**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
Happiest of Birthdays Dear Beth!!
Happy Birthday dear Miss Beth Moore! Your Bible studies over the years have been something to anticipate. I can relate to the writing, it makes me dig deeper, and anticipate receiving a word from God! You are a joy to see in person, as well. Many prayers and blessings to you in your faithful journey.
Happyy Birthday Beth Moore!! :))) You are soo amazing!! 🙂
Happy Birthday Beth
Happy Birthday, Beth! What a lovely tribute, Melissa! Thank you for that glimpse into Beth’s world. She sure does embody the “living” part of the ministry’s name, doesn’t she? God is doing amazing things through this worthy work. Thank you for obedience and perseverance! You bless us!
Happy Blessed Birthday Beth. I pray your birthday will be as blessed as you have blessed me.
I cannot wait to someday have you over for lunch. Heaven will be so wonderful for such a multitude of reasons. Rhonda Prince
Happy birthday, Beth! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Dear Beth,
Hope you are having a BLESSED birthday!!! Thank you for all the inspiration and encouraging words in your studies. Breaking Free brought me so much more of God. Thank you for being a mighty warrior of God!!!
In HIS Love,
Lea
Happy Birthday!!!! I hope it is filled with blessings! You are an inspiration to me.
Happy birthday!!!! You are such a blessing to me! I am watching Daniel while quilting and we are getting a lot done sister!
Happy Birthday Miss Beth ! You are my favorite bible study leader !
Happy birthday, Beth! I thank the Lord for giving us your wisdom, humor, leadership, kindness, and life. Praying blessings on this day and all your days!
happy birthday, Beth! Your Bible studies and devotions have been taught me so much over the last 15 years! Thank your so much for your hard work, devotion, and love for spreading God’s word!
Beth, one of my favorite sayings is Grow Old with Me the best is yet to be! I wish you a very Happy Birthday as so many of us keep seeing in you that the best is yet to be! God Bless You as you begin a new year Celebrating Our Precious Lord!!
Many blessings, Julie
Happy birthday Beth! Hope today is filled with many bleasings, beyond measure!
Happy Birthday! U have been a blessing to me. 🙂
Born at high noon in a fierce thunderstorm, my grandfather said. Her presence still shifts the atmosphere. Your entrance was made known. You have inspired so many people from all walks of life and all over the world. I am so thankful you could share what God has gifted you with. I am so thankful that your family shared you with all of us. Happy Birthday mighty warrior, you are an inspiration. Never stop!
Happy Birthday!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Beth! I’ve only known you from your studies and blogs but let me tell you what a tremendous blessing you have been to me! You have motivated me beyond belief to know my Father more. I may not get to come in January to the SSMT gathering since I’m usually slammed with work about that time – but oh the verses I have been hiding in my heart and already the Lord has brought them to my mind at opportune times. I consider that the best part of all! Thank you for how you allow the love of Jesus to shine through you and the courageous way you follow Him. Forever His, Tammy Disch
Happy birthday Beth! I am so thrilled with the learning I have done from the teaching that Jesus has given you. 🙂
Happy Birthday! I pray many blessings over your life!
Happy Birthday beautiful lady. You are such an inspiration and gift from God.
I have done your studies, read your books and due to your influence, have been praying verses. I wish you a very happy birthday. My last goal is to see you in person. As a pastor’s wife I need a lot of wisdom and humility and your works have helped that and led me this year to being a siesta.
Thank you for sharing from your heart about your mom. I am grateful for your family; your mom is such a blessing for many women; including myself who have been broken, restored, and simply lost. Because of your mom, Beth Moore is totally cool in my opinion. Happy Birthday to someone who is blessed by the best; God!
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!!!!!
Happiy Birthday, Beth! What a blessing you are to so many!! Your life is a reflection of God’s love, always pointing us to Jesus! May your birthday be as special as you!
Happy, Happy Birthday Beth!
Happy Birthday dear one!!! May God continue to bless your every step, every breath and everything you touch!
Happy Birthday Beth! I want to be brave, bold and daring for Jesus just like you! I hope my daughter sees me in the same way when she gets older! Press on!
Happy Birthday Beth. God has really used you to bless my life. Enjoy your special day!!!
Happy Birthday! You are a blessing to all who come in contact with you and your studies! Melissa, I think you may be as gifted with writing as your dear mom! Beautifully said!
Dear Beth,
Happy Birthday! Hope you have a sweet day in The Lord! A group of friends do all your bible studies and have such amazing discussions. We come to see you when possible. We went to Jackson Hole Wy. At a little church, where it was so intimate and real. It was like sitting down with a friend for coffee and talking about The Lord! When I was going through menapause where I sunk really low and God used the bible study with you,Pricilia Shirer, Kay Arthur and all I could do was cry through it. God used that in my life. Thank you for being obedient to The Lord!
In His Grip! Debbie
I wish you the happiest of birthdays Beth! I hope you are well celebrated today! I love you my sweet sister in Christ. Thank you for the Bible studies. My first Bible study ever was “A Heart Like His.” I have taken most of your Bible studies, and am currently a small group leader for “The Patriarchs.” Again, thank you so much for your obedience to God in writing Bible studies. I can say that I am changed after each one. Happy, happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Teacher! Even her children rise up and call her Blessed!
