauty of trusting God amidst uncertainty. She artfully explores the universal experience of longing for something more while offering insights that resonate deeply with readers. Through her words, readers are gently guided to recognize that even in the midst of waiting and longing, God is at work, shaping our stories with divine purpose.

Simons invites readers to embrace the truth that our sustenance comes not from earthly comforts, but from the unwavering presence of God. She encourages us to resist the temptation to wish away our current circumstances, reminding us that God's providence is always purposeful, even in the deserts of life.

With wisdom and compassion, Simons reminds us that God often calls us to tasks that seem beyond our abilities, yet He equips us for the journey. Through heartfelt anecdotes and reflections, she underscores the importance of pressing into our present realities with faith and courage.

This book is not merely a read; it is an invitation to journey inward, to reflect on the whispers of God amidst the noise of life. It's a beacon of hope for those wrestling with feelings of restlessness and longing, offering solace in the assurance that God is with us every step of the way.

"Now and Not Yet" is a profound reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty, we can find purpose and meaning by trusting in the constant presence of God. Simons' gentle guidance and unwavering faith make this book a compelling read for anyone navigating the complexities of waiting and longing. Whether for personal reflection or group study, this book is a gift of grace to those seeking solace in the midst of life's uncertainties.

Using scripture passages about Bible figures who were tested in their faith and patience, this book offers a reassuring reminder about taking advantage of what is given to each one of us and how God will use our unique talents for good. It's like a chat with a good friend that can take off our minds about about uncertainties and what is to come. The kind tone invites reflection with a leisurely paced vibe that will go well with a book like "Have A Beautiful, Terrible Day" by Kate Bowler. It may resonate with women more, but even male readers will feel heartened by the lessons, especially in the stories detailing the challenges of St. Paul.

I didn't know how much I needed this book before picking it up. I have been so encouraged by the truths held in these pages, and I highly recommend it for anyone who might be struggling in a hidden season.

Using her own experiences, and biblical examples the author guides the reader into paths of perseverance and acceptance when we feel restless and unfulfilled. It is our right now that matters most and we must live it to the best our ability, trusting that God is at work. Each chapter asks some pointed questions (you could journal these) and ends with a liturgy.

When walking through difficulties, she suggests:

!. Talk about it with a trusted friend

2. Feed on spiritually nourishing resources

3. Create rhythms that help you remember God –journaling, listening to music, daily prayer

4. Ask others to speak truth to you

At the end of the book, there are some ways to help you “flip the script” by reminding yourself of the things God has already done in your life. She also includes the theological basis for “now and not yet” with many encouraging references from Scripture.

This book was just what I needed to read right now in this season where things aren't going the way I planned. Ruth vulnerably shares her own authentic struggles like a trusted friend that is relatable and as one who has been through the trenches of motherhood, but still finds hope through it. She speaks to the struggles we have with delays, disappointments, failures, and unfulfilled dreams. Although I am not where I thought I would be, Ruth's book reminds me to view difficulties and closed doors as opportunities for learning and growth; perhaps it's a glimpse of God planting something new.

Ruth reminds readers that we can rest in Christ whatever circumstances we are in and that there is purpose in the pain. Even if we experience seasons where our work goes unnoticed or unappreciated, God still sees us in those hidden places. Ruth writes, "God is at work in our obscurity even as he is at work in our visibility." She encourages us to keep sowing seeds that build godly character.

I love this quote from Ruth for those times when we feel like we're in a dry season: "God allows us to feel barren desperation in the desert so that we might run to the oasis of his provision."

I like how Ruth's signature style of beautiful line-drawn flowers and hand-lettered inspirational quotes are interspersed throughout the chapters that helped me remember the key points. The liturgy and prayers at the close of each chapter encourage the reader to trust in God's sufficiency and ability to provide when we feel weak and anxious about the future.

If you're feeling frustrated or doubtful in your current circumstances, I recommend reading this book that will remind you of the truth of God's faithfulness that will give you strength to face the next step in your journey.

I want to thank the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I had never read a book by @Ruth Chou Simons until this one and WOW WOW WOW.

Her writing style is impeccable, so conversational, she seamlessly blends in personal testimony with keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and The Gospel.

This book is full of so much wisdom and encouragement. If you are in a season of waiting, struggling with contentment and often find yourself questioning your current season, read this book. It is such a refreshing read and the cover is GORGEOUS

Each chapter ends with a liturgical prayer of encouragement and there are questions throughout for personal reflection.

This was my first book read by Ruth Chou Simons and I found nothing lacking. I can't imagine the time and thought that has went into this book.. My takeaways is sometimes the waiting season, the journey if you will, is much more than the destination. Being content in the waiting. That is what shapes and molds us and who we become by leaning in to the uncertain times or the time we're confused and feel we lack direction. God is working on that in the now moments and even when we're waiting on a yes, and God says no. Very profound writings. As others I've heard it said, Ruth is a wordsmith. The liturgies at the end of each chapter is poetic and genuine. When you read this book, let the words soak in because I believe that is how they were written and meant to be read. I highlighted so much in this book and look forward to rereading this one again.

Many of us find ourselves lingering in the "not yet." Professions, ministry, life circumstances,... we have a vision for our futures that is "right there" and yet, we can't quite reach it. What do we do with our present circumstances when they don't align with where we want to be? How can we embrace the now in the waiting for more?

Author Ruth Cho Simons shares some encouraging truths about living in the present moment when our hearts long for more. It's okay to not like the now. It's okay to admit that life is hard and takes us through challenging situations. But the Lord can still use these hard circumstances for his glory, if we allow him. Simons shares real principles learned through her own life and how she balanced the tension of these two realities. Now and Not Yet is not just a fluffy, feel good book filled with cliches. Rather, it is an honest look into how to move forward when life isn't all it's meant to be. I didn't come into this book with a lot of expectations, but was genuinely surprised by how relevant it is. This is probably the most real, and still encouraging, book I've read on the subject. Ruth Cho Simons writes as one who has lived the struggle and can still see God's constant presence in her circumstances. This book was a HUGE encouragment in my life and I hope it will be in yours as well.

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