**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, Beth! Kay Arthur showed me how to study His word….you gave me a passion for living it out! Thank you!
(PS – I went to a Living Proof weekend in Portland Oregon years back and subsequently left my lengthy legal career to write novels full-time. You told us in those sessions that following Jesus was a wild ride, challenged us to follow him with abandon….and I had the nerve to believe it!)
(PSS – I still regularly pray for Gay)
Happy, HAPPY birthday Beth! I feel as if we are friends already even though we have never met personally. I have taken (and taught) probably all of your studies and I thank God for you as a teacher because give the best word pictures of anyone I know! You bring the point down to an everyday level so we can not just learn it but apply the principles. I pray the Lord will bless and keep you this year!
Love this! Made my day to read such a lovely tribute to Momma.
Happy Birthday Beth!! Hope you have a blessed birthday!! Your Bible studies and books have helped me to grow in the Lord and understand the Bible so much. Thank you so much for writing them.
Thank you for the light and beauty of you inside and out! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday. Thank you for being such a faithful servant for Jesus!!! Praying your birthday is overflowing with blessings and that you have many more!!!
Hi,Beth. Happy Birthday, beautiful lady. You have blessed me so many times with your Bible studies. I have studied every one of them and every time that particular study fits what is going on in my life at the moment. You have helped me through some troubled times and made me laugh at other times. May God keep blessing you in your endeavor to show the world Christ’s love. I pray for only the best for you and your family.
Glenda Jensen
Belgrade, MT
Happy Birthday, Beth! I know you will be surrounded by friends and loved ones to celebrate your day.
Mary Kay Ash said, “A woman who will tell you her age will tell you anything!” I use this all the time and will share it for you to use also.
Thank you for all you do for us. Love your books, teaching, and most of all your heart for Jesus and His Word! Stay strong! Sending much love from the “Big Sky Country”.
Happy Birthday Beth!!
I am in tears because I love Beth without ever having met her. When people ask me who my spiritual mentor is, I always answer, “Beth Moore.” They usually laugh, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I have learned so much about who Jesus is and what God’s word says because of the way God shines through her. I heard her speak for the first time 12 years ago and thought, “I want to love Jesus like she does.” And, I really, really do.
Happy Birthday, Beth!
ps~ I really just wanted to say Happy Birthday, but if I happen to win, I will give my gift to the precious one that I now mentor. We are reading Jesus, the One and Only together right now. 🙂 It’s the book that God used to cause me to fall in love with Jesus.
happy birthday, Beth! Thank you for sharing your life and love with so many! Enjoy your special day!! See you in Cincinnati! ❤️
Your bible studies have been so meaningful to so many people. Thank you for all that you do! Happy Birthday!
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful family!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Wishing you a joy-filled day and a year crammed full with the nearness of God.
Beth, I am so thankful for your life and ministry. I discovered your Bible studies when I was in the trenches of pregnancies and newborn days and could barely pour a cup of coffee let alone have some silent contemplative prayer without falling asleep – ha! Having your teaching and shared insights into the Word of God was (and is) a lifeline that has seen me through some many hard seasons. I will always be grateful for the way in which you continually inspire me to seek God in his Word and to MEMORIZE IT!
I love your single-mindedess and yet your generous ecumenism – it is a breath of fresh air to find the blend of evangelical commitment to the Word of God and yet an evident awareness of the history of the church woven in as well. You have mothered me in many ways, and I deeply appreciate your long obedience in the same direction. xoxo M
We love you too, Beth! I’ve experienced many Bible studies that God has used you to share with us! May you have a very blessed birthday!!
Here’s a ‘special’ prayer for your birthday. 😉
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV
Love and Big Hugs,
Cindy
Happy birthday, Mrs. Moore! Hope you’re having a wonderfully blessed day!
Beth, I’ve done several of your studies and loved every one. I feel we are friends. Happy birthday, sweet friend!
Happy Birthday Beth from Hawaii! As I have literally moved all over the world following my military man, I have always been able to find a group of women to learn from your Bible studies with. The military life is one of constant change, but you help remind us that the Lord is steadfast! I wish you a joyful day!