Dearest Beth,
Have such a wonderful day! Thank you for sharing much wisdom and love with us.
Happy Birthday to an awesome lady I have learned so much in your bible studies and fell so much closer to God because of them. Even got to see you once in person and was wonderful. Her daughter is so blessed to have her for a mom.
I just got back from seeing Beth in Tampa and in those 2 days my life changed. I got invited to go to Greenville to see her again next month and how could I say no. The first time I went I was searching for answers, this time I will delight in the Lord. Thank you Beth… you will never know how much you changed my life.
Love and Blessings,
Hilary
I have a Momma a lot like yours, Dear Melissa and her birthday is today too! Happy Birthday Siesta Beth and Happy Birthday, Sharon Spears Lantz! You two are amazing women of God!
Happiest of Birthdays to you Beth.
Dear Mrs. Beth,
A brief note cannot contain all the thanks I would like to give you for the role you’ve played in my ever-expanding excitement over Jesus, the growth that’s taken place in me over the last 2.5 years of doing your bible studies, the heart-exploding joy I’ve had over my husband’s and my salvations, redemption from the pit, and deliverance that’s taken place…the wheels started turning on this for us when I got involved in a bible study that you, Mrs. Beth, had the obedience, courage, and dedication to write, and most importantly, the love for women and Jesus to commit your life to showing Him to us everywhere. I thank you, and wish you the HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS, from a thankful sister in Christ! I am thankful for you!
Megan (Dothan, AL)
Happy Birthday Beth! So enjoyed spending the weekend with you in Tampa. Your teaching was a fresh word at the perfect time. We all took those seeds back and sowed them at our home church…with instructions to keep the sowing going!! Re-sow, sisters! Working on our Re-s and covering our Un-s down here in Bradenton/Sarasota. Also enjoyed our quick meet-n-greet with you and all our local Siesta Sisters! Thanks again for all you do. Your tireless work for the Kingdom and for God’s wonderful women is very much appreciated. <3
Happy Birthday, Beth! May God continue to bless you today and forever. Thank you for your service to our awesome Father.
Oh Melissa, I love her too! While I do not have the privilege of knowing her like you do – I love the Jesus I see in her. Beth, you are lovely. Truly, absolutely, and completely lovely. You radiate the beauty of God. And you radiated this beauty to me in your words and teachings over many years. A former pit dweller myself, Jesus has spent these past 20 years washing off all the muck I was stuck in for so long. (And even the new muck I sometimes place myself in.) He has used you mightily in my sanctifying and cleansing process. You have played a direct part in Jesus’ setting me free. How cool is that that we’ve never met, yet the Spirit of God worked through you to help bring me freedom?! You’re vulnerability and willingness to share yourself and your struggles have inspired me. Really. You haven’t been afraid to “throw up” on us when you share, and that vulnerability is absolutely beautiful. Makes me want to go throw up on others, too! 🙂 Your words brought me hope and even a bit of moxie when I was captive and struggling. Settle for less than abundant life I will not! I can still hear your passionate voice from the Breaking Free videos encouraging me to believe and instilling in me the worth I can only find in Jesus. Thank you for staying so close to Jesus, Beth. I know it’s not always easy, but it sure is worth it, isn’t it? Thank you for persevering through the pain and the hard times and never, ever giving up. For following Him and obeying Him every time He said to write or speak. He has used you immeasurably in this broken little life of mine, and I’m so very sure He’s not done with either of us yet. Today I celebrate your beauty, your passion, and all the gifts God has given you. Most of all, I celebrate you. Praise be to our magnificent God for your life poured out to many! A very heartfelt and happy birthday to you, dear woman of God! Whether I win anything or not, I want you to know – really know – how very precious and valuable you are to me and many, many others! THANK YOU!
HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS, dearest Beth!!!! YOU have been my guide to Christ and I praise the Lord every day for you and for your beautiful family!
Maria Cristina
Happy Birthday!! I am truly in awe of your witness and love your bible studies! Enjoy your day and God Bless!
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you girl, more than I can ever express, for giving me a love of His Word, an assurance of His Love and the best Bible studies for a woman’s heart, mind and soul! What an impact for Jesus you are! Wishing you a great day and year to come!
Happy Birthday Beth!!! You have been such an inspiration to me for
So many years! I love your Bible studies and how much you
Love the Lord!!! Be blessed on your birthday!!!
Happy birthday Beth! As much as you have impacted others it is so beautiful to see how much you have impacted your own children even more. I only hope when my daughter is an adult she will have the same opinion of me. Much love and prayers that your ministry will be impacted like never before in the coming year!
Happy Birthday! I thank God for you and your anointed Bible Studies! Jesus the One and Only is my favorite. I felt like I was on a personal retreat with Jesus the first time I did it.
happiest of birthdays to one of my favorite authors! Beth is such an incredible inspiration to me and so many of my friends. We’ve spent many an hour with her during our bible studies. Thank you for all that you do!