**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
Beth — you are an absolute inspiration & breath of fresh air to me! I love your passion for the Word, our God and His people.
God Bless you on your birthday — May the Lord continue to speak through you and to you.
Incredible words. Happy Birthday Beth!!!
Happy Birthday to my mentor from a far that has helped me become a disciple of Jesus too! You are so loved, appreciated, prayed for & treasured!!! Many, many blessings to one very beautiful child of the King!!! 🙂
Happy birthday Beth! Thankful for the work you put into creating bible studies for women.
Happy, happy birthday, Beth!!! Thank you for sharing your teaching with us. You rock!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH!!!!!!
Thank you for never failing to extend the love of God. You are an incredible blessing…and I pray God’s most awesome blessings for you & yours in this new year!!!
Happy Birthday, Beth Moore! Thank you for your humor, intensity and love for Jesus. I am still brushing the hair of the man in the airport whenever I can…
Happy birthday Beth! I am grateful to the Lord for how he has used you in my life and in so many others. Hope your day is grand!
Happy Birthday Beth!
You are a change-maker that is for sure. We are blessed to hear your words and see your life. Thank you for everything… But mostly for sharing your heart.
I know personally I struggled with Insecurity for years, and your book So Long Insecurity LITERALLY halted my insecurity in its tracks and changed me for the better.
God knew what He was doing when He created you.
What an awesome tribute from your daughter! Oh that my girls would speak half as well of me one day when they are grown! Happy Birthday, Beth! You have made an impact in my life!
Precious Beth…
Thank you for showing me Jesus in 1998. My goodness gracious I’m so very thankful. Be blessed deeply and I pray the Lord will continue to be the absolute thrill of your heart. You are loved so deeply by so many and we’ve never even shared a conversation or bowl of queso. 😉
Love,
Fran Thomas
Jackson TN
Happy Birthday, Sweet Beth!
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for your obedience to God in ministry. You have definitely been a messenger of His love for me. Blessings to you this year!
Happy Birthday Beth!
Happy Birthday Beth!!!!
Happy birthday, beautiful Beth. I’ve journeyed with you and Jesus since 1999 when I first discovered Paul with you. A lot of life and hairdos have passed under the bridge since then. What a joy to have shared the course with you! Together we have grown in grace and wisdom. Thank you for your obedience; for allowing Our Jesus to use your unique gifts for fitting so many women for His kingdom. May You continue to walk by His side until that glorious day that we join together in bowing at His feet.
Happy Birthday, Beth! Thank you for the countless ways you have blessed me over the years. You have ministered to me in times where I have been deeply hurting and have been a part of my growing closer to the Lord and to my dear sisters in Christ. I hope you feel truly loved and celebrated on this day!
Happy Birthday Beth! Thanks for following your assignment and affecting millions.
Happy Birthday, Beth!!! You are such an inspiration and an amazing light pointing others to Christ. I am so thankful you are willing to share your time and love of Christ with all of us women who will probably never meet you this side of heaven.
Happiest Birthday Beth Moore. You are an inspiration to so many women, I love your studies and the way you put so much excitement and enrgy into the Word of God. But I think the most exciting thing to me ,which was shown in this beautiful tribute from your daughter, is it is not about the mass women, but you have poured Jesus into your daughters. As I mom of 3 girls, my prayer is that I can show them Jesus and that they can share in my excitement for Him and His word. Thank you for always inspiring me.
Happy Birthday! I am sure your gift is this beautiful blog!
Happy Birthday Ms. Beth! You’re obedience to Jesus and what He called you to do is such a blessing to all of us. May he continue to use you in a mighty way to advance His kingdom!!
Melissa, this was beautiful. I am encouraged (I am so busy with three) to be the kind of mom/woman that Beth is. God bless! -Sierra
Dear Beth,
Happy Birthday to you!
Blessings,
Leslie
Dear Beth,
Happy Happy birthday to you! Christ shines through you and I am blessed by the love you share. How lovely to be so honored by your daughter.
