**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
Happy Birthday Beth! Looks like you have awesome kids and husband! Have a blessed year!
Happy Birthday Beth. What a sweet it that letter from Melissa. Who could ask for more?
Happy Birthday, Beth! You are a blessing to this TN girl.
I would love any of the gifts, but esp. would be fond of the KeyWord Bible.
Happy Birthday Beth , I have loved your studies for a long time ,one of your newest help in studying the Bible ,copying the verses has founded it way into my.personal quite time as I am in the book of Psalm . I love it because you really think about what you are copying. Once again have a wonderful day.
The Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and give you peace. May your day be filled with reminders of God’s extravagant love for you and the awesome plans He has for your life. You are truly one of His masterpieces. Celebrate well!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Melissa, what a wonderful tribute to your mother – she has a lot of reasons to be proud of you. You and Amanda are a beautiful legacy. And thank you, Beth, for sharing your life in a way that has made me a better woman. Your honesty in admitting imperfections and just being real have had a way of making me more comfortable in doing the same. I hope and pray that by doing that, others will feel freed up to do the same in my sphere of influence. Your example of what it means to be a lover of Jesus and a woman in the crazy world we live in today has had such a powerful and positive impact on how I live. Thank you to your whole family for the sacrifices you have made to minister to us the way you do. I’ll never be able to adequately express in words how grateful I am for how you’ve allowed the Lord to use you and what an incredible blessing it has been in my life. I love you and wish you the happiest of birthdays!
what a lovely tribute to your mom! Happy Birthday, Beth!
Happy birthday Beth! God bless you this day and in the coming year!
Currently in your Breathe study and wow Beth, God knew that this was the time for this particular study for me. Hey HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear sister of mine and may our wonderful GOD continue to use you to teach us more and more! Many MANY know you deeply and are anxious for you to know us deeply too when we get to bless God together in Heaven. Until then, carry on dear one and be blessed, especially TODAY as we celebrate YOU and all that Jesus has done, is doing and will do because of your availability to Him! <3 U!
Happy birthday to you! Thank you for allowing God to use you to be a blessing to so many people!
What an honor it is to wish you the happiest of birthdays. My life, and I pray my legacy and the lives of my children and their children to come, were forever changed when I first read Believing God, and continues to be changed by your Bible studies, SSMT, Wednesdays on Life Today and most especially your example. Happy birthday!! Many blessings for you and your family!
Happy Birthday, Beth!
Happy Birthday to you!Happy Birthday to you!Happy Birthday dear Beth,Happy Birthday to you❤️
Could you hear me singing? Our Father uses you in so many ways to bless the rest of us. Know you are loved and remembered in prayer.
Happy Birthday Beth, I am new to this all, started in January with the Siesta memory challenge which has been life changing to me!! Each verse has been a blessing to me! Thank you! May you feel blessed today and loved.
Rosemary
Happy Birthday Beth,
I began listening to your broadcasts in 2010, after being introduced to your ministry at my church. Your “Breaking Free” Bible Study came to me during a very defining season of my life. I had fallen short of God’s glory and that almost led to the demise of my marriage and nearly destroyed my dream of being a happily married mother of two. But because of me learning how to fall in love with God’s word and break free from bondages in my life through your powerful ministry; my marriage is now 19-years strong!!! And our beautiful teenage children are in love with Jesus and my God has restored us.
Thank you for always being so faithful, funny, and fabulous! God’s very best to you.
I adore you, LaQuanna
Dear Beth, wishing you the happiest of birthdays. Have loved your studies, especially when I’ve been able to attend in person. My walk with Jesus has been greatly enhanced while studying the Word with you. I, too, am a wife, mother, and Mimi. I pray Blessings for you and your family as you celebrate this special day.:-) 🙂 🙂
Happy Birthday Beth! My first exposure to LPL and your Binle studies was in 2000 at Riverside Baptist Church, my Mom brought me and I cried through the whole weekend! The healing that started that weekend launched me into a life of loving the Word and clinging to Him! Doing “Believing God” rocked my world and wrecked me for a life bigger and deeper than I ever imagined! Thank you doesn’t begin to express my gratitude for your life testimony, all of the Bible studies and the LPL experiences that have moved me beyond words!
While it is your birthday, YOU are a gift to me and many others! I pray for you and your family, and ministry!! God bless you! Ruined for Him, Joni
Happy Birthday. Thanks for all you do for so many…
Too much to say for a comment, but I credit your study on Paul as the turning point in my “personal” relationship with Christ. I thank you for that and, from one Arkansas gal to another, I wish you a very happy birthday! Enjoy your special day to its fullest!
Happy Birthday Beth!! May your day be filled with family and friends and LOTS of Love & Laughter!!
What a wonderful way to feel about your mother & tribute. I only know her through LPM and know she is tender in her heart ,wise beyond her years (I am older than she), and in love with Jesus, her family and life. She is a very impressive lady. I am looking forward to seeing/hearing her in August in Milwaukee WI. You don’t know how excited I am. I wish this great lady a wonderful birthday. PS. This tribute also gives a gleam into what a lovely lady you are also.
Dearest Beth, If you aren’t a blubbering idiot after reading the wonderful tribute from your daughter — well, I started to say you just aren’t human. But I know that you are and you are :). I hope you are having the happiest of birthdays ever! You are so special to scores of us. Sending Happy Birthday wishes from Arkansas. Letha Mahan
Happy Birthday Beth! Wishing you a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends. Praying God’s blessing upon you this next year.
Thank you for being a willing servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am just one of the lives that has been touched through your obedience.
Melissa great blog post on your Mom.