Happy Birthday Beth!
Thank you for modeling Jesus to me…My life is richer
and my relationship with Him stronger because of you.
Eternally Grateful,
Julie
Melissa – I am hardly able to type through my tears, this touched my heart so! What a treasure for your mama. [Jeremy “introduced” me at a statewide retreat for pastor’s wives last year before I spoke (a surprise to me), and I got all wistful and teary.] This is GREAT! 🙂
Giving gifts on your own birthday – that about sums y’all up. May God bless your generosity.
Happy Birthday to my SAME SEASON SANGUINE SISTER Beth – I love you! I mailed your present – hope it comes today, if not, for sure tomorrow!
Love, GJ, Gran Jan 🙂
Happy Birthday Beth!!!
God has used You to birth the LOVE of the word in many a lady…and I am one of them.
May He sustain you in your service to his people this year!!
Anne
Happy Birthday Beth!
I hope you have an awesome celebration!!
Love,
Linda
Happy Birthday dearest Beth! You are a bright in shining star in a world of darkest night. You lift Jesus high so all may see His glorious light. May your day be full of blessings, your heart be full of love and your joy made complete with all your sweet treasures given from the Lord above. Love you, .
*** “and” not “in”… *** Typo Queen coming at you!
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for being so authentic before us. You have helped inspire my love of Scripture. Your love for Jesus is contagious!! Melissa the post was so sweet. The pictures were so wonderful. Thank you for sharing your mom with us!
I’m a tad late in this, but, I just want to wish Beth a very Happy and Blessed Birthday. I’m not so interested in the give away as I am letting y’all know what a precious gift Beth is to so many of us, especially me. I love listening and learning from the Birthday Girl. Beth you have provided insights that no other has touched upon. Thank you for your sensitive ear to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
May Our Heavenly Father Bless you with every Good gift in Heaven and on earth this year. You are appreciated!!!
Happy Happy Blessed Birthday Beth!!!
Happy Birthday,Beth! Your passion for Jesus and love for people draw people to your studies. I enjoy listening and studying with you. Your voice is one that I have to stop everything and listen to when I hear you on TV or the radio. (Charles Stanley is the only other person that catches my attention like that!) “Her children will rise and call her blessed…” Your daughter has done that for you…may you enjoy your special day with those who love you most!
What a treat it was to get to sing Happy Birthday to you, Beth, last weekend in Tampa! Thank you for sharing your heart, your life, your family and your special day with all of us — and for welcoming us as Siestas. Your sincere, authentic, and anointed spirit is re-verberating around the world! May you receive today even a fraction of what you give in the name of Jesus. Happy, happy birthday!
Happy Birthday to a dear woman that GOD has used for years to help me grow in my walk with our Saviour!! Our Women’s Bible Study group have been blessed to go through several of your studies over the past 6 years, and look forward to many more years! Thank you for your faithfulness to share your love of HIM!
Beth Moore you are truly loved. That was the most loving blog I have ever read written by a daughter about her mother.
You are also a blessing to all of us.
Have a wonderful birthday.
Elizabeth Aline Walker
Happy birthday to an incomparable woman so consumed by God that she radiates! This post is beautiful. What a blessing it must be for your mom!
Happy Birthday! His bless you and your work!
Happy Birthday Beth! Smiles and blessings all year long! Our ladies Bible study has done every one of your Bible studies as you are our favorite! And lo and behold how often what we pick and what you say goes along with what our Pastor is preaching…God is making His case for us!! Love you!!
Happy Birthday to you Miss Beth! Thanks for all you do for us bible study girls…
Happy Birthday Beth! You have inspired me to study God’s word so much over the past 15+ years. I just finished your Esther study and am headed to Zimbabwe this week to teach some ladies in a small rural village all about Esther and how God can turn it all around when things are tough! God has used u in a mighty way to bless so many and I am truly thankful for your insight into God’s word! If u read this please pray for me and the 4 other ladies on my team! Thank u and many blessings on your birthday!!!
Happy birthday sweet lady! Thank you for sharing your life, your family & the Lord’s word with us. May your year ahead be overflowing with blessings and trimmed with lots of love and laughter. ♡xoxo♡
Happy Birthday Beth, I hope you have an awesome day filled with as much joy as you give those of us who do your studies and go to see your live events.
