**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
We all love Beth Moore but this was such a special tribute by you Melissa. I would hope and be so honored if my daughter would ever think of me in this way.
It would be such a pleasure to win any of the items above, just so I could tell everyone it came from y’all.
Happy Birthday Beth you are blessed beyond measure and we are blessed by your wisdom and your insight in to the things of God.
Many happy returns to you.
Your sister in Christ.
Happy Birthday, Beth! I hope your day is as special as you are! Your ministry has blessed my life in so many ways. “Breaking Free” broke my heart, and your study on James both challenged me and made for excellent discussion among my sisters in Christ. Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through you as you minister, encourage, and teach us. And give us fits of laughter. Really, sister, you crack us up!
{{hugs}}
Lizanne
Happy birthday Beth ! I so enjoy listening and reading your teaching of the Bible. Have had many many Bible studies of yours with my friends. I have learned so much from you.
God bless you Beth!
Happiest Birthday blessings to a powerful woman in THE WORD who has walked me through some incredible moments in my faith journey. Your wisdom and love for the Lord are infectious. Have a blessed day and year!!!!!!!
Happiest of Birthdays Beth! So glad that I was able to sing Happy Birthday to you in Tampa this past weekend! You have inspired me, intrigued me and taught me to dig deeper in my faith and bible studies for the past 5 plus years! Thank you!
Happy birthday Beth!
Seeing you in 2014 in MN was a life changer!! Thank you for all you do! May this be your best year yet, filled with love and strength!!
🙂
Kindra
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday dear Beth. I am a 57 year old Mom of 3 sons. My 3rd grandchild was born at 3:14 this morning! Ellie Rose (16th) but I digress. You have been my teacher for years. Believing God, praying God’s Word and your book on Insecurity (should be required reading for all folks female) are valuable beyond words to me. Thank you for being a servant leader. God bless you sweet girl. Maybe one day on a hill in Heaven we will sit down and visit for a spell. Love you!
Happy Birthday precious Beth,
I am so thankful for the countless ways your teaching and studies have impacted my life. When I first saw you in person it was many years ago in Paris…Texas that is. It was a difficult time in my life and your encouragement helped me to “Break Free” ….The Lord gave me a new husband, same man but a new man with a changed heart. As we grew in the Lord, he called us in to ministry. Your teaching and inspiration are a vital part of my life. I know many feel the same way I do, that you are a gift from our sweet Jesus. I hope you Birthday is full of blessings!!!
Love & prayers,
Cathy
Happy birthday Beth! Your life and ministry are such an inspiration to me, as both a wife & mother and a Bible scholar/writer. This post reminds me of the proverbs 31 verse that says, “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Truly, that is the greatest honor of all. Many blessings to you on this special day!
Happy, happy birthday Mrs. Beth! You are a gift to me.
Happy Birthday Beth!!! Thanks so much for your obedience to God. It is through your studies that I have learned to know and love Jesus more.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILD WOMAN!!!
You’ve no idea the impact your walk with God has had on my walk with God. You live, breathe and leak Jesus all over everyone you meet, know and love. All your hard work points directly to the lover of your soul…He is so blessed by your adoration and profound love for Him.
You are such a blessing to many, thank you so very much.
Happy birthday Beth! May God continue to richly bless you in the years ahead. I hope you had the best day ever. Thank you for your faithfulness in serving the Lord.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH MOORE
you are on my prayer list under the “b’s” and i try to pray for you everyday…someday I hope to share a good cup of coffee with you either here or in heaven. Of course there WILL BE COFFEE IN HEAVEN…thank you for being such an important part of my life
Happy Birthday Sweet Beth! It was 10 years ago in May that I surrendered my life to Christ at a LPM conference. Leading up to that your study, “Believing God” brought me to a place where I could move on from my past and see how God can use anything and anyone for His good and glory. Your studies, insight and words continue to push me on. May you have a very blessed and happy birthday! Thank you for your steadfast dedication to the Lord and the women you serve! XO
Beth,Happy,Happy,Birthday!!! to An Awesome Woman of God!!! Thankyou Dear Lady,for your Love and Passion for people and The Gospel of Jesus Christ!!!! Have a a great Year!!!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Beth! I hope you feel deeply loved today as God has worked through you to love all of us women in a most genuine way. I hope you are surrounded by your family and adorable canine family members on this very special day :).
Happy Birthday!! You have been a big blessing to so many, thank you for your love and service!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Even though I’ve never met you, you have been a major influence in my life. Thank you for pouring so much of yourself into the lives of others. Be blessed! And may this next year be the best one ever.
