**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
Dear Beth,
At the little Mennonite church I attended as a child, Birthday Sunday happened on the first Sunday of the month. Between hymns two and three of the morning service, the preacher called up everyone who had a birthday that month. Then the birthday folks stood up there looking a little awkward and proud and sheepish while the whole congregation sang the birthday song. Here it is for you now:
A happy birthday to you
A happy birthday to you
May you feel Jesus near
Every day of the year
A happy birthday to you
A happy birthday to you
And the best year you’ve ever had
(clap, clap, clap)*
Indeed, Beth, happy birthday to you. I have been ridiculously encouraged through your ministry and your numerous studies. Your devotion to the Scriptures and your contagious love for Jesus inspire and fuel so many, including me. May this be the best year you’ve ever had– clap, clap, clap!
*Hear these three closing claps as fierce and celebratory.
In Christ,
Carla
Victoria, British Columbia
Happy Birthday Beth! Continue to feed us with you God inspired wisdom!
I am downloading The Law of Love video, as I am reading this blog…SUPER excited to be in The Word with you for the next hour and a half. I can’t express adequately how much you have meant to me over the past 13 years and how much I love the word because of your studies. I wish you the happiest Birthday Beth!! Sure hope I get to meet you one day.
Dear Mrs. Beth,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Although I have never met you, I’m so grateful that the Lord saw fit to create such a precious life that has flourished into a beautiful and genuine reflection of Christ. I have participated in several of your bible studies (at my house haha), and each time the Lord has been so faithful to speak His Word directly to my heart, bringing about conviction, growth and spiritual healing. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your faithfulness and obedience to the Lord… You are a such special gift! I’m praying you are immensely blessed today – have the best birthday ever!!!! 🙂
Love,
Lindsey
Houston, TX
Glory, how God’s story in Beth’s life has lifted my head to our Father so often. I’m pretty home bound right now, battling Lyme’s disease and that Bible sounds wonderful. I’m doing church online, thank God for the internet. Totally celebrating Beth….thankful for God through her! Happy birthday Beth, may this next year hold new joys and some crazy fun adventures for you while He draws you closer to hear His whispers of love and wisdom…. Well done God!
This is the one of the most beautiful posts I have ever read. Your mom is an absolute gift to so many women including me. When I first came back to Christ her study with Priscilla and Kay was my first and it ignited a fire to know God’s word like I had never had before. So on this very special day I am wishing a very happy birthday to a woman that I love dearly! Happy birthday Beth! You are a mother to far more of us than you will ever know. Wishing you many more from NM. ♡♡♡♡♡
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for who you are and all you do!
Happy Blessed Birthday Beth!
It is through your Bible Studies and reaching out through your DVDs and Living Proof shows that has paved my path to the Lord. My first Bible study with your is still my favorite only because it was my first time I dug into the Word. My path has had many difficulties over the years with infertility and being a victim of a violent attack, but it’s through learning with you, I came through closer to God. You have no clue how many lives you have touched and connected them closer to God.
Thank you again for being obedient to God’s calling. You are precious.
Georgina
Also, can’t wait to see you in July in Greenville, SC. I will be in the 4th row on the floor!
Happy Birthday Beth Moore!!! I am so thankful for your ministry. Blessings~
Happy Birthday Beth.
I have greatly enjoyed your bible studies. I hope you have a wonderful day.
Happy Birthday!! You are loved!!
And what a sweet tribute! We do wish you the
Happiest Birthday Ever Beth! We always thank
God for you (& household) making mention of
you in our prayers! Father, in the mighty name
Of Jesus we ask You to pour out Your Holy Spirit
on Beth and her household , strengthening them
for the days ahead as You bring more Glory, more
Praise, More Honor toYourself! Thank You Father
God for hearing our cry! More more more love to
Thee oh God!
Happy Birthday Dear Beth. You have spent more time with me than you know,through your bible studies, books and blog. I lost my precious husband in a horrific accident a few months ago. A man accident involving woods and working and the things he loved, although he is rejoicing with Jesus… I find my heart quite alone on this earth. That is where you come in. It is in the late hours of the night or the wee hours of the morning that when I can’t quite reach Jesus myself because the heartbreak is too overwhelming I reach for a book of yours….just to read. Slowly and gently you pull me into the Word…that pulls me into Jesus, until I have found him myself again. I don’t express myself easily or too often….but I just thought you should know….why a stranger calls you dear and wishes you the best of day.
The spiritual gifts God continues to give you are such a blessing to all ages. Your witness of God’s mercy and steadfast love touch countless people and direct them to his loving arms. Have a blessed birthday and may God continue to bless your ministry vision.
Happy Birthday, Beth!! I have been richly blessed to do several of your Bible Studies in the past ten years, and I have continually been amazed as I have learned so much about Jesus and His love through each one. I thank God for the call He placed on your life that is impacting people all over the world and I thank you for the obedience and sacrifice you’ve made in your life to bring this all to us. Watching you on “Life Today” over the past eight years had been such a treasure on Wednesdays. Being blessed to attend “Deeper Still” with some precious sisters in Oklahoma City in 2009 was wonderful, too! Thank you for being “real” with us, Beth! I hope you have a year filled with all the love, JOY and laughter your heart can hold!
