**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
II Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid; it is hit to them that are lost.
Wow, what a tribute. What a mom! It brings tears to my eyes as I celebrate with you the sacrifices of a mom. A godly mom who loves Jesus more than you. It reminds me of my mom, who resides with Jesus. It reminds me of my own personal journeys through your mom’s Bible studies and how they changed my life.
She has sacrrificed for us all in some ways and we are blessed to call her mother and spiritual mother.
Beth: May the God whom you adore and trust bring more fruit to your bountiful tree and may you rest in His abundant faithfulness as He does above and beyond what you can ask or imagine. Happy Birthday. Thanks for obeying Jesus and teaching us all.
I attend as many of Beth’s bible study as I can and have been to simulcast. Hope to attend a live conference one day. She is one amazing woman of God. Hope she has a blessed Happy Birthday
Happy birthday, dear Beth!
Dearest Beth,
I thank God for every remembrance of you. Your courage to step out and believe God for His purposes has been an inspiration for so many. I was very grateful when Breaking Free was published because that so resonated with my heart at that time. I pray for you and yours on Thursdays (through my Prayer Notebook). May our Lord’s sweet presence continue to fill you, guide and direct you always. Happy joy-filled Birthday
Happy birthday to you. May God pour out his enormous blessings upon you as you so continue
To walk in His ways. Have a really fun filled day too
Happy Birthday Miss Beth!!!! I am SO THANKFUL for your life! Your ministry has been such a blessing to my heart and soul. I have participated in quite a few of your bible studies and I always finish them feeling closer to my Savior! Thanks for that! I know you say some people get annoyed by your accent or energy or hair but I absolutely love all of those things that make you Miss Beth! Thank you for making the Bible come alive. I appreciate you and thank you for listening to Gods calling on your life! Hugs
Happiest of Birthdays to you Beth! I so enjoy your bible studies and attending your conferences! But your love for the Lord and his Word is such an inspiration to me!! Be blessed sweet lady!
Happy Birthday to the woman who turned me on to Bible study. Who taught me that the story is woven from Genesis to Revelation and how to enjoy and learn. I love this quote about you “Mom is tender and she is strong and she is not afraid to look pain and grief and loss dead in the eye.
Enjoy! And Many Thanks for your teachings but mostly for your Love of God!
Shannon McNamara
Wow! Is there a mom out there with a dry eye out there after reading this tribute to Beth???!!! Precious words. Happy Birthday! You are loved by many.
Happy Birthday to a woman that has made my life richer because of her Bible studies. Thank you, Beth.
Happy Birthday, Beth! Your Breaking Free study was the beginning of my journey to finding freedom in Jesus many years ago. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness.
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Beth Moore! Very happy you were born–you’ve helped me in ways you’d never imagine.
Happy Birthday to someone who has touched so many!! You inspire me in so many ways. Thank you for showing Gods love to all.
Lisa Curtis
Jackson, MO
Happy Birthday Beth!
With love and respect,
Lisa
Beth,
Your work for our Lord has blessed me for a long time. It has helped heal me and I now understand why I survived cancer. God is not through with me. I pray he blesses all that know you.
Hi Beth!
Happy Birthday!! I am so excited to see you in Milwaukee in August and am oh so hopeful to meet you face to face and give you a belated birthday hug! You are a treasure!
Happy birthday, sister Beth!! Can’t wait until you are speaking in Texas so I can see you!
Have an Outrageously Blessed Birthday!
Dearest Beth…
Happy Birthday, you are awesome & an inspiration to all women because you know how to relate to us. Looking forward to meeting you someday. Love your Bible studies & the studies have always spoken to me just as God intended. I’ve been a bible believing, born again Christian since I was 9 years old, this transformation will be burned in my heart 4-ever. I will be 56 in July & look forward to the rest of my journey with the one who chose me. I was just thanking God this morning for you (in one of my prayers during transit time to the grocery store). Again, Happy Birthday Beth Moore from one of your biggest fans. Thank you for your awesome service.
In His Name,
Janice
Happy Birthday Beth!
The first Bible study I was ever invited to was yours. I’ve paid attention ever since.
Thank you!
Happy birthday Beth! I pray that God would continue to bless you as much as you bless others.
Happy birthday, Beth! Thank you for your ministry. You have touched my life dearly.
Happy Birthday to you, Beth, a true gift from God in not only my life, but in many, many lives.
May God bless you and keep you safe in HIS arms.
Wishing you a day full of blessings:)
Regina
Happy Birthday Beth! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday Beth! My daughter shares the same birthday, as well as my Aunt Hannelore – how awesome! I simply love your Bible studies. You seem to speak directly to me, like you’ve lived my life (or are currently living it!). I hope you have a blessed year, and I look forward to my next Bible study with you.