Happy Birthday Beth! 😀
Happy birthday Beth! What a wonderful legacy you are leaving for your daughters and grandchildren … and it is easy to see the apple does not fall far from the tree! I hope this year brings you more blessings than all that flow through you to others! Happy birthday! Amy
Happy birthday, Beth! You have a gift for sharing God’s word…you are an amazing teacher! Thank you!!
Happy Happy Birthday Beth! I’m so thankful for your obedience to serve others with your words!
Happy Birthday Beth! This world became a whole lot brighter the day you were born. What a blessing you are. I pray my daughters will have half the heart-felt words for me that yours have for you. So precious. Thank you for how you serve and point me to Christ. GOD BLESS YOU!
Happy Birthday, Beth! You inspire me to lead women well at Spring Branch Community Church. Thank you for all the years I’ve studied under you!
Happy Birthday!!!!!
Happiest of Birthdays! Grateful for your gift of teaching the Word and ushering us into His Presence!
Congratulations and Happy Birthday. I”m o thankful for each year you’ve spent digging intoGod’s word and then sharing it with me and all of my Bible Study group.
Happy Birthday Beth!! Thank you for loving and serving the way you do! Most of all, thank you for loving your family and being an incredible example of a mother and wife. This post completely blessed me and made me hope that one day my two daughters could write something like this about me. Much love to you on your birthday and may this year be the best yet!!
Happiest of birthdays to a woman who has blessed me immensely! Have a fabulous day and God’s richest blessings to you!
I am so grateful to God that He used you and your teaching in my very first bible study “Jesus the One and Only” over 20 yrs ago. I asked that He would give me even just a fraction of the passion that you have for Him and He answered abundantly. You have been so instrumental in drawing me to the Lord Jesus, and growing my belief and trust in Him. And ultimately sharing Him with others. You have taught me so much about handling trials in life with wisdom and discernment. Happy Birthday Beth. I owe you so much.
Happy birthday to Beth’s mom! Thank you for giving us Beth. She blesses so many people with her books, her blog, her Living Proof Live events… I’m sure I haven’t scratched the surface of how she blesses. I am blessed and honored to be part of this LPM family. (See you in Boise next month!)
Happy Birthday Beth! You are blessed to have a daughter to write such a beautiful post.
Birthday Blessings to you Beth. Thank you for reigniting my study of and love for Jesus!
Happy Birthday Mrs Beth! God bless you with many, many more!
Happy Birthday, Beth! I am so thankful for you and your obedience to Christ. You have been such a blessing to me through the years. I love reading what Melissa shared; it was so sweet and warmed my heart!
Happy, Happy Birthday to a sweet lady who brings joy to more people than she will ever know! We appreciate your example and your honesty! Much love!
Happy birthday Beth! Thanks for your obedience to HIM.
Happy Birthday Beth!
May you get to enjoy all your favorite things this day, and for the whole year to come!!!
Blessings,
Darlene J
love your Mom, wish she would adopt me…Happy Birthday sweet lilac of a treasured woman. You , Melissa , have such genuine words, love reading your post and tribute about your Mom….
Happy birthday! You are such a blessing and have taught me so much. Love gleaming from your wisdom and knowledge. Thank you!
Happy Birthday Beth! Melissa’s words were a true blessing to read! Can’t imagine the gift they are to you! Strength and dignity are truly your clothing, and you do smile at the future. You opens your mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on your tongue. You look well to the ways of your household, and do not eat the bread of idleness. Your children rise up and bless you; your husband also, and he praises you, saying: “Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Prov 31:25-30 May you experience more of His Presence and Power in this coming year, for the Glory of His Name! His love and mine, Suzanne
Happy Birthday!
Joys in life…reading a birthday tribute to a beloved mother. This just warmed my heart. Ms. Beth, I thank God for you. Happy birthday from a devoted “fan” I only wish my daughter saw me as yours see you.
Happy birthday Beth! What a priveledge to wish you a beautiful day today … thank you for your obedience to our Lord; He has chose to work through you so profoundly and I, like many others, are the blessed recipients!
Dear Beth!!! Happy happy birthday. We are so grateful to be able to celebrate you virtually today!!
Happy Birthday Beth! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and excitement for God!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Years ago, you sparked a love for God’s Word in my heart that He has continued to grow. Thank you for igniting that fire in me! May your birthday be a rich reminder of His love and faithfulness to you.
Happy birthday, Beth!! Thank-you for sharing God’s word with all of us! Brenda Marsalis