**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
Very well written Melissa. Beth, I took a group of ladies to Lubbock last summer and so many were freed through His Word that you taught. We appreciate you more than you know and all you mean to Kingdom Work. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to a wonderful, real person who has taught me so much about the Bible and our Lord. I love her enthusiasm and the ways she encourages us.
Thank God for a woman like you in today’s world, that helps us to keep on moving and trusting God~~~~
Happiest of birthdays to you, Beth! May our Most Faithful God keep you faithful to Him this year and astound you with His goodness!!! And thank you, Melissa, for a marvelous tribute to your Mother.
Happy Birthday, dear Lady! I cannot adequately express what an impact you have made on my life through your direct,anointed, passionate Bible teaching. Hearing you speak on Philippians 3 years ago at a Lifeway event in Jacksonville, Fl literally changed my life. I am going through Believing God in my personal studies now and I am overwhelmed with excitement about who our God is! Thank you for giving of yourself time and time again to minister to the Body of Christ. May His grace and blessing overflow you today, Beth! I love you, dear sister!
Wheatridge, Colorado
Happy Birthday, Beth!
I adore your bible studies, your Podcasts and conferences.
Most of all, I adore how you lead me directly to the throne of our God. Thank you for showing me how to fall in love with Jesus, over and over again.
Be blessed, my dear sister in Christ.
Sharon
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for being a BLESSING to so many!
Happy Birthday Beth! I read Melissa ‘ s letter just as I was finishing up a letter of love and advice to my daughter who was recently married. The bond between a mother and daughter is certainly a blessing from God. Thank you for sharing with us.
Happy Birthday to an awesome lady!!
May you have the happiest of birthdays and many more!
Happy Birthday Beth! LP Ministries has really helped me grow in my identity with Christ. God Bless You.
Happy Birthday, Beth!! I hope you are blessed by knowing how many you have blessed. And to be honored so by one you have born must bless you beyond measure. Thank you for your obedience and boldness.
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for pouring spiritual wisdom over us ladies for all these years! We thank God for you! Hope you have a wonderfully blessed day!!
Melissa, absolutely beautiful and real words right there! Happy Birthday Beth and thanks for being so real for all of your readers. Sending you a big hug from across the web and wishing you the best hair day on your birthday:)
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Much love to the Moores and Joneses, and the very happiest of birthdays to you, Mrs. Beth.
Happiest of birthdays Beth! You are beautiful and you’ve shared your heart with so many. Thank you for teaching me so much about the Bible and our sweet Lord. ❤️
Happy Birthday Beth!!!!!! I hope this day is just “Enchanting” and all you could ever wish for!!
Happy Birthday Beth! I have done several of your Bible Studies and am always amazed at what you pull out of God’s Word. You truly have a gift! I recently attended your LPL conference in Albuquerque with my 19 yo daughter Amanda and we had the best time! It was her introduction to you which she loved, along with Travis and the awesome worship team! Thank you for all you do and have a wonderful birthday!
Happy Birthday Beth! Your personality shines through your studies and I just love them. (And your wardrobe – for sure) your intense biblical ease is a blessing. Digging that crossbody saddle bag!
Happy Birthday Beth! You are such a wonderful testimony to our Lord Jesus Christ! You are such a blessing to me!
Happy Birthday Beth!!! I am so incredibly grateful for you and your walk with Jesus. Watching you and reading your studies have shaped me into the leader I am today. God is good!
A most happy birthday, Beth! Your studies were my “second touch.” In a sermon I once heard on Jesus touching the blind man’s eyes a second time, the preacher explained that he felt that second touch in our lives is when our faith is revitalized. Your studies have done that for me. May God bless you with many more blessed years and with lots of new studies!
Happiest Birthday, dear Beth! Your studies have filled my heart, mind & life – and for that I am forever grateful!
Happy Birthday to a Beautiful lady, inside and out. Beth, y our ministry has helped me grow and continues to. If someday my child could say all those things about me I would be truly amazed. God is not through with either of us yet, O Praise Him. I wrote a little remake of the Happy Birthday tune. Feel free to share it with those you love…Happy Birthday to you. May God bless you too. Let the Spirit of God guide you…all the year through. And many more.
Happy Birthday Beth! Although you’ve never met me, I feel like you’re one of my dearest friends! Thank you for blessing my life! I hope this year is your best with many more to follow!!
Happy Birthday to you, dear Beth! I love studying God’s Word with you. Keep on pointing to Jesus. And may there be an abundance of chips & salsa for you on this special day!
