**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, Beth!
I had no idea what the Lord had planned when He had Sharon Davidson invite our whole office from Davidson Physical Therapy to one of your Tuesday night Bible studies. I am so grateful she did (and she had David buy us the workbooks!)
Through your Bible studies, the Lord gave me a love for Him and His Word that caught on fire. He then led me to start writing Christian devotionals for the youth at our church, and my love of writing about Him continues to this day…more than 12 years and 6 kiddos later!
Thank you for letting the Lord use you to give us a love for His Word. For some of us, it changed our lives!!
Happy happy year dear Beth! What a beautiful tribute, Melissa. I know she is humbled by your acclimations!
Happy, Happy Birthday sweet sister. Your ministry has changed my life. It’s that simple. Celebrating your life today. xoxo
What a beautiful tribute to your Mother…she is an amazing woman and Bible teacher and is the one who lead me to the Lord at an LPL simulcast! It is also such a joy to feel so close to all of you even though we don’t know each other 🙂 Happy Birthday Beth, may God bless you as you have blessed others this year!!
Love you!
Happy Birthday Beth!
Many happy returns on the day of Thy birth. May sunshine and gladness be given. And may the dear Father prepare a thee on earth for a beautiful birthday in heaven!
So blessed to have participated in many of your studies & now the memory team!
Happy Birthday to Beth Moore. Beth feels like a member of my family- a sister I never had. I have been touch by our Lord often as she has opened the word of God. I have been a pastor’s wife, a nurse and a teacher of the word for 47 years. An yet God still speaks new truth to me. He is amazing. And God uses this amazing lady to bless me and open my eyes to new understanding of God’s word frequently. I remember when Beth taught about what happens to those who cause a child to sin- I never understood that He meant when we abuse or neglect a child. and when she spoke of a person who went though Breaking Free several times- Beth told her that she needed to break free from Breaking Free. Her humor disarms me and makes me open to hear from God. Thank you, Beth. You bless me real good.
Happy birthday, Beth! Thankful for your Christ honoring life and gift of teaching.
Beth, Happiest of birthdays to you. May the Lord bless you with another extraordinary year, hold your hand tightly, love you mightily and make His presence known to you more vividly than you can imagine. I will unabashedly tell you that I love you sister. God has changed me mightily through you and helped me do the same for others. What a tremendous blessing to be on this planet with you, your family and your LPM family. You are my favorite Beth Moore (and I know more than one). Have a great day!! Much laughter and love, Lynda
Happy Birthday Beth!!! You are truly a blessing to me. I love listening to your teaching and pray for an understanding of the scripture like you have. Hope you have a great day!!!!
Hi Beth, Just sending you warm and thankful birthday wishes and thanking you for the many studies you have written for us. (To God be the Glory!) 🙂 I have come to love you as a sister in Christ and loved your tribute from your daughter! Saw you last year in Fort Wayne, Indiana and almost got a chance to see you this year in Ohio. Keep breathing for our Lord! He has blessed you richly with what money could never buy! My He continue to bless you! Love ya, Nancy
Happy-happy-happy Birthday! Finding your postings is the best thing that’s ever happened to me – you have been a most wonderful gift. God moves through your in a very beautiful way and touches so many hearts….hugs and blessings birthday girl!
Happy Birthday BLESSINGS Beth!!
Happy birthday Beth! I just want to say I thank you from the bottom of my heart for “Get out of that Pit.” Even though Im done with the book, I have continued to cry out, confess, and consent daily. I have ocd and anxiety and it has attacked my assurance of salvation and made me fear so many things. This has been the worst time of my life, but I know with God, all things are possible. Love and hugs and hope you have had. A wonderful day!!!!
Happy Birthday! I hope your day was filled with love and sweet, sweet memories!
Happy Birthday,Beth Moore. I’m so thankful you said yes to all God asked of you.
Happiest of birthdays, Beth. Beautiful tribute, Melissa.
Happy Birthday, Beth! Your life continues to be a gift to so many. May The Lord continue to richly bless you. You are truly a daughter of The King and a lovely example for your Siestas. I’m so grateful that my daughter and now my granddaughters are growing in The Lord through your ministry. What a homecoming you will have! Much love in Christ, til then. 🙂
Happiest of birthdays to you!!!!
Thank you for not quitting.
You are an inspiration to me.
Happy Birthday! And, yes, I agree with your daughter: the best is yet to come!
What a beautiful tribute for a lovely woman from a lovely woman! You both make me proud to be Siesta. Much love & happiness to you both and Birthday Blessings “onya” Miss Beth!
God such gave all of us a birthday present when you were born. I hope your day was special and fillefrom Ceffie in WVd with many blessings. Happy Birthday Beth
Happiest of Birthday! Many blessings to you this day.
Happy Birthday Beth Moore, I pray you had a Blessed Birthday…
I really enjoy your Bible Studies and how down to earth you are….you are a Blessing to many!!
God Bless you,
Denise
Happy birthday, Beth! I have learned so much and been blessed again again by your bible studies. Thank you for your faithfulness to The Lord.
Happy birthday to a dear, kind, courageous woman of God!! Many blessings on the year ahead to you and your family.
Happiest of Birthday to you Miss Beth! I am so glad to get to hear you speak the Word of God. I am so thankful for you, your life and family, and your love and passion for Jesus, the One and Only. I want to be like you when I grow up. Thank you. God bless you muchly!
Dear Beth!
