**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 Beth! Thanks for helping me and so many other women draw closer to God. Can’t wait to see you in Cincinnati next weekend!
Happy Birthday Beth!! I love the post your daughter wrote about you…you are a wonderful lady. God has certainly blessed you. May you always stay in the center of God’s will for you life.
I love it every time I have the opportunity to go through one of your Bible study series. I am planning on reading through “So Long Insecurity” with the ladies from our small rural church. We have a few teen girls that need to hear this message as well. Thank you for all the great materials and advice…God is so good.
Happy Birthday Beth! You are an awesome teacher of scripture and disciple of Jesus Christ. My faith is stronger due to your Bible studies! May God bless you and keep you and shine his face upon you and be gracious unto you! Amen!
Happy birthday, Beth!!! Thank you for giving of yourself in so many ways!! God has used you in the life of your husband, your daughters (and son), your grand babies, as well as millions of us women across the world. Prayerfully your birthday will not be the only day you feel appreciated. Thank you for making a difference in my life!!!
Sharon, Barrington
Happiest of birthdays Beth. Wow what a wonderful gift Melissa has given you, those words!! You have meant so much to me through God’s word in your studies. Truly a gift to me!
Happy birthday Beth! You have made a huge impact on my life!
Happy Birthdat Beth!!!! Thanks you for sharing with us your incredible wisdom and insight ! May God continue to Bless you in ways that take your breath away!
Happy Belated Birthday Beth!! My prayer for you is that you will grow even deeper and closer to the One you love! My prayer for me is that someday my kids will see Jesus in me like your precious daughters see in you! More of Him is the common denominator – so blessed by you and your example and your teaching!!! I know you had an amazing day!
Many happy returns on the day of your birthday; may sunshine and gladness be given. May God in His goodness prepare you on earth, for a BEAUTIFUL birthday in heaven!
Happy Birthday, Beth!! I hope you have a fabulous day and a very blessed year! You have given me a love of God’s Word and made it as necessary to me as air, food and water . Your passion for The Lord has been so contagious for so many! Thank you for your dedication to growing His kingdom and the sacrifices you have made to do it. We love you for changing the lives of so many, young to old! You bring the Word to life and have made it understandable and fired us with the desire to dig in to it. May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family!
Happy, Happy Birthday Beth Moore!
What a blessing it is to read about the love and respect a daughter has for her mother. Blesses my heart greatly!
Happy birthday Beth. You have helped me to understand and keep me interested in the bible. Thank you.
A very happy blessed birthday Ms Beth! I want to thank you for your inspiration in getting me to open my Bible and REALLY studying it. I have a long ways to go but you continue to give me the encouragement that I need. God loves you and so do I!
Happy Birthday Beth! God has truly blessed me thru you and your teachings. You open the Word to me in a clear and precise manner that feels warm and tender even when it brings me to my knees in realization of His grace in my life. Thanks for keeping it real! God bless you!
Aw, how sweet of Melissa to honor you, Beth with this blog! What a fine young lady our Heavenly Father has blessed you & your man with!
Happy Birthday to another June birthday girl! Thank you so very much for yielding your life to the Lord to serve as a blessing to others thru your study, your teaching, and the sharing of intimate parts of your life with others. Your recent post of the home-going of your precious father-in-law was such a blessing to me. My own devoted husband was diagnosed with Glioblastoma brain cancer in November 2013. Together we went thru 15 months of struggle, challenge, and medical interventions; yet our Heavenly Father blessed us so with friends, church family, and “Jesus time” that can not be called anything else but that.
So, Beth, thank you for sharing Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” This Fathers’ Day will be special to my children and me as we miss my devoted husband of 36 years, but all knowing that he is ever present with our Savior and Lord Jesus. Thank you Beth for sharing. Happy Birthday!
Wishing you many birthday blessings. Love, Rose
Happy Birthday Beth!
Like Paul in his letter to the Ephesians I thank God every time I remember you. I am beyond thrilled that you are coming to my hometown in July and that I asked for a ticket to see you for Mother’s Day and my fabulous husband delivered!! I can’t wait to worship with you!!
I love the way you bring the scriptures to life, the way you read the words as if they were written today. I love when I walk through a airport or hospital lobby and I see a lady with one of your studies we have an instant connection. Total strangers united by the love of our Savior … Thank you.
Happy Happy Birthday!
Happy Day to you Beth! I just volunteered at the Living Proof Live Event in Tampa and was so moved. This was my 14 year old daughter’s first women’s event and she LOVED you and your message. I bought her a journaling Bible from Lifeway and she busily copied down her notes from your talks. Thank you for your light and your love. I constantly pray for God’s continued blessings on your work for Him, your family and you.
Happy Birthday to Beth, my favorite Bible teacher! I loved the beautiful tribute from your daughter. You model what all of us aspire to be.
Happy Birthday Beth!! I thank God that you were born and that you have a beautiful heart for Him. You are a blessing to so many and you have been instrumental in my growth. I love you! Have a beautiful day!!!
Dawn
Birthday blessing to you!!! Thankful for your ministry…I am in your Sacred Secrets study this summer and it is powerful to see the Lord working in each of our lives. God bless you!
Happy Birthday Beth. Thank you Beth for the journey we have been on together since A Woman’s Heart God’s Dwelling Place. God’s word has changed my life and ministered to me in my darkest times. He is the one thing that will never leave or forsake. Thankful for your submissive will to do what he has so graciously gifted to you. May our trip continue until he calls us home.
