**UPDATE**
Congratulations to the winners of the birthday drawing! Your names are posted below. Watch your inbox for an email from Living Proof later today so that we can get you your gift!
BONUS: The wonderful people at AMG Publishers have extended a 50% discount to any of you who would like to order a Key Word Study Bible! Click here to get more information, or to order your Bible. AMG Publishers
Winners:
#523 – Carole Germain #4348 – Karen Quinn
#2282 – Merissa G. #4399 – Anna Bunch
#2321 – Marilyn Riley #4430 – Nancy Beeey
#2756 – Merissa Ury #4813 – Myrlene Darnell
#2876 – Beth Longar #5648 – Nan Smith
#3937 – Dani Turner #5798 – Rachel C.
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A few nights ago I walked my buck wild new puppy around my neighborhood, watched the sun sink deep down into the horizon, and then settled in back at home. I flipped on my favorite season of the West Wing and I ate an entire bag of tortilla chips and ¾ a jar of my favorite salsa for dinner. What is it they say again? The apple does not fall far from the tree. Or something like that?
You see when we were growing up Mom would throw us kids in the back of Brontosaurus the station wagon and haul us halfway across the city to her old favorite Tex-Mex joint. She ordered a pint of salsa and a gigantic grease-stained brown paper bag of tortilla chips for take-out and she would eat all of this and only this for her dinner. Her own dinner. I can’t remember what we kids even ate, or if she fed us at all. I’m only kidding about that last part.
My mom was born at high noon in a fierce thunderstorm, my grandfather said. Her presence still shifts the atmosphere. A few weeks ago Mom left for a week in the hill country for a time of writing and solitude. The second she got back home, I loaded up my stuff and headed out to spend a night with she and my Dad. You see, for me, going to hang out with my parents isn’t really like going to hang out with the parents. Far from duty, it’s one of my favorite things to do. We caught up on all the life stuff that night. And then in the morning we drank our coffee in our pajamas and by 8:30 a.m. at the latest we had already covered topics such as the theology in Ephesians, the New Testament canon, the Holy Spirit’s role in the interpretation of Scripture, and the Festal Letter of Athanasius.
I have to say, this woman utterly dazzles me. She is the sweetest in the land. She is gracious and sanguine and loving and kind, no doubt, but she is serious and intense and focused and courageous. She has opinions and perspective and boldness and wisdom from the ground like no other. For all her awesomeness she is not self-righteous or squeamish, and God knows I have pushed her limits.
Mom is deeply committed to our family and I’ve always known that full well but I’ve also seen that she’s preoccupied with something a whole lot bigger than us. Probably the most important thing I have learned from her is that being caught up in Jesus and what He is doing in the world is everything. It is the ultimate priority and a family committed to His work in the world will get the privilege of making sacrifices together.
Over the past few years in my own journey I found myself in an unknown place, a place where a heart could break deeper and wider and in more directions than I could have imagined possible. Mom has walked alongside me on this road further than any human could be expected to walk with another. She would have had good reasons to just sit out a while and catch her breath. But she never left my side. The road has been bumpy but also tedious and repetitive. When the landscape didn’t seem to change for a long, long time, she kept plodding along with me, carrying my burdens and helping me shoulder the grief that felt too much to bear.
Mom is tender and she is strong and she is not afraid to look pain and grief and loss dead in the eye. Even more, she is daring enough to hope against hope. To see in others, even me, the beginnings of life and growth and health and wholeness where others might only see brokenness and death. She has shined the light of Jesus on me more times than I can count.
She can fry a chicken and whip up mashed potatoes and gravy with the best of the Southern cooks. Her pleasures are simple: the reading of books, sitting on the front porch, walking her dogs in the woods, eating dinner with my Dad, playing games on the floor with her grandkids, and drinking tea with Amanda and me. But make no mistake she is wicked smart and complex and multifaceted. She is so much more than even the best caricature of her could ever hope to be.
I love her.
Yes, I love her. If one photo could capture the light and color she brings to my world, this is it:
It is my joy and honor to be her daughter and also to work for her at Living Proof. This blog giveaway is just one of many ways I celebrate her beautiful life today. The first three gifts are from Living Proof and the last two gifts are personal gifts from me.
First and foremost, we are giving away eight Key Word Study Bibles. My mom gave me one of these Bibles many years ago. It was one of the first Bibles I ever really remember being excited about. It helped me become familiar with various Greek and Hebrew words before I ever took a Greek or Hebrew reading class. Every time I read it I was reminded that the Scriptures we hold in our hands in English are a translation. Remembering this often is a good thing and will take a person a long way in the study of the Bible, I think.
![IMG_2993[4]](https://blog.lproof.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/IMG_29934.jpg)
Second, we are giving away an assortment of several pounds of favorite Houston coffee beans. My mom is a serious coffee drinker, so this is just an obvious addition. This package will include but not be limited to one of my current favorites:
Third, we are giving away an arrangement of fresh flowers Mom loves. And, really, who wouldn’t like these?
