**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!
The LORD has used you so mightily in my life. You share that you had a teacher that made you want what he had and that is what you have done for me (and HOW MANY OTHERS!) so o thank you. This road of life is rough sometimes and how on earth people walk it without Jesus is beyond me. Thank you for helping me really find Him and really love Him.
I pray blessings on you today.
With much love and respect,
Connie
Happy Birthday Beth, I am always happy to see a new study or see you on tv, my daughter Jerrica and I have done several if your studies together and we are always blessed with more knowledge of course but with incredible peace as well! Be blessed today and always, give your wonderful daughter a hug!
Happiest of Birthdays, Beth Moore! YOU are the gift! I am ever so grateful for your speaking Truth into my heart and into my life. Press on and keep it coming!
Happy happy birthday Beth!! Make it a great one!!
Dearest Beth,
Happy Birthday, dear one! May God continue to provide you with abundant blessing and insight into His word. Just shared time with you and your lively praise team this past weekend in Tampa, FL. Thank you for making your way to all of us. The insight I gained was life changing. And you can trust – it won’t stay in Tampa! Already shared the good words with many in Orlando! So grateful God made clear to you that you are to be a teacher of His mighty word. I have gained so much from your studies, conferences, and simulcasts over the years! BTW, I am longer “Had” – I am now miracle girl! Love you, Beth! Praying blessings galore for you and yours in this new year of your lifetime!
so much love and a very happy birthday to a true hero of the faith.
Happy Birthday, Dear Sweet Friend. Thank you for being my teacher and inspiring me to teach. I have shared the love you have, beloved, for your precious Jesus. What Joy you have given me in Him and sharing His love, that He has for His children. No words can express my heart. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. I love you, Patricia
Happy Birthday Beth! Currently in your Fruit of the Spirit study!!! Coming to Cincy in a few weeks to see you live! Have an awesome day!
Happy Birthday Beth! Praying you have a day full of joy,
Thankfulness, love, and surprises.
Thank you for your faithfulness in listening and serving God.
God has and continues to use you to speak His truth to us.
God is good!
Kim
Happy Birthday!!
Thank you so much for the challenge to memorize scripture verses throughout the year and for your Breaking Free Study. You have impacted my life in a beautiful way!
May you be blessed by the support, love and prayers poured out on your behalf!
Happy Birthday, Beth. I pray that God will bless you as richly as your teaching has blessed me.
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BETH. I LOVE YOU ALSO! PLEASE FORGIVE THE ALL CAPS BUT I GOT HOME ABOUT AN HOUR AGO FROM CARPAL TUNELL RELEASE SURGERY AND I HAVE TO KEEP THAT HAND IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE POSTURE FOR TWO DAYS SO IT IS HUNT AND PECK WITH ONE HAND. I ALSO LOVE ALL YOUR FAMILY, YOUR BOOKS, BIBLE STUDIES AND DOGS. HAVE A GOOD BIRTHDAY.
Wishing you an amazing birthday! What a gift already to read what Melissa wrote! Thank you seems so little for all you do!! Be blessed!
Happy Birthday to my favorite Christian leader! Thank YOU for your dogged perseverance to study His Word and speak His truth to us. I hold my breath with thrilled expectation for each study to come out. May God bless you and keep you and be very present with you today.
Happy Birthday Dear Beth Moore. I could not begin to articulate what your work for the body has done for me and those directly affected by me. I was introduced to you at a time when I most desperately needed to know the LORD better. You have been a gift and a blessing and I hope to always be grateful
And Melissa… thank you for your ministry as well. Frankly I can’t imagine having Beth as a mother! But it is clear that you have applied what you have learned and poured it out in way that has had a great effect upon me.
Thank you both.
And again, wishing you a very Happy Birthday Miss Beth!
Happy Birthday, sweet Beth! I can’t begin to tell you what an impact you’ve had on my life. I love studying God’s Word with you… and I’m looking forward to making a road trip to see you in Cincinnati!
