**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
“Go ahead God, come and get Your glory!” Beth, I’ll never forget you saying that at Deeper Still in Orlando! Four conferences later, seeing you last weekend in Tampa makes me fall deeper in love with the Christ follower you are! You make Jesus look good and your devotion is contagious! Keep on shining for Him! We all see His glory in you and thank you so much for a stellar example of a life surrendered and well-lived for the Kingdom! May God bless you and your family, Beth! Happy birthday! You rock our world and we love you here in the Lightning capital!!
With much love and prayer,
Siesta Sheilah
Beth, I can’t put into words how grateful I am that you chose to give your life to the Lord. The Lord has used your life and studies to impact me and give me hope in my brokeness. Thank you Beth, thank you for serving our Lord. I wish i could give you a big hug on your birthday! Happiest birthday sister in Christ!
What a beautiful tribute and a meaningful way to celebrate your mom’s birthday! Happy Birthday to Beth from one of the many whom she has not met in person, but has impacted greatly.
God bless you Beth! Thank you for blessing us with your walk with the LORD. Happy Birthday!
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Happy Birthday Beth,
I thank our God for your love for Him. I love your ability to always shine the light on Jesus!
May you be mighty blessed this year.
Happy Birthday, Beth! Your bible studies, books, and blog have been such an important part of my Christian journey. Thank you for your service to the King and countless others!
Happy birthday, Beth! I absolutely love your studies and your passion for God and his Word!
I love this sweet post from your daughter.
Love and blessings,
Cristie
Happy birthday, Beth. You are a blessing to your family and to so many others.
I only became involved in Bible Study after I retired. My sister literally dragged me to a local church which was studying “Esther”- a good one on which to begin. Well, as you can imagine, I have been caught up in study ever since and have completed many studies over the last 8 years.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Susan
Happy Happy Birthday to a sweet and wonderful person. I could listen to Beth all day long. She can make goose bumps pop up on my skin when I listen to her.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I still marvel when I meet Christian women who have not yet heard of you. I quickly enlighten them to what they’re missing! I can’t help but be thankful that I first heard of you long ago when I did a Bible study on the tabernacle. I was so amazed at what I learned and it made me even more amazed at how incredible God is! I only recently saw you in person for the first time, however. At Colour London this past May. What a BLAST! Your passion always comes through on videos, but in person? WOW! Literally blew my hair back and made me feel as though I might jump out of my skin right into the heavens to declare the praise of the ONE who gives such passion!! What a gift you are! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
My mother was an extraordinary woman. Full of strength and support for others.I miss her incredibly and I hope that I can take the lessons she taught me and apply them to myself and my children.
Happy Birthday Momma Beth! Your faith had such an impact on me during my college years. As a motherless daughter, I instantly felt a sense of motherhood wisdom from your studies that I was greatly missing in my life. Thank you for all the sacrifices you make to share your faith so boldly to women of all ages. May God bless you abundantly!
xoxo
thank you so much for your service to Him and therefore to us. You have helped ignite a love for scripture that I wouldn’t trade for anything. God bless you and your sweet family. Your daughter’s words were precious. From ME to TX, I wish you a happy day!!! Love u so.
Happy birthday Beth! Every time I do a new Bible study with you, I feel like I learn a ton of things and gorw closer to our Savior. Some days when the warfare is tough, Bible study gets me through the day. Hoping your day is great and you feel all of our love.
Your friend,
Mischia
(Because once you work through study with Beth you are her friend.)
Happy Birthday! I praise my God always in every remembrance of you and what with carrying around my memory verses, reading the blog and twitter it begins to add up. Then, I tend to bring up something I’ve learned from one of your books or Bible studies in conversation with my mom and sisters. They are in Texas and I am in California so I pray for my family and yours when I hang up. I forward the blog emails to friends and I pray for fertile soil and your ministry when I hit send. Sometimes, with my head on my pillow, the Lord brings you to mind and I pray. Dear One, I haven’t the wherewithal to support your ministry but I can pray, so I do.
Blessings to you and your house for a thousand generations, mh.
A very special happy birthday to a woman I’ve only met on the pages of Bible studies, in large auditoriums and a few times in passing for a group photo – thank you for sharing much of your journey with the world – thank you for saying Yes to God’s unique call on your life – and for being willing to sacrifice much for the sake of others. May you be surrounded by those you love and who love you today with lots of salsa and cake (not necessarily eaten together)! And know that many are grateful for your ministry and thank God for you today.
Happy birthday! You have been such a blessing to me!
What a beautiful tribute, Melissa! You are loving your mom back so well!
A very Happy Birthday to my favorite Bible teacher! I love being a Siesta and learning about falling in love with Jesus from your example! May you have a birthday full of love and laughter!
XOXO
Happy Birthday Beth….I have to say you are my favorite speaker…one of my favorites is the story of the hairbrush…I laughed, I cried….such an amazing story….I started just recently on the Bible study “Children of the Day” you have such an amazing way of explaining things that even tho I may have read the scriptures before I learn so much from your teaching….Thank you…I hope that your Birthday is filled with lots of love and laughter….God Bless
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday Beth!! I pray your day is absolutely wonderful making many memories to carry throughout the year. Thank you so much for your obedience in your writing. I have been challenged over and over again through the studies you have written. Very thankful for you. Happy, happy day!
Angela
Beth, you have been such a blessing in my life! I am so thankful for your teaching, mentoring and compassion. I hope you are having a truly blessed birthday. May the Lord give to you as much as you give to others.
With much love, Diana
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Beth…I’m thinkin’ you were born for such a time as this! You and your ministry bless countless people, so they can be blessings, and on and on. Thank you. Be filled with joy and peace!
