**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
Happiest of birthdays dear Beth! Isn’t it the best to feel the deep love of your child? Celebrate
Happy Birthday…Beloved!
Happy Birthday, Beth! When I was in such a desperate, dark, dry place, the Lord used you in a mighty way in my life! Thank you!!!
Happy Birthday Beth. May it be filled with Love and Happiness…and maybe a bag of tortilla chips. God Bless!!
Happy birthday Beth!!! I can’t express what your teaching has done in my life. I pray God rocks your socks this year with such blessing and joy!!!!!
Thanking God for your precious life…. Happy Happpppppy Birthday Beth!!!! Proverbs 31:10-31 Amen.
Have a blessed birthday dear Beth. Your teachings have been such a blessing to me….currently listening to: Beloved Disciple: The Life and Ministry of John. I listen to your CD’s in my car on my way to and from work as I have not much quite time at home. I’ve discovered that just when I think I have gleaned all that I can from your studies….I discover something new or afresh as you often say. Again, have a blessed day surrounded by friends and family.
Happy, happy birthday, Beth!!! I’ll always grateful for our time together experiencing Presence Over Providence!!
Happy Birthday!!!
Happy birthday Beth!!! <3 I was just at your conference in Tampa, Fl! What an awesome time in the word! The music was wonderful! I have been doing your studies forever! And I love how you make me dig deeper into God's word to find His blessings for me! Happy birthday girlfriend may God bless you today and always!
Many blessings to you on your birthday!
Happiest of birthdays, to the fabulous Beth! I adored hearing you speak at the Tampa LPL this past weekend 🙂
Popping something in the mail for you tomorrow – a little ‘happy’ for you!
Happy Birthday Beth!! May you be blessed today in the same way you bless others!
Happy Birthday to a women of God who shines for Jesus . A Great big thank you for coming to colour conference London this year . Can you be born again again .. that’s what your teaching did for me .. Love Caroline from Scotland xxx
Happy Birthday!! Here’s to many more years AND THOUSANDS MORE transformed lives!!!
Happy Birthday, Beth! You have been instrumental to my love of studying God’s Word!
Happy Birthdsy Beth! You are such an inspiration and joy to listen to. Your teaching is beyond words and I look forward to listening and learning from you as often as I can. Have a beautiful day full of love and laughter.
Hwppy Birthday Beth! Love your godly example that you share with all of us women.
You are so dear to me, God used your Blessed Bible Studies to change this woman’s life! I am more in love with Christ than ever in my whole life. So I pray Lord Bless Beth with the deepest treasures of Your out pouring of Your Holy Spirit ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
Happiest Birthday Ms. Beth. Enjoy the day that was Ordained for you. May the LORD continue to Bless you and Bring New Revelations this year. Continue to walk in your destiny. Hugs.
Happy Birthday!!! Your love for Jesus and His Word has blessed me in many ways.
Happiest of Birthday Ms. Beth! Thank you for sharing life with us! You were the first to putting me on the path of loving Jesus and His living Word!
Blessing this day and coming year!
Happy Happy Birthday Mamcita!!! May God bless you today and everyday!!!! I love your bible studies.
Happy Birthday Beth!! Many blessing to you ❤️
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Beth! I hope your day is fabulous for you! May you see the faithfulness of the Lord as you seek and serve Him.
I wish you a very special day. Thanks for using your gifts, to God be the glory.
Happy birthday to you Beth.. you have pushed me further and further into Jesus and for that I’m thankful. Melissa your tribute to your mama brought tears to my eyes. May we all strive to be that kind of mama to our daughters!
Happy Birthday Beth! Wow, there is no more joy in life than for your children to grow to be the people God meant them to be and this girl, oh my what a blessing she is! I am sure your joy in your children is one of your biggest blessings from God!
Happy birthday, Beth! May God bless you with a day full of your favorite things! I love your studies and hearing you on the radio! Thanks for your faithfulness to God’s Word!!
Happy Happy Birthday Beth! This is the day the Lord hath made. We will be glad and rejoice unending.
Happy Birthday Beth! Oh how your love and service to our Lord has touched so many lives, including mine! My 12yr old daughter and I are currently working our way through one of your studies! God Bless you!
happy birthday, Beth! I have read your books and done many of your Bible studies over the past several years. I learned so much from each of them and love your unique way of getting it across to us. My mother and I even got to meet you at Books A Million in Birmingham five years ago. It was my mom’s 80th birthday and you were so sweet to her. Thanks for all you’ve given us and I pray you continue for many years.
Happy Birthday Beth, I hope you have a blessed day. Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us. God bless you.
Happy Birthday Beth! Wishing you the happiest of birthdays and many many blessings! I praise God for all that you do! You are such a blessing to me in so many ways and I wish nothing but the best for you today and always. Find some sunshine in all this rain and make it a great day! You deserve it!❤️❤️❤️
My heart is fluttering. Oh, I pray my 2 daughters think I’m this amazing when they’re older. <3
Happy Happy Happy Birthday Beth!! May God continue to richly bless you and your ministry, as you continue to bless us – just by being you!!
Happy Birthday Beth! What a blessing you are!
Happy birthday Beth! May your day be filled with the blessings of God and the love of your family! You are loved by so many around the world!
Happy Birthday, beautiful Beth!! My life is blessed to have you in it even if it is through LPM and reading your books 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful day!!!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Your Bible studies have brought the love of Jesus to our community of women, young and old. We worship and learn together. We are in love with Beth Moore, but our love for you pales in comparison to the love we experience and have for our Lord. Thank you for allowing Him to use you in a way to lead others to his love and joy. Happy, happy Birthday to you. 🙂
Celebrating you today with prayers of thanksgiving, and reflections on how your life and ministry has touched my life ministry. All because of the grace and love of our Jesus! Happy birthday, dear Mrs. Beth!
Happy Birthday Beth! You & your faithfulness
to our Lord is a blessing. Enjoy your special day.
Happy Birthday Beth Moore! You have helped make my spiritual journey more exciting. I love your Bible Studies.
happy birthday! The Lord has used you to draw me closer to Him. I love it when you call me “Beloved”.
Happiest of Birthdays Ms. Beth… THANK YOU for teaching me to fall so much more in love with my Jesus and to discover the word for myself!
Beth,
Please know that my friends and I were so excited to see you in Atlantic City this past March, and you did not disappoint!! Mat God continue to bless you infinitely as you bless so many!!
xoxo
Alexis
Happy Birthday Beth! May you have an amazing and blessed birthday. You are such an inspiration to every woman that has ever read a book or have gone through one of your bible studies. Thank you for being a Christian woman we can look to for guidance. Thank you for being You!!
Happy Birthday Beth!! Thanks for teaching me to love His word more and more.
Happy birthday, Beth! I love you so much! Hope you are as blessed today as you bless others!
Happy birthday, Beth! You have had more influence on my growth and love of Jesus and His Word than anyone. Thank you for your inspiration and instruction.