Happy birthday! I pray that someday my girls will be able to say similar things about me. Thanks for using your gifts God has given you for His glory!
Happy Birthday. Many Blessings.
Jesus love
Cheryle
Beth, Happy Birthday to you! We share June Birthdays! Maybe that’s one reason I love you so much:) Thank you for your faithfulness to God’s calling and for the insights you share with us all. I’m so excited for you to be in Wichita in September to see you in person.
Vickie
Tears streamed as I read your blog. We all have stories about our moms. Sometimes the person who impacts you like a mom may not be your mom. Mine is my late grandmother. Without her sacrifice and influence in my life I don’t know where I would be. Jewell Lucille was born 1918 to a poor family in the south. At 12 her mother died while giving birth to the sixth child. Grandma was the oldest and it soon became apparent she would have to quit school and raise the other five children one a newborn. A hard time in her life yet it made it who she was. She married and had one daughter, my mother. The depression hit, no work in the south. She only had 100.00 she took my mom and took a bus to Cleveland. She rented a room for her and my mom, bought a hot plate to cook their meager meals. Education was important to her since she only had an 8th grade education. She enrolled my mom in school. When I was born my grandmother was the one that raised me. Education was important to her and through her sacrifice I graduated from college without any debt. Her sacrifice allowed me to go to college and graduate with no debt. She didn’t believe in debt. She impacted all who knew her. If I had to describe her in one sentence I would say,” she was a woman who loved God, had nothing but gave everything, willingly.” An unsung hero. What I would give to share one more day with her but I know when the time is right I will spend eternity with her. I am beyond blessed to call her my grandma. Her mother named her Jewell, with two l’s. Little did her mom know that her name would describe who she was. A Jewell to All who knew and loved her.
Happy Birthday, Beth! You are the most amazing example of Living Proof that I’ve been blessed to witness. Thank you so much for laying down your life for Him — which is also for us. Isn’t it wonderful that we’ll have “time” for that desired sit-down with a cup of coffee that you often tease us with? What a pleasure and blessing it has been to know you through your teaching for so many years; may there be many, many more!!!
Happy Birthday Beth! And me. Only last year did I find out we shared a birthday… Many years(17ish?) after I met Jesus and asked for the first time for His help. I was not brought up in a Christian home- I was new to Bible Study and had made friends with a young mom a bit older than me who asked me for my opinion on what kind of study we should do. There was a couple of choices she showed me that were in pamphlet/menu form…one was all about being a great wife by folding napkins and keeping homemade pickled eggs on hand to greet your husband with when he came home from work( I’m not lying) and the other one had a big haired lady talking about King David-
Being a hair stylist, which is how I met my friend, may have had something to do with our choice- though my man may have been pleased with pickled eggs. We chose Beth!! And I fell in love with My King!!I learned how to read and study and hear from God through the Word from you! I kept doing the studies as they released- I will never complain about the homework because I suffer from a serious need to be in the Word or else die. It’s hard to find companions who agree.
You’ve been there for me. I thank you. I celebrate my 43rd today. I’m still meeting Jesus and still needing help:-)
Happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday, Dearest Beth! I’ve fallen in love with Bible studies because of you. Thank you for contributing so much to the Kingdom.
Happy Birthday Beth!!Thanks for all you do!!
Happiest Birthday Beth!!! Thank you for all you do. What a huge part you have played in my own spiritual growth, pointing me to the Lord in a way that I can relate with so personally. God bless you!
Happy birthday! May I express to you how much you have helped me in my personal walk with Jesus through your writing? I read several books before I came across your books. These books left me feeling like a failure, and that I wouldn’t live up to these “standards”. I walked away feeling like I had to be like these women I was reading about, and not Jesus himself. The first book I ever read of yours was “Breaking Free”. I recommended it to everyone I knew. This book sparked and ignited my excitement for Jesus, and left me thinking more of Jesus, and desiring more of Him. I now have all your books! I thank you for being tender to the Holy Spirit, and thank you for sharing what He has shown you. Enjoy your day of birth!
