Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship Hardcover – Illustrated, September 10, 2019

Never in history has our innate need to gaze upon something been so obvious as in this age of screens in every room and every pocket, instagram and facebook posts that depict an image we want to project (or imitate), and all the various forms of entertainment that involve us beholding something we enjoy or admire. Ruth's voice is not just a voice for women--all people, man, woman, Christian or not, would benefit from pondering the truths in this book as well--but for sure, so many Christian women are desperate for the message in this book, even if they don't realize it. In addition to us being a "beholding" generation, we also are a generation of self- and home-improvement junkies--always hungry for transformation and improvement. Ruth brings the timeless truths of the Bible into application in this book and reiterates the connection between "beholding" and "becoming". She shows us chapter after chapter that the transformation each of us longs for is directly tied to that which we set our gaze upon, and that the only lasting and genuine transformation we can experience comes from gazing upon the beauty of Christ and His gospel. I love the way the chapters are laid out; one chapter laying out the specific truth about God in His Word that we can "behold" and then the following chapter directly ties to what we can "become" as the fruit of beholding that truth. For those who have loved and followed Ruth's writing online, this book seems like an all-encompassing work that includes in this "Behold" then "Become" format all that we love about her ability to share what she is "preaching to her own heart". A voice like Ruth's among Christian women's mainstream bestsellers is long overdue and so needed. She not only brings the beauty of her artwork and design into this book, but the beauty of the deep and rich truth's of God's Word into the hands of people who may not have heard the true gospel, but may have been getting a lot of their theology from books in the "Christian" aisles of the bookstores. In those cases, I believe this book will point people directly to the Word of God, and encourages them to go there to behold Him.That leads me to the artwork. I have always loved her work (which adorns most of the walls in my home!) but there's something new about the art in this book. I love the patterned effect of most of the pages that causes you to stop and stare. As I've admired each page I've found myself thinking "this would be amazing wallpaper/fabric patterns/or addition to our wall" The colors are vibrant and classic. There's almost a modern vintage feel to the art, making it seem altogether relevant and timeless. One of my favorite parts about the art is that she explained in the beginning of the book some of the intention behind each plant or animal, and what they symbolized for her. It reminded me of God's intention in creation. Her sharing the meaning behind each detail actually helped me stop and gaze a little longer at each work of art and delight in the details. I think the purpose and design behind that aspect of it was genius in that it highlighted the exact point that her book's message is about: That the change we are looking for in our lives is not about doing more, being more, striving harder, but that it all starts first in where we are training our heart's affections. That in order to become what we were made to become, we must first stop and look at the God who created us. Stop and gaze upon Him in His Word and in His creation, and be reminded of what He has given us and who He has made us to be in Christ. Beholding Him alone is the key to transformation. And our busy self-made generation, in and outside the church, desperately needs to hear and apply this message.I'm personally so thankful for the work the Lord has done through Ruth. He has truly gifted her with the ability to point people's gaze past herself and her gifts, and to the One they were meant to glorify. That's a tough road to navigate as a Christian woman in today's social media culture, but by the grace of God, Ruth has done it with a humility that leaves me and friends I know who also follow her work, with an example of what it looks like to behold Christ in our every day and to walk with and point each other to the beauty of the cross.

Love this book. I received this as a gift and I have now gifted it to two other people. It is beautiful in pictures/script and the devotions are so good!! Love it!!

“Heartaches can either mold us into confident worshippers or defensive doubters. Who we become in the wrestling of them is not neutral... we aren’t promised answers that heal, outcomes we think we deserve, or timing that makes the most sense to us. Instead that In every circumstance Gods purpose will prevail and will not be thwarted by manipulators, liars, or cheats. Injustice and selfish schemes are no match for him who wastes nothing. We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Hin, who have been called according to his purpose. “ Romans 8:28NIVOnce again Ruth takes the word of Lord and gives them to us in morsels beautifully wrapped in gorgeous paintings and abundant wisdom. This is not a self-proclaimed wisdom but a wisdom that can only come from beholding God’s word for herself. Her work reflects the work the Lord wants to do in our hearts, to create beauty out of ashes and emptiness. Not only will the beautiful artwork speak to your heart but it will also encourage you to examine your heart. What circumstances and struggles in your life have shifted your gaze to yourself and away from the Lord? Have you felt empty after Sunday church feeling despondent that the day is over and you must return to “normal” life?Well, pick up this book and learn new rhythms, find new insights into the Lord’s heart through Ruth’s art and heart. The pages of this book make it easier to practice His presence. Ruth says, “Practice makes a posture become a pattern.” The devotions in this book will cause you to create patterns that breath new life into your everyday moments. One of those everyday moments is around the table with your family. Seeing God through sharing a meal together stirs my heart for community deeply. Here’s a snippet of how she sees the table.“Sometimes I think about the table of hospitality the same way. People who are invited in and given a seat at our table observe and receive relationship, provision, nurturing, and welcome in a way no mere invitation to church can provide. Instead of handing someone information about Jesus or an invitation to Easter service, or telling them that the gospel is life changing, we give them the opportunity to experience it through our hospitality. So much of Jesus ministry was done at the table.” What an encouragement to know that we don’t have to go far but we can start around our table and if our table needs filled we can bring others in to show them Jesus as we break bread. Not only are you invited to behold Him throughly the mundane moments in our lives, but also through the busy moments.The invitation to stop the hustle and to sabbath well abounds in this book. Throughout the book there two page spreads of gorgeous artwork and in them you will find practical suggestions for ways we can enter into be rest of the Lord. Ruth, reminds us that, “cutting corners on rest doesn’t get you ahead.” She urges us to “fight to abide.” There is so much richness in this book and I am so grateful to have read it beforehand but I am so looking forward to holding it in my hands, but most of all I am ready to make space for this book to be a daily reminder that I am His and he abides in me. A must have for everyone and one to constantly refer back through the ups and downs of life.

No, I am not getting paid by this author. But this is a fabulous book. The messages are awesome and the illustrations put you in a different place. It is an incredible book to own and to give as gifts! I love it!

Great author...great drawings