**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!! And many thanks, Melissa, for posting such a wonderful tribute to your incredible mother. I love the photos especially 🙂
I still remember walking into Lifeway store 11 years ago to look for a book to refresh my spiritual life. The most beautiful book cover I had ever seen caught my attention, the Title “Believing God,” captivated my heart…..I had no idea that the words within would light a fire within me to passionately pursue Jesus through God’s Word with every fiber of my being. Happy Birthday to the greatest Bible study teacher EVER!!
Some days have God’s fingerprints all over them. Hope you have the kind of day that feels like He made it just for you. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday from Iowa!!!!!! We love you Beth!
Happy Birthday, Sweet Beth! You are an inspiration to say, “Yes” to God. Thank you for your obedience!
—Anne
Happy Birthday, Beth! May God continue to richly bless your ministry. Thank you for remaining true to God’s calling on your life and blessing so many along the way!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Beth!! Your hunger and passion for the WORD has allowed so many of us to be able to know The Lord in a deeper way as you so graciously and powerfully share the insight HE has given you! Bless you for your obedience and transparency! You are loved!
Happy Birthday Beth! You have truly been a wonderful big sister in Christ to me. I hope this next year blesses you and your ministry!
First off…most happiest of birthdays to Beth! And secondly, I am most grateful that my very first Bible Study was Esther: It’s Tough Being a Women. It changed the way I studied the Bible!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Wishing you a day of joy and BLESSINGS!
Happy Birthday Beth!
You share a birthday with my sister. You have both been a huge influence in my life and
I love you both.
Many Blessings this year,
Theresa
Happy Birthday Beth!
Happy Birthday Beth, thank you for blessing all of us with teaching God’s word and opening our hearts up to Jesus in such a beautiful, real way. May you have a lovely and sun (SON)lit day!
Happy Birthday to one of my utmost favorite bible study leaders. You make me yearn to learn more about God’s word and have helped me to understand how important my walk with the Lord is….
Happy Birthday Beth!! I enjoyed hearing you a few weeks ago at Foundry. What a night!! You are an amazing inspiration to me.
Thank you,
Nancy Hornell
(my daughter Julie Hornell went to Cy Falls HS with Amanda. Julie and her son Noah love attending Bayou City in Cypress. I a have visited several times too. Amazing Church
Happy Birthday Beth! Your writings and sermons have inspired me more than you can know.
I once heard a speaker say that we as Christian receive the precious gift of grace, we know what we have been “saved from”… However, many don’t always find out what our “saved for” is all about. God wants to use each and every one of us for something for HIs glory , something for HIS kingdom to be made know. You Mrs. Beth —had definitely found out you “saved for.” THANK YOU FOR SEEKING TO FIND OUT WHAT THAT IS AND BEING OBEDIENT TO WHAT GOD CALLED YOU TO DO.
Happy birthday! When I first gave my life to the lord at 16 I went to your bible study. I thought Christianity was full of boring religious people. I was so blown away to see a Christian woman who was bold, funny, humble, silly, fun, knowledgable and spirit filled. I remember thinking “who knew you could have so much personality as a Christian, I want that!” Your bible studies have deepened my knowledge of the lord and impressed on me the sweet story of his love. Thank you!
What a joy it was this morning to see today is your Birthday Ms. Beth!! (I will put this on my calendar to remind me yearly.) Happy Birthday!!! (I really want to say Happy Birthday my DEAR Friend!!, even though we have never met.) God has blessed me and so many women through YOU! God bless you MORE!! Daily, hourly, minutely (is that a word?) !!!!!
Love, hugs, prayers and more HUGS!!
Tensie
Happy, happy birthday to you, Beth!! I am so very glad you were born. I hope this birthday is the start to a joyful and blessed year for you and yours. (And this post is just beautiful. Thank you for writing it, Melissa!)
Happy Birthday Beth! I hope you have a wonderful, blessed day!
(Thank you, Melissa, for sharing!)
Dear Beth,
Every bible study I’ve done of yours (several, not all yet;) has been such a tremendous blessing to me and has always challenged me in my Christ walk and given me new insights into God’s word. I’ve also had the awesome privilege to attend one of your conferences about 2 years ago in Kansas City, MO where you spoke right into my spirit but it wasn’t what you taught that night (I know that was good too) but rather something you shared about your life that I will always remember. Thank you for being “real” in a world where so many try to be something other than who they are. Thank you for all of your hours spent in prayer and submission before our Lord to bring forth revelation and truths from His word. Most importantly, thank you Lord for all that you’ve done through Beth and this wonderful ministry! May you continue to bless the work of her hands and anoint the words from her mouth. On this day that she was born, may she tangibly feel your love to her from all of us who are super blessed by her work. On her days of struggle may she be reminded of this outpouring of love and support and remember that she has been chosen “For such a time as this.” Happiest of Birthdays to you Beth!! And to Melissa- what a tremendous gift you have given to your Mom-thank you for sharing your heart of love for her with us. ^j^
Happy Birthday!!! For years now I have read and enjoyed your writing, I am a mom of 3 wonderful sons and have 11 beautiful grandchildren who are themselves following God’s direction in their lives… I have gone through 3 separate open heart surgeries, a brain surgery and 9 stents and now as of 2 yrs ago was diagnosed with non-alcoholic end stage liver cirrhosis. But as I have done for almost 16 years now, I will face these challenges holding onto Gods hands, staying positive and doing what I can to get better. You and your life’s work have been an inspiration to me, so I hope this birthday brings a joyful time of peace for you… love in Christ, Karen
Happy Birthday Beth. Love you bunches. Anne
HaPpY BiRtHdAy to YOU, Miss Beth! Praying for a special day filled with love and blessings followed by a great year!