Happy birthday, Beth! So appreciate you!
Happy Birthday Beth! I have so appreciated your insights on scripture throughout MANY of your studies! Melissa is a very gifted communicator and I so enjoyed her post. God has richly blessed you w/ each other! My own precious momma is in heaven, but Melissa I could echo you on many of the things you wrote about your mom. (Probably not as eloquently, though!) God’s blessings and love to you both!
Laura
happiest of belated birthdays Beth!!
Beth, wishing you the very happiest of birthdays today! Your life has impacted this life more than you will know. I am so thankful that you choose, everyday, to listen to your Father and allow Him to use you to touch the hearts of so many women like me.
Happy Birthday Beth!! Love your books. You are an inspiration to women to love God and follow Him.
Happy birthday, Beth. This works is a better place because you’re in it.
Happy birthday, Beth! Thank you for sharing the word in such a way as to impact so many for the kingdom. May God bless & protect you & your family!
Happy birthday Beth!!!
I have studied under you since the first time I ever saw you at a women’s conference in Phoenix,AZ even before you wrote your first Bible study! You have been such a blessing to me & many other women through these years. Thank you following God’s call on your life! I pray you will continue to write & we will continue to study!
God’s blessings you on your special day!
God bless you Beth. I’ve been set free from my prison since I have been blessed by your bible studies. May God protect you and your family, with health, and wisdom.
God Bless Beth on her birthday. would that we all would be so brave, so focused, so in love with Jesus. pour out your Spirit in her heart in a greater measure than she has ever known or imagined!!
Such a beautiful tribute. Happy birthday, Beth!
What a beautiful testimony from daughter to mother!
Happy Birthday, Beth! I praise God for how he is using you to touch so many lives for Him! Have a blessed day.
happy Birthday Beth! It was my privilege to meet you in the airport last October….it was so quick. But i just ahd to tell you what a lifeline you were to me as an IMB M living out on our own for many years. The Father used you to encourage my heart and deepen my love for both Him and His Word. For those priceless gifts, i will be eternally grateful. Thank you and many Blessings !! Joy
Aloha Beth, So wonderful to be able to sing Happy Birthday to you in person in Tampa this weekend. It was such an amazing time with you and 7000 of your friends! Always remember Jesus Loves You and so do I. Love, Peggyann
🙂 Happy Birthday!!! Loved, loved, loved today’s blog, though it made me miss my mom so much…
How wonderful to have not only God’s love, but the love of mothers.
And now I’m craving tortilla chips and salsa!
Have a much-blessed day.
A BIG Happy Birthday to you, Beth!! You have blessed my socks off over and over again. Your transparent faith, passion for the scriptures, and love for our Heavenly Father has been a true example to me. God has recently given me a passion for the working out our salvation process in womens’ lives… I am excited to see where and how God will use it. I’ve been inspired by how God has used YOU! Thank you for being so faithful to God’s calling… Love, Eileen
Happy Birthday Beth! I pray that I will be deserving of such love from my daughter as we walk through life together.
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you Melissa for sharing your heart with us as well. As a mother myself, it is so very special to hear of your heartfelt love for your mom and these words of love and appreciation are gift enough for her from you, as I have been the recipient of such sweet words from my children over time. I KNOW she loves you just as much, to the moon and back a zillion times! 🙂
What a wonderful, heartfelt tribute to a mother. I’m positive this post brought tears of joy and humility to her eyes. Happy Birthday, Beth! You have helped to light a fire in my soul for the Word of God. I will be forever grateful.
Happy Birthday Beth Moore! You truly are an inspiration and a gift to me and my mom. We have done multiple bible studies of yours and attended conferences that have truly lifted our spirits. Thank you for everything you do and keep on spreading God’s word!
Happy Birthday Beth! You have blessed me beyond words through your wonderful bible studies. I am doing the book of James right now, and it is changing me wonderfully! I love Melissa’s additions to it, and look forward to hearing more from her. Believing God and James are my personal favorites, and I keep thanking God for you. I truly hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Belated Happy birthday,Beth! It was a pleasure and an honor to be one of the 7000 women in attendance in Tampa this past wkend (I represented one of the other 33 states (Iowa)) Once again, because of your teaching, a few more scales were chipped from my eyes as I grew in “knowledge and understanding” of our Lord and Savior. Thank you for being obedient to His call. May God continue to show you His favor throughout the coming year.
Beth, may you have a blessed birthday and joy as you walk with Jesus in this coming year. Thank you for the blessing you are to the lives of so many!
Happy Birthday Beth Moore!!! When I began Bible study you were the first person I learned from and have enjoyed now for years. God uses you in amazing ways. Thank you for sharing the love of Christ with so many.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH!
You have no idea how you have touched my life and encouraged my walk with the Lord. Your transparency helps all of us realize we are not alone as we learn and experience God on deeper and more personal levels. God bless you as you continue on life’s journey.
Happy Birthday, Beth! Hope you have a wonderful and wondrous day! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Happy Birthday! Thank you for listening to Jesus and being an encouragement to so many!
Brandy
This is the day the Lord made BETH,
I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Thank you for your long obedience in the same direction. For continually motivating me to meet Jesus in His Word.