**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 of birthdays to you, dear Beth!
Happy Birthday!
I love the way you fear no depth in your teaching! You have encouraged and inspired me. I appreciate your passion for the Word and hope you never stop sharing it! Prayers for you and your family!
Beth, you’ve been my portable teacher/mentor/discipler as we’ve traveled the world with the military. I’m forever changed and grateful. May you have the most beautiful of days today celebrating! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Beth! I have been so blessed by your Bible studies since I was just a girl in your Sunday School class at FBC Houston sitting in with my Mom. You have such a gift for teaching and writing. I admire you and am so glad for your heart for Jesus and others. May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry.
Happy Birthday Beth.
It seems like only a year or two ago we celebrated your 40th and I looked up every verse that that had 40 in it to put on your bag.
Thank you for the many many lessons poured into me in Dayspring. Who knew, before you, that researching the tinest word could be so vital.
Wishing you a birthday filled with all that brings joy to your heart, laughter to your face, and blessings to your soul.
Happy Birthday Beth! What a beautiful tribute from your daughter! Having just attended the Live Conference in Tampa I marvel at how I felt like I was hanging out with my sister (and that you are!). You’re teachings have blessed, encouraged and stretched me time and again. Your genuine humble love for Jesus draws me in each time and oh how I long to know Him even more. Your life truly is spreading the fragrance of Christ as you allow your own struggles to be revealed through your transparency. I am ever thankful for your life and how God has used you to touch mine with and for the gospel. Praying God blesses you more and more. May this be your happiest birthday yet!!!
Happy Birthday! You are an amazing woman who has had a lot of influence on my life. Thank you, Siesta, from the bottom of my heart!! I hope your birthweek is fantastic and full of fun.
Beth,
You are so gracious and loving. Even kindly accepting and getting a kick out of my seven year old writing out speaking tips and comments for you while visiting after an LPL!
We love you so.
Sarah, Christina, Esther May and Janie
Happy Birthday Beth. what a blessing you are, through your studies and talks, God has open so many doors for me that were closed due to stuff within, some stuff had no clue about and at the revelation, it was like who me no way, but it was yes way, and time to deal. Thank you for your honesty as your share your self with us.
We have a great big wonderful God who is so full of love
God Bless and have a super day celebrating with family and friends.
God Bless
debbie
Dear Beth,
Wishing you a very happy birthday….your studies have challenged me for years and have helped me to grow closer to the LORD.
Love,
Kim
Happy birthday Beth!
Your ministry has inspired me in so many ways. I have felt led to teach for years but just recently I have felt compelled to take my walk a little well a lot further. Thank you for your obedience and your awesome technique of sharing God’s word. I hope you have the happiest of all birthdays!
Melissa, my heart swells with deep emotion as I read your letter of love to your mother. I, too, am blessed with a precious Godly daughter like yourself – one who hungers after Jesus and His written word; one that I delight in sharing my heart with, both in laughter and tears. Thank you for sharing deeply about your Mom. P.S. I’d love to meet your puppy!
AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BETH, MY FRIEND AND SISTER!!!!
Beth,You are so precious to so many of us.You have opened God’s word and made us laugh and cry while you were teaching us. May God bless you on this birthday and many more to come.I want to be like you when I grow up (I’m 80 now). I pray for your ministry every day and I know our God hears me cause you keep on keepin’on. We all love you more than you’ll ever know.HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Love and gratitude on your birthday! Many blessings to you!
Happy Birthday Beth! It was my priviledge to sit under your teaching in Sunday School and in “many a” Tuesday night Bible study at HFB. After 29 1/2 years I was laid off of my job in Houston and relocated to Farmington, MO (I know, right?) My Momma lives there and I’m from here. I have had several opportunities for some video lessons of yours since I’ve been here. Last night was our 2nd enstallment of BREATHE. I darn near squalled at how seeing you and the stage felt so familiar and special.
You’ve been such a blessing to me. Hope your day is super-sized with things that you love.
Janice Wooldridge
Happy Birthday Beth! Your birthday is on my daughter Amy’s and that makes it even more special, Enjoy your day and may you be blessed as you have blessed so many!
Happy Birthday Beth hope you have a very blessed day. I want to thank you for your wonderful bible studies I just opened my heart up to our father in heaven you have helped me to understand his word and how our father wants us to live. Thank you for leading me to the most exciting and injoyable journey of my life.
Happy birthday I am thrilled we share the same one. But mine is the Big one this year 65. Thank you for your testimony and wonderful teachings we are both truly blessed. Another year to serve the Lord. Blessings
May God bless you on this wonderful day! You are a very loved child of God! ❤️
Happy Birthday, Beth! Hope your day is as wonderful as you are!
Happy Birthday,Beth! May God continue to richly bless you and your ministry. Your Bible studies have helped me over the years to draw closer to God and to learn more about His amazing love and grace. Thank you!
I have been to several Living Proof conferences and right now I’m working my way through Breaking Free. I love the way Beth explains God’s word, and the wonderful examples she gives. She just pulls me in, so I want to learn more and study God’s word more. Happy Birthday to you, Beth! Hope it is a wonderful, blessed day. Sara Sanders
Happy Birthday, Beth! Thank you for leading me deeper into God’s Word! I will be forever grateful!
Happy Birthday Beth. The best birthday gift has to be the wonderful tribute your daugjter has written. It speaks volumes about the Godly women you are. Hope you have a fabulous birthday.
