**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 Beth! You have blessed me more than words could ever express and I’m so thankful. If it were not for you letting God speak through you, who knows where I would be right now.
P.S.There is no need to send me anything if I get picked in the drawing, I just wanted to express to Miss Beth what a blessing she has been to me. Take it and bless somebody else. She has blessed me soooo much over the years that this would be just one way that I could pass the blessings on.
Tabitha
Happy birthday, Beth. You are such an inspiration to me. Your Bible Studies have helped me grow closer to the Lord and have challenged me to be more than I ever hoped I could be in Him. Thank your for your commitment, your passion, and your service to our Lord.
Happy Birthday, Beth! I am a new fan, but I can tell from your Twitter tweets that you are wonderful and authentic. I love that you are just yourself and I’m so very thankful that you are willing to share who you are with all of us. Thank you for being willing to take us along on your journey with God.
May you have a very blessed and Happy Birthday Beth.
Happiest of Birthdays Beth! It’s also my birthday today! The BIG 5-0!
Yay! Happy bday Beth! I love doing your studies!
Happiest of Birthdays to you Beth !
HaPpY BiRtHdAy Beth! What a nice tribute from your daughter. Thanks for all you do!
HAPPY Birthday Sweet and Courageous Beth!
Happiest of birthdays to you Beth! I met you almost 20 yrs ago at your first Wyoming retreat where you fell in love with”my” beautiful Wyoming. It was my very 1st retreat and the beginning of a very important healing process with my Mom. Know it or not we have been bible study “friends” since then. Your freely given love and wisdom have blessed me more than words can say. Thank you Lord for giving the world such a gift on this day those years ago and holding teaching healing protecting and loving this precious courageous woman. IJN Amen
Happy birthday Beth! I hope you are blessed with many more.
Happy Happy Birthday Beth or Feliz Cumpleanos, as we say here in Honduras.
I am a missionary working in Honduras, and along with my missionary ladies’ bible study here I am just finishing my first ever bible study that you have written. I have grown to feel like I know you, you bring a life and a presence with you even when I only get to see you on a TV. Your life has truly impacted many, including mine. The words that were given to you by the Holy Spirit and that you dared to share with us have touched my heart during a difficult season. They have spoken to me and helped heal me. Thank you for allowing him to use you! I praise God for your life and really do rejoice with you my dear sister. May He give you even more opportunities to share God’s faithfulness with others. I pray this day is filled with a lot of laughter and fun and moments of basking in His great love!
Dear Beth,
Your impact on my life has been profound. Thank you for being honest, and Soirit-led, and brave for the benefit if all of us to the glory of God. May there be more and more and more fruit from your ministry.
Beth, I pray you have the happiest birthday yet. Your quiver is full and getting fuller, your heart belongs to Christ, and you guve more than you take. What blessing to reflect on today!!
Happy, happy birthday to you!
(Oh, and it is also my awesome husband’s birthday today! Praise God for you both!)
Love,
Paula Lewkowski
Happy birthday Beth. I like to think of you as a best friend even though we have never met. You have encouraged, inspired and taught me. May God richly bless you on this day. Love Patti
hapoy Bithday!!! Thank you for all you do.
Dear Beth,
Your impact on my life has been profound. Thank you for being honest, and Spirit-led, and brave for the benefit if all of us to the glory of God. May there be more and more and more fruit from your ministry.
Beth, I pray you have the happiest birthday yet. Your quiver is full and getting fuller, your heart belongs to Christ, and you give more than you take. What blessing to reflect on today!!
Happy, happy birthday to you!
(Oh, and it is also my awesome husband’s birthday today! Praise God for you both!)
Love,
Paula Lewkowski
Happy Birthday, Beth! I have enjoyed your Bible studies for many years! You are a blessing to many!
Happy Birthday, Beth! All your Bible Studies have really blessed my life. Thank you.
Happy Birthday Beth. Thank you for all you do to help us to study God’s word. I always learn more and more whenever I do one of your studies.
Happy birthday! You have taught me so many truths through your studies and this site.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday Beth! From one of your students, Lisa Vogt
Happy Birthday Beth! You are a blessing and may God Bless You!
Happy Birthday Woman of God, enjoy every moment of your special day!
Happy, happy birthday, Beth! What a wonderful way to celebrate with your readers!! Beautifully written, Melissa.
Have a very happy birthday, Beth! I’m so thankful for you and all I have learned from Bible studies you have written. You have challenged and stretched me to grow in the study of God’s word and in my faith. I pray that God gives you great delights on your birthday!!!!!
