**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 and every day, Beth!
Happy Birthday, Sweet Beth!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Thank you for bringing the Word alive for me with your wonderful teachings. May God’s abundant blessings be poured over you on your special day!
I hope you are having a very Happy Birthday! I pray that the coming year God keeps his hand on you and yours!
Happy birthday, dear Beth. What a breathtaking tribute from your beautiful daughter. You are well beloved.
Happy Birthday Beth ! There aren’t enough words to express my sincere gratitude for what your teaching has meant in my life. You have been such an amazing source of encouragement and inspiration over the years. Thank you so much for all that you do to help so many people !
Wishing you many, many more happy birthdays !
Love you !
Marie
Happy birthday Beth! May this be your most blessed year!
Dearest Beth,
Your Esther Bible study was the first Bible study I ever did and up until that experience i had NO idea Bible study could be so very fun and even humorous! I have done many of your studies now and have found that all of them have brought me into a deeper relationship with my Lord, and at times I feel He has used them to help me process and heal in areas only He could. Through your example, Beth I have learned that if I too can have a closer, deeper relationship with the One who made me if only I make it a priority to seek Him and spend time with Him the way that you do! I thank God for you and your teachings Beth!
Happy Happy Birthday!!! God Bless you & yours!
Michelle
Happy Birthday. Your studies have meant a great deal to me. There is so much in them,I have taken some of them multiple times. Thank you for inspiring me to stay in the Word.
Happiest of birthdays to a woman who has served as a role model on how to love Jesus Texas style (that beans BIG to those of you non-texans ). We have a lot of loves is common, but the ones that stand out are Jesus, family and our doggies! Thank you for sharing with us, not only your life, but how to be completely sold out to the Most High!! Enjoy your day!!
Happy Birthday! You are an inspiration to me and many, many more.
Happy Birthday, Beth!! God has used you to help me grow in my walk with the Lord and I am SO thankful for you!
I pray He will richly bless you as you serve Him. Thank you for all you do.
Hi Beth!!
You are such a blessing!
Thank you for being who you are- the best you!
Love
I think I’ll never forget the emotion I felt at one of your, Beth’s, gatherings. It was in Calgary and by chance I was driving through that weekend. The talk, the singing, the many many women gave me such a joy I carried for a long time. I purchased a cd of her talks and loved each one while in my car driving to the dr. mostly or grocery shopping. Thank you for your desire and commitment to speak of Jesus. I pray that you and your family always have the love I just read about in the letter above, it is special. You are blessed and you blessed me that day too.
Happy Birthday beautiful Beth!! I’ve felt like you are a dear friend for more than ten years and my life is so much better because you’re in it. You’ve changed how I read and study God’s Word. You’ve helped me see more clearly, hunger deeply and live freely. I am helping lead others to do the same and you have a huge part in that. Beth I feel, as many of other women do, that if I ran into you we would be like old friends. Thank you for loving us like we’re your dear friends though you will never meet most of us face to face on this earth. You’ve given us such value and honor. The Lord bless you and keep you for all He has yet for you to do beginning with loving and nourishing your wonderful husband and family. They are a people most blessed. We all are for having you in our lives. I love you so much my beautiful sister! Happy Birthday!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH!!! Through your bible studies you have helped me to understand the Bible better. And, this year is my first time with memorizing Bible Verses with you. I cannot even tell you what an impact the verses I have chosen and then memorized have had on me. It’s amazing. I thank God for you and the gifts he has given you. Love you sweet sister in Christ.
Happy Birthday sweet Beth! Thank you for encouraging this generation of women to study the Word & know God in a deeper way. Melissa, what a wonderful tribute to your mama!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! THANK YOU FOR SERVING CHRIST THE WAY YOU DO. I can’t wait to see you in Cincinnati : ) GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Psalm 118:24
Happy BirthDAY Beth!!! You are an inspiration to many!
WOW, Melissa – thank you for writing such a sweet note to celebrate your mother’s birthday!! I have participated in several of your studies, Beth. Thank you for sharing your heart and His Word so freely. If I was ever given the opportunity to meet someone I admired – it would be YOU! Reading Melissa’s tribute was delightful! Happy Birthday Beth! Numbers 6:24-26
Happy birthday, Beth! You’re one of my favorite saints alive. I wish you sweet dreams at the end of a satisfying day. Goodnight!
Beth, hope you had the happiest birthday. You bring such light and love to your ministry and are a reflection of our loving savior. So blessed to know you and call you friend. Just as blessed to learn from you and call you teacher. All my love!
“My mom was born at high noon in a fierce thunderstorm, my grandfather said. Her presence still shifts the atmosphere.”
The Moore women blow me away by their words. Beth, I’m so thankful you were born and that you allow the atmosphere to be shifted by your presence. My relationship with my God is changed for the better with the help of your wisdom, love for God, and way with words.