Happpy Birthday
Happy Birthday, Beth.
I thank God for you and your Bible studies-I think I have done every one. They have made my walk with Jesus so much sweeter.
May God continue to bless you.
In His love,
Mary
Dear Beth,
I have several of your books and love to watch you on TV. I have been so blessed by the way you share God’s Word. My daughter enjoys you too and even though we live many miles apart we feel connected when we share your teachings.
Happy birthday and may God continue to bless you and yours, just as you have blessed so many of us.
Happy Blessed Birthday Sweet Friend! WE have been together many times thru the years with our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ! Thank you for your time and effort you have given to so many! The LORD’S Blessings!
Wow, what an amazing & inspiring Happy Birthday blessing from a daughter to her priceless Mama!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Beth Moore!!! You have influenced my journey with Jesus more than you will ever know, and I would absolutely LOVE to give you a BIG HUG in person and thank u for how you have impacted my life! But until that day I will have to settle for keeping up with u on the LPM blog & SSMT! 🙂 Peace & blessings to you on your special day!!!
The happiest of birthday wishes to you, Mrs. Beth! You inspire me, you energize me, and your bible studies keep me sane! Thank you for giving of yourself as you do and for using such an awe-inspiring God-given talent in the way you do! We are blessed because of you!
Sincerely,
Melissa
Happy Birthday Beth. I pray was a great one! I remember hearing you in Fresno and it was the highlight of my life. You are such a lil dynamite! Please don’t stop! Love you for what you do and who you do it for!
Lyn
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BETH! I will always remember your special birthday as my oldest daughter shares this birthday with you! May God pour out His blessings on you for your faithfulness to share his love and His word with all of us. And, May you confidently know God’s sweet love and His smile for you today and always!
Beth, you’ve inspired me to study, to dig deeper, and to write studies and teach God’s word. You got me involved in Women’s Ministry and scripture memory. Thank you. Your sense of humor is contagious, and I even write “grin” sometimes in my messages!
God bless you on your birthday and every day!
Happy Birthday to the dearest friend I’ve never actually gotten to meet. You have made such a huge difference in my walk with Jesus that only in eternity will I be able to tell you and show you. My love for Jesus sprouted from your example and your words and your life. I saw in you what I wanted and longed for and I decided to reach out for Jesus and I learned to love him for myself. My life is not the same because of you and your willingness to be vulnerable and say the hard things and the deep things. You have cheered me on and encouraged me from afar and I am forever grateful. I hope you enjoy the happiest of birthdays today.
Happy Birthday Beth! 🙂
Your are a true inspiration to many! I always enjoyed seeing and hearing you at The Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday nights in Houston! I miss that time together!
Beautiful family! Thank you for everything you have shared to bring us all closer to our Lord and Savior! Blessings!
Donalee
Melissa,this was a most beautiful tribute to your beautiful Mom. Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us.
Beth, I do wish you a an especially blessed birthday and year. I can never thank you enough for all you do for all of us! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday! I am a June baby also!
Happy Birthday to a beautiful woman of God who has allowed Him to use her to touch the lives of women such as me. Beth you are an inspiration, blessing, and bearer of the truth!
Thank you for your ministry and I pray you have a fabulous birthday!
Happy Birthday Beth! I have been blessed over the years by your studies and have watched my spiritual life become deeper and more meaningful to me because of what I have learned through your insights into His precious Word. I have been through serious grief and great joy and often you have ministered to me just as I needed in that moment, either through a new study, a live event where you spoke, or a simulcast I’ve attended. I’ve also watched you grow spiritually, from your very first study until today and your influence on literally tens of thousands is profound.
I pray this Birthday will be full of blessings and surprises and I ask the Father, that if it be His Will, you will have many more years to advance the Kingdom. And I do believe when the time comes that He calls you Home, I will read on and on tremendous testimonies of your influence in lives you can’t possibly know, just as I am reading these days of those who were touched by the life of Elisabeth Eliot.
Thank you for sharing your life with us! Teresa Graham