**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 AN I WISH YOU A WONDERFUL DAY.
You have been such an inspiration to me whether it’s seeing you in person or doing one of your studies. You are truly a blessing in my life as I am sure you are in others.
Have a wonderful blessed day and just reminder there are so many others out there that you have touched as well. Thank you so much for being who you are and bringing scripture to us in a way that reflects like as it is now.
Thank you thank you thank you!!
Debbie Wangle
Happy birthday Beth!!! Your studies have changed my walk with the Lord and my friends and family! You are a gift to the world everyday. Thank you for pouring yourself out.
happy birthday Beth. I really enjoy your Bible study, thinking God for you you’re very strong woman.
You are my role model and inspiration.
Happy Birthday Beth! You have influenced so many women in my life including me. Looking forward to many more years of studying scripture together.
Happiest of Blessing to you Mrs. Beth and may God continue to bless you and the mighty work He is doing through you. I just finished the Esther study for the 2nd time. It’s amazing how God uses you to meet my need and situation when most needed. I had misplaced my first book and kinda unhappy that I would need to buy a new one. BUT God, in His Ultimate Wisdom knew that over the last few months I would need a fresh perspective and not rely on my answers from several years ago. He spoke to me in a fresh and new way. He’s amazing like that and I’m blessed because You have committed your life and your talents to His Kingdom. Thank you and May God richly bless you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Beth! Your coming to Albuquerque for the Live Event has turned my life upside down and inside out…I don’t know whether I am coming or going! 50 years I spent in a pit, I am no longer there. You were right when you said, “you will be redeemed this weekend and it will be stunning, absolutely stunning.” He proved you right, as always!! I am so in love with Him and can’t get enough! I want all of Him! Thank you for obeying God and coming to Abq. Just for me, oh I know it wasn’t just for me, but it sure felt like it! I ask God to bless you beyond your wildest dreams today! You are truly only one of two people I have seen in my life time that actually is the sermon and made me want what you have. Since I returned home, i ask God every morning, I want what Beth has. Thank you for being what God called you to be! For being obedient! Another soul snatched right out from under satan’s nose, praise God! Love you, Beth
Dear Beth,
You, your wise words, your ability to speak the truth in love have changed my life. God has used you and your bible studies to “knock me upside the head” a time or two. I hope you have a blessed birthday!
happy birthday Beth. You are a God given gift to all of us needy women.
Happy Birthday! May God continue to bless you!!!!
Happy Birthday! Beautiful post.
Happy birthday beth! You have been a blessing in this girls life. Jesus used you and the study “Jesus the one and only” to open my heart to Him. I have learned so much from you!
For such a time as this….the Mighty God of the Universe has chosen to reflect HIS Love and Glory through his servant Beth Moore… my life has been challenged. Thank you for your faithfulness Beth, and HAPPY Day that you were born!!!
Happy birthday to such a huge spiritual inspiration in my life. You have blessed me time and time again, and I am so thankful for God’s ministry through you!
Happy birthday to one AMAZING woman!
Happy Birthday!!!!
Happy Birthday, Mama Beth! Thank you for all you’ve contributed to His kingdom. I hope this is a wonderful day for you!
Girl …..like so many other ladies who have already expressed the MANY ways you have impacted theirs lives, I’m one of many who doesn’t have the proper words to say THANK U!
Without sharing everything I was introduced to someone and had the awesome privilege of walking thru some very difficult life stuff with a very dear lady who I know she was Jesus with skin on for me!
(And without your direction I would of never trusted her.)
Thank u just doesn’t explain the many ways to share my gratitude I have towards you!
Much gratitude to you and
Happy birthday blessings to you
Kelly
Beth Moore, you are a treasure! I am thankful you are a woman in love with Jesus and so willing to speak of His goodness and mercy.
Melissa, what a lovely tribute to your mom.
Happy birthday Miss Beth!
Happy birthday, Beth. Just this morning, I was listening to a radio announcer (Carmen from the morning cruise on the JoyFM) telling the story of the lady who came to Keith’s dad’s funeral and wanted to see the Miracle Boy again. And that Keith had always seen himself as Tragedy Boy. Just another powerful way you have impacted my life, even from such a distance.
Thank you and much blessings for this year.
Happy Birthday, Beth!! May God richly bless your day!!
Happy happy birthday Dear one. To the friend you don’t know that you have. I pray for you and admire you but most of all I know Jesus better because of you and thank you seems small. So, I’ll say what my gramma would’ve said “I love you with the love of the Lord.”
Thank you for your Bible Studies. I have made many. Happy Birthday to you today and years to come. You are an encourager for sure. Such insight.
Happy one! Dear!
How appropriate to have storms today. My bday is in a couple too. I have eight years on you.
