**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 happy birthday! What a treasure to have a Mom who loves you and Jesus!!!!
Happy Birthday -Beth –May your day be filled with all God’s Blessings ..
Happy birthday Beth! Last weekend I was in Tampa, FL for LPL and once again was challenged by you. I was not only challenged but refreshed and replenished. You have way of teaching me that I love! May you be blessed today for the blessing you are to others!
Oh my goodness, sweet Beth! Hope you have the happiest of birthdays today! As a mighty warrior of our Father God, you have blessed me beyond messure with your ministry! Enjoy the amazing family and friends that have been purposefully placed in your life today! Chips and salsa are a must for the birthday Girl, too!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Thank you for allowing God to work through you to teach us. You are such a blessing!
Happy Birthday and God bless
Happy Happy Birthday, Beth! Enjoy your day and many more walks in the woods!
Happy Birthday Beth, thank you so much for your faithfulness, your humor and stories. I’ve watched you thru the years and am grateful for all you do
Melissa – thanks for sharing your heart. Crazy beautiful.
Beth – Birthday Blessings! So thankful for you!
Both (and extended fam): THANK YOU SO for “being caught up in Jesus and what He is doing in the world” and for all the sacrifices you’ve made in serving us for His Glory.
Happiest of birthdays to you! What a beautiful tribute to a woman who is admired and loved by many. May today be one of the best birthdays on record!
Blessings to you on your birthday! You are an amazing Godly woman and I was so blessed to REconnect with an old friend this past weekend in Tampa! My socks were blown off! Thank you for your faithfulness and energy. I love you and your reflection that radiates our Lord and Savior! Have a great day and year!
Agape, Monika from Sarasota
What a great tribute! Happiest of birthdays to one of my favorites!
Happy Birthday Beth!
Happy, happy birthday, Beth! Thanks for loving us so well, showing Who He is. You’re loved.
Happy Birthday, Beth! The best is truly yet to come!
Oh My Goodness, what a beautiful tribute to your Mother! Happy happy birthday Beth! Since you came into my life about 5 years ago with a Bible Study I will have to say you challenged me to live my Jesus more, love His Words more, hunger for Him more. I pray blessings and Heath over you and your precious family. Have a God Blessed Birthday! Teresa Coleman, Mobile, Alabama
Beth Happy Birthday! I have always been a huge follower of your TV show I miss seeing and hearing you speak ! Now I keep up with you in FB! I love your books you have written! I would live the Bible your giving away! Hope you have a Blessed day !
Happy Birthday, Mrs Beth! What a blessing you are to so many!!!
Happy birthday, Beth!! Your bible studies have been a blessing to me. I miss your live teachings but know God is in control. God bless you as you continue in the center of His plan. Love you much! Sheila
Happy Birthday Beth! Your American ways, your Jesus ways, have stirred my heart and challenged me. I love your intensity for Jesus!
From a Canadian sista,
Glenda
Happy Birthday Mrs.Beth! I haven’t ever met you, but I did see you live last summer and will get to hear you again in Cincinnati in a few weeks. God has used you in a mighty way to show me what real Bible study is and how to have a real relationship with Him. Thank you for that! I pray that you have a lovely day! !
Happy Happy Birthday Dear Beth! Wishing you the best of Birthdays ever. We just saw you in Tampa and of course went home refreshed, restored and re-ady to serve again! Re the most beautiful prefix in history.
Happy birthday to you, Beth. What a beautiful note from your daughter. Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for being exactly what she believes you to be. All of us that love you and feel like we know you, feel the same way. I dare speak for all of us women out there today. Have a GREAT day!!
Happy, Happy Birthday!
We love you and appreciate your love for God’s Word! It is contagious.
Blessings!
Happy Birthday, Beth! What a beautifully written tribute, Melissa. Beth, we have all benefited from your overflow of your relationship with Jesus. We are so thankful that your family is willing to share you.
Happy Birthday Beth!!Hope you have a blessed day!!
Happy Birthday Beth! You have inspired me in so many ways! I love your love for Gods Word. I hope your day is great!!
Beth,congratulations on completing another trip around the sun… with the Son! Happy Birthday!
Linda
Beth,
Happy birthday. Your passion is so inspiring, thank you for sharing it with us. Alana
Happy Happy Birthday! You are blessed to be a blessing, thank you for walking the walk not just talking the talk!
Happy, happy birthday! Wishing you a day as special as you are and a year filled with so much Joy!!! I love how The Lord uses you and your team!!! So awesome!
Much love to you!!!
Happy Birthday, Beth! God used the “Breaking Free” Bible Study to rock my world in 2010. My life and my family has been forever changed. I love your boldness and love for the Lord. Thank you for your ministry and all that you do to reach others for God’s kingdom. I am forever grateful.
Happy birthday to you Beth!! You and your teaching have been instrumental in my being saved. I was so lost, and doing your studies and listening to your video’s have taught me so much that I never knew. May God continue to bless you, in your work for the Lord. Thank you so much for your faithfulness, that you so readily share with everyone around you. Our Abba Father has great things in store for you, and I thank Him and you for that!! God’s blessings, grace, and mercy on you and yours Beth, Happy, happy birthday!
Happy, happy day! What a sweet tribute from one of your people!
Happy Birthday Beth! What a testimony that your children see that you have been “preoccupied with Jesus”. Have a blessed day!
Happy Happy Birthday to you Beth!! You share a birthday with a dear friend of mine. I have so enjoyed your Bible Studies and reading your blog. I pray that Lord blesses you more each day!! Lisa Kanagy
Happy birthday, dear Beth!! I feel like I know you personally!! Have a wonderful birthday! Wishing you blessings today and always!
Happy Birthday Beth! may you be blessed beyond measure!
Happy, Happy Birthday, beautiful lady, precious woman of God! Many, many blessings to you! You have shown me Jesus through your life! Thank you very much!
Happy Birthday, Beth
Such a lovely tribute for a lovely
lady, Melissa. Thank you to all
your family for sharing her with
us all these years!
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Moore!
Have a wonderful and blessed birthday Beth!
Happy birthday to Mrs. Beth Moore! Thank you so much for your work for Our Dear Savior. Your joy as His servant is inspiring.
Happiest of birthdays to you, Beth! So thankful you were born and born again to His glory!! Hope it’s a great day!!
Happy Birthday Beth!!! June is the best month to have a birthday!! Mine is the 21st!
Hope you have a terrific day with your friends and family. Thank you for everything you do for us!
Joy
Happy Birthday Beth, you have been a great inspiration to me and my walk with our Lord and Savior. Wishing you a blessed birthday and upcoming year.
Happy Birthday! Be as blessed today as you are to others every day.
Happy blessed birthday. Thank you for all you do
I think one’s greatest legacy is found in the words of their children. Melissa did a beautiful job in expressing what a life lived well looks like. Happy Birthday, Precious Sister! You are Mom, Sister and Mentor to an enumerable host who are stronger in their faith, falling madly in love with Jesus and sharing His love with others because you’ve touched their lives. I am one of them. Thank you.
Happy birthday to Miss Beth! We are so thankful that God has used you to open His word in a new and fresh way…it has been amazing to be a “student” of yours and watch you and your teaching grow beside us over the years!