Most happy birthday Beth Moore.For the past 2 years I HAVE been studying the bible using Beth ‘ study. I intend to study them all. I love the way teaches us personal life values through scripture. I came from a home that was not Christian and needed help with living a Christian life. Thank you BM for teaching me CHRIST’S WAY a way I will pass on to my family.MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU, YOUR MINISTRY.IN HIS LOVE DARNELL DRONET
Happy birthday Beth! I can’t find the words to express how much I appreciate your love for the LORD and His Word! I have joined many wonderful ladies as we studied God’s Word through the lessons you’ve written. Your example and testimony have taught me that it is possible (even though this life is sometimes very difficult)to live with joy and a peace that transcends understanding. Thank you and God bless you!
Dear Beth, Happy Birthday. The best is yet to come….. God is so good. He gave us a woman we can relate to and study with, YOU! Thank you for your diligence to His Word.
Love,
In Christ, MaryAnne
BETH Moore you have been my inspiration for a long time. .I thank God for bringing you and the studies my way. .I left FABC in 2013 and missed our classes of your lessons but I had the privilege of seeing you Trinity Church a couple of weeks ago. .happy birthday special lady. ….
Happy birthday Beth! I so appreciate you and your family. You share a birthday with my brother in law and he is president of kids around the world. You both have shared Jesus with so many and have been so faithful in allowing God to use you. I cannot thank you enough. You are truly a blessing to me. I love you even though you don’t know me personally someday we will know one another.
Happy Birthday dear, precious Beth! You have blessed my life more than words can say which in turn means you have blessed countless lives because I am a better wife, mother, friend, daughter, aunt, grandmom, sister and minister of the Gospel because you! Ripples of God’s grace and mercy! May you experience all the great and precious promises that are yours in Christ Jesus. You are dearly loved and I don’t even know you. Kathy
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for helping lead me to the delight of discovery in Bible study! So appreciate you being vulnerable in your Bible studies and speaking!
Happy Birthday Beth! You will never know the gift that you are to me and so many!
Happy Birthday! I had the privilege of hearing you live in Tampa this past weekend. RE is the most beautiful prefix in history!!! (and after that, I have never realized how many words have RE- as a prefix. It certainly makes me stop and ponder each one I hear!)
Happiest Birthfay Beth
I hope your day is filled full of special blessings and much love.
May the Lord continue to shower HIS love over you and may HIS
Light shine brightly through you always.
Denise Ramser says: I wish for you a terrific birthday, Beth.
You were the first person to show me what it looks like to love the word of God. Now I love the word and I am able to pass that love on to others. It is so beautiful to see.
Thank you.
You are such a blessing! Happy Birthday!!The
You’re one anointed lady not lacking in blessings. May you have many more new blessings and revelations. I’ve followed you ever since the first study book on David we had at my church. I even ran to San Francisco to attend your conference. Your teachings are none like any other. I’ve been blessed, encouraged and equipped. Without a doubt, you did your part! Happy Birthday classy lady!
Blessed with your insights throughout the year. May you also reap the many blessings He has in store for the next year. Happy Birthday Beth!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Thank you for your faithfulness for it has changed my life! Love you!
Happy Birthday! I am beyond excited to start a study you wrote come fall! Breaking Free!! Thank you for your commitment to the LORD.
Happy Birthday Beth! You have been an important vessel in sharing God’s word in my life. Hope there are many more birthdays for you!
Beth, hope you have a fabulous birthday, month and year. May God Bless You This Day and Always, and Thank you for all your bible studies, Debby
Sweet Beth. I have found time and time again that your words resonate with my soul and spirit at the exact place that I find myself. Thank you for following the Lord’s call on your life and all that it’s brought you to and through to be able to touch my life and so many more with your God breathed words. I wish you the Happiest of Birthdays and hope your year is full of blessings you can’t contain. Thank you for giving this 27 year old woman a hero in the faith and Godly woman to emulate. You are wonderful.
Happy Birthday, Beth! What an amazing gift you are to the Kingdom! I’ve been blessed by you in Bible studies, through books, on television and at several conferences; the most memorable being Sydney, Australia and of course this past weekend in Tampa! Thank you for pouring into women everywhere as you share your God-given wisdom with us all! May the Lord continue to bless you, your family and ministry!
Happy birthday, Beth! God bless you!
Happy Birthday, Beth! I’ve enjoyed your bible studies so much through the years. You are truly an inspiration to so many women. Thank you so much.
Happiest of birthdays to you Beth!
Happy Birthday Beth! You are a blessing to us all. Thank you for your continued Bible studies!