**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! Hope it was a special day!
Happy Birthday Beth Moore! What a beautifully written email Melissa has gifted you today. I just love to see the pictures. You and I have done many a study together. I am so thankful for your depth and passion for Jesus. James rocked my boat, changed my world. Currently going through Breaking Free, Lord, have mercy.
I look forward to meeting you one day! Thanks for this blog as a way to connect and happiest of birthdays to you!
Happy Birthday Beth! You are a gift to us in Atlanta, Ga! I lead your Bible Studies at our church and have seen so many women draw closer to Christ. We are so thankful for you❤️
Happy Birthday Beth!! My Bible study gals and I are currently doing your Children of the Day study. Your personal story helped in the healing of my heart of my story. It broke open the flood gates because I saw for the first time so clearly my Dad’s belief on those signs you used – no limitations. Thank you so much for being so obedient to our wonderful Lord in doing these studies! Many happy days are ahead for you and I pray complete protection and healing over you and yours as we look forward to the return of Jesus!!
Happy Birthday Beth! Hope you had a fantabulous day. Melissa, what a beautiful, heartfelt birthday letter to your mom. I’ve done several of your studies, Beth, and I can’t tell you what a blessing you’ve been to me. You have such a gift in sharing God’s word, and sharing yourself. May God continue to bless you, your family and your ministry.
Happy, happy birthday Beth from a Siesta in South Dakota! For several years I was blessed to be in a Bible study group in which we went through many of your studies, and each time we started a new one and saw your face on the TV screen, it was like being reunited with an old friend. I have learned so much good precious stuff from you. You are a gift to me and so many other women. Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, and many more!
Happy Birthday Beth. Love your bible studies.
Thanks!
Happy Birthday, beautiful woman of God!
Happy, happy birthday, Beth! May the Lord bless you this year and the next and the next…..
The happiest of birthdays to you, Beth! You have been a blessing to me, more than you even realize. We were complete strangers and yet, you gave me a hug last year when nobody else even knew how much I needed one. And through your books, I have learned to pray, love and trust God. May God continue to bless you and your family far beyond your imagination.
Happiest of days to you. You’ve changed so many lives, including mine, for the betterment and furthering of the Kingdom. Carry on, Warrior!
Happy Birthday Beth! May you experience the love of your Heavenly Father today as never before and be assured of His smile as He enjoys YOU. I am so very thankful for the day YOU were born and the gift of YOU to this world.
Happy Happy Birthday Siesta Mama!!
Your daughter has Blessed you with a magnificent tribute! Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. I am always encouraged!!
I saw a photo earlier and have to say I Loved it…. Yall need Jesus!! Being from the NW, the yall cracked me up! I could hear your voice echoing in my head!! So fun!!!
Eat Cake and have a great celebration!
Happy Birthday to you! I feel as though you are a friend even though we’ve never met! I have gotten to “know” you through Bible studies, blogs and videos. I am inspired and encouraged by you. Thank you for helping me along in my spiritual journey. I wish you a day filled with much joy!
Happy birthday! Thank you for teaching me so very much.
Happy Birthday! Thank you for your dedication!
Happy Birthday Beth! May the blessings of our LORD be upon you.
Love and prayers
From a fellow June baby!!
Happy Birthday Beth! You are truly one of God’s angels here on earth. Thank you for all you give to make a difference in so many lives. I pray God’s blessings for you this year. Happy day that you were born!
Happy birthday Beth! You are such a blessing to so many! I pray that the Lord has showered you with extra blessings today!
Happy birthday! As a mom of two girls I think that your daughter sums up what being a wonderful mom really means to a daughter.
Thanks for all you do to teach and share!
Terri
Happy and blessed birthday to you Beth Moore! I am so grateful to my daughter who introduced me to your ministry. Your books and Bible studies and videos and LP live events have certainly blessed me over the years and I don’t know where I would be on my journey of faith without you dear lady. God bless you!
Mary, Atlanta
Happy birthday, Beth! Love this post!
Beth: Happiest of birthday wishes to you. I think of you as my girlfriend I’ve never met. I’ve come closer to Jesus in the last 14 years. I owe some of this to the work you do for him in the bible studies you produce. Believing God changed my life. Recently, my husband and I separated. We are in counseling and God’s been so faithful to us. I often listen to your devotional CDs and the words God speaks through you give me hope. I can’t tell you enough what an impact your willingness to serve him has had on me. Many blessings to you and your family.
What a joy you’ve been in helping me discover, and fall in love, with my Lord anew. Thank you for responding to being His ‘anointed’ and obeying His call on your life to love and serve women. It’s my delight to wish you the happiest of birthdays, Beth Moore; and years and years of more!!
Happy Birthday, Beth!!! Your ministry is such a blessing to so many!!!
Happiest of blessed birthdays to you.
You have been such a wonderful, refreshing teacher/warrior to us all.
Thank you for sharing your love for God with us!
Happiest of birthdays to someone who I feel has walked with me in different seasons of life as I have worked through bible studies. You really do impact this world is a mighty way. I sure hope your birthday was extravagantly beautiful, Miss Beth! You deserve it!
Happiest of birthdays to you sweet Beth. You bless me. I love you!
Jan
Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing your love for Jesus with me. It is contagious and I’m so thankful God placed you in my life.
Beth, God bless you on this very special day! He knows how blessed you have made the lives of fellow brothers and sisters with the truth of His Holy and precious Word and what a great example of hope and encouragement for the desperate and thirst seekers! I’m praying to see you in Fargo and to worship with you here on earth. Thank you for being a true servant and sharing your heart of love with all God’s chosen. May God bless you for many many more birthday’s
June 16,2015
Happy, Happy Birthday,Beth !
I feel like we are long distance cousins. I have been doing your Bible Studies for over 13 { years…so of them a repeated a second time…and was so amazed that your wprds and The Word met me @ new place in my journey and I was learning even more than 1st time I went thru the study and in new ways.
I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for you, your family, your obedience to His call on your life. U r a very special gift from God, Our Father. I praise Him for you..You r wonderfully made and such a support to other women in this world.
Have A most relaxing, blessed Birthday, ever.
Melissa, I really loved your post about your mom today. What beautiful insight into a person I Admire. I have only just started her Bible studies and I love them. They are deep, personal, accessible and inspirational. I have never experienced the Bible or His Word this way before and I have been a Christian all my life. Her Bible studies have been life changing for me and incredibly refreshing. Thank you and may God bless your mom, her ministry and all of you who are a part of it.
I would like to be specific and request the Bible that you are giving away. I am so new at this and I have realized that I don’t have a proper Bible. The one you described in the blog would be a huge blessing to me.
Happy Birthday Beth Moore! The day you were born has been a blessing to more women than you can even imagine. May God bless you and continue to guide you.
So grateful that there is a Beth Moore in this world!! The blessings of your ministry are incalculable! But this one little life in this one little heart has been tremendously blessed and comforted and encouraged a thousand times over all because of your humble obedience to the Lord.
Hope you have had a beautiful birthday!
Happy Birthday Beth!!
You’ve been such an inspiration to me!!
A Birthday greeting for you, Beth! If you were sitting across the table from me I would be just slightly giddy at the chance to tell you, “Im wishing you the happiest, most sweetest Birthday ever!!!” And I would go on to tell you that I have learned so much from you, not only about loving God’s Word, but about being a mom, sister in Christ and a woman who longs to be transformed. Thabk you for your life that has poured out into so many lives including this Kentucky girl’s! Happy Birthday!!!!
Happy birthday Beth! Your books and your bible studies have transformed my faith. I love you and your heart. Thank you for being so willing to be led by the spirit. I hope you are blessed tremendously on your birthday this year!
This is the sweetest endearment from daughter to mother. I loved hearing your heart, Melissa. Mothers are the biggest blessing. And BETH! Happy Birthday!! You have often been a spiritual mother to me, I can’t wait to meet you one day…in eternity! Your words have blessed, inspired, encouraged and strengthened my walk so often. So thankful for the ways you continue to pour out your life to others. How precious to hear how someone closest to you sees you live out the real thing daily. The Lord is so good…. thank you for being such a willing vessel of His!!
I know I’m too late for the giveaway, but I wanted to say Happy Belated Birthday to Beth!! 🙂
Happiest of Birthdays Beth! I celebrate you today and thank The Lord He made you. Melissa, I too have been through some very dark and painful times and your mom has been the person with me in the middle of the night through her writing. She’s comforted me and pointed me to Jesus countless times. Thank you for sharing her with us!
Birthday Joy, wonderful Beth! I raise my coffee mug in a toast to you – rejoicing in the gift you are to me and many, many others!
What a remarkable and beloved woman you are!
May you continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Happy birthday, Beth Moore!! You have changed the lives of women all over the world!! You are currently changing mine through listening to your devos on CDs in my car as i carpool my three kids around each day! Just so great to hear Gods word poured into my spirit and mind while running from one place to another! Hope you have had a most excellent day!
Love to you and your family!
Beth Moore, Your’re life reflects the beauty and wonder of the very ONE you serve. Happy Birthday to a woman who has impacted so many lives and I personally thank you for teaching me to seek HIS face & experience HIS love in deeper ways every year as I serve the women at our church. Abundant Blessings Always!
Happy birthday Beth! I have loved your studies for many years!
Beth, you have been among the top ten mentors of mine since 2001. Please know that the others include the likes of Corrie ten Boom, Elizabeth Elliot and Oswald Chambers, so that says it all. Whenever I speak to women’s groups, I make reference to something you have spoken or something I have learned from a teaching you have done. Thank you for your devotion to Jesus and his Word. Have an amazing, blessed and relaxing birthday.
What a lovely tribute! Happy Birthday Beth! May the Lord bless you and keep you- may he shine his face upon you and be gracious To you and give you peace! You have blessed me with your studies! Thank you.
Happiest Birthday Wishes! Pray this year will be filled with many blessings!
Happy happy birthday Beth!! My life was forever changed with the very 1st bible study of yours that I did….& the changing continued with each study after that! Thank you for being such a blessing in my life & so many others!
Happy Birthday Beth! I have facilitated your Bible studies for 13 years starting with Breaking Free. I have gone to see you in Portland Oregon, Seattle WA, Boise ID and San Fransisco. I would follow you anywhere because you always point to my Jesus. I love you and honor you and yet give God the Glory. What a beautiful job your daughter did honoring you. May the Lord bless you and keep you amazing woman of God.
happy Birthday, Beth!!!
I can not properly put into words how much your Bible studies have impacted my walk with the Lord over the years. I am beyond grateful that you have encouraged me to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus and to KNOW that I matter to Him and that He loves me beyond what I can fully comprehend. So thank you. Happy, Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Beth! I wish I had appropriate words and gifts to show what part you have played in my divine romance with our Jesus. You have taught me to love Him more, love and know His Word more, and unknowingly walked through a lot of hard places of this journey called life with me. I can’t wait until we have our coffee date in heaven! Beacuse the place being prepared for me is a coffee shop. Lol! Thank you for giving your life to serve God and through that, us. What I love most about this post is it could be written about my own Southern Momma. She is walking me along the grief journey Melissa described. It is just as she described. I don’t want to know where we would be without Godly Mommas who love their girls, but love Jesus so much more!! I will see you, soon, in Greenville,SC! Very Happy Birthday, dear sister!!!