**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
Yay Beth!!!! We share the same Birthday!!! I hope you have a Fantabulous Day!!!! Blessings!! XOXO
The words Melissa wrote paint a glorius picture of someone she truly loves and admires. Some of them we have all seen or experienced. What a Blessing you are to so many. I for one am humbled and Praise YHWH for bringing you into my life. May He richly Bless you in a very special way today! Blessed Happy Birthday!
Have a blessed birthday!!!
When you listen to someone speak and you think to yourself, “Man! I’d love to have her for a neighbor, and be able to sit down and have coffee with her, invite her over for a girl’s night, and be able to call her when I have a problem or good news to share.” THAT’S you, sweet lady!
Happy birthday to someone who is real and honest and human, and tells us over and over again how much God loves us, even when we can’t even love our selves.
Happy birthday to you, you are a light (and a hoot!) in this challenging world!
Happy Birthday Beth! You are deffinantly my favorite teacher. You have encouraged me to be in Gods word. I remember you saying Habit creates Hunger! Thank you for being obedient to Gods calling on your life. So many of us have been blessed by it!
Thanks again and I hope you had the best Birthday ever. The letter from your daughter has to have made it one of the best!
Love,
saundra
I have been blessed many times over by Beth Moore studies. Many, many Happy Birthday wishes for Beth and many blessings upon her family.
Happy Birthday Beth! In many ways you are my most trusted mentor. I pray God grants you a double portion of blessing today!
I hope you have an especially blessed birthday, Beth. I’m sure your family will honor you in many wonderful ways. You have blessed my life with your teaching, humor and love for God. You make the Scriptures come alive by your words. Thank you for being used of God to teach women to become more like Christ. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Beth! Love you as GOD’s spokesperson !
Happy Birthday! Thank you for discipling me in my Christian life. My friends and I truly love you.
“And her children will rise up and called her blessed”!
I am so glad that you share your precious Mom with us, because she is a light to our world!
Happiest of Birthdays is wished for you sweet Beth.
Hi Beth, Happy Birthday! Your love for Jesus and all of us siestas has cast its light all the way up to MA. I celebrate you and all that God has gifted you in ministry. A big thank you!
Happy birthday, Beth!! You have been the most influential woman in my life, second to my own mother. God used your teaching to get me though the hardest struggle of my life, and I will never be able to thank Him or you adequately. I hope you have a wonderful day of celebration!
And what a fun giveaway! I am positively drooling over that stack of Bibles, what a priceless gift!!
Happy Birthday Mom! The best gift any mom can give her
child is modeling a Faith in God and a Love for Jesus
and Listening for the prompts of The Holy Spirit!
Thank you for being that mom. For being Beth’s mom.
And for modeling for us how to be a MOM.
God’s Love, Grace and Peace to you with Birthday Blessings!
Happy happy birthday sweet Beth! You will never fully grasp the impact you have on my life. You are such a beacon for Jesus and have led me to and through revelation after revelation in your teachings. Praising God for this day he brought you into this world and for the glory he knew your life would bring His name!
Be Blessed Sweet Lady,
Andrea
During the course of my spiritual journey I have experienced many ups and downs. My first Beth Moore study, Believing God, opened my spiritual eyes and helped give me a new found love for studying the Word in depth. I have grown leaps and bounds ever since. Beth has taught me how to relish the study of the Word and allow it to consume my soul. Thank you Beth and have a blessed, Christ-filled birthday!!
Happy Birthday Beth, You are such a blessing in so many lives.I love studying the Bible with you.
Happy Birthday Beth, thank you for giving so graciously of your time and talents. I have been blessed, empowered, enlightened and encouraged through your ministry.
Happy birthday Beth! God’s richest blessings to you!
Happy Birthday with much love and many prayers!
Happy Birthday!!
Happy Birthday Beth. So thankful for all of your books you’ve shared with us, but one of my favorites is Feathers From My Nest. This book sure helped me when I entered into the world of “empty nest”. Thanks for sharing your heart. Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Happy Birthday, Beth!! This post brought tears to my eyes. As the mother of three grown boys (and now 3 daughter-in-laws and 3 grandkids), I can just imagine how much these words from a beloved daughter mean to you deep down. What a gift! And what a privilege to be able to walk through the hard times with those we love, knowing with everything in us that God is light and in Him there is no darkness. Thank you for being such a strong example of love and perseverance and joy. It’s very evident that the Spirit lives in you and you in the Spirit. It’s contagious! Celebrate well today with joy and an overflowing heart!!
Happy Birthday! What a wonderful tribute!
Happy Birthday to a very precious lady, who encourages and inspires so many people daily with her walk and words. You truly have a heart for God and He shines through you. Be blessed today and every day!
Happy birthday Beth!! Hope you have a great day!! My mom birthday is also next week.. Women of June.. When great mothers are born.
Happy Birthday Beth!!!! you are awesome – i hope you have a great birthday!!! i love your bible studies – i have done about 6 of them!!! Keep them coming!!!!!