Happy Birthday, Beth! I am grateful to our great God who loves us and to you for answering His call and ministering to me and so many others the love and truth of His word. Heartfelt thanks and joy on your special day!
Happy Birthday sweet sister in Christ!
Ahhh…We share a birthday! Happy Birthday Beth and may God bless us both with many more so we may be a blessing to others!
Happy Birthday! Thank you for dedicating your life, so that we may glean from your wisdom! You are inspiring! Lpl Tampa was such a blessing! Loved it!
Happy Birthday Beth! You are such a blessing to me and the other 150 women in our Tuesday night Bible study at church. Your have brightened our lives with your humor and wit and our hearts with the love of God. Thank you for your obedience to God’s calling into women’s ministry. The world is definitely a better place because you are in it – Happy Birthday Girl!!!
The happiest of birthdays to one of my very favorite Bible study teachers!!
Happy Birthday Beth!!! Getting into God’s Word starting with your Bible studies has transformed my life! So thankful for you. What a gift of God you are!!!
Happy Birthday Beth! Remember Eugene, OR…….Time is coming not going! Please come back:)
Happy Birthday Beth and God-sized blessings over you and yours in the year ahead. Thank you so for all you do to breathe Jesus into this crazy world we inhabit. I am better because of steady His steady, perfectly timed work through your head, hands and heart. God bless you profoundly.
Melissa. That. Was. So. Beautiful. God’s blessings over you and your future.
May God bless you on your special day as you have blessed me and my friends happy birthday Beth. Thank you for all you do to teach God’s word. He definitely gave you a precious gift that you share with us all God bless!
Happiest if Birthdays to you Beth! God used you to rescue me through your video study of “David, a man after Gods own heart” . You will not know how important that was to me this side of heaven.
Praying you have a wonderful birthday today!!
God bless you Beth! May your birthday be filled with lots of love and laughter (i know i’m a day late but the celebration doesn’t have to stop!). You have blessed my walk with the Lord. Thanks for your service to the body of Christ!
One of God’s greatest blessing is a daughter. This is so lovely. I pray my Father will anoint me to have His impact on my daughter & daughter in laws. Have a blessed birthday Beth.
Happy birthday!!!!!
I just finished the Daniel study. What a blessed time it was and I miss getting together with fellow believers each week now.
I would love to win this package. If I win I will share part with some of my “Best Friends”. Thank you for serving Our Lord!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH!!! PRAYING GOD BLESSES YOU WITH A WONDERFUL DAY!!! YOU DESERVE IT YOU ARE SUCH A BLESSING!! 🙂 <3
Happy Birthday Beth. It is about midday in America, I think, and I pray that your day has been hugely blessed so far with even more blessings to come. You have blessed so many and deserve to be blessed in turn.
Happiest of Birthdays! The best IS yet to come!
Happy B-day Beth, your Bible Studies are such a blessing to our women at TCQC in Amarillo. Praise God for you and the lives you have touched through being faithful and allowing God to use you!!!❤️
Happy Birthday thank you for all your insights to life! Excited to see you in Ohio this month!
Many, many birthday blessings prayed for you! Thank you for being such a positive light in my life, and for showing me how to develop a stronger, deeper love relationship with my Jesus!
Happy Birthday Beth.
First woman bible teacher I ran smack into and haven’t stopped since. You are a mentor to me and so many in this world without even realizing it. You changed my world and my knowledge for His Kingdom. He used you many times over the years to get through to my stubborn heart. Love listening to you and hearing the drops of God’s breath on your tongue. For being honest and transparent. So glad God birthed you into this world. Hope you have a day filled with lots of love and cake of course. Enjoy.
Happy Birthday to you! Thank you for your commitment to Jesus and sharing your love for him with us.
Happy Birthday, Mentor!
You have mentored me for years from afar. You have taught me, and loved me through HIS Word. Thank you!
May HE continue to favor you, may HE continue to shine through you. May HE continue to grow your love for HIM.
Happy Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA BETH!!! When I woke up this morning I swear the first thing I thought of when I turned on my phone and saw the date was, ‘is today Beth’s birthday?’.
Of course it was yesterday, but what a BEAUTIFUL tribute Melissa. This is the most vulnerable I think I’ve heard you write. So personal. Thank you for that! I LOVE reading your posts.
Love you all Moore women and I’m full of gratitude again for the work you do for Jesus.