**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 beautiful lady! You truly are a wonderful blessing to everyone around. Dealing with childhood abuse and present emotional turmoil you have consistently encouraged me. I’ve read and reread a couple of your devotionals and numerously watched your videos. Throughout your words I’ve seen understanding, love, and encouragement. But more importantly I’ve seen a God of love. I believed that at the abuse I faced was God’s way of preparing me to accept that I was a no one. You have helped guide me to a new belief that happened was not God’s doing but Satan’s to silence my heart. Thank you for opening my eyes to hope and my heart for a hunger of God’s Word to me. Happy birthday. You are beautiful inside and out.
In my quest to grow spiritually, I struggled finding enough time to study the scriptures. I am a wife, a mom, a volunteer, a business owner, and a fellow struggler. My life was full of activities and yet I had (and still have) a passion for more time in the Word. I, like Beth, am from the South, though I live on the West Coast. In some ways I was envious of Beth because it was her ‘job’ to study scriptures and Hebrew, etc., the very thing that I so desperately desired. I remember the day well when my heart changed. It was a particularly challenging time in my life (unbelievable hard) and I was just spent. In my prayer, I praised God for scholars like Beth who had time to research and then share what they learned. That praise actually surprised me because it was not planned and just flowed from my heart. Instead of being envious, I began to understand that was their role on this earth. So thank you and all scholars for going deep so we can glean from your knowledge. Happy Birthday, Beth.
Happy Birthday, Beth! I hope you are especially blessed today!
Happy Birthday!!! You are such an inspiration to me and my walk with God! Love and Blessings to your day!
What a beautiful Birthday tribute to such a beautiful woman. I have been engaging in Beth’s bible studies for years. She is one of my favorite teachers. The bible study that helped me to make some big changes in my life was “So Long Insecurity”, this study and so many others have helped me to understand the love of Jesus so much more, Thank you Beth for investing in so many of our lives. Happy Birthday to you, and may you receive abundant blessings.
In his love,
Kimberly
When I first became a Christian, “Believing God” changed my life!!! I work at LifeWay and recommend it to anyone who is new to the faith and wanting to understand just how Big and Extraordinary our God is!! Thank you Beth! Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!! May you be surrounded by the ones you love and granted many more years to serve!!
Happy Birthday!!! Have an awesome day filled with family, friends, and creating memorable moments!
Happy Birthday, Beth! You are a truly gifted teacher of the Word of God. May God continue to bless you as you continue to walk with Him and share your love for Him with all of us.
How it must thrill your heart to read the words of love your daughter has written to you in this post! What a wonderful testimony of His love in your family. I believe there is no greater blessing as a Mom than to watch as your children grow in faith and service of our Lord!
Much love in Christ and wishes for an awesome celebration of your birthday…
Happy Birthday. Thank you so much for teaching us the Word and sharing the love of Christ.
Happy Birthday to you dear Beth. You are so darn cute!! I absolutely love to hear you speak on the word of God! You bring so much life into it! Have a great day!
Beth~ Happy late Birthday to you!!! I sure hope your day was just perfect in every way–ending with your favorite dessert.
You (along with the Holy Spirit) have plunged me deeper into the love of Jesus than anyone. I thank you for that! May God continue to richly bless you and lead you to write studies that we need at this time in history. Drown us with all that we need to study and learn as these days are getting stranger and evil shows up in the most unlikely places. I love you!
Happy, happy, happy birthday! I’m so blessed that God has put you here at this time. You have touched my life and sooooo many others! Love you!
Melissa,
This letter you wrote about your mother is beautiful. I felt like I was going to cry. Your mother is so special and we all know it. I am thankful that you and your sister are Christians and know how wonderful your mother is.
Happy Birthday Beth. You are so blessed to have your daughters to be Christians and to love you and want to spend time with you. I pray you have an extra special day.
Your friend in Jesus,
Michelle Bordelon
Dearest Beth– want to wish you an awesome birthday!! I have prayed for you and your LP staff for several years! Your ministry has meant so much to me over the years! My favorite writing of yours is Breaking Free! Helped me make life changing decisions in my walk with Christ! Thanks so much and love you!
