**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 Miss Bethyou are a inspiration and example too all !!!
A very happy and blessed Birthday to a follower of Christ and a servant for the gospel <3 God bless you!
Happy Birthday to an amazing God-driven Bible teacher. Can’t wait to see you in Cincinnati VERY SOON.
Happy Birthday, Miss Beth!!! May you be extravagantly blessed today and every day this year! You have and continue to be a mighty woman of God and my faith walk is so much richer because you choose each day to allow God to use you for His kingdom. I pray you have a fantastic day!!!
Love April
Happy birthday, Beth! Enjoy this day. It is a special one because God made it especially for you!
I want to also say that I can tell by the writing of this post that the apple really doesn’t fall from the tree. Beautiful writing, Melissa! A wonderful tribute!
Happy Birthday Beth! Your life has blessed me more yah I could possibly articulate. I have been doing your studies ever since A Woman’s Heart Gods dwelling place first came out! I am also from the Houston area. I have heard you speak live, and feel like I am part of your family. I have 3 girls. They are just a few years younger than your girls so I feel like we have raised our families together. I have learned so much from you along the way. You have been given a beautiful gift of teaching the Word in a way that simple minded people like myself can understand. You have taught me how the Old Testament and new are so woven together. You have helped me through the power of the Holy Spirit learn how to break free from strongholds and overcome insecurity. Now that my girls are young women, it blesses me to see them hungry to be in the word as well. May you be blessed greatly for your obedience. Thank you!
Happiest of Birthdays to you!!! Thank you for all you do to serve us.
Ashley
Happiest of birthdays!
Happy Birthday!
what a beautiful tribute. Our Silly Soul Sisters Bible study group loves Beth’s studies. We have done almost all of them. Happy Birthday, Beth. We love you.
Happy Birthday! You’re an amazing teacher and continually inspire me to study more and be the woman of God I should be:)
Happy Birthday, Beth. You have been an inspiration to me and to my daughter. We have attended your conferences and entered into many of your bible studies. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless you with many years of happiness and many more your studies to bless us with.
Happy Birthday Beth!
You shine the light of Christ all over the world! My life has been personally made better as you have have inspired me to grow deeper in my relationship with Jesus. You are a role model to millions of women and we love you!
Now, I’m going to go have some tortilla chips and salsa in honor of your birthday!
With love and blessings,
Laura Berg
Happy birthday sweet lady
Happy birthday, Beth!!
Love this, Melissa! Happy birthday, Beth! You are truly one of the best blessings of my life. I’m so thankful for you. Have a beautiful day!
WHAT a moving, touching legacy you have lived Beth! WOW – to read Melissa’s words and see the pictures – warms my heart that her words just DRIP with love for her mama! Happy Happy Birthday – and because, like me, you’ve reached that “50” landmark – YOU get to CELEBRATE ALL MONTH!!! Woot-Woot!!!!!!! Happy Birthday and God bless you for all you do!
Cheri
Happy, happy birthday Beth. May your day be full of special blessings!
Happy Birthday Beth!!!
Happy Birthday Beth! So happy to know our birthdays are only two days apart! Your life has impacted so many and seen me through many tough times… Blessings for your new year
Happy birthday to one of the most gifted ladies I have gotten to know through Bible studies, even though I have seen her in person many times, never meet her personally. Love every series she has done and own all of them expect the last two, which I am hoping the LORD will provide soon.
Happy Birthday Wanda Beth..
Betty
Happy Birthday, Beth! I feel like I know you after being with you for Bible studies, simulcasts, and one terrific weekend in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for being an example of what a woman in Christ should be. Thank you for sharing God’s Word with so many.
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for all the work you put in to your Bible Studies. I have learned so much from you through the years that I don’t believe I would have learned otherwise. You are a blessing to those of us who get to study under you. 🙂
Happy Birthday, Beth! May this be your best year yet!
Happy, Happy Birthday!!!! God bless you, Beth! You inspire me beyond any words can say. I pray you had a spectacular day. Thank you for all you do.
Sandra
So eloquently written, Melissa!
I admire you, Beth, for not holding back. For having the humility and courage to offer your gifts to the world, without reserve, and despite the cost.
You have been a “Mama” to me of sorts. I wouldn’t trade my own Mama for the world, but I feel so endeared to you for all the ways you have shown this wandering soul the way back home, time and time again. Such grace!
Your love for Jesus through His Word is the thing I see in you that I long for most. To serve Jesus as you do, with abandon and without fear. Or maybe in spite of fear.