Happy birthday blessings, Beth!! We are both June bugs named Beth! Lol!! More importantly, we both love JESUS and digging into His Word!! So thankful for you and your commitment to and boldness in speaking TRUTH!! Praying blessings for you in the year ahead and for many years to come!!
Happy Birthday to someone who has had an immeasurable impact on my spiritual growth through the years. Your studies introduced me to Christ in a most realistic way. Thank you for your love of God.
Happy,happy birthday to one of the most treasured friends I haven’t had the privilege yet of meeting!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Saw you in Greensboro, NC last year and you were amazing! Thank you for all the hard work you put into your studies!
Vangie SAID I needed to read this great blog dedication in Beth’s birthday honor. Happy birthday to your Mom, Melissa! Love and miss seeing all y’all.
🙂
Happy birthday, Beth! Like so many others who have enjoyed your bible studies over the years, I feel you are my friend. I appreciate your openness, compassion, that you share what you learn with the rest of us. You work hard at your studies and are open to God’s leading in your teachings. I thank you for being who you are with us and that your light shines. May your loved ones share your special day with you and know my prayers and thanks for you are ever being spoken.
Happy birthday, Beth!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday! May God bless you today and always!
I love this line: But make no mistake she is wicked smart and complex and multifaceted.
So beautiful. And I believe completely true.
Happy birthday Beth!! I’ve been known to say to God “Lord, she must be your favorite daughter!” I love you dearly!! You were the first to teach me God is the biggest thrill in life!! THANK YOU!!! And for so much more!!!
Happy Birthday, Beth!!
The HAPPIEST of Birthdays Beth!!!! Even tho we haven’t ever met I consider you one of my girlfriends! Your Bible Studies have drawn me and my closest friends into a deeper relationship with Jesus! I cannot thank you enough…have a sweet, sweet day my dear sister….
You are loved … Rose
Wishing you a wonderful and blessed birthday!
Happy Birthday Beth!!!! Love being a part of your scripture memory team. Have a great year ahead.
Beth, wishing you a very Happy Birthday! Your Bible Studies have brought life and hope to me over, and over again. I am praying you will be blessed with the rich abundance of His love in your life and in the lives of your family.
Happy birthday Beth! The Holy Spirit has used you in amazing ways. I personally am so grateful for the way I have been blessed by His work through you. May you have a wonderful day filled with the Lord’s light shining upon you!
Happy Birthday Sweet Beth!
Happy Birthday!!
Happiest birthday to you, Beth! Your contributions to my personal discipleship are invaluable! May your cup overflow with the abundance of grace, love, and “GLORY!” you have bestowed upon others. I am forever grateful for your ministry. Sooo looking forward to seeing you in Milwaukee in August.
Much love to you,
Christine
Happy Birthday Beth Moore, you’ve given us more than we could ever wish to repay in thanks!
Dearest Beth,
You are my spiritual Mama and Siesta Mama. I love you so dearly. I hope you have a wonderful birthday! What a beautiful tribute from your precious daughter. I pray that this next year your path will be as the light of day, lined with the blessings of God.
With Love, Mary G.
Happy Birthday, Beth!
Thank you.
You are so very loved.
Happy Birthday mama Beth! In so many ways you have shaped who I am as a woman of God. Also you have brought Him to life to me in ways that have taken my breath away with love for Him and His love for us. THANK YOU for so beautifully expressing the love of our Savior!
HaPpY BiRtHdAy BETH much love and happiness on this special day of your birth. Gods blessings always sweet sister loved by God❤️☕️
Happy Birthday sweet Lady!!!
Happy Birthday dear Beth.
Thank you for your faithfulness to our Lord Jesus Christ and for the impact that you continue to have in my life.
You are an amazing woman of God.
XOXO,
Jessica
Happy Birthday, Beth! You have been such a blessing in my life and I thank you for that. May God bless you this day with the things that make you most happy! Thank you for all you do to direct and inspire people in their walk with the Lord.