I hope you have a wonderful day! Blessings and coffee!
The Happiest of Happy Birthdays to you, Miss Beth! What an incredible tribute written for you by your sweet Melissa. I have a Melissa of my own who brings me great joy as well. I wish you a birthday filled with spectacular surprises found in special quiet moments – the ones that can come only through our loving God’s handiwork and interwoven tapestry. And may the coming year bring blessings and peace and happiness and overabundant grace to you and yours. Thank you for your willingness to listen and follow our Holy Father and his fabulous Spirit. Bless you and your sweet family.
Happy cake and ice cream day!!
Happy Birthday Beth!
I have witnessed many of the traits that Melissa mentions in her post during your studies both live and video and various visits to both Copperfield Church and Faithbridge Church. You have been an inspiration to so many women (and men as well) worldwide. Imagine my delight in finding your work in a tiny bookstore in Fortaleza, Brasil while on mission there. Your bible studies fed my hungry spirit when I first accepted Christ and I recommend them all the time.
Wishing a special birthday to a special lady. God bless!
Blessings to you Beth on your special day! Thank you, for being faithful to the call that God has placed on your life. You are a blessing and encouragement to so many. Have a joy filled birthday!
Happiest of Birthdaysto a woman that is lived and treasured by more people than you know. May you celebrated today! Thank you , Beth, for sharing your gifts and loving us enough to be honest and humble. You truly shine for Jesus and you impact on the Kingdom is remarkable.
Happy birthday, Beth!! You are such a gift and a blessing. Hope you feel as loved as you are today!
Happiest of birthdays! Thank you for allowing God to work through you. So long, insecurity changed my life! Praying God’s richest blessings on you!
Happy birthday!
God has richly blessed you and has used you in a mighty way in my life as I grow to know, love, serve and share Him more each day!
All for His glory
Mindi
Happy birthday, dear Beth. You are the real deal and I’m grateful to God for all He does in and through you and for the way you open yourself up to women all over the world so that He can spill over on us. HUGS and Chips & Salsa ALL AROUND!
Happy Happy Happy Birthday!!!! May this day be sweeter than all the others. May you rest securely in the palm of your risen Savior and may you feel is breathe and measureless love always!!!! Happy day!!! Karen
Happy Birthday to one of the most beautiful, most passionate, and one of the most influential women in my walk with Jesus! Your genuine, unbridled excitement for Jesus and His Word has left such a lasting imprint on my life! So much so that a couple of my kids call you Grandma 🙂 Thank you!
Praying your day is filled with all that you love!!!
Nicole Graves
Keller, Tx
Wishing you the most blessed day Beth! Thank you for blessing the world with the gifts God has given you. I love your energy and enthusiasm for studying the Bible and the depth of new knowledge you unearth and impart to us. In recognition of the mother and daughter pairing of this post, I’ll leave you with a special birthday song my mom wrote and sings to many family members on their birthday:
Happy, happy birthday, child of God!
May He bless you, may He keep you,
May He wrap His arms around you,
May you always know His love!
Kelly
Happiest of birthdays to you, Beth! Melissa, the Apple indeed doesn’t fall far from the tree. You and your sister were raised right!
Happy Birthday (Monday). We are forever grateful for your service to our Lord. Our small group (husbands included) are enjoying Daniel. May God bless you with many more years to come.
Happy Birthday, Beth!
May you be blessed this year and continue to be a blessing!
Brenda
Happy birthday, Beth! May you have a joy filled year! Thank you for giving me a love for God’s Word, too!
Happy Birthday Beth.
I read what Melissa wrote and it brought tears to my eyes. You are blessed. Melissa, you are blessed to have a mother that would walk through fire with you. Thank you all for the ministry that you have with so many women.
I pray God’s blessings and more blessings on the Moore family.
Enjoy your day, Beth
happy birthday, beth!! thankful for you and your obedience to God’s call on your life—for your transparency, your wisdom, your relentless and fierce love for your family and insistent praise of Jesus. yours has been a mighty work in the kingdom and countless individuals are thankful. we celebrate you today!!