Only God Could have given us such a Beautiful Soul, Happy Birthday. Praying that all your wishes come. You and your ministry means a lost to the body of Christ.
Blessings, Blessing, Blessing.
Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Beth. Happy Birthday to you.
I always like to sing to special birthday girls. And you are so very special to me. Your love for God is contagious, and your teaching has enlightened and challenged me. Every time I have done one of your studies, they have spoken such truth to me, and taught me so much. You have made me crave and love Scripture. You help me see Scripture as a full complete story. The Old Testament fulfilled in the New. God’s perfect truth.
I pray that you will have a blessed day, and know just how many souls you have touched and reached for our Lord. In you He is well-pleased Miss Moore.
Blessings,
Liz
Happy birthday, Beth! Your daughter’s post shows you are the real deal!! You have impacted my life through your diligent study of scripture and by impacting my life, you’ve impacted the lives of my four boys and husband! You always point me to Jesus! Thank you for your obedience to Him! Life is about choices and you’ve made some good ones! Isn’t God kind and isn’t His redemption the BEST?! God’s continued blessings on you and your’s!! Tami Scire
HAPPY birthday, Mrs. Beth!
I have been so blessed by several of your studies, and I love studying with you, getting deeper understandings of God and His beautiful love, grace, and mercy… I so hope one day I can meet you face to face, because girlfriend, I love to share about God!
Happy Birthday Beth!!! You have blessed me so much with your studies and blogs and shows through the years…. as well as your simulcasts…. God bless you and your sweet family who have shared your lives with us for so long!!!! Have a wonderful day Sister in Christ!!! Laura in Mo.
Have a very happy and blessed birthday! I so enjoy your studies, books, and tweets 🙂
I was hoping for a cute grandma name llike yours and my granddaughter named me all by herself……she calls me Gibby!
Wishing you the most special birthday as God brings people into you day that really love you. You are truly an inspiration to thousands of us!!! Shining in his light, Jan Pollock
Happy Birthday Beth. You have been such a blessing to me and your bible studies have helped me through some difficult times. I’ve enjoyed leading them at my church and seeing how they have touched other women. I hope you had a great birthday and that God will continue to bless you always.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH!!!
Beth,
A very happy birthday to you with many more blessings from our Father of many more years!
Thank you for your many Bible studies as I have been so blessed to be able to take so many!
I continue to think of you every time I visit The Grand Tetons and the time you holed up there to study and write!
I also quote you many times about how often you ask for forgiveness and I try to follow your example.
Thanks for your devotion to our Father God!
Happy birthday Beth!! You have inspired and changed so many lives, including mine, through your ministry. I marvel at the work you have done and just your intelligence… The way you view the word opens my eyes in a completely new way. I hope you have such a blessed day and amazing year to come !!! Eat lots of cake
Happy Birthday, Beth. Your influence runs far. God bless you deeply this day as He celebrates you, His prized possession. 🙂
Happy Birthday, Siesta Mama!!
What a rich blessing you have been on my life! From the very first Bible study on the tabernacle to the live events I have been blessed to attend to the SSMT you have been a trusted mentor. Even though we have never met I feel a soul connection. Much love, Beth and wishes for a perfectly marvelous birthday!
Janice
Happy Birthday, Beth!
Love ya,
Tera
Happiest of birthdays, Beth!
I have enjoyed all of your studies and joke often with the women in Bible Study how well we know you! So from one of your closest sisters in Christ, may God fill your year ahead with His blessings! Love you,
Meg
Happy Birthday! You have been such a blessing in my life…it was through one of your bible studies that I heard of Gods Love for me for the first time…my life has never been the same! A thousand thank you-s and God bless:)
Happy Birthday Beth!! I just attended LPL in Tampa this weekend and it was life changing! I love you and appreciate all you’ve poured into me! xo
Happy Birthday Beth!
This wish comes from a sister in the faith and I celebrate you as the constant that has kept me in the Word over the last few years since my retirement from teaching. Your love for our God is so exciting and contagious! Your knowledge and insights that you share with us all through your studies have opened my mind and heart in so many ways. So….thank you, Birthday girl and may you he blessed with many more!!
What a wonderful day!! Not only is it Beth’s Birthday but it is also my daughter’s 10th Birthday!
Happy Happy Birthday, Beth!! Your studies have helped me understand so much about God and my faith. Thank you for all you do.
April
Happy Birthday, Beth! You are such a light in my life. You lead me to laugh hysterically while you are stomping on my toes with the truth of God. You probably won’t see me but I’ll see you in a few weeks in South Carolina!
Happy Birthday Beth 🙂
May the Lord bless you beyond, beyond!!!! as you have been a blessing to so many!
Looking forward to Cincinnati, Ohio!!! We are coming with 40 ladies from our church and traveling 7 hours. So Excited.
Philippians 1:3
Love in Christ,
Becky
Hope you are having a joyous, over-the-top kind of Happy Birthday. Your are a gift from God for so many women! Your bible studies are incredible, and I love each and every one of them.
Happy Birthday dear Beth! What a beautiful tribute from your daughter! I hope your day is filled with as much joy as you bring to others!!
Happy birthday, Beth Moore.
Love you, love your Bible studies.
God bless.
Brendasue
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH! What lovely words written by your daughter. We are so blessed to have you in this world!!