Am overworked and under appreciated here today. A gift would warm my work worn heart.
Hugs,
Betty M
Happy birthday, Miss Beth!
I have learned so much from you and you give THIS PRODIGAL hope. I’ve started trying my hand at writing studies for my own small group, The Big-Haired Bible Babes.
Many happy returns!
Happy birthday Beth! Thank you for teaching the Word of God and for inspiring me to study. Have been studying with you for 15 years and looking forward to many more!
Teresa
Happy birthday to you, Beth. What a special letter written by one of your precious children. May God continue to bless you and your family and your ministry. Hope that you enjoy a very blessed day.
OH BETH–where do I start–I guess by saying a very Happy Birthday to you!! I thank God for you and your wisdom and your humor and your teachings.I thank God for you telling me that I am special when I don’t feel special! I always suggest one of your studies for bible study–we all love you sooo much! Thru great pain comes even greater joy if we let it! Thank you for being obediant to God and writing your studies!! What would we all do without YOU! Your sister in Christ, Sharon Schoenberg
Happy birthday, dear Beth! What a great blessing you have been to so many of us through your Bible studies. So far, I have taken part in all three of your studies that have been offered at our church, and have been challenged and benefited by each of them. Much love to you and to your family.
Happy Birthday precious lady! Thank you for always bringing the gift to us through your amazing study and insight into the Word! May God bless you always.
HapPy BiRthday to YOU Beth!!!! May you be blessed beyond measure as you’ve blessed so many of our lives. Have a wonderful day doing whatever suits your fancy & I hope that there are several fun surprises along the way! Xo
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to one great lady. So thankful that you breath words of wisdom and Gods word into my life. God bless you in this day and every day.
Happy Birthday Beth!
Happiest of Birthdays to you, Beth! You and I have “been through a lot” together – including a blessed trip to Israel! I look forward to each new study that you write and look forward to worshiping with you in Cincinnati!
Happy, happy birthday to a woman that has changed my life! So grateful for your life.
Happiest of Birthdays to you Beth! You are and have been such an inspiration to me over the years
as I have been walking a road of recovery along side my husband. We have gotten out of our own pits, and are loving a life walking closer to Jesus. Your many books and bible studies have helped open my eyes and heart. Thank you! Enjoy your day and be blessed as you have blessed so many.
Blessings to you Beth; Wishing you the best birthday ever and may our Father continue to bless you and give you wisdom and insight to speak His truth and empower women. I have enjoyed being part of Bible studies that you have conducted via DVD. Again, Happy Birthday and continued health and happiness.
Happy Birthday Beth. May God continue to bless your ministry and your family .
Happy Birthday, Beth. You are such an inspiration to so many. May this year be filled with happiness and blessings too many to number.
Dearest Beth,
Happiest of Birth Days to you! We are birthed to life in so many ways, but this is the day God chose for you to enter the world and bless so many! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
With love and peace,
Laur
Happy Birthday My Mentor and Friend. I have followed you and learned so much from you. I remember a time Iwould say I want to be a Beth Moore when I grow up. I am 52. You have inspired and encouraged me. Blessing to you on this great day, that Jesus new when you were born you were going to make a difference for eternity. My Sister you have love you Beth Moore.
Happy, Happy Birthday, Beth! A few years ago, your ministry awakened my soul to the depth and richness of the Word. I had allowed my time with God to be sparse and flat. Your genuine love for Jesus and belief in the sheer power of His Word has given me the freedom to live for the Lord with abandon. You are a beautiful woman of God. Thank you for how you have blessed me so that I may be a blessing to others.
Happy Birthday. Your studies, especially the one on Esther, have followed me and helped me during some very tragic events in my life. While I struggle daily to understand why mine and my children’s lives are like they are now, I know that God has a purpose for all of it. Thank you for sharing your story and your faith with other women.
Happiest of Birthdays to you! I am currently in your “Here and Now/Then and There” study on Revelation. I’m loving it…especially last night’s lesson where I learned about “aphiemi”. Life changing word. Thank you, Beth!
Happy Birthday Beth! Enjoy your special day:-)
Thank you for reminding me of God’s ability to strengthen my heart and give me energy to carry out the tasks before me in this world Jesus loves in your Bible study titled Breath. John 3:8
Blessings,
Jennifer
Happy Birthday Beth! I can’t imagine the celebration that is going on around you. What fun!
Happy Birthday Beth! I cant wait to see you on June 26 and 27 in Cincinnati.
Happy birthday! !!!! Thank you for being you !!#
Happy Birthday Beth! Blessings for you on your special day!
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday dear lady who is highly favoured! You have been a blessing to me through your written and spoken words and I do pray for you that those blessings would be poured back on you. Have a glorious day!!
🙂 Michelle, Alberta, Canada