Fourth, we are giving away a crossbody saddlebag. Mom and I both carry versions of this crossbody bag over and over again until one breaks and we have to buy another one.
Fifth and finally, we are giving away a small bottle of Flowerbomb. Mom wears lots of different perfumes, but she most often travels with this one.
So, if you’re interested in our giveaway please do pop on and say “Happy Birthday” and show Mom some love. Your comment becomes your entry into our random drawing. Comments will officially close 24 hours after the post is published, and please only one comment per person. The names of our winners will be posted at the top of this post at some point on Thursday.
I hope you all are happy and well.
And, Mom, I love you!
The best is yet to come,
Melissa
Happy Birthday! Thank you for teaching me how much Jesus loves me and then showing me how to live and love for Him. When I think if you, I can’t help but get a little teary eyed knowing that I wouldn’t have the relationship with the Lover of my soul without your Bible studies. You are such a blessing to me. May God bless you more this coming year!
Happy birthday, dear Beth! Saw you in Tampa this weekend with my daughter and you blessed us more than you can imagine.
Thank you for your amazing teaching gift and ability to do so with humor.
Happy birthday Beth! I don’t believe you can ever imagine the lives your ministry has changed. I am so grateful you were obedient and passionate! May God richly bless you…and someday msy He give you full insight into the eternal difference your life has made.
Happiest of Birthdays to you, Beth Moore
Your testimony….your books and teaching….and seeing you live a couple of years ago have meant a great deal of spiritual growth for me. This blog…esp the fun and funny ones AND the quick videos make you all so personal you feel like a wonderful good friend. By far though….THIS…this love from you daughter fills my heart with such love for you. I am a mama too….with a love for my girl like this. And now I know you even better because of Melissa sharing her insights of you….and your love. So thankful for the day you were born AND born again from on high for the Kingdom. Love you sweet sister. Many, many blessings for this day!!
Happy Birthday! Hope you have a beautiful day.
We actually share a birthday today and this year it is extra special for me as I am 9 months pregnant with my first child and could be expecting her any second now. I love the connection between my birthday, your birthday, and the post from Beth today. I’m so happy that I took the time to read it. I pray that I have as beautiful a relationship with my daughter as you have with yours!
Happy Happy Birthday, Beth! What a legacy you have built in your beautiful daughter. And not just Melissa, but in many daughters and sisters you haven’t even met. God bless you and make His face shine on you.
Happy Birthday! Thank you for allowing God to use you to minister to your sisters in Christ.
Happy Birthday, may God continue to bless you with his presence and his Agape Love.
Birthday Blessings, fellow June baby! So thankful for your faithfulness to God and what he has brought you to!
Happy Birthday to an amazing lady who has been my mentor from afar for many years!!
Happy Birthday Sister!!! Our ladies bible study group just finished a 2nd study of yours, Jesus The One And Only.ur perspective and encouragement helped me fall so deep in love with our Lord and Savior !! Thank you for all u do in the name if Jesus. You keep life real and hilarious! May God bless u immensely on your special day Sister Beth! Xoxo
Happy Birthday Beth! What a wonderful role model you are to all moms!
Happy Birthday, Beth! You’ve been a part of my life since your first Bible study came out! I’ve had the privilege of facilitating all but one of your studies that come out of Lifeway and a few from LPM. You are treasured in Grand Junction, CO!
Happy birthday, Beth! You have been a real blessing in my life:) I hope that you have felt loved and special on your birthday.
What a beautiful tribute to your Mom, Melissa.
Happy Birthday to a gifted and giving woman who, although my junior, has been a mentor to me on so many Bible- based journeys. Beth, be well, be happy and be blessed on your birthday and always.
What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful lady, who has touched so many lives! Happy Birthday Mrs.Moore!
Happy Birthday to a very special lady! Beth you have inspired me too many times to count throughout the years. What a blessing you continue to be to me. Here’s hoping you have a joy filled day.
Happy Birthday Beth!!! Your family is such a blessing to me at Bayou City Fellowship such a honor to be able to teach Annabeth about praying for those around the world on Sunday and seeing her being excited about India because in her words Bibi and Mommy have been there. It was a blast!
May you have a happy blessed birthday. Thank you ever so much for bring Gods word to life and helping me to grow and heal. You are a remarkable teacher one day I hope and pray to see you live and maybe get to meet you. Love you so very much. Oxoxox God Speed.
Happy Birthday Beth! You have been a tremendous blessing in my life. Your words have profoundly impacted my life and I am truly grateful for you! I pray a blessed and favored year ahead for you! Much love!!
Happy Birthday Beth, I have learned so much from your studies. You will never know what a blessing you have been in my life
Happy Birthday, Miss Beth! Love and appreciate all you do for the cause of Christ!