Happy and most blessed birthdays to you Beth — Siesta Mama!!! My life and spiritual walk are much the better because of the way the Lord has used you to minister, to teach, to be real, to share your life, to encourage, to turn the other cheek, to be disciplined, to be gracious, to be His instrument for this season!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! May God meet your every need and continue to strengthen you and speak into & through you and give much wisdom and discernment. #onlyJesus
Grace & peace,
Cindy
Happy birthday,Beth! I hope I am not too late to wish you a super birthday. You have blessed so many people with your anointed words. Thank you for letting God use you to reach so many women for Him. Your books have certainly impacted my life. Thank you for being a blessing to me. May God heap His blessings upon you.
Happy Birthday, Beth! What a beautiful tribute, Melissa! Almost brought me to tears. I hope my little two year old will feel this way about me some day. After 8 Bible Studies and a couple Living Proof Live events, I feel like we’re friends… Well, in so much as I have a deep affection for you, sweet sister. 😉
Happiest of birthdays to you, Mrs. Beth!!
Happy Birthday, Beth! Your daughter is not the only one that thinks you are amazing! Thank you for giving us the Word of Truth in such a way that you can’t help but fall in love with the Scripture! Thank you for teaching us how to study, how to memorize, and how to live! I appreciate that you allow us into your life with such transparency. Your passion shines a light into our dark corners, helping us to see our continued need for God. May you feel loved and celebrated on your special day! May the favor of God continue to escort you through new doors of opportunity to enlarge the Kingdom! What a blessing you are!!! Birthday joys!!! You are loved and appreciated!
Beth, you have blessed me and my walk with our Lord in a most profound wy. The growth I have experience from your writings and studies has been life changing. Thank you for your obedience to your the Lord’s call and for sharing your gifts. Happy Birthday and blessing upon you each day.
Happy, happy birthday Beth! Even though I will most likely not have the pleasure of meeting you this side of heaven, you have inspired me.! Your dedication to study, your love of Jesus, and your ferocious commitment to your family speaks volumes about who you are and how you have allowed God to change you into a human that looks more and more like the God we all serve! Have a blessed year ahead!
Beth, Happy Birthday to you! Thank you so much for all you do to spread the Gospel of Jesus! Thank you for serving Jesus!
Happy Birthday! Thank you for following Jesus–your obedience to Him to write/teach has blessed me and drawn me closer to my Savior.
Happy Birthday, Beth!!! Beautiful tribute, Melissa!
Happiest of Birthdays to one of the most influential ladies in my life & countless others! You will never know this side of heaven how much I’ve gained from your powerful studies & the truth you’ve boldly spoken through them. You have given me a thirst for God’s word & I am eternally grateful!!
Praying the Lord’s richest blessings over you & your family this year!
Yikes! So, I never (ever) post, but this time…I had to. Not for the gifts, but for the way I am crying even now, at the thought of how the choices we make leave our children a legacy of who we really are. My prayer is that in the “busy busy” of life, my three children see me this way…That they know my deep love for them and my endless love for our Father in heaven, who holds me even now and comforts me with your words.
Thank you- I needed this post today.
Happiest of Birthdays to you Miss Beth! Your “yes” to God has changed generations of women. You are beauty, grace, passion, fierce devotion and your unique Beth “way” makes you the very best at what you do! So much LOVE to you on your special day!!!
Many birthday blessings Beth! Pressed down, shaken together and running over! You deserve every single one!
Happy Birthday Beth!!!
What a blessing you and Living Proof have been to me!
Blessings!
Tami
Happy Birthday, Beth! You are such a blessings! Thank you for sharing the word God gives you with the rest of us.
Happy Birthday There are not emojis for me to express how I love your love for the Lord – and how it is contagious! Love and blessings!
Beth, Happy Birthday!! Your teaching rocks my world!! You make me laugh, cry, celebrate my Jesus! Thank you!!
Hope your birthday is as special as you are, Beth. Many thanks for sharing your love for the Lord with us all!
Melissa, WE love her, too! Happy birthday sweet Beth. You are not only loved, you are highly respected and esteemed!
Happy happy birthday, Beth!!! Thank u for being a light! You’re an inspiration to so many!
Happy birthday Beth!!
may you be as abundantly blessed today as you have blessed so very many of us with your anointing, wisdom, and love.
Thank you for your ministry. Thank you for sharing your mom with us. I hope she has a terrific birthday!
Happy Birthday to a Very Special Daughter of the One True King, Jesus. Hope it is filled with Joy & Laughter and you are spoiled by your closest friends & family. May you continue to be blessed and to be a blessing to all those you love you.
Happy Birthday, Beth Moore!
You have touched my life in more ways than I can
Count! Hope your birthday is wonderful.
“”Happy Birthday!” May God reveal how much we appreciate your joy & Grace you have taught us with , may love fill your heart as you have blessed ours !