**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
Happiest Birthday, Beth!
Wishing you God’s richest blessings!
happy birthday, Beth! What a lovely tribute from Melissa.
️Birthday Blessings to my wonderful mentor. We are the same age and I did my first Bible Study when you wrote it. I have enjoyed everyone since and am so blessed God has given you the gift of encouragement and writing. Thank you Beth for many years of laughter and tears! You are appreciated much!! Thanking the Lord for you!!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Our Lord has changed my life through your teaching and I’m forever grateful for you. xo
Happy Birthday, Beth! Thank you for being such a blessing in my life through your Bible studies! I hope you have a wonderful birthday!! Many blessings to you! Angela from Amarillo, TX
Happy,Haapy Birthday Beth.
Happy Birthday Miss Beth,
You are a gift to the world and so many of us celebrate you as out spiritual mother. You have led us straight to the arms of Jesus time and time again through studying His Word. I am forever grateful.
Always,
Jenn Parker
Happy Birthday Beth !
The best is yet to come ! Your teachings have inspired me. Your Border Collie will act as your personal trainer, like mine does, to make sure no matter how old you are you get plenty of exercise.
BEAUTIFUL!!!Happy Blessed Birthday!!
Wishing you the best birthday yet. I wanted to let you know how much of an inspiration you are to me. My Bible study group has done several of your studies and each one has lead me closer to God and a Godly life. The most inspiration that I have received from you is when I went to the conference in Albuquerque this year and saw what a special person you are. This was my first Beth Moore conference and was so amazed that you would go into the audience and pray with those that needed an extra special prayer. Thank you for allowing God to use you to help and love other women in need.
Happy Birthday Amazing Beth! Your studies completely changed the way that I study scripture and I am Blessed and better for it. You have likely heard this over and over but please know that you are an inspiration to so many! Every aspect of what you do means so much to so many of us. Grateful does not seem apporpriate but I am so grateful for your teaching and example in my life.
Happy Birthday!! Go get that salsa !!!!
Happy Birthday Beth Moore,I hope your day is as bright and beautiful as you are! I love videos and your study guides.You make me want to learn more about the bible and the Lord, you capture my attention my heart in my mind! You shine and even if I do not know you personally , I know you are a gift to your family and to everyone who has heard you and studied with you and to and from God! Thank you again for making me want to learn the bible! I hope you have many more blessing ! May the Lord bless you !
Your Mother is absolutely an awesome woman. You are so lucky and it would appear that your Mother is also lucky to have a daughter like you. Give your Mom a Birthday hug from me,
I hope you have a wonderful day even though it appears to be a wet one. But I know you will brighten it up with your wonderful faith and personality.
God bless you.
You are an inspiration to me and look forward to hearing you speak again.
Melodie
Melissa , you and your family are blessed to have a strong mother figure. Knowing and teaching Christ is an annointing. Beth, wishing you the best birthday ever. Thank you for sharing your family and Christ with all of us. God is praised by your leadership
Beverly in Missouri
Happy, happy birthday! I am ever so grateful for your encouraging words and teaching of the Word. I saw you in Minnesota for an event, and it was a wonderful 2 days. I am also taking part in the scripture memorization and it has been such a blessing! I hope you have a wonderful birthday with your family. May God bless you!
Happy Birthday Beth!
Happy birthday Beth! Wishing you many special blessing today!
Happy Birthday – Beth! You and your sharing of God’s word has touched my life many times over the years! Thank you for ministering to us in so many ways! Tabitha Lewis
Happy birthday, Mrs. Beth. I’m glad God thought you up.
Melissa- your post is lovely.
A mutual friend refers to my 9-year-old as “the most sanguine little girl on the planet” and often speaks of how much she reminds him of Mrs. Beth. So although your post is all about your sweet mama (and not actually to do with me), any good thing you spoke about her I caught myself taking hold of and praying for my daughter. So it was inadvertently a huge encouragement to me. Sometimes a mother’s heart needs to take hold of seeing the potential and get that kind of encouragement, and God knows exactly when. Thanks for “sharing” your mother with the world. Have fun enjoying her existence. 🙂
Happy Birthday Beth. You are a blessing to me. Melissa, this post was so sweet!
♫ ♪ Happy, Happy Birthday ♫ ♪ May God lavish His blessings on you, His beautiful daughter!! Thank you for allowing God to use you to bless so many!
Dearest Beth, HaPpY BiRtHdAy to the most amazingly wise woman I know. You taught me to fall madly in love with Jesus Christ and everything else is gravy.
Love you and everything you do!
You are a sparkling blessing in my life.
Happy Birthday!!!
Beautiful post Melissa!
Happy Birthday, dear Beth! I feel like I know you after watching you on video & reading your blog posts and even more so by following you on Twitter. You are beautiful, fun, funny & real. May you be loved & celebrated to the fullest on your special day.
Happy Birthday Ms. Beth Moore! Your Bible studies are such a blessing to me! I am doing Breaking Free with my almost 19 year old daughter! We are having a blast! God bless you today and your ministry in the years ahead!
