**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.
=================
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 Dear Beth, may you be blessed beyond measure. Your studies and ministry have been such a life line to me along my journey with Jesus. I cry as I write this just remembering all we have gone through together even though we have never met. So thankful to God for giving us a beautiful gift in you. Celebrate this joyful day!
Happy birthday day to YOU!
For only reasons God knows you have spoken in my life like no other. At times I’ve felt fierce conviction through you. You’re love is so evident for Jesus its contagious. Thank you for being you.
Happy birthday.
Sabrina
My dear Sister in Christ,(who shares my Sanguine personality) sweet & darling Beth,
A friend of mine called me several years ago and said, “Kimmer, I know you are particular about who teaches the WORD of CHRIST JESUS other than the MESSAGE itself. But I want you to listen to this woman. She reminds me a little of you and I think you’d like her presentation.”
NEVER did I believe that in this generation would a woman bring such truth, clarity, joy, scripture life and love for all women across this nation and world.
FOR THIS, I THANK YOU, BETH!!!!!!!
I am so grateful for your service and for your family allowing us into a little bit of your lives. I am grateful that Ivan, Amanda, Curtis, Melissa, Jackson, AnnaBeth and even your furry family encourages you to minister to this generation of women.
I have been to 5 of your LPL events and flew back to celebrate you at Life Today. That was such a blessed moment when you invited me back for a hug and wore the earrings I had given you during the next taping. My most favorite moment was when you stood beside me as the praise and worship was glorifying the studio and you placed your arm around me. We sang praises together shoulder to shoulder. I think you were wearing FLOWERBOMB! 🙂 I was wearing Dolce Gabana Light Blue and you asked what I was wearing before you quickly walked up to the podium to share what the LORD had placed on your heart, spirit and mind. That was October 16, 2010 in Euless, Texas. Five years have passed since that sweet day. I’ve flown to Houston to attend one of your Bible Studies and was blessed to meet Susan Kirby & Jennifer and your precious sister, Gay.:) For me it was a privilege. Each morning I arise at 5:00 AM California time and go to the throne of grace to pray diligently each day for you, your ministry, your family and the Siestas. PRAYER WORKS!!!
Today, on your ” ” Birthday. 🙂 May you go to the watering hole of God’s WORD and take a long refreshing drink as you feel HIS Truth permeate every cell of your being and rejuvenate love, peace, and joy in your heart. YOU ARE LOVED BY ALL OF US !!!!!
With loving regards and blessings galore,
Kim Safina “CaliKim”
The Journey Continues with “Heaven Bound” Blessings 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hauoli La Hanau~Happy Birthday precious Beth from Hawaii with agape Aloha
Mahalo for being who you are and answering His call, you have saved me over and over
From myself and the pit. May u continue to be amazingly Blessed with move Love, Laughter, Grace and goodness In Jesus Name Amen…
Simply Grateful❤️❤️Eternallykelly
Hi Beth – happy birthday – we love you! We are on our second study of yours – Breaking Free – what an inspiration you are to us.
Happy Birthday!
Beth, thank you for sharing these sweet memories!
Happy Birthday! I am so blessed by your faithfulness to follow hard after Jesus. You and your family have been used by Him in ways I’ll never be able to put words to. Hope this is the start of your best year yet!
Last night at the Living Proof Rally lead up to LPL in Toronto in November, you, Beth, gave us your special message. Today I have the privilege of giving you mine:
Happy Birthday to you
To His Name be true
May His love and blessing
Descend upon you!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear Mama Beth. So thankful for you and your obedience to God’s calling over you. I pray your day and year is blessed!
Sandy Fry from Bowie, MD
Happy Birthday, Beth! I’m happy for the opportunity to honor you since your humility and passionate love for Jesua has had such a deep impact on my life. May The Lord speak blessings over you and surround you on every side! And may you feel deeply loved on your special day!
Happy Birthday Beth! You have showed me how to have a heart for studying God’s Word. God bless you for all the lives you have touched along the way.
Susan
Wishing you a Happy Birthday and extra Blessings today. Thank you for your transparency, your Godly example and most of all for always pointing to Jesus you have spurred me on. Sister you truly shine His light.
