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pacific_blue4's review against another edition
4.0
In Beholding and Becoming, Ruth Chou Simons tackles what is most often taken for granted, discounted, and overlooked - the ordinary, the everyday. Coupled with her beautiful illustrations (yes, she did them herself! They are so lovely!), Mrs. Simons shares wisdom from Scripture to convey a simple yet difficult to comprehend (and quite profound) message.
It is far too easy to look ahead at some lofty goal or back at a mountaintop experience and completely miss being present and appreciating the now that God has us in. We miss the details of life and fail to delight in the intricacies of who God is every moment of every day while also failing to appreciate the same intricacy in nature, meant to remind us of the One who made it all, and who holds our lives in His hands. As the title of the book suggests, there is an art to everyday worship, and I appreciate that the author uses her love for art and her gift for it to glorify the Lord.
I love the idea behind this book, and I'm hard-pressed to say if I love the idea or the author's illustrations more, as both are skillfully presented. As a whole, the book is quite beautiful and would make a lovely tabletop edition for when guests come over. And also, taken as a whole, the message behind the book, like the illustrations, is both lovely and simple. There is something about the combination that is incredibly beautiful.
In closing, this book comes highly recommended. This reader didn't take her own advice to stop and savor this read, but I hope to read other books by Ruth Chou Simons and to revisit this one again. This is an excellent read for those who are constantly in a hurry. It's a reminder to slow down and enjoy.
P.S. one last recommendation: I advise getting a physical copy of Beholding and Becoming rather than audio or ebook editions. You need to see it for yourself.
It is far too easy to look ahead at some lofty goal or back at a mountaintop experience and completely miss being present and appreciating the now that God has us in. We miss the details of life and fail to delight in the intricacies of who God is every moment of every day while also failing to appreciate the same intricacy in nature, meant to remind us of the One who made it all, and who holds our lives in His hands. As the title of the book suggests, there is an art to everyday worship, and I appreciate that the author uses her love for art and her gift for it to glorify the Lord.
I love the idea behind this book, and I'm hard-pressed to say if I love the idea or the author's illustrations more, as both are skillfully presented. As a whole, the book is quite beautiful and would make a lovely tabletop edition for when guests come over. And also, taken as a whole, the message behind the book, like the illustrations, is both lovely and simple. There is something about the combination that is incredibly beautiful.
In closing, this book comes highly recommended. This reader didn't take her own advice to stop and savor this read, but I hope to read other books by Ruth Chou Simons and to revisit this one again. This is an excellent read for those who are constantly in a hurry. It's a reminder to slow down and enjoy.
P.S. one last recommendation: I advise getting a physical copy of Beholding and Becoming rather than audio or ebook editions. You need to see it for yourself.
ladymcheth's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
pumpkinsoup1162's review against another edition
4.0
This gorgeous book and Guided Companion have been a fantastic resource for my two-month sabbatical. Simons’ art is lovely. I love how her creativity enriches this book.
I can’t give it five stars because it is very individualistic in its theology. It focuses too much on an individual’s relationship with God. While it does bleed over into family, it lacks a community or impacting society element.
The Guided Companion is a must to really work our the content of the book.
I can’t give it five stars because it is very individualistic in its theology. It focuses too much on an individual’s relationship with God. While it does bleed over into family, it lacks a community or impacting society element.
The Guided Companion is a must to really work our the content of the book.
abzhozay's review against another edition
fast-paced
3.0
This Christian nonfiction not only had beautiful artwork throughout the book, but it also had beautiful, hopeful encouragements about the process of shaping, molding, and becoming our hearts and minds through a Christian perspective. The book is also a great reminder that wonderful things, big and small, happens everyday in our lives. Recommend for a quick, comfort read!z
bitsandbookends's review against another edition
5.0
4.8/5
This was marvelous and utterly beautiful. Not only were the paintings inside so delightful, so we’re the encouraging words of becoming and beholding. To be like Christ and to abide in him. A beautiful read throughout
This was marvelous and utterly beautiful. Not only were the paintings inside so delightful, so we’re the encouraging words of becoming and beholding. To be like Christ and to abide in him. A beautiful read throughout
chilmes's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
5.0
It’s only slow paced because it’s designed to be reflective and contemplative.
miladyofscott's review against another edition
4.0
This book is fine, and the devotional content is nice but definitely get the actual book over the audiobook.
jessicapietro's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful artwork. Beautiful and thought-provoking words. I read through it twice---with lots of underlines =)