**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 – Wow I have studied so many of your bible studies and your freshness of God’s word hits me every time. Wow to hear how you were born in a fierce thunderstorm does not surprise me at all. How could the heavens not shake when God birthed your wonderful soul. Thank you for sharing your wisdom in God’s word and inspiring all of us to study his word with a fresh perspective. I love you dear sister!!!
Beth, I hope you have an amazing birthday. You are one of my favorite speakers. Every time I have been blessed to hear you speak, it is like you are sitting in front of me telling me exactly what I need to hear at that time. Kiss those grandbabies for me because us grandma’s have to spoil them EVERY chance we get. Love you girl.
Toni
Happy Birthday to Beth Moore- God used your Breaking Free many years ago to change my life.
Happy Birthday Beth! I do so love your Bible Studies ! My friends and I are missing out Tuesday nights out at the Beth Moore Bible Study. Hope you have a wonderful birthday and a great year.
With love,
Joyce Green
Dear teacher, may your birthday be chock full of what brings you laughter, joy, and happiness… just overflowing with enjoyment of the people that make your heart happy and your smile wide… oh sure, cake and ice cream and songs… and your furry loves around your legs…your man in sight…birds in the trees… may it be well with your soul all the live long day… happy birthday, dear Beth.
Happy Birthday to a lovely Christian lady. I hope you have many more years to help women in their Christian walk.
Happy Birthday Dear Beth!
I sure hope you have the most wonderful birthday ever!
Lots of Love,
Sheila
Happy birthday Beth!
I cherish the day my best friend introduce me to you! I remember the very first study I did was A Woman’s Heart right after my dad died. Oh the chills I get when I remember reading the end of the study, picturing in my minds eye the vision of how the angels reacted when Christ was resurrected. To this day, this is my favorite study!
I ask the Only and Only Lord God to shower upon you such joy and delight, belly laughter and time with your family as you all celebrate this special day.
Thank you for being you, allowing God to use your pain, brokenness to bring us all a fresh encounter with our glorious Lord!
Love you!
Linda Carlson
Happy Birthday, Beth!! So thankful for God has taught me and others through your willing servant hood. Thank you for being obedient. God bless you on your special day!!
Happy Birthday, Beth! You are a blessing, so I hope your day brings you many blessings!
Happy birthday Beth! I just ordered tickets to see you in Fargo! I guess that’s a happy birthday gift to both of us! 🙂
Happy Birthday to a lady who, through her gift of teaching, has changed my life. From the way I read my Bible to the way I view God, I am a better person having participated in your Bible studies. Thank God for you. You have been called of God, no doubt about it. Much love and blessings. Tammy
Happy Birthday, Beth!
Happy birthday Beth. Thank you so much for all you do for all of us. I treasure the learning from the Bible study on Thessalonans we did last summer, and I am loving our SSMT this year. Again, wishes for the best for you!
Happy Birthday Beth! I love your bible studies!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Beth. The love you have for Jesus and your family has taught me more about living life than you will ever know; or take credit for. I am sending a warm birthday hug thru this screen. As I learned over the weekend in Tampa, Don’t be UNcovered in the area of touch. You made us laugh and cry, learn and celebrate. I thank God for you and thank your family for sharing you with us. Shalom, love EWE!
Happy birthday sweet lady and many more. Have a blessed day.
Beth;
Wishing you a very happy and blessed birthday! Praying your day is filled with many sweet surprises.
Thank you for all you do to encourage women such as myself in our walk with the Lord. I am currently involved for the third year in the Siesta Scripture Memory Team and I love hiding His word in my heart. His Word is such a balm to my soul. I personally am enjoying those videos that encourage us to keep going. Thank you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Marsha Middleton
Hapoy Birthday Beth:) Hope your day is fabulous!
Happy Birthday Beth! You are a treasure, thanks for all you do!
Happy Birthday Beth! I had the privilege as a relatively new believer to do your Fruit of the spirit study and it was amazing! I especially liked the part about being a peace maker!
God bless you and the beautiful ministry He gave you! Thank you!
♡ Margaret
#momof6chics
First and for most Happy Birthday! I just got back from your Tampa, Florida event, and I must say that what happened Tampa is NOT staying in Tampa! It was my first time in person and I must say that I am still pumped up and it did not even take a full 24 hours before I saw changes! Thank you so much and God Bless!
Happy happy birthday Beth. Sending prayers and love your way.
It brings me great joy to wish you the happiest of birthdays. You have taught me & inspired me to dig deeper, press in more closely & see the Father, Son & Holy Spirit more clearly. Thank you for enriching my walk with Jesus!
Happy Birthday, Beth Moore!!! I truly thank God for you! He used your “Breaking Free” Bible study to set me free from a serious stronghold and cycle of sin, and it is because of your example that I have been hiding God’s Word in my heart through Scripture memory since 2005. Thank you for being a wonderful role model and teacher. May the Lord richly bless you this coming year, beyond what you can ask or imagine!
Happy Birthday Beth!! Many Blessings to you and your family! Thank you for your faithfulness! Hope it’s your best birthday yet!
A day to celebrate you! Happy Birthday Beth Moore!