Psalm 118:14-16
Happy Birthday Beth!
Wishing you a day filled with all the love and joy you have brought to so many times a million! I have been so blessed by your ministry! This is my first year to participate in the SSMV. Words cannot express how it has improved my relationship with God! May God bless you and yours today and always!
Sincerely,
Teresa Looney
Tampa, FL
Happy Birthday Beth! I am so glad that you share the amazing gifts that God has given you! I pray that you have a very blessed birthday with many more to come! I pray for you & your family daily. Thanks for being such a blessing in my life & a light for God is this sometimes very dark world! God Bless!
Happy Birthday to our beloved Bible study leader from “The James Gang” summer Bible study in Waynesville, NC! We meet every summer in a mountain cabin basement for Bible study. We had our first session of BREATH this morning! We can’t wait to see you in Greeneville, SC next month!
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday Beth. Love ya so!
Happy Birthday Beth! I am so thankful for you and the ministry Jesus has given you!
Happy Birthday to you Beth!
Wishing you the very best and happiest of birthdays!
Happy Birthday, Ms. Beth! You are such an encouragement to me. My daughter and I watch you on Life Today each week. We currently are enjoying your Bible study, David-Seeking a Heart Like His. We look forward to seeing you in person next week! May your day be blessed beyond measure by His presence and the love of your family and friends.
Happiest of Birthdays! Currently in an Esther bible study- Love it so much! Thanks for all you do!
Happy birthday, dear Beth! Hope this is your best year yet! 🙂
Oh Happy Birthday to a woman who gave me HOPE, when I truly thought there was no way up. Your sweet and very truthful teachings of life made want that love for Jesus. I forever now say. “There ain’t no high, like the most high.”Today is a true celebration. You pour your and soul into everything you do. And we women and young ladies are so so so thankful for your love.
Me, not having an earthly Mother. It is such a refreshment to have you who just flat out does the thing. Reather, you want it our not . Lol you have so many daughters in Jesus name. I could write a book . 😉 I hope you know how precious you are to so many!!! I will forever love you. If not given the chance to meet you here on earth. We will party in the heavens.
You are beautiful. Thank you for opening your life and family to help so who He is. Rock this day! Happy Birthday to a God fearing, mama lovin, snake killin, fab book writing, bible teaching , amazing women! Love you big!!! See you in July at SC. -Jami Johnson
Happy Birthday Beth! You are a blessing and I am grateful for your love for Jesus and how you share the truth. I’m hoping your Birthday is a special one filled with lots of laughter and fun! Blessings to you from a former Houstonian and member of Houston’s First Baptist Church at the downtown location.
Happiest of Birthdays to a most precious woman of God. A spiritual mother to many. Mentor, teacher, passionate lover of the Most High. Today many are celebrating and thanking God for you!!! A sweet crew of gals in Portland, OR started the morning off with a group birthday text…Happy Birthday Beth!!! (And thank you Melissa, and Amanda, for sharing your mom with us all.)
Happy 58th Birthday Ms. Beth! So appreciate your encouragement in God’s Word and the Love of Jesus. Hope this year is extra special in every way. Love Patty.
Happy birthday, Beth! You will never know what a blessing you have been to my life!
I love you! Kay
Happy happy birthday Beth. What a pleasure it is to study the Bible with you. Thank you for being bold for the Lord.
Happy Birthday, Beth ! Feliz cumpleaños ! Thank you for being the woman God created you to be ! Loved seeing you last weekend in Tampa….now I’m back in Mexico where God has called me to reverb as I re-verb (and keep my uns covered)!
Happy Birthday Beth!! I am so thankful for your calling and teaching of Gods word. My relationship with the Lord has grown so much, as I study through his word with you in your bible studies. They truly are a blessing to me. I pray that today is a blessing for you.
Happy birthday, to one of the greatest Bible teachers I have ever had the privilege of studying under! Beth, your LOVE and PASSION for God’s Word is contagious! Thank you for answering the Call that God placed on your life! You are an inspiration, always pointing us to the Lover of our souls, Jesus!!! Many blessings to you, happy birthday, dear Sister!