I’m grateful for the sacrifices you’ve made in your personal life to minister to the many people you don’t even know, like myself. Much love to you!
Melissa, awesome gifts you are giving away here! Although, I’m wondering, have you ever considered allowing some fellow Houstonians the privilege of borrowing some of the many wonderful books you quote? My bookshelves are beyond full (was in seminary, once) and now I invest in diapers, but I am constantly lusting after your books. haha :)) Or, is there a particular library you borrow from?
Happiest of Birthdays, Beth. Thank you for all your studies. My favorite is James that you did with Melissa. What a blessing!
Happy Birthday Beth. What a beautiful tribute from your daughter. You are truly blessed to have that kind of relationship with your girls. I love your sweet spirit and obedience to the Lord. Blessings to you on this your day.
Ms Beth…how you have been a blessing to others and such a wonderful model of unconditional love and manifestation of the Spirit in the flesh. Praying God continues to bring you and your household many more blessings in this year. Happiest of Birthdays and so glad God made you YOU!
Love In Him,
Sue
A Very Happy Birthday to you, Miss Beth! I have learned and grown much through the years on this journey of learning to know and love our God more and more. May God continue to richly bless you in His knowledge and wisdom. Maranatha!
Beth, Just stopped by to say Happy Birthday! I have been so blessed and excited to read your books and attend your bible studies! A few years ago 4 generations of ladies in our family attended one of your simulcasts. No better way for us to spend our time together!! Thank you for your faithfulness in our Lord! And for sharing your faithfulness with us!! Be Blessed, Melanie
thank you for my husband my love for the word and all Godly things!
Thank you for your sharing your life for your family sharing you and their lives with us, your staff, your ministry! May god bless you today and always. Whether you are in the public or not thank you and Happy Birthday!
As you celebrate another birthday, I would like to say “Thank You!” Right or wrong, your Bible Studies are the only ones that I have attended over the years. “Jesus, The One And Only” was my first, and there have been many since then. I have been known to travel across town, to a church that I do not attend, to be able to hear the Word of the Lord from your perspective. The blessing has been that I have made new sisters in Christ that I may not have met otherwise. Thank you for sharing your gift and may God continue to bless you for many years to come!
Happy Birthday, Beth! You have been a tremendous blessing for so many of my friends and family. Thank you for your ministry, for loving Jesus, and for loving us all so well. I pray your birthday is one of your best and that the Lord blesses your day in a very special way.
Happy Birthday, Beth!
May the Lord bless you more and more with each passing year! Thank you for the wisdom you have imparted and for the transparency you have shared in your profound and wonderful Bible studies.
Love in Christ,
Karen
Beth,
It’s a joy to be able to wish you a happy birthday! Since taking part in your first Bible study as a participant, to being a leader over the past 11years, I regard you as a friend. Unlike Melissa, we haven’t walked our road side by side physically; but it feels that way! I’m praying your day blesses your socks
Oh what a wonderfully honest tribute to your dear Mother! It made me cry!
Happy Birthday my dear, dear, dear Miss Beth…I love you too!!!
Be Blessed 🙂 Bonnie
Happy Birthday, Beth! What a wonderful tribute from Melissa!
May our Father grant you many more!
Happy Birthday!!!!
Happiest of Birthday’s Beth!
Happy Birthday!!!! Hope you have a blessed day! The plum colored calla lilies in the flower arrangement were used in my daughter’s wedding on Saturday. The Lord blessed my daughter with a loving husband.
Happy Birthday!! I hope you have a wonderful day with your family and friends!
Happy birthday, Mrs. Beth! Your passion for the study of God’s word is contagious. It helped me see how thrilling the Bible can be. Blessings to you in the coming year!
Happy Birthday Beth! 🙂
Happy birthday dear Beth! What a blessing you are!
Happy Birthday Mrs. Beth Moore! May God continue to bless you with His wisdom, strength, and fervent love as you uphold His ministry for women around the world. I thank God for your humble heart; you have always been instrumental in returning me to my first love of twenty-two years ago, Jesus Christ! My prayer and verse for you, Galatians 6:9(NKJV)9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. <3 Thank you! Teresa (mom of 18, 16 and 6yr old sons!)
Happy Birthday to an amazing woman who brings joy, laughter and the love of Jesus to some many of us.
Hope your day is amazing! Thanks again.
Mary jeanne
Happiest of Birthday Beth ~ this is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Happy Birthday Beth!! Wishing you a wonderful day filled with love and family. Looking forward to many more years of your teaching and true inspiration. Your love and passion is contagious!!