35 Life Lessons I've Learned by 35

[@theMennoniteMom]

What are some lessons life has taught you? I love hearing the wisdom of others.

[@kimmypncal]

Happy birthday, Jeanine! Your one item about being careful who you share your accomplishments with. I absolutely understood and agree with you. My husband and I have actually experienced this and you’re right. Often so many people will say to us “must be nice!” when we take trips or whatever but not realizing and taking into account what it took for us to get to do these things. Owning a restaurant, my husband works tirelessly and I also work for an accountant, helping my parents and their needs, along with the house duties. Hard work and long days, we have to take time for ourselves to have that peace and family time. So when people say that, it’s frustrating and we’ve learned to not share much with certain people. This is a great list though! As a 50 yr old myself, I’m still learning how to handle things. God bless!

[@theMennoniteMom]

Yes! It can be frustrating. You put in a ton of work but they only see the end result of that. Taking a vacation to get a break from the load is rejuvenation to continue the hard work. Hats off to you for all the work you've done and help you've given others!

[@cararevelscrittenton806]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many more. Love watching you channel especially your cleaning video when overwhelmed. I come back to watch it quite often. I am a 61 year old Black woman mostly raised in the City. now living in Mennonite country in the Mountains of Virginia 🙂. I can relate to so many of your Life Lessons it just goes to show we are all more alike than we are different. Love to you and the family,

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you. Yes, we are all so much more alike than we realize, I believe. Thank you for being here!

[@desiraegagne1136]

Thank-you for this video! Lots of good advice. The one piece that spoke to me was " a person who never made a mistake never learned something new ." Currently learning some new things 😅 God Bless you 🕊

[@theMennoniteMom]

Blessings in the learning! It's not a fun process!

[@amyloewen2093]

Love this list. Thank you for sharing 🤍

[@suzanne7668]

I kept checking your channel over the last month and wondered if you were ok😊 This is a great video, thank you so much for sharing your 35 life lessons!

[@theMennoniteMom]

😀 thankyou! Yes I'm trying to keepblife less busy and sometimes that means skipping a video when I need to. Thanks for your support!

[@janicelabuda8540]

Great vlog, Janine! I am twice your age, and have learned through the years that we never stop learning. Thanks to you, I just added some new lessons for myself today. Mya you and your family have a wonderful weekend. 👍👍

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thanks for taking the time to say hello! 🙂 have a lovely weekend!

[@janiceyoder621]

We never stop learning. Each season in life brings new challenges. As for hospitality, just welcome people in and instead of apologizing for the mess, just say, "Excuse the mess!" And move on. 😊

[@theMennoniteMom]

I love that suggestion! Thank you

[@GoFishOffice]

Great points my friend!💞💞

[@a.hakvoort8098]

Congratulations on your 35 birthday!! Blessings for you and your family for the year to come!

[@tinathomas4999]

Great advice. This is one video that will great to hear again and again.

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you. God bless!

[@debbieclark4056]

Loved your 35 Life Lessons your are a very wise young woman! I need to adopt alot of your life lessons at 66 still haven’t mastered.

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you! We'll as I mentioned, I haven't mastered them either. It's a constant work. 😀

[@dianalama1591]

Congrats on reaching your 35… Blessings 👏 Truly enjoy your videos and most of all, your Christian beliefs.

[@nenadominguez4359]

Happy birthday Janine! 🎁💐🎂May God bless you always!!!🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻 we love you and you are a big blessings to our lives 👌🏻

[@theMennoniteMom]

You are so kind! Thank you!

[@tinawiebe9391]

Enjoyed this video so much. Don't always apologize for everything. Don't let age make you unteachable. Those where 2 that really stuck out to me. But loved them all so much!❤ God bless you and your family.

[@susanmyers6375]

Happy Birthday ! Your front porch looks so peaceful and serene. You are blessed 🙌

[@theMennoniteMom]

It is a lovely place to sit. Thank you

[@lovalin4139]

Preach sister 🙏🌺🌼🌸

[@SandraRodriguez-ff2rz]

Happy birthday. On your 35th 🎂🎈🎉. Always love your videos. Your a very blessed woman of God. True working towards goals teaches us to be patience and strength and courage. Love your life lessons.

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you for joining me with this chat. God bless!

[@kate-br3be]

We just had our first baby 1 month ago! I appreciate the parenting advice 😊

[@theMennoniteMom]

Congratulations! It's a wonderful thing beyond a parent 😀

[@christinewelch8365]

I LOVE the back porch talks!!! I listen to them over and over. Thanks so much for this kind of video,!!

[@theMennoniteMom]

You're too kind. Thank you for being a part of the community!

[@KimW1992]

Thank you so much for sharing this. These are areas that everyone needs to improve on. Many that you mentioned really hit home to me and increased my awareness of no matter what season of life you're in, there's always work needed to grow closer to your family and to God. 💜

