**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, Ms. Beth! You are such a powerful source of joy, hope, faith & love in this world. You’ve helped so many women fix their eyes on Jesus. Thank you for your work. I hope today is a happy day, full of love.
Happy Birthday, Beth! I feel like I know you! I have done most of your studies twice and have learned so much. Your love of God’s Word has made a tremendous impact on my life and my walk with God. THANK YOU for letting God use you.
Happy Birthday, dearest Beth!! Thank you for loving us, for sharing this life with us, and for forever lifting up the person and work of our fairest Lord Jesus. I love you, Kelly
Happiest of Birthdays Beth!!! You raised such lovely daughters and I pray God’s blessings on you daily. Hope your day is wonderful!
Julie
Happy Birthday, Beth! Thank you for allowing God to work through you to touch others. You have richly blessed me through your teaching of God’s Word. Many blessings to you!
Beth,
Love on your Mom as much as you can. I lost my mother early and how I would love to have time with her today. Cherish those times God gives you with her!!!
Happy Birthday Mom (Beth’s Mom)!!! Have a super fabulous Day!!
Mom I would just like to say thank you for the Godly woman you have brought into this world. She has touched my life in so many ways. May you both be guarded by the mighty power of Jesus as you go forth and proclaim His word.
God Bless you!
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for always pointing women to Christ and encouraging us always to hide the Word in our heart!
Happiest birthdays! You’re life changed my life. So thankful for breaking free!
Happy birthday, Beth!
Thank you for all you do for us! We love your studies, and we all are growing because of them!
Praying you have a wonderful birthday with your family!
Blessings! Karen Irwin, Dickson, TN
Happy Birthday, Beth! YOU are a treasure to all of us!
Happy Birthday Beth!!!
Happy birthday dear sweet Beth! You have touched my heart with God’s word like no other. May you continue to walk through God’s blessings!
Happy Birthday Beth. You have inspired me to follow Jesus with all I’ve got. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Prayers for you and your family always. Stay strong sister.
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for helping me understand God’s word and my purpose. Thanks again.
What a beautiful birthday message about your mom. She is an incredible person. I had an incredible mom too! What a gift to have on this earth.
Happy birthday, Beth:) Thank you for making a difference, not only to me but also to thousands of others. Your transparency, diligence, and courage to share has ministered. We, in turn, minister to others. Thank you and have a blessed day.
Happiest of birthdays to you, Beth Moore! I have come to love you and your intensity for Jesus, for life itself and what it all means in service to our Father. Bless you and your Kingdom work!
Beautiful post, Melissa! I’m late to the game and I don’t really care about the give away, well accept for the coffee and the key word Bible, but I wanted to say Happy Belated birthday to Beth. I have been doing her studies for almost 20 years, read her books, and been to many events where she has ministered. It’s hard to put into this little comment the impact she has had on my life. I am so thankful for you, Beth and your heart to implore women to follow hard after Jesus. Thank you and I love you, siesta!
Happy Birthday, Siesta Mama!
Thank you for being the inspiration for my deeper walk with Jesus. I watched you for years on stage in Houston, and your enthusiasm and love for Jesus is genuine and contagious!
I wish I had words to describe what your studies and teachings have meant to me over the years. I miss our Tuesday nights, and wish we could all gather with a cup of coffee and catch up. 🙂
Have a blessed day and know there are thousands/millions praying for you and your family.
love,
Ann
Happy Birthday! Thank you for being an inspiration to keep my life centered around Christ!
Happy Birthday precious woman of God! Your steadfast walk with the Lord is an inspiration to me!! May the coming year be the best year of your life thus far!! God bless you and your beautiful family! Sincerely!
Beth is awesome. It’s always great when a Christian who is famous sticks to her convictions and cherishes family. Wouldn’t it be great if all adult children could honor their parents in such a way as you have, Melissa?
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for your words of wisdom, bravery and courage to chase the heart of our Father. I will never forget a comment you made in one of your Bible studies about not being able to live without being in His Word for more than a few days. You were serious. And it hit right at home with me because we so desperately need His grace and guidance and love each and every day to live in this world.
I hope you had the most wonderful day celebrating!
Chelsea
Happy Birthday Beth. May your day be as full of blessings as those you’ve brought to others. I’ve thanked God for His calling in your life and for your obedience to respond.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday, Beth! Thank you so much for your wonderful Bible Studies. The lovely group of women I share your studies with have been together since 2005 and we have learned so much. You have truly enriched our walk with God and our understanding of His wise Word. The fact you do all that and get us to giggle is delightful! Happy birthday!!!
Happy Birthday, Beth! You have been such an inspiration to me throughout the years. The first Bible study I ever attended was “A Woman’s Heart.” It truly spoke to me at a time when I needed it most. I cannot begin to tell you all the ways it changed my life. You are a blessing to so many, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store next!