I wish that I could bless you on your birthday the way that you have blessed me and my family over the years. I trust that your heavenly rewards will be amazingly great! Happy Birthday! Hugs and blessings galore heaped upon you today and everyday!
Happy Birthday Beth. I hope you day is full of blessings! 🙂
Happy Birthday Beth Moore! Thank you for helping me fall head over heels in love with bible study. I love them all the best, it is impossible to pick a favorite. I will never miss an oppotunity to hear you speak or miss taking a study you wrote.
BIG love from Bossier City, LA
Jan
Happy birthday, Beth! Your passion for God’s Word is contagious, and your obedience to learn and teach has helped me and the women I lead in Bible study grow in our faith by leaps & bounds. Thank you for being faithful to your calling and for continuing to direct all of our thirsty souls to the source of our living water, Jesus Christ. You are a blessing!
Happy Birthday Beth!
You have been a gift to so many of us! Wrapped with his truth and tied with love which you have so freely given and taught us to do likewise! Praying for you today that you will continue to be blessed as you bless others. Praying for a day of celebration and a year richer than the last!
Happy bday, Feliz cumpleaños
God bless you always!!!
happy happy day! blessings on your birthday.
Happy birthday!!! Hope you have a blessed day!!!
Happy Birthday Beth! You are a blessing!
Susan
Happy Birthday Beth! Melissa did such a beautiful job blessing you on your special day. As another one of your “daughters” and sisters in Him, I bless you and hope you feel how loved you are.
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for the influence you have had on my life and the lives of so many. Thank you for always being real and never trying to “sugar coat” the difficulties this life can bring. May you be blessed today in a very special way!
Happy Birthday Beth!! I hope you are having a wonderful day!! I love your Bible studies and I’m looking forward to seeing you in January for the SSMT get together.
Antigo, WI
It’s way after the time, and I know I’m not available for the drawing — but still want to wish Beth a belated birthday. I get to come listen in Greenville with two of my earthly and heavenly sisters and I am SO EXCITED at God’s Goodness for that gift!! Some of it is because of Beth’s teaching and subsequent Holy Spirit obedience in my life. 🙂 I cannot even thank you enough for your faithfulness to God’s Word over these years and to your family as a model to me, the first to start breaking generational sin by God’s grace in my family. Thank you for your “daily-ness” with us siestas 🙂 Until heaven —
what a beautiful tribute and wonderful gift to receive! happiest of birthdays to you, beth!
Happy birthday! What a wonderful encouragement you are to me. You are blessed beyond measure to have parents such as yours. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Happy Birthday Beth! God works in you and thru you in amazing ways. I am thankful that some of those gifts and teachings have been a part of my life.
Happy birthday Beth! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you so much for bringing us along beside you on the journey towards Jesus! We are forever changed because of it!
Happy Birthday, Beth!
What an incredible tribute from your daughter, Melissa! I have done several of your studies at my church with one of my dearest friends. Two summers ago when I was going through a life-threatening illness, this same dear friend gave me the book, “Believing God.” What a lifeline it was for me!
I listen to your Lifeway devotions on CD as I drive to work. I hardly notice the traffic- 🙂 The same dear friend who gave me your book and went to Bible Studies with me passed away this April. My heart feels torn in two and I am trying to put the pieces back together. But I know deep in my bones that The Holy Spirit can mend my heart and bring something devastatingly beautiful out of this season of life.
Blessings,
Pamela
Beth, Happy birthday. Celebrate ’til the cows come home and then celebrate some “Moore”!!!
Happiest of Birthdays!! What a blessing you are to so many — I am grateful for you and your amazing ministry.
Happy Birthday Beth! I pray today is the beginning of a year filled with the joy, strength, peace and love of Poppa God. Blessings!
Happy Birthday Beth…my birthday is in 3 days! Wow!
Know you are loved and cherished by many and have touched the world with your studies. Have done so many….have lost count. I have several that lay on my bed waiting for me to get time/? to do them. Blessings in abundance!