My parents are celebrating 30 years today! Now that I am married, anniversaries are so much more special to me. I have realized the work it takes to keep a marriage loving and faith-centered. My parents have been such a wonderful example of that. The hard work they have put into their years together have made my marriage even easier. We are blessed to have such wonderful examples.
So, in honor of their anniversary, I would like to share 30 things I have learned from my parents about life, love and marriage:
1. Never go to bed angry
2. Falling in love is easy; staying in love takes work
3. Love is a choice you make each day
4. Sometimes marriage is about doing something you don’t want to for love of another
5. The time to talk about a problem is not when you are angry
6. When cutting bagels, let the knife do the work
7. After a day of shopping, only bring in a couple of bags; the rest stay in the trunk
8. There is always something to worry about, so don’t
9. There’s never a “right time” to start a family
10. Family time comes before Stanley Cup Playoff tickets
11. Moms and dads are smarter than you, and I don’t know everything
12. Some things just aren’t worth getting angry over
13. Always keep your eye on the ball
14. There are no coincidences in life, just God-instances
15. If the light is green, go; if the light is yellow, slow down; if the light is red, check your lipstick
16. Always honor your commitments
17. Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers, but use your instincts
18. Not going to college is not an option
19. Trust in the Lord
20. Our futures are not guaranteed
21. Never, never, never smoke
22. Things will always get better
23. Sometimes junk food IS for dinner
24. Respect life, no matter how small
25. Poison and Stevie Ray Vaughn are appropriate lullaby music
26. Do what you love, and the money will follow
27. Sometimes moms and dads can be wrong too
28. Pray. Pray. Pray.
29. Use your time to serve others
30. Raising a family is sacrificial work; thank God you are able to sacrifice for them
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Thank you for all of your wonderful advice and for always leading by example. We love you! Here’s to 30 more!
What is the best advice you have ever received on life, love or marriage? Tell me in the comment section below.

What a great list! You truly have great parents who are an inspiration to anyone married or in a relationship. oxox. Carrie
Wow! get the kleenex out. I can’t figure out which is my favorite,
#15 and 25 are awesome :) I love you.. so very very much!!! xo thank you.
Thanks, Carrie :)
You’re gonna confuse them, Twin!
PRESH!
I love this post Jenna! You have awesome parents and I feel so blessed to be a part of your family now. I like #7. CONGRATS Pat and Dan!
xo
Liz
Aww Happy 30 years Aunt Pat and Uncle Dan,
Love your other daughter
your a pretty smart daughter~! with amazing parents.
love ur blog
like number 7
They are pretty cool, huh?
That’s wonderful!
Love this post! Happy Anniversary Dan & Pat!
Beautiful !
Thanks for reading and commenting, Carol :)
What a beautiful post. Congratulations to your parents! The best advice – or at least some that I most often think of – is that my Dad would text me every morning for a span of time saying, “Another day, another gift.” Your attitude can change the outcome of any day, no matter how grueling. Never take a single day for granted.
I love that! Bonus points for creative use of technology :)
Nice job Jenna ! Happy anniversary Aunt Pat & Uncle Dan !! I am proud to say that I learned alot about lipstick from your mom too :)
Never leave the house without it! Thanks for commenting :)
Sleep under one comforter, in a queen bed. Think about it…
Thanks for stopping by, Megan ;)
Love, love, love this post!!!! Congrats to your parents! My parents will celebrate the big 3-0 this March! I’m so thankful for their example, too. Love all of this advice. The best advice I got was to get in bed at the same time. With a baby in the picture now, this guarantees that Ben and I have at least a few minutes to spend together, alone.
I remember you saying that in one of your posts, and now I make sure we do that too. Ellen is still sleeping next to our bed, but we still get in together and whisper to each other for a few minutes before sleeping :)
This is humbling. All good to those who believe! Thanks for sharing. The best advice….make the bed everyday. I didn’t realize how huge that was until I was married.
I always make the bed too! Why would you say it is good marriage advice?
Thanks for posting :)