Blessings as you do life ~
Happy Birthday Beth! May God bless you and your family immensely this year!
Happy Birthday Beth!!! I can only pray that my kids have such great things to say about me in the years to come as yours do about you. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday sweet Beth!
May this new year be filled with blessings and joy!
Melissa,
What a beautiful tribute to a loving mom. I’m sure this is the best present any mom could ask for. Thank you for sharing this with us.You really do have a way with words.
Beth,
I hope you have a wonderful birthday! Thank you for being such a wonderful example of running the race well.
Tami
Dear Beth,
I hope you have a blessed birthday. I have enjoyed your Bible studies over the years. You have such a love of God and His Word that it shines through in all you do.
Thanks for following Him and allowing Him to use you to bless and teach us
Love you! Wish i could sit down with you for a dinner like Melissa describes
From above the 49th parallel to way down south – happy birthday, Beth!
I have friends visiting your area this week and they were lamenting the stormy weather… yet even if it’s raining on your special day, I’m sure you will still treasure every drop!
You give of your life like a healing rain to so many people – thank you so much! You deserve to be blessed today and always.
Have a wonderful day and year!
Jennifer
Happy Happy Birthday!!!!
I appreciate all the time and effort you put into
The Word and then you are so gracious to share it
With us.
Happy Birthday Beth, you are such an inspiration to so many. I pray God continues to bless you and your ministry.
Happy Birthday! I’m so glad God gave you to us in this season! You are a beautiful instrument!!
Happy Birthday Momma Beth!
I love that we share the same birthdate. I’m so excited to see you in Idaho in July.
May God continually bless you!
Happy birthday, Beth! Blessings on you and yours. Thank you for being a friend to me and my Bible study girls. Throughout our studies it felt like you were just one of the girls along for the study. That in itself is a gift.
I have lived each study and can’t even say which is my favorite. I know I loved The Patriarcs, Daniel, Jeus the One and Only and To Live is Christ (might be my favorite). Oh oh and Children of the Day! And many more.
So thanks for the blessings and may you be deeply blessed on this, your birthday!
Beth, you one of my favorite people not only because you share the same birthday as my lovely husband, but you were the first woman bible teacher I heard as a new christian. I wish like you daughters you could see how you have encouraged me and walked me along in my own faith. I truly feel you gave me the visual I needed of what a Christian godly woman looks, thinks, and responds to the word. I think your humor made your insightful teachings easier for me to take in and not become overwhelmed by. You’re so thought-provoking and I love your materials, teaching, and hair and makeup 🙂 ! Have a great day! 6 more months of the year left, I pray the rest of your year is fruitful and thoroughly blessed. Sister-in-Christ, Misty S.
Happy Birthday Beth! Somehow I feel that greeting you by your first name should be inappropriate, but at the same time, you have become such a presence in my life, I feel like formalities are unnecessary.
I hope today and the next year in your life are truly blessed and filled with happiness.
Love,
Debbie
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for being a blessing to so many.
Happy birthday to one of the biggest blessings of my life. I hope your day is as wonderful as you are.
Happy Birthday Beth, I pray that the Lord will fill your heart with a flush, an overwhelming rush of emotion that comes from His revelation to you…..a revelation of how intensely you are loved and prayed for through this journey we (The Siestas) take together! May His peace be yours in all things….especially on your birthday. Love, Charlotte
Happy Birthday!!!!!!
A Very Happy and Blessed Birthday to Beth!! Praying your day will be filled with lots of love and laughter! Beth’s Bible Study: “A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place” was the 1st Bible Study I ever participated in. It was a little over my head at the time, but I went on to complete MANY of her studies including the revised version of that one. You are indeed blessed to be the daughter of such a passionate and faithful mother. Thank you for sharing her with the world! Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BETH!!
Happy Birthday Beth!
May God continue to Bless you as you have blessed so many by your faithfulness in serving Him.
Much Love!
Malisa
Happy Birthday! May it be the best year yet!
What an honor to have such a beautiful sentiment written about such a wonderful lady of the Word. Although I I have never met you,Beth, I consider you a mentor. You radiate Jesus, and you are so real at the same time. Not pretentious. I am honored to be known as one of your students.
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for your faithfulness and commitment. I wish you only the very best.
With the warmest regards, Julie
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays and praying a hedge of protection around your heart and soul today as you reflect and embrace all God has done for you and through you in your lifetime so far!! I’m thankful for this giveaway call to post so we can give to you more than you will give out just this once!! I know I am joking thousands upon thousands in sincere, don’t need a prize, hearted Sisters across the world!!! Bless you and Satan stand back and watch, if you can hardly stand it!! To God be all the glory forever amen!!!
Indeed the apple does not fall far from the tree – you have a gift with words just as your mom does Melissa! Happy birthday, dear Beth! May God’s love come crashing over you in wave after wave!