HaPpY HaPpY BiRtHdAy to one of my favorite people that I’ve never met!!! What a gift and blessing God has given us through you Beth! Your leadership, teaching, writing and real words have touched many hearts, mine included. Enjoy your special day!
Robin
Happy, Happy Birthday! Love your blog and your lessons. You are an inspiration to many!
Happy Birthday Beth, I am just home from seeing you in Tampa….I can only say THANK YOU!
Happy Happy Birthday Beth!!!!!
You are a blessing to me always!!!
Lots of love!!!
Christi
Happy Birthday,Beth. I can’t describe how much your Bible studies have meant to me. Your approach is awesome, to say the least. Or,as Chris would say, “oauuwsome.” You have inspired me to do something I have long wanted to do, and that is to reach out to our youth with a Bible study they can relate to. This is in conjunction with some teenagers from my church. The goal is for them to be able to make a decision for Christ. On their own. With God’s help and lots of prayer, it’s coming together. Have a wonderful, Jesup filled day.
Happy Birthday Beth! I first heard you when you spoke to the women’s group at Cypress Bible Church many years ago. You were just getting your “teaching legs” under you and I remember how touched and moved I was by your message. You always had personal stories to share, especially about your girls, but my favorite was the story of you in the airport combing the old man’s hair. That funny, touching story taught so much about listening for that still, small voice, that prompts us into those places we don’t think we want to go, but where we find God in unforgettable ways. I have learned so much from you in the years since then (doing hours and hours of homework, and loving every minute), and on your special day, I want to say thank you, Happy Birthday, and may your day bless you as much as you have always blessed others!
Happy birthday, Beth!
It was during the “Loving Well” study that my eyes were first opened to the true love that God has for me. He doesn’t sit sternly by, waiting for me to straighten up, but rather He loves me unconditionally. Thank you for that study, and letting the Lord speak through you.
Happy Birthday, Beth Moore! I have been so blessed, both studying and leading your Bible studies! May your day be filled with all the things that make you smile! ☕️
Happy birthday to a beautiful woman who has made such a difference!
Happy birthday Mrs. Beth Moore! Hahaha I don’t even know how to address you! Well I’ve stared at this screen long enough! I just don’t have the right words to express how much you have impacted my life! So I’ll just say thank you! Thank you for letting God’s love pour out of you onto other women! Part of what makes it so special is the southern charm you add to it! 🙂
Kathy
Happy Birthday Beth!! Pray you have a great day and get to spend time with your sweet sweet family!! I am looking forward to seeing you in Greenville in July! I can’t believe you are coming to our city – how exciting! I have been praying for you and your team and for what God is going to do in Greenville, SC through your ministry. Again, have a great Birthday!!
Happy Happy Birthday, Beth! I could go on and on about how you’ve blessed me and challenged me and made me want to dig deeper, but instead I will just say that I am better because you are in the world to point the way. Thank you. Be blessed on this special
Day.
Happy Birthday Beth,
I have learned so much over the years from your teachings. I so thank you for all you give to encourage us women. My first study I ever did with you is Believing God when you had to go online and pay for each video. Thank you for giving so much and bless your family that has shared you with us. Many blessings
Stacy
What a precious tribute to an amazing mama! The Moores are indeed blessed to have one another! Happy birthday to Beth!
Happy Happy Birthday dear Beth! You have been such a blessing to me and many of my friends in our walk with the Lord! May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry to women! Love you!!
Sharon
Happy birthday Beth I couldn’t have made it through ministry life without your bible studies .. May God do even greater things in you for you and through you in the years ahead .. Praying for you as you study week by week .. You dear sister have “refreshed the hearts of the saints ” keep going love Anne
Happy, Happy Birthday!!!! You’ve touched so many lives, but none more than the lives of your family. What an example you have set for women. The first time I heard you speak was about 1989, not a mom yet, I saw your passion to parent-thank you for the challenge! Have a wonderful day!!
Praying you have the Happiest of Birthdays today! You have blessed me to where words could do know justice. Your words and wisdom spark a fire within my soul that hungers for more and more knowledge. God Bless you and your loved ones on this day! 🙂
. Happy Birthday Beth,
Thank you for sharing your day with us. If I could I would love to give you big hug, as a grandmother of unsaved children I grieve every day for their souls……I am trusting in our God and Savior for their souls, your words incourage me and bless me…… Thank You
The very VerY HAPPIEST of Birthdays to you, Miss Beth! You have blessed my life!
Happy Birthday Beth! I celebrated mine yesterday. Too bad we can’t celebrate together. I love your books and bible studies. Much love to you!
Beth,
I hope you have a most fabulous birthday! Thank you for stepping out in faith and listening to God’s call. God has used you to bless countless women to draw closer to him which in turn blesses families. Therefore, thank you for being real and providing awesome bible studies that I understand and get excited about! Love you!!!
May you have the happiest of birthdays, Beth. It is an understatement to say you’ve been a blessing to me. I pray for you personally and pray for your ministry. God bless you.,
Happy Birthday Beth!
As you have reminded us…we are blessed! So, may you “Blessed Beth” feel The Lord’s hands on your face as He lifts your head to look into your eyes to remind you of His deep love for you! As your sister, I will add my prayer for your continued strength and courage as you proclaim HIM!!
With heart filled thanks!
Joni
Beth,may your day be filled with all that you give to others….Happy birthday,sweet child of God!
Happy birthday, Beth! My mom and I have grown so much closer together as we have read your Bible studies and drawn closer to the Lord together. Thank you for being faithful to what He has called you to do – you bless so many of us through that obedience, sister!
Happy Birthday Beth! Your books and bible studies have brought me closer to Jesus. I can not thank you enough. Love you so much!