Happy Birthday Beth ! May God bless you always and all ways.
Haappy Birthday Beth. Thanks for blessing me with the WORD !!!!
Happy Birthday Beth! I’m so thankful for you and your faithfulness to be used by God. Blessings!
Happy birthday Ms. Beth!
You are a treasure who, in partnership with the Spirit of God, change my spiritual course many years ago and I’ve never looked back. Thank you and may we all be blessed with many more of your birthdays to come!
Melissa,
I saw this too late to enter the drawing, but I feel like I won the prize by getting to read your beautiful post about your mom and your time together….thank you for sharing that with us. It made my day!
Beth,
Happy Belated Birthday!!! We are so thankful to God you were born and that He made you the way He did! You have a blessing to us and we miss you LOTS! May the Lord continue to bless you and shower you with His favor.
Love,
Karen & Tariq (in Houston)
Happy birthday beth! I hope you had a joy filled day! Here’s to a year of new blessing ahead of you!
Happy Birthday, Beth. I have the joy of being mom to four daughters & 1 daughter-in-law and nothing brings more joy to my heart than having my girls share their feelings the way Melissa spoke about you. I loved her description of your simple pleasures and at the same time acknowledging how smart & courageous you are. Your obedience & love for Jesus has been inspirational in my life ever since I completed my first study, “Believing God”. You helped me believe those four key statements and it changed my life. I recently lost an uncle who was very dear to me – the day before your father-in-law went to be with Jesus so I feel like we can comfort one another in celebrating a life lived well – very Catholic & very much in love with Jesus. I’m looking forward to visiting Houston again in 2016 as I work to memorize scripture in 2015. Thanks again for your wonderful example, for your love for Jesus and your love for your family.
Cher Goeder, Toledo Ohio
Have a Wonderful! birthday! Love you In Christ Jesus. You have been inspirational in my life as someone who was abused and came through strong in Jesus.
Happy Birthday! Thank you for all you do!
Happy Birthday Beth! You have inspired me to grow and go deeper in my love for Jesus and His word! Have a super blessed day!
Lisa Kershaw
Xenia, Ohio
Happy happy birthday, Beth!! I wish you a very special day filled with love and laughter. You are a blessing to so many people, including myself! You share a birthday with my little girl who turns 5 today (sniff!). Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday, Beth!!!!!! You are a spiritual momma to me and I love and adore you to pieces and am so very thankful for you!!!!!! I hope your birthday is fabulous!!!!! Xoxoxo!!!!
Happy Birthday Beth Moore! My first BM bible study was the life of David about 15 years ago. I caught something from you. A hunger. A thirst. I dove in. Could not get enough of the scriptures. Then I had to tell everyone what I was learning. Then I realized God put the teacher thing in me. I honor you and your life. And I thank God for the way He has used you to encourage me over the years.
Happy Birthday to one of the most influential women in ministry today! Your studies and teachings changed the way I perceive God and a 24/7 relationship with Him! Thank you for the way you model for us how to truly love God and others and how exciting and wonderful that relationship can be!
Happy birthday from one Texas lady to another! May your day be as unique and special as you are.
“Her children arise and call her blessed” — what a gift you just gave your mama. Happy birthday Beth!
Happy Birthday, Beth! It is amazing to me that although I don’t know you personally, you have had such an influence in my life. (I have an Elizabeth named after you:) Thank you for being obedient to the call. I know in ministry especially, obedience often requires much sacrifice. Thank you. May this year bring you the greatest harvest and fulfillment for His Kingdom. You are greatly loved.
Happy Birthday Ms. Beth!
Happy Birthday Beth!
May you receive many blessings for a wonderful year! What a beautiful testament from your daughter. Thank you for sharing yourself and your ministry with us.
Happy Birthday, Beth. You have been a great help to me in my walk with Christ.
Happy Birthday to a woman who pursues God’s purpose for her in this generation with such grace and passion that it draws MANY to the Savior. What a beautiful tribute from Melissa!
Happy Birthday, Beth! We have met once, very briefly, at the LPL event in Kansas City a couple of years ago. I have the note you wrote me (and other gals on the leadership team) framed in my office. It treasure it. Your God-lead studies, books, and blogs have been incredible and life changing for me. Hope you have a wonderful birthday!!
Happy Birthday Beth! I love all of your bible studies and think you are a wonderful woman in Christ! I hope you have a great day! Again, Happy Birthday from Denham Springs, LA!
Happy Birthday Beth! Praying your day is as blessed as you are a blessing to others. Thank you for years of inspiration and grounding in our beautiful Lord. Praying for many more. Blessings & hugs!!