What a beautiful tribute !! This may be the most precious gift she receives on her birthday! Happy birthday, Beth ! I love the authenticity you continually show and have obviously taught and instilled in your daughter. Continued blessings to you and yours!
Happy, Happy Birthday Beth!! As we like to sing,”Celebrate, Celebrate your Happy Day!” Beth, you have been such a blessing to me for so many years. Thank you for your love for Jesus and your passion for all to “Break Free” from bondage and learn to live abundantly in the arms of Jesus.
Happy Birthdaydear Beth, a most special lady that I call my friend!
I have met you 3 times (2 at siesta pics) and sat on the front row of Bayou City Fellowship with you and Amanda, Gay, my husband Tom, and my dearest friend BJ, over whom you have prayed and so blessed with love and encouragement during her illness.
Your many Bible Studies have so blessed me in my Walk, Beth. I have done almost all of them, attended 4 amazing LPL events, 3 simulcasts including “So Long Insecurity!), and I often listen to your devotional cds in my car. And I will be at the Greenville, SC LPL in July!! Yea!!
All this being said, I just want to thank you on your birthday for all of the gifts you have given to me and so many others throughout the years!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR BETH!!!!
Love,
Fran
Happy Birthday!!
Happy Bitthday Ms Beth. I pray that God continues to be allowed to write your story and bless your socks off. I have loved your studies and the person you are. Though I don’t know you personally I to have a love for Mexican food, family and Jesus and think we would be fast friends. May you have a special time with Jesus on this day, just as when you were first conceived and only He knew you existed. Have a beautiful day!! God Bless
Happy Birthday Beth!! I hope you know how much you mean to so many people! Your bible studies are the first time the bible really opened up to me! How can I ever thank you for that? Except to say I pray for many blessings to be upon you on this special day!! I don’t know if I will ever get the opportunity to meet you on earth but I will definitely look you up in heaven! Have a blessed day dear Beth!!
Happy happy birthday!
Happy, Happy Birthday! May God use you mightily this year–however that may look.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Beth,
Praying that The God you love and serve will bless you with a fabulous birthday. Looking forward to many more years of learning GOD’s word alongside you.
Happy Birthday Beth!
Thank you for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Thank you for showing me in Gods word what I need to know. I have done many of your Bible studies and the tight one speaks to me at the right time. When I had to deal with an empty nest, her book Feathers from my Nest was what I needed.
I just finished reading To Live is Christ and have the hand drawing on my refrigerator to remind me of the 5 things that Beth shared that I recite.
Beth, you are a blessing. THANK YOU! God bless you and your family.
Happy Birthday Beth! Hope your birthday was grand! I had the privilege of bringing my 20 something daughter to see you last year in Lubbock, I hope it’s the first of many we are able to share.
Happy Birthday, Beth.
Happy Birthday Dear Beth! You are so precious and I am so thankful for the love you pour out through the Holy Spirit to all around you. May the Lord truly Bless you this day.
Love, Nancy
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH MOORE
Believing God was my first introduction to you- and wow! it changed my life tho I had been a Christian for many years already…Thank you for your excitement about the Scriptures….I love the SSMT -it has totally empowered my prayer life as I pray the many Scripture verses by memory as I walk or excercise over my long list of missionaries, sick friends, and family…You are like another Elisabeth Elliott.
Happy birthday! Today I will thank the Lord for you and your birth. It was an important birth that many are still learning of. You have taught me so much wven though we have never met. I am forever grateful for your sacrifice and willingness to teach women about our amazing God! Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Beth! What a beautiful tribute from your daughter. Your legacy reaches beyond what you will ever know. Thankful for your love for Jesus!
Happy Birthday to a very gifted teacher!
Happy Birthday Beth!!
You are an inspiration and I cannot wait to party with you in heaven!!
Love to you and many more blessings ♥️
-Elizabeth
Ventura, CA
Happy Birthday Siesta Mama! What a beautiful tribute.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BETH MOORE!!! Thank you for sharing your God-given talents and anointing with the world! You have blessed so many with your insight and wisdom. May God continue to bless you with many more years of life that is living proof to a dying world: Our God reigns and Jesus is coming soon!
I haven’t really had the best mom role model in my life. Which God has turned into an opportunity to learn from mothers everywhere. I have been thankful to observe and learn and also thank God for the mother that I do have, flaws and all.
Watching Beth interact with her daughters on Twitter is a joy. It reaffirms the hope that I can be a mom because of those who have modeled it so well for me. Even if they didn’t know they were doing so.
Happy birthday Beth! Thank you for not only introducing me to the Strongs Concordance, for the many videos and books that have helped turn God into Abba, but for modeling how to be funny, smart, honest, non condescending, Jesus loving, scholar, wife and amazing mother. I am thankful for your life and authenticity.
Happiest of birthdays!
Happy Birthday Beth! May your day be filled with blessings, family, and enjoyment. Your writings and teachings are an inspiration. Thank you for all you do.
Hugs to you and your family.
Happy Birthday Beth. You don’t know it but you are the teacher of our ladies Bible class at church. We have done several of your studies in class, currently doing James, Mercy Triumphs. We finished up with Children of the Day not long ago. We go through the books together and then watch the videos. Everybody loves you and we pray for you and I appreciate it that your husband prays for me as an unmarried woman trying to lead a bunch of women seeking a better way to live. You have helped me more than I can express to you. Can’t wait to see what you are doing with Ephesians.
May our Mighty God do abundantly beyond all i could even ask or think in His Chosen ways of blessing you both today and always !
Rejoicing in the GIFT of YOU ~~!
linda
Happy Birthday Beth Moore… you have been such an inspiration tome & so many of us thru your studies, stories & your love of GOD & life & all the heart felt experiences you share with us all.. thank you for being the real deal.. May GOD bless you for many many more <3