Happy Birthday Mama Beth hope it is as wonderful as you are to all of us. We all have been so blessed by the work God has called you to do. Reaching women for Christ and teaching us to dig in his word. You inspire us to inspire others to do the same you have me since 1996. When I first laid my eyes on you in Callaway Gardens at a ladies retreat was not even 30 years old yet. I am very thankful for you and all you do.
Your sister in Christ
Lisa B
Dearest Beth,
I want to wish you the happiest of birthdays! I have learned so much from you over the years, from your books, devotionals, Bible studies, simulcast, and conferences! In fact, I just returned from seeing you in Tampa, where, as always, you had a timely word for me! You and your family are often in my prayers, and I am so thankful for your faithful obedience to our Heavenly Father and for your ministry. God bless you each and every day, but this, especially, your birthday.
In warmest gratitude and love,
Suzanne Murray
birthday Blessings to my favorite Beth !! I have prayed that you will b blessed today……..as you have blessed about a million other women.
Happy Birthday, Beth! I have thoroughly enjoyed working through several of your Bible studies with the ladies at church. Hope it’s a great day!!
Beth, how cherished you are. How eloquent and lovely the words spoken by your daughters over you. What a landscape you have painted over their lives and the lives of men and women across the world. How delighted is our Father over you. I am praying all thing Christ over you on this your special day and throughout the year, may He open your heart and eyes to Him in unimaginable ways, and continue to give you such great joy for the journey. I Thank Him often for the gift of you in my life. What a precious child you are.
Happy Happy Birthday to Beth!! I have been so blessed by her teachings and by the friendships formed in those classes. The discussions are deep and get to the heart! I am so thankful so is allowing God to guide her steps!
Happy Happy Birthday Beth! I pray that God continues to bless you as you have blessed others! Have a special day!!
Happy birthday to one of the most amazing, inspirational and Godly women in the world. Beth, I’m thrilled to celebrate another of your life. I’ve been blessed to host your simulcast our church every year, take part in your studies with other wonderful women, read your books on my own and share them with friends.
You’ll never know how many lives you’ve touched, directly or indirectly, but I do hope you know how much you are loved and appreciated. Not just by your own family, but by the global family that you’ve nurtured and grown as well.
May God continue to bless you.
Jennifer
Happy Birthday!!! Thank you, Beth for being such a blessing to many. I thank God for you!
Where on earth would I be without Beth Moore? Jesus saved me at age 21 and then, for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out what to do next. I would open my brand new Bible and feel so intimidated I would close it and just know I would never understand a word. It wouldn’t be until 7 years later I would walk into a Bible Study class (my first) and begin Living Beyond Yourself. Mind Blown! That study on the fruits of the Spirit stirred up well … the Spirit and I would never be the same. I sat in the kitchen this morning talking to my 13 year old, answering her questions about why I love reading God’s Word so much. She wanted to know how all that started and I shared this very story with her, not knowing today was sweet Beth’s birthday or that we would get to share here. I told her one lady’s obedience and sacrifice has changed so many women’s hearts and spiritual lives. I mean, would anyone on earth have a ‘quiet time’ if it weren’t for Beth imploring us to do so and promising we would fall in love with a Savior so deeply as a result? I think not! My family and I are so deeply grateful for your heart, Beth, and your persistence to keep the Faith and stand on the Word. We love you! I love you! I choke back tears as I think about the incredible impact you have had in my life. To God be the Glory … He is so proud of you. Happy Birthday!
The Happiest of Birthday’s to you, Beth. Melissa, what a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. God Bless you Both.
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.”Philippians 1:3 (NLV)
Happy Birthday Beth! What an honor to have been able to attend so many of your bible studies at HFBC along with my daughter. How I truly learned that God loved me and wasn’t mad at me through your bible studies and how it changed my life forever. I pray your day is filled with more love than you can ever imagine and that you are blessed beyond anything!
The love of Jesus that radiates through you is so honest and true. Thank you for letting Him use you to touch my life in such a real and intimate way. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday. Hope your day is filled with big squishy hugs and many many blessings.
You have been the gift in so many people’s lives. Have an extra special day!
Melissa,
You have more than likely just given your Mom the most cherished gift with the words you just typed. I sit here with tears brimming because – anyone who reads your words – can feel the love and respect you have for her and that is all a mother wants…the love and respect of her children. You and Amanda are her most precious gifts. Thank you for sharing so much of her time and energy with the world. We love her and are so grateful that she was born.
Happy Birthday, Beth. I wish you could know how much you’ve changed my faith walk and the way I study the Word. I would love nothing more than to someday be able to say that to your face and hug your neck. But it doesn’t really matter because I know that I will be with you in eternity and look forward to a day when we will worship TOGETHER at the feet of our Savior.I pray blessings over your special day and that you are showered with so much love,
With so much love and gratitude,
Shelly
Happy Birthday! You are such a blessing to so many!
