**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! May this year be your best yet!
Happiest of Birthdays and thanks for sharing your beautiful daughter and her beautiful words…what a blessing!
Happy Birthday, Beth! So thankful for your word this weekend in Tampa. Remembering to let the resurrected Savior tend to every again.
I’d like to wish Beth a very Happy Birthday today. We at Mt Olivet UMC inDanville are starting a new Beth Moore study tonight. Looking forward to it
Happy Birthday Beth. You have blessed so many of us over the years with GOD’s Word. Thank you so much. May the LORD bless you many more years so you can continue to share Him with the world. Blessings in the name of JESUS.
Happy Birthday, Miss Beth! Hope it is a wonderful day shared with friends and family! I will share it with you tonight…session 3 of “children of the day”! Praying blessings for you who bless so many.
Happy birthday beth ( its funny one of my sons Matthew turn 18 yesterday and we were talking about how birthdays have such meaning ( milestones) and theres such love on these special days ) I want to wish to you today all the love and blessing you can handle , and know that this Kentucky girl ( living in Wy now ) will deep fry some oreos tonight in your birthday honor , good get your birthday on girl
Happiest of birthdays, Beth! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your selflessness, your transparency, and for giving the same comfort to others that you’ve been given. You are a blessed woman [blessings so often come with hardship, trials & pain … but then how else would we understand blessings?] and you wear it with humbleness & beauty. I pray that your day is full of laughter, family & friends, fresh revelations & an amazing presence of Abba.
A very happy birthday Beth! I adore your work, your studies make me look at scripture and really think through how they apply for me in such a different way than most other studies. God has given you an amazing gift to disciple other women! Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you so much for running hard after Jesus and inviting us to run along side you! Praising Him for your life and ministry today.
Happy birthday, Beth! May God continue to richly bless you.
happy birthday sweet Beth. In my household you are just one of the family. My husband and I have done most of your studied, some more than once. I just had the opportunity to attend your anniversary celebration at Lifeway. It was so nice to see and meet your family. I love you so much. Happy, happy birthday.
Happy birthday Beth! You are so loved. I praise the Lord I was born in a such a time as this to be able to learn from you. My thirst for Bible study increased dramatically when I discovered your studies. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Happy Birthday Beth!! Thank you for your ministry! Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Happy Birthday Beth! God has used your Bible Studies to encourage me during some very difficult life experiences. Thank you for your dedication to God’s calling and for your love that is so evident in your books and studies. Breaking Free was amazing. Happiest of birthdays as you praise God for his blessings in your life!
May God fill your day with love! Thank you for being such an inspiration to women. Happy Birthday!!
Happy birthday, Ms. Beth! Your life and teaching have enriched my life and relationship with Jesus more than any other. So much so that i did the Esther study 3 times! At one point, i was able to volunteer at your office in the shipping area. It was wonderful to get a behind the scenes view of that small part of your ministry. Have a blessed and glorious day! You are highly loved.
Happy Birthday, Beth! What a beautiful birthday tribute written by your daughter. I am looking forward to hearing you speak in Fargo, ND in August!
Happy Birthday Beth! So thankful that you have committed to teach others God’s Word.
Happy birthday,Beth. May you be blessed as much as you have blessed so any of us over the years.
Happy Birthday, Beth! I am so happy you were born! 🙂
Happy Birthday Beth, the world was truly blessed the day you were born. Thanks for being a shining star in this world.
Happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday Beth! Your passion & obedience has made my life better. Thank you!
Happy Birthday! You have been a spiritual mother to more of us than you could imagine. You have encouraged, exhorted, and admonished us into the believers we are today. Your strong personality has given us a place to rest with Godly grace in world that often tells us we are too much. Thank you for showing us what God can do through a surrendered woman!
Many blessings on your special day, dear sister loved by God! It has been such a blessing in my life as well as countless others’ lives to be a part of your Bible studies and journeying with you as we grow closer to Christ! Happy birthday, Beth!
Happy birthday, Beth. Thank you for being a willing vessel in the Lord’s work. He has used you mightily, I’m sure you know, but more, He has been glorified through you. Blessings!
Happy birthday Beth!! I am so thankful that you were born! Your words and passion as you interpret the word of God for me are so inspirational and beautiful. Thank you for all that you do and Happy Birthday!!!
Happy Birthday Mrs.Beth! I am so thankful for you and your ministry. May you be like Caleb, never losing strength. “I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then” Joshua 14:11 (NLT).
Happy Birthday, Woman of the Almighty GOD and Teacher of many!! It is an honor to thank you and wish you a Happy Birthday!! Your obedience to the HOLY SPIRIT and submission to our HOLY GOD are inspiring. I’m so Blessed to be using your materials in my daily life! GOD Bless and may you have MANY MANY MORE!!!
Happy Birthday Beth! As one of my grandsons told me, Birthday Week! You must celebrate your birthday ALL week long! You are one amazing woman…I say that because after being broken and hitting bottom we both still found hope, love and our faith is stronger then ever. Love you girlie and hopefully one day we will finally meet! Until then, cheers…my cup runneth over! Lub you to the moon and back!
Happy Birtbday! I’m so thankful for you!
Happiest birthday, darling Beth! Your studies, videos, and books have always been a balm to my heart and soul. You are an amazing treasure! I love you and hope to meet you one day soon but for now, I hope you have a GOD-filled and joyous birthday and a remarkable year! Thank you for shining the light so bright on the path to Jesus, our wonderful Saviour!
Big hugs and blessings,
donna
Happy Birthday Beth!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Thank you for being who God made you to be!
Happiest of birthdays to you, Beth! You are such a blessing to so so many of us who need such a fabulous siesta mama in our lives! I am just starting my journey of mommy-hood, and the way that Melissa just described you as a mama is such an encouragement as well! Thank you for shining the light of Jesus and making us fully aware that it’s Him, not you by your own power, all the time!!
Happy Happy Birthday Beth!! So grateful for the way you love the Lord and share His word. I’ve grown so much closer to Him through your Bible studies and have learned so much from your teachings. You are such a blessing! Wishing you a wonderful Birthday and many more blessed years!
Happy Birthday Beth, I love your writing about your mom. What a special and precious gift you have in this relationship. Your study, Jesus, the One and Only had a great impact on who Jesus is. Thank You. Still have the book you signed for me when my children saw you at Texas State. God bless and protect you always. Press on!
Happy, happy birthday Beth! Praying God’s blessings on you and your family! You are such a blessing to so many. Thank you!
Happy Birthday Beth! May your day be filled with lots of love & laughter and countless blessings from the Lord!
Happy Birthday! Thank you for your legacy in Christ.
What a sweet tribute to a beautiful lady and mom, a lasting legacy. Happy Birthday Beth! May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry, it has sure blessed me. One of my favorite memories of my brief 10 mos of living in Houston was getting to come to hear you teach on the book of Deuteronomy.
Happy Birthday, Beth! You are an amazing woman and I am so happy that you share your love for Jesus with us all. I have learned so much from you.
Happy Birthday Beth! I absolutely love doing your Bible studies and had the opportunity to attend one of your conferences a few years ago. It was amazing! Thank you for always being so down-to-earth and so genuine!! Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday !!!
You have mentored me from afar.
I am eternally grateful!
Much love,
Tasha
Beautiful tribute for a beautiful woman. Happy birthday and God Bless!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Beth!!!
Happy Birthday to my favorite writer and teacher.Hope this birthday is the best yet!
Once in a lifetime a Beth Moore comes into our life and we are transformed! Jesus is so good to bless us with Beth. Happy Birthday and may God bless you with many more!