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul!! So grateful for the impact she has had on countless lives!! Mine has certainly been grown, stretched, strengthened, challenged, humbled and deeply, deeply blessed. May God’s sweetest blessings in great abundance be yours sweet Siesta Mama!! We love you!
Happy Birthday God bless you for all you do!!!
Happy Birthday to a truly beautiful lady!
I can’t begin to put into words what Beth Moore bible studies have done to keep our women’s ministry alive and growing. For me personally I find such inspiration through your bible studies. I am still trying to memorize James – I have chapter 1 down pretty good. Thank you for all you do. I have never met you but I feel like I know you – God bless you today and always.
Your Sista in Christ,
Charlene
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for sharing your love for God and His Word to so many!
Happy Birthday, Beth!! You are one of my favorite Bible teachers! Your passion for the Lord and for His Word inspires me. Your willingness to follow His leading regardless of the cost challenges me, and your studies help me grow and become more like Him. I thank God for you and your ministry. The day you were born heaven rejoiced and the body of Christ received a very special gift! Blessings!!
God Bless you on your birthday, Beth! Your children have risen up and called you blessed! What praise indeed – well done, thy good and faithful servant!
Happy Birthday, Beth! I hope you have a wonderful day filled with lots of love! I will be celebrating my 30th Birthday a little later this week…yay for June birthdays!
Happy happy birthday to my very favorite Bible teacher! You have taught me so much and I thank you for following God’s call in your life. Have a blessed year!
Happiest of birthdays, Ms. Beth! Thank you for your faithful service and godly example.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom. She is a beautiful woman. I have loved her for years – facilitated and done almost all of her studies. May she have many more years to serve Jesus and us – her women……Happy Birthday!!!!
Happy and very Blessed Birthday to you Beth!
I have for many years referred to you as my “best friend I’ve never met”. Lord, please bless my “best friend” with an overwhelming sense of Your Presence in everything and everyone she encounters today.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Thank you for this. I have been having some hard, first-time parenting days. This birthday tribute was a blessing to me as well as a beautiful tribute to your Mom. We all need encouragement in the walk of life. Beth, you encouraged me for years as a single, professional woman. Now, you encourage me as a single Mom. Life is hard sometimes for single Moms. Thank you for showing us how to depend on Jesus, one day at a time. Happy Birthday, precious Mom!!!
Happy Birthday to a mighty woman of God. You have truly been an inspiration to me and I can honestly say every time I have heard you on “Life Today” or participated in one of your Bible studies, I have been ministered to by the Holy Spirit. I appreciate that you are authentic, real and so sincere. Your love for the Lord Jesus shines through all you do. I am eternally grateful to have been blessed by your ministry.May God’s best blessings be yours today and always!
Happy birthday, Beth! I want to thank you for your wonderful Bible studies. The first study I ever did was A Woman’s Heart. That study opened my eyes and my heart to the fact that God is alive and active in this world and He has a plan!
Dear Beth, I have done all but one of your studies! What I love most about them (and you) is that I don’t always agree with some of your interpretations and theology but I learn so much and feel like you wouldn’t care one bit about the little disagreements, you’d just be happy I’m in the Word and being guided by the Holy Spirit, just as you are! Your humility and priority of Jesus and family are a model for me. I wonder what God was thinking when you were born? Perhaps of the thousands of women (and men!) that would be impacted in and beyond your lifetime. Happy birthday and thank you! And thank You, Jesus!
Thank you Beth for being REAL and compassionate! Have a great birthday celebrating with those you love dearly!
I think I might have missed the giveaway, but I don’t care. Happy Happy Birthday to a lady who has been a friend and mentor to me and we have never met. Thank you for saying yes to Jesus over and over again. I use the fice statements you shared to help fight Satan’s lies all the time.
“God is who He says He is, He can do what He says He can do, I am who God says I am, I can do all things through Christ, I Believe God!” Boy that has sue helped me a lot. That and the Secrets bible study. Love you Mrs Beth
Mindy Seekford
Stonewall, LA