God Bless You!!
Patty
Wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday Beth. Letting God into my heart and life has brought me so much peace in a sometime chaotic life. I have to say that you have given me so much. When I was not a believer friends of mine tried over and over to get me to open my life to our Lord. When I finally did I got into a Bible Study group. It was one of your studies. I thank God for you and your love. To be honest your Bible studies are the only one’side I want to read and study. Thank you for loving us all.
A very Happy Birthday wish to you. Three years ago, at age 62, I gave my love and life to Jesus in Charleston SC at one of your Living Proof weekend events. You literally brought me to Jesus. Never ever can I thank you enough. You are well loved and appreciated my so very many, Thank you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of my very faves!!! There are times doing a Bible study of yours, I feel just like I’m in the room chatting with a true BF!! YOU are “the bee’s knees” for me!!! Such a blessing, and you are a PRESENT to everyone that is blessed to hear you speak, or know you! SOOOOO thankful God said “for such a time as this” this chickey is gonna be born and teach the babes about life and a life with the Father!!! Crazy blessed to have been able to sit through many of your studies and watch my own daughter just about to start her first with me and glean from your studies! So once again …. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a blessing to us all every day!!! This is just an extra special day to celebrate YOU!!!! Have the BEST DAY POSSIBLE!!! And know you are dearly loved and prayed for!!!! Thanks for all you do for others in countless study time, endless prayers and the fact that you start with a t-shirt and no makeup to pray before you speak! I LOVE YOU lady!! And I’m blessed because of you!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Happy Birthday, Beth. What a lovely tribute from Melissa. While I have not met you face-to-face, I have met with you many times over some intense Bible study. Early mornings, lazy afternoons, late evenings…back porch to see the sun rise, front yard to capture the breeze, on top of my bed surrounded by pillows and my study helps when my eyes have barely been able to focus, you’ve been there with me: telling me about Jesus and God the Father, telling me what you’ve learned through your journey and encouraging me to find out for myself. Thank you. Thank you for investing yourself in the lives of others. You’ve done more for me in terms of learning the Bible than any other teacher and I thank you for that. Happy, happy birthday, dear one, from a very grateful fellow believer in Christ who appreciates you and your family much.
Happiest of Birthdays!! You truly are an inspiration!
Happy Birthday Beth!!
Thank you for showing us messed up gals the true, authentic Jesus whom my soul loves!!
Happy Birthday, Beth! You are such an inspiration and your Bible studies are such a blessing! What wonderful and thoughtful daughters you have also!
Happy Birthday, Beth! You are a blessing from God! Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with me! I facilitate a Women’s Bible study group and you are our favorite. Thanks for helping us on our journey!
Wishing you a very blessed and happy birthday. Just enjoyed you in Tampa, Florida with my sister and niece. What an amazing Word the LORD gave you to bring. Life changing. We are grateful for your obedience to the LORD and the call HE has placed on your life. Blessings in Christ, Juanita
Thank you so much for your dedication to God and us. Your open heart and sincere desire are truly an inspiration. Happy Birthday and may God bless you extra special today!
Happy birthday Beth, I just want to wish you the best day ever and thank you for helping me grow closer to our Heavenly Father. You have been a blessing to me in so many ways. Breaking free is my favorite and plan on doing it every couple years. Thank you again my sister in Christ
Happy Birthday Beth! Blessings!!!
I’m so blessed to have been able to do your studies and my first year of SSMT. I love the challenge you put before us through your wisdom and humor. I pray you have a beautiful birthday and may God richly bless you, your family and your ministry. Happy Birthday!! Love your sister in Christ, Debi
Sending Birthday blessings to you today Beth, you are a tremendous blessing to the body of Christ and we really appreciate you! Have a great day with your family!
Happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday Ms. Beth
Happy birthday, Beth! Hope your day is joyful and blessed!!
Happy Birthday!!’ Thank You!
Happy Birthday Beth! I feel like we’re old friends now. I’ve studied our King’s Word with you on several of your studies. Thanks for your obedience to Him and publishing the studies. We may not meet this side of Heaven but I’m sure looking forward to meeting my Forever Family in Heaven!
Have a blessed and happy birthday Beth. The time spent in community with the women of my church as we have participated in your Bible studies has been a joy to me, again and again.
Happy birthday…BETH
Happy Birthday Beth!! God bless you sweet woman. Your studies have helped me grow through the years and were a comfort during my horrifying abusive marriage. I’ve learned so much walking through scripture with you. I tuck it into my heart of hearts. You inspire me to let God use the Holy Spirit in me to bring to fruit His plan for me. I feel as though I know you. I love you and your family so much. I pray for y’all. It is a dream of mine to meet you face to face. I know if not in this life I will meet you in heaven one sweet day as we sing praises to our Precious Savior. Happy birthday God bless you
Happy Birthday Beth!! Have a wonderful day.