I have been following you for many years. I am 66 now but I have many happy memories of being one of your “home girls” and attending so many of your teaching seminars at First Baptist Church in Houston. There is no doubt that you are God’s kid and that His hand has been on you for many years. I pray that God will continue to work through you in mighty ways for years to come. Blessings to you and your family!
Judy
Happy Birthday, Beth.
Dearest Beth, I wish you a most Happy Happy Birthday.
The first time I really learned about you and did a study at church, I was so amazed with you, loved the study. Later did another study and absolutely loved it even more. I loved coming home to do the ”homework”, it was wonderful to have different bibles out & more dictionaries. I was in my little corner of my world, and you said write all the scriptures. Amazing!! I started to memorized…I just couldn’t get that all in my brain ”heehehe”, I have another book now, to do just on my on as soon as can. I think you are just an awesome young lady, filled with the Holy Spirit & Wisdom. I pray for you a fun filled birthday. May God continue blessing you. I haven’t done Daniel and I have wanted to for awhile, and I will as soon as can. I would be honored to win any of these gifts. Everything is awesome. Thanking you in advance if I should win either of them. May God contiue Blessing you and your family. Carolyn Wood 🙂
Happy Happy Birthday Beth and thank you for blessing others!
God has greatly used you to bring me closer to God and His word. Your teachings have instilled in mea hunger to know and love God’s word. Thank you for being such a faithful servant of the Lord.
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Beth! Many years ago as a young mother I did my first Bible study of yours with a group of other young mothers. Your teaching made the Bible come alive to me like no one else ever had/has. You wet my appetite for the scriptures and your love for God made me long to know and love Him more. Thank you for keeping on keeping on with your enthusiasm to love and teach women. I hope your day of celebration is wonderful and spent with your sweet family.
Happy Birthday, Beth Moore! What a beautiful tribute written by Melissa. Amazing portrait of a godly wife, mother, and woman of the Lord!
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for all you do!
I love her too. She has given me many gifts through her listens. Happy birthday Beth
Happy Birthday, Ms. Beth! What a blessing your life and ministry have been to me and countless others. I hope your special day was a spectacular one! xoxo
Happy Birthday Beth!! You have inspired me more than you will ever know. I hope your day is blessed beyond measure!!!
7641 DEXTER RUN CIR
Your Bible Studies have been a rich and vital part of my spiritual heritage for the past 21 years. Thank you and “Happy Birthday, DEAR Beth, Happy Birthday to you”!
Beth: I hope this birthday is the best you ever had. I am but one of the thousands of lives touched and changed forever through your teaching. Thank you for answering the call. I thank God for you!!
May God’s favor shower your life with continued blessings! Your ministry has blessed my heart and feed my soul. Thank you! May our God continually be your wellspring of life. Happy Birthday Beth!
Happy Birthday Beth! You are a blessing to me through your willingness to be used by God. Thank you
Happy birthday Beth! Thank you for your ministry, you are such a good inspiration to women.
Pam Tucker, Fairhope, AL
Happy Birthday, Beth!!! Sister Loved by God!!!
Wow! How beautiful and well thought out. I know Melissa sweet words made you cry. How awesome to have such a sweet daughter to share her heart with us. You are so blessed and have blessed so many. I feel as if I have known you all my life. May this birthday be a blessed one and showers of love from everyone.
Blessings in Christ,
Pam
Happiest of birthdays Beth!!!
It has been my immense privilege to know you and your beautiful heart for Jesus, His Word, and for women through multiple Bible studies you’ve led. May you be blessed for your faithfulness to Jesus.
Enjoy some Tex-Mex!!!
If this wasn’t about the most influential woman on this side of heaven in my faith journey, the love of a daughter for her mother would still be what caught my attention. Beautifully written, Melissa. Happy Birthday, Beth. Thank you for saying yes to Jesus and keeping it real, sharing your life and legacy with us through your family and the ministry entrusted to you. The impact it has made on me and His local church (a “map dot” in New Hampshire)is profound.
Happy Birthday, Beth! You are an inspiration to all of us women. May this year and day bring you exceedingly, abundant joy and blessings. Will be seeing you in Cincinnati, can hardly wait!
Bonne Anniversaire Beth! I have to tell you just yesterday God took me back to season one of Wednesday’s With Beth to help set me free from fears that have kept me scrim being obedient! I have been standing on the edge of my Calling/Promised Land not putting my foot on it and reclaiming from the enemy! It was that same series that helped me get face down before God repenting seasons of sin and wallowing in my pit. May God bless your time left here on earth with overflowing joy, love beyond measure, and strong health on all levels! You’ve made me think, laugh, cry, repent more quickly, and fanned the flames God first ignited in me. God you have been obedient and courageous ministering all these years! This second half of my life wouldn’t have been possible with out your influence. May I meet you on the other side and enjoy some great Tex-Mex! Happy Birthday Beautiful Lady!❤️❤️
Thank You, Lord, for our moms. We so appreciate them!
Happy Birthday Beth.
You are an incredible bible teacher, and I just love
Listening to you teach in your videos. I love your insight,
Your passion and excitement. You make the Word come alive.
Thank you for sharing your love of Christ. I am hoping to
See you in person when you speak in Milwaukee this summer.