Love in Christ,
Natalie Roseberry
Happy Birthday to a Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Woman, Mrs. Beth Moore!
I know you couldn’t do what you do without the Light of Jesus shining through you.
You’ve encouraged us, fed us, equipped us and challenged us with every study I’ve participated
in. I live hearing you describe the “root” meaning of Gods word. We fly away together and the spirit drops us back in time where we can listen to His words and draw strength for the days ahead. Thank you for taking me along on those journeys. The Lord be with us and bless us according to His perfect will and purpose! Happy Birthday!!!!!
Dear Beth,
Happy Birthday and regards for a glorious year!!
Janet
Dear Beth,
I thank my God every time I remember you! Not only do I crave, learn through, and enjoy your Bibke studies, my husband says I learn more through them than anything else! Praise God! Thank you for being used by Him for so many.
May your birthday and year ahead be full of His richest blessings!
Linda
Happy Birthday Beth!!!
Happy Birthday to you Mrs. Beth!! You are a treasure and we are all grateful that you share your wisdom and love for the Lord with all of us! Such a sweet message by your girl, and so evident that you are the real deal! Hope you have the happiest of birthdays!!
Beautiful, beautiful post, Melissa. Happy Birthday, Beth!
Happy birthday Beth! You have touched so many lives with your lessons and your love for the Lord. Thank you for all you do and you do it with such a sweet spirit. May God bless you on your special day.
Happy birthday! You are a blessing and an inspiration!
Happy Birthday, Beth!!! May your day be as beautiful as your life! God Bless You!
Happiest of birthdays Beth! Melissa, beautiful tribute to your wise wonderful momma! Blessings!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Working through Breaking Free with my girls during our last summer together before college and grad school….
Happy Birthday Mrs. Beth! Wes, Gracie and I hope that your day is BLESSED!! We love you SO very much!!
I have taken part and lead (in small groups) serveral of your bible studies. You are truly gifted. I would always prepare the day before our group met and watch the video in advance and my husband always wanted to watch with me because of your right on point teaching! Thank You so much for using the gift our Lord has blessed you with. And……
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH MOORE!!!
Happy Birthday Beth!
I am doing my first Bible Study of yours and am being so blessed by “Children of the Day”. Thank you for doing the work of God entrusted to you.
Beth
Happy Birthday Beth!!! Words cannot describe how much of a blessing you are! Thank you for your ministry!!! God Bless you Beth!!!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Beth. I commented via Facebook, but didn’t want to miss the drawing. Our youngest son was born on June 16 and according to Facebook so were a lot of other great people. Can’t wait for my next Bible Study with you.
Happy Birthday Beth! What a blessing you have been in my life. I have been a Bible Study fan for years. You inspire me in many ways. I feel we would be dear friends and kindred spirits if we could actually meet. May God bless you today and always! I love you and your ministry.
Gina
Beth,
Richest blessings and greatest of joys to you on your birthday. May you feel the love and care that you’re shared with the multitudes. My life is far richer because of your obedience to our Lord. We love you.
Happy Birthday, precious sister!
Happy Birthday Beth!
I hope your day is every bit as blessed as the first time I went to your conference! Thank you for your wonderful perspective of God and His Living Word.
and thank you Melissa for sharing personal glimpse of your mom with us.
Sylvia
Happy Birthday! I hope you have the happiest year!
Mrs. Beth,
I hope you have an amazing birthday! You bring such a joy and a light to this world today! Can i just say something to you that people dont say enough to each other today? I’m glad you were born! I learned a great deal of freedom in Christ from your study “Breaking Free”..Thank you for being so authentic about your own story! Jesus really used this bible study to help me learn how to walk out the freedom that is already mine in Christ. I learned the difference between the truth and the lies. I also learned that my feelings are not always true and i cant trust them. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I cant even begin to tell you what all Jesus did in my life because of your obedience in writing that study. I wish i could actually sit and have a cup of coffee and tell you all about it :). I really do hope you have the best birthday ever. Thank you for listening and obeying the Lord so that someone like me could read truth in ways i could understand. Love you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Beth!. A day to celebrate YOU-wonderful you. I have done several of your bible studies here in ND and I look forward to more. ( starting Children of the Day this week) I thank God for using YOU to help us understand all He has to offer us! Beth, you have such an amazing gift for sharing your knowledge and your passion for Him. I continually pray to know our loving Father better and to love Him deeper than I ever imagined possible. May this special day be filled with all that makes your heart happy.
Melissa, what a sweet tribute to your mom. We have 6 children and my greatest desire is that they know & love our Lord first and foremost. Your sweet momma has obviously done that with you and Amanda❤️
Happy Birthday to you Beth!! You are truly a gift from God! He has blessed you with a wonderful gift of teaching/sharing His Word and message. Out of the women that I have done bible studies from, you truly are my favorite! (Could possibly be because you’re from Houston! I pray you willhave a glorious day!
Happy Birthday Beth
May your special day be filled with showers of blessings.
I love your bible studies and the remarkable gifts you have to connect with each of us in a personal way. Your ability to teach. love,and empower each of us to hunger for God’s word is amazing.
Blessings,
Dottie