How I pray you have a blessed birthday celebrating with your precious family! We all know how important family is to you! Wow – where do I begin! I have praised and thanked God for your obedience to Him more than you will ever know! Tears, laughter, growth, knowing I was not the only one who “survived” things no one should experience – God brought you into my life almost 20 years ago. (Forgive that sentence! My heart, not “english” language working!). One day we will all worship our Father and Savior forever! Isn’t that what it is all about?! Breath! Another Wow! Pray you and yours celebrate you and your obedience to Him in teaching, writing, and challenging us! Love you sweet siesta! God bless and keep you and yours always! Numbers 6: 24-26
What a beautiful birthday gift for your Mom! As a Mom of 2 little ones with a husband in the military I pray to be the type of Mom you are describing!!
Happy Birthday Mrs. Beth! Thank you for being obedient to His call!
Happy, Happy Birthday to you, Beth!!! Blessings for a new year walking with Jesus!!!
Thank you for being obedient to Him…it has made a difference in my life!!
Happy birthday Beth! many happy returns to the lady who has allowed God to use her to teach me so much about my Savior! isn’t He so wonderful? I love Him so!
Happy birthday Beth. May God bless you greatly!
Happy Birthday Beth! I am so thankful for you and your gift of teaching the Bible. I have been in all of your studies and some twice. I never grow tired of listening to you. I hope one day to meet you in person. God bless you and your family!
Happy Birthday Beth,
Thank you for sharing the deep faith you have with all of us and sharing your families struggles and helping us to see that God is always faithful even when we can’t see it today.
Happy Birthday, Beth!! I hope it was special like you! A few of us ladies got together this morning and discussed your chapter on Faithfulness from your Fruit of the Spirit study! Thank you for sharing what God is teaching you! It was good be reminded that God is who He is and He doesn’t change. He is beyond believable and our faithfulness coinsides with how much we choose to believe Him! Thanks again and hope your day was great:) God Bless, Lee
Happy Birthday! Hope it was the brightest shade of lipstick kind of day:)
Happy Birthday Beth!!!! Thank you for sharing your faith walk with us!!!!! Your ” Breaking Free” Bible Study taping at Franklin Avenue Church in 2008 changed my life!! God timed and made so many things to work for me to attend!!! Elizabeth Luter let me take the place of one of her friends who was not able to come!!! I really only intended to go that first night but your story sounded so familiar and I really thought that I had strayed too far for God to help me…well you know..being in His Word changed everything for me and my marriage, my family, my relationships!! God gave us a ministry and we have done about 12 of your Bible Studies in the past 4 years!! Praise Jesus for you and your family and all your precious sisters at LPM! Lots of love and prayers to you and all those you love, Patty
Happy birthday Beth! Although we don’t share the same birthdate, I feel that I must celebrate along with you. We share a history even though we have never met. I have followed your bible study teachings from the very first one that was published. How much I have grown in my faith and in my journey. They say that you always remember your first love and I agree! You were my first study that opened my eyes to God and His book of Life. Your style of teaching never fails to make me think harder, study harder and believe harder that God loves me and wants the best for me and to never lose sight that the enemy will do what it can to destroy. Have a wonderful birthday and enjoy this moment. You have planted seeds that have taken root. Many hugs
Happy Birthday! You are such an inspiration to me and to so many.
Enjoy you family and have a great day!!
Bless you!!
Happy, Happy Birthday! Thank you for your teachings, your Bible studies, and your passion for women’s ministry. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Happy Birthday, Beth!! I hope you had a beautiful day!
And Melissa….this is a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Happiest Birthday, Beth! What a wonderful tribute from your daughter! I’ve only known you a little over a year through reading The Beloved Disciple, Breaking Free and now involved in my first Beth Moore study, Daniel. You open your heart so much in all of your writings and videos that it seems we’ve been friends a very long time. Perhaps one day here on earth I’ll have the pleasure of meeting you face to face. May our great, sovreign Lord continue to empower you and inspire you for His glory and honor. Sent with my love and gratitude.
Happy Happy Birthday, Beth! You are such a blessing to so many! Thank you for all that you have taught, and continue to teach me. I love your style, your compassion, your love for God, and all women. I hope you enjoy your special day!
Fondly,
Kelly
Happiest of birthdays, Beth! What a wonderful tribute from your daughter. I hope your day has been filled with fun, family, friends, and tons of blessings!
Happy Birthday, Sweet Beth
Your daughter’s testimony truly expresses the love she has for you, and the example you are to her and your whole family.
May God continue to bless you, your family, and your ministry.
Happy Birthday, Beth!!! I feel it is so fitting that, after a season of doing other things for my devotional time, I began Kelly Minter’s new Bible Study today. I loved doing a Bible Study workbook again!
Melissa, what a beautiful blog about your sweet momma! Beth, Happy Birthday! Thank you for showing us what it looks like to love Jesus with a fiery passion. Thank you for honoring God’s Word and for teaching the truth with such humility and grace. Thank you for listening to the Lord and for obeying Him whatever the cost. Thank you for being what you seem. You have always made me want more of Jesus! You have shared your very life with the body of Christ, and we are eternally grateful. Happiest of Birthdays to you dear Beth!
Happy Birthday a day late, Miss Beth! We in Long Creek just love you so much!! 🙂 Many blessings to you!
Happy birthday to you! I am so blessed to have you in my life even if it is through a study and through these posts. You have given me strength to embrace trials and look forward to receiving God’s blessings. Even though I have only seen you in Billings, Montana and through your studies, James and Children of the Day, I feel that we are great friends and have had many conversations over a cup of coffee!
Happy birthday Beth! You are such a blessing. Your insite into Gods word has encouraged me many times. I pray you have a wonderful day filled with many blessings! Your sister in Christ Elisabeth Duvall