Blessings,
Rayna
Happy Birthday, Beth! I hope you have a wonderful day with your loved ones! Your ministry has meant so much to me. Your love of Christ and passion for Bible study is such an inspiration. Thank you!
Awww….that was a beautiful tribute!
Happy Birthday!
You rock! 🙂
Sherry_crochets
Happy Birthday Sweet Beth, you are the most inspiring, gifted, and beautiful gals I know. Thank you Beth for your encouraging words, and stories that bring the Bible alive for me, your passion and excitement for Christ comes alive and inspires so many and its overwhelmingly contagious! Thank you for following the calling God placed on your sweet heart! I know if I am ever in a “slump” all I have to do is pull up my laptop and watch a past study video or simulcast that I purchased and downloaded just to be encouraged. You have blessed us more than any words can ever express! Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough for what you have opened up in me. I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart! May God Bless You in Abundance today and everyday! Have a very blessed birthday filled with lots of love, family and friends (and hopefully pictures to share) 🙂 In God’s Precious and Glorious Love.
May you have JOY today and all your tomorrows, Beth! Happy Birthday, dear one! I lift you in prayer each day, and send love and hugs direct!
Happy Birthday Beth! May God bless you immensely in this new year of your life!
Happy birthday Beth!! Hope it’s the best one yet!
Happy Birthday Miss Beth!
You have been such a blessing to me and my ever deepening relationship with our God. Thanks for your faithfulness to see through the call He has given you.
Joanna
HappyBirthday!! Love following your adventures on social media.
Best to all of you.
Happy Birthday Beth Moore. I don’t know you as well as I want to know you. Thank you for sharing your love for our Lord!!!
Wow, what a wonderful tribute to your Mom! Happy Birthday, Beth. You are blessed and a blessing.
Happy Birthday Beth!
Birthday blessings sweetest lady. I have followed you for over 20 years..my heart has,grown towards,Jesus more, and more as you pour out His truth. ..you are loved with any ever lasting love. AMEN
Happy Birthday, Beth!!!
What a lovely post. What a way to honor your mom! Love it and I LOOOOVE knowing that she is the real deal, from her own daughter. Her life is certainly worthy of immitation (because she walks in the Spirit).
Happy Birthday, Beth! Thank God for your life today! Your life has certainly changed mine!
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!! I love your studies so much!! I am in the middle of memorizing James because of you! It’s taking me a while but I don’t plan on giving up until it’s done.
I would have loved to have met you in person on your recent visit to the Albuquerque area I am so sure we could be BFF’s! I am certain we will be in the next life!
Have a wonderful day!
Renee
Happy Birthday Beth!
You and your studies have done more to deepen my walk with Jesus than anything other than my parents.
Hope you have a truly wonderful & blessed day!
In Him,
Kathy Wilshire
Happy birthday Beth! Thank you for your inspiration, encouragement, knowledge, wisdom, humor, and your way of making me hungry for God’s Word. Happiest birthday Beth. Hope your day is full of love and sweetness.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Best.birthday ever to Beth. You have blessed so many of us with your teaching and love for Jesus. May each year bring you loads of happiness.
A very happy birthday to one of my favorite teachers of the Word!
Thank you, Beth, for all you do to further the kingdom of God!
Melissa,
What a touching and thoughtful post. The love you and your Mother have for one another explodes off of the page.
God bless you on your journey!
Toni
Happy Birthday Beautiful Lady!!!! Wishing you many blessings on your special day and year ahead!!!
What an amazing tribute that your daughter wrote about her amazing mother. She sure summed it up the best. I have done several of your studies and I can say when listening to the videos it is as if you are in the room. God has gifted you in a mighty way. I pray that He will continue to bless you every day but especially today on the day He brought you in to the world. Happy Birthday Beth.
I thank my God for you and pray His blessings on you today and in the years to come. Thank you for your faithful teaching. Happy and blessed birthday, Beth!
Happy Birthday Beth,
As a new Christian of almost 4 years, you have helped guide my walk with Christ and I just wanted to thank you for that. You bring to life the written word so that even a new babe can understand!!!
Happy, Happy, Birthday!!!
Happy Birthday to a beautiful soul. You inspired me to read Scripture again when I only wanted to
crawl into the nearest available hole. Thank you for your faithfulness to the cause of Christ!
Thank you, Beth, for allowing God to use you as His vessel and pour out the wonders of His love into my life and the lives of countless women. I have been truly blessed through your ministry. Yet, what I find so uplifting is that your family has also been touched deeply through Jesus in you. What a beautiful post by Melissa! You walk the talk, baby! Thank you. And Happy Birthday! 🙂
Happy Birthday, Beth! You are a very special Christian, Bible teacher, lady, wife, mother and grandmother. Thank you for your obedience to Him! You inspire us all. God bless you today and every day!!