What beautiful sentiments, Melissa! Even though these gifts are all so lovely, the greatest gift is Beth herself, poured out in every word, conference, prayer, picture, testimony. We are women most blessed to “be a part” of your family’s lives all these years. Also, the women in Eastern Europe will forever be blessed by Beth’s teachings in their own heart languages. Thank you!
Paulette
Wishing you a glorious, love-filled birthday!
Your love of scripture and your love of God is so intense and infectious, you have inspired me (and countless others I’m sure) to dig into my bible and get to know my Lord on a level I didn’t know was possible. Thank you for sharing your love and your joy with me. May God continue to bless you richly in your life and your ministry.
Happy Birthday, Beth!
What a true blessing from God you are to all of us. 🙂
And, what a true blessing to you for your daughter to write such beautiful things about you!
We love you.
Have a great, wonderful, lovely day.
🙂
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for all you do! Thank you for living a life led by Jesus Christ, for walking in wisdom and stature and favor with God and with man! Thank you for sharing Truth with the world and being an example worthy of following. I pray for you often! I hope your day is filled with lots of sweet stuff and overflowing with blessings!
A very Happy Birthday Beth..My birthday is tomorrow(June 17th)and I will be 60 years old..Oh my!!! Ever since I started in taking your classes and going to the simulcasts,I have enjoyed these…I share your FB posts with family and friends so they can enjoy as well.IT truly shows that you are a God loving,God fearing woman and that you have to share that with others.I appreciate you so very much.
Sandy Miller
Beth,
I wish you the Happiest of Birthdays!! From the first time I happened across you chasing channels on tv I haved loved you. You speak from Daddys heart. I felt such a kindred spirit with you. God bless you Beth for you are such a blessing to others!!
Wishing you a blessed birthday – your ministry is such a blessing, thank you so much for all you do!
Happy Birthday, Beth! <3
Beth
Happy Birthday
I give thanks to God for you and your ministry. I’ve learned who God is through your Bible studies. I am learning more about Him and how faithful he is in my life’s journey. Thank you for allowing God to use you to help us know Him better. Have a blessed birthday with your precious family.
Judy
Happy Birthday Beth
Happy Birthday, Beth. You probably have no idea what an impact you have had on my spiritual life. I was brought up in the church (Baptist) and I know that I know I was saved at the age of 12. However, life presented me with some REALLY bad choices, but I know He was there with me, grieving, but still loving me. He pulled me out of that pit using many people along the way. You were and are, through your anointing of the Holy Spirit the reason I have come back to my First Love.
Happy birthday!
What a sweet and awesome tribute from a daughter to her mother! Thank you for sharing her with us so graciously.
Beth – wishing you the happiest of birthdays. A personal thank you from me as you were (are?!?) instrumental in me finding and getting to know my Lord and Savior. I know I’m joined with thousands of women in that fact. As Melissa said, you shift the Universe with your spiritual gift of teaching. God blessed the entire world when he sent you here.
Happy Birthday!!
Happy birthday. May it be filled with blessings.
Love from South Carolina
Karen
Happiest of Birthdays to a beautiful lady who continues to give to women all over the world. Thank you for your willingness to be transparent and for teaching me to also be transparent – with God and with others. May the Lord’s blessings fall on you in a downpour like never before that overflows throughout the coming year.
Hi Beth! Just wanted to send you some warm and happy Birthday wishes! I have known you since you were teaching classes at First and have grown into such a force for God through your studies and all that you have created! Enjoy your special day!! <3
Happy Birthday to one special lady!! She is such a light of Jesus in this world and those of us who have had the privilege to read one of her books or do one of her studies or seen her live will never be the same as we once were! May God give her many more and many more words to share,encourage, and teach us!!
Happy Birthday, Beth. I praise God that in His ultimate wisdom He sent you into this world to change the lives of so many. A number of years ago, my father (who did not care for women preachers or teachers) gave me The Beloved Disciple and said I needed to read it. He was a student of the Bible and taught at camp meetings when I was young and so I started reading. When I finished and gave the book back to him he said he did not know who this Beth Moore was but she obviously was an old time student of the Word. I found your picture and showed it to him. He gulped twice and said, “Well, God did say He would use the foolish to confound the wise except in this case I am the foolish one!” He is gone now but I still snicker over that! Happy happy birthday!