Happy Birthday! So wonderful to see such words written regarding the love of a daughter. You are blessed
Happy birthday Beth!! You are an inspiration to my life and many of my bible study group ladies would agree you inspire them as well. One day in the book “so long insecurity”, you accomplished the fact to make me laugh so hard I cried (ie: sexy mints), and in the next chapter, so loved, I cried (ie: I felt my own momma was speaking straight to my heart). Love you though you don’t know me
Happy Birthday Beth. You have shined the light of our Lord for so many thank you. Many blessings coming your way
Happy Birthday sweet one! Thank you for always speaking the truth that God gives you. Thank you for loving all of us!
Happy Birthday Beth!! God bless you for all you have done!!!
May God give you many moments to treasure on this, your special day. Thank you for being an inspiration to untold numbers of women–an inspiration to study and memorize the Word and to fiercely love the God Who gave it to us. Happy birthday, Beth!
happy birthday dear lady! You have made me a better person through your bible studies. May God bless you today!
Happy Birthday, Beth! God bless you abundantly in the coming year. We share the same first name and we are the same age!
Happy birthday, Beth!
Happy Birthday, dear sister!! I thank God for you and pray all of His wonderful blessings to surround you and that He may continue to love and inspire myriads of women all over the world to follow Jesus!! <3
Happy Birthday Beth!! You’re such an inspiration to me and I am so blessed to have found your ministry in my darkest hour. I hope you have a day full of little miracles. Much love to you!!
Happy Birthday Beth! You have blessed my life with your Bible Studies!! Thank you
Happy Birthday sweet precious daughter of a King! You are an inspiration to me…and I love seeing God flow through you!
If my daughter ever wrote a fraction of that about me, I think I could die delighted! What a treasure!
Happy Birthday, dear mentor! We celebrate with you from around the globe!
Happy birthday blessings, Beth!
Happy Birthday, sweet Beth! Oh how the Lord has used you in the lives of so many. But He made no exception using you in my life during a very dark time. I praise Him for His mighty works, and I celebrate alongside your precious family as they honor you today.
Happy Birthday Beth!
The memories you have blessed your daughters and grandkids and husband with are priceless. What a tribute to a life being well lived. And a great example of true love for Christ and your family!
Happy Birthday to you! Only one will not do! Born again means salvation…. Aren’t you glad you’ve had two!!!
Praying for a blessed birthday Beth.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH. What a blessing you have been to me. I have taken several of your Bible Studies….Paul, Ester, Thessalonians….and I’m a Siesta Sister this year too.
I also attended your recent Albuquerque event and I loved it ALL.
Your love for God and Women shines through in all that you do.
Thank you for inspiring us to BE IN THE WORD daily.
Have a very blessed Birthday today with your family.
Can’t wait to see what you’ll do next. God Bless you.
Happiest of birthdays may you continue to be a blessing to many and especially to me
Dearest Beth,
You came to my table of friends at the tea shop Tea for Two to wish me a Happy 40th Birthday. I have the picture sitting on the windowsill in my kitchen. I just want to wish you the HAPPIEST of Birthdays! I hope your day is filled with all of your favorite things and people! You are so loved!
Happy Birthday Beth! I hope your day is filled with beautiful family treasures. Thank you for your years of teaching!
Happy Blessed Birthday Dear Beth!!
I hope you have a fabulous day full of joy and all the fun things that you like to do!
Thank you for blessing our lives the way that you do and with such a humble heart !
I long to meet you one day and set down over a cup of coffee !
Thank you for your servant hood in Christ dear Sister !
Blessings
Happy birthday Beth. Hope you have a great day. We are coming to Greenville in July and can’t wait to see you. Saw you a few years ago and it was so great then and cant wait till July. You are a special lady. God bless you and have a happy birthday. Jan
Happy Birthday, sweet Beth! Thank you for being a fearless leader. You are precious to me!
Happy Birthday, Sister Beth! (Should I say “siesta” instead? 🙂 ) I cannot begin to tell you what a tremendous blessing you are to me. Thank you for sharing your gift and passion with the Body of Christ. I look forward to Wednesday’s in the Word, and no disrespect to the other women of God who sometimes share that slot, but it’s always a bit disappointing when it’s not you looking through that screen. I hope your birthday was an apt celebration of the amazing woman you are. <3
Happy Happy Birthday Beth! Hope you are having the happiest of birthday’s today! You bring me so much joy when I can get to do your bible studies! Have a very blessed day!
Happiest of birthdays to one of my favorite chick preachers! Living Beyond Yourself was the very first bible study I ever did and it helped transform my life! That was in 2003 and I have done countless Beth Moore bible studies since. Beth, you are so inspiring! I always want to stand up and start preaching when watching your teachings! So good!! Thank you for all you do to grow the Kingdom of God!! Your love for Jesus is contagious!!
happiest of birthdays to the loveliest of women! I find myself at a loss of words (a rare thing to be sure!) when I try to convey the impact you, Miss Beth have made on my life. I have always lovingly called you “my friend Beth” and even though we may not know one another, I still count you among my friends. I wholeheartedly believe it when you say in your studies that you are praying for me as you write! Happy birthday my friend!