Happy, happy birthday, dear Beth! May God bless you always!
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman you get to call Mom. Happy Birthday Beth and may God’s blessings continue to surround you and your family. God Bless!
Dear Beth
Happiest of birthdays to you. You have touched my soul and my life in so many ways. What an enormous blessing you are to all. I have never read such a lovely tribute from a daughter to her mama. How wonderful that your daughter appreciates and loves you so fiercely and wants the world to know. What a gift!
You are coming to Boise soon, and my sister and I are so excited to come and hear you speak in person. What a gift that will be for us!
Have a blest and wonderful day! Kick off your heels and cozy up with your family!
Happy Birthday Miss Beth! I count it a blessing that God has used you in my life…times Di have been broken and raw to the bone!, times I wasn’t even aware that I needed a heart change and soul cleanin but God did and he gave you words through a Bible study to capture my attention! Thank you for how you Love our Lord Jesus and being obedient to teach me and and an abundance of other women about Jesus and a real relationship with Him!!! Have a beautifully blessed Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Beth.
Happy birthday to my favorite Bible study teacher! Beth inspires me over and over again! Thank you for being obedient to the call God put on your life but mostly for being honest and transparent!
Donna
Dearest Beth,
I wish so many things for you, but today I wish you the happiest of birthdays. I can’t even begin to tell you how you have touched my life. I am young in Bible study, but the two I have been a part of are ones you’ve written. My next one starts in August and I’m so looking forward to it. I will also be attending your seminar in September with the wonderful women from my Bible study group. If I never have the chance I thank you in person then I do hope that you see this. Words cannot describe the change that has occurred in me and my heart through your Bible studies. I talk about you as though you are my friend who doesn’t live here… “You know what Beth said today?…” My husband has especially loved seeing my hunger for knowing the Bible grow. We have had many discussions because of a question you posed in my mind. Thank you, Beth. Thank you for the blessing that you are in my life and thank you for helping me find my place in a small group.
Happy birthday from the deepest corners of my heart!
-Angelica
P.S. My wonderful Mother-In-Love calls me Geli and that just makes me smile. 🙂
Happy birthday Beth!! I hope you have the most incredible day!!
Happiest of birthdays to my favorite Beth Moore!!
Happy Birthday! Thanks for all you give.
Happy Birthday Beth. Love your books and teachings.
Elizabeth
Happiest Birthday wishes too You, Beth!! I pray you have an awesome day celebrating with you family! God bless all you do and have done!!
You better have a happy birthday or I’ll just die. (Can you tell which bible study I finished?)
Precious Beth, you have no idea how your passion and love and dedication to Christ has changed my life. I have found freedom in Christ bc of you, your study and your resolve to Break Free. This is no small task. You model the life of freedom in Jesus with integrity, tenacity, compassion, truth and a prayerful life. “Thank you” and “Happy Birthday” don’t seem big enough to match my gratitude for you and your walk of faith.
I offer a prayer. Which may be your love language. Or laughing but I can’t make you laugh through a blog post.
“Father, I lift up this precious, generous and God honoring sister-in-Christ, Beth, and I thank you for her life. Oh how I am glad she was born and I ask for waves of celebration of her. I am sure you are high 5ing her father-in-law seeing all the posts to honor her. I thank you for how she has shared her journey, with honesty, respect and faithfulness to love you more and more. I thank you for loving her deeply and giving her a contagious passion for Jesus Christ. I thank you that she didn’t give up on her days, in really hard seasons that you, Lord, turned into blessings and ministry. What kind of God does this? A loving, gracious, merciful, victorious, 100 fold Gid. Thank you, again, Lord, for allowing this woman to be born and called for your great purposes. May she feel loved and blessed by us for a change. In Jesus mighty name, Amen”
Now, Beth, turn to someone, look them in the eye and say, “Our God is so good and so faithful.”
With much respect.
Blessings,
Terri Fullerton
Much love and many blessings to you this year, especially on your awesome day!
Happy Birthday, Beth. God has used you to help me truly fall in love with Him and his word. I am leading my ninth bible study that you have written. The girls are just growing in the Lord so much. We love you, Beth. Thanks for spending your Monday nights with us for the past two years.
Happy birthday! Thank you for your encouraging spirit and love of the Lord! You are a blessing and teacher to me in my spiritual life!
A blessed and Merry Birthday to you !!!!! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself, inspiring and lifting others up.
Happy, Happy Birthday to YOU!!! Happy, Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!
Momma Beth,
I pray God will abundantly bless you on this beautiful day!! I pray your day overflows with heart squealing joy and sweet memories with family and friends! THANK YOU…for your committment to Christ. THANK YOU…for pressing thru the hard times and NEVER GIVING UP!!
You and your family are precious to us! God bless you all!
What a beautiful tribute from a loving daughter! Happy Birthday Beth. You have blessed me abundantly over the years through your bible studies and love of the Lord. I pray you grow even closer to Jesus this year and fall more deeply in love with Him. Blessings to you and your whole family.