In honor of Mother's Day, and, more importantly, in honor of my absolutely wonderful mother, I want to take some time to list just a few of the many things I admire about her.

1. Her walk with the Lord

My mom is firmly and confidently rooted in the Lord. There is no question who she is living her life for - it only takes a glance to see Jesus on her face!

2. Her compassion for others

Whether you've just met my mom or known her for years, you can be assured of her care for you. My mom is the most selfless person I know, and she goes completely out of her way and down 20 blocks more to help someone out!

3. Her ability to genuinely listen

My mom is such an amazing listener! She makes you feel as though your very innermost thoughts are being heard - even when you cannot find the words to express them yourself! (It helps that we are so much alike, but I have witnessed this superpower of hers when she's talking with others, too!) You can be assured that you will always have all of her ears and all of her heart.

4. Her way with kids

My kids someday are going to have the most amazing grandma! She sees the potential in every child she comes into contact with, and she wants nothing more than for them to love the Lord and love themselves! (Not to mention, she's a kid-crowd favorite with all her magic tricks and gummy worms!)

5. Her smile and laugh

Along with being able to tell my mom has Jesus, your next first impression is that she loves life. She is the most joyous individual! She loves to laugh and loves to spread that laughter around! Even when faced with difficulties, she still is able to pull out that beautiful smile.

6. Her work ethic

My mom refuses to do anything halfway. She goes the extra 5 miles in everything she does: putting time, care, and prayer into every situation. It's not about the paycheck for her: it's about the impact she wants to make. This attitude exists not only in her actual job, but in anything else she takes on.

7. Her gentle, humble spirit

Even though she does all that work, she would never dream of needing praise for any of it! I think too many times we seem to associate gentleness and humbleness with a low self esteem. My mom is the perfect example of how untrue this is! She is so beyond confident in who she is. God made her to be the gentle listener, and she rocks it without a second thought.

8. Her love for music

I am sure that my own love for music started when I was in the womb, getting in on some of my mom's Amy Grant jam sessions in the car! My favorite hymn to this day is the one she used to sing me every night: Come Thou Fount. She has the most beautiful voice - you should sit next to her while she's harmonizing during worship!

9. Her dedication to her family and friends

My mom would do anything for the people she loves! She's not at all the type to hold a grudge or make people fend for themselves. She has your back no matter what and you better believe she will do anything it takes to see your smile again!

10. Her love

There are times where I deserve not even the slightest amount of love at all. But she somehow is always able to scrounge up some. She is an unconditional lover in a world that needs her so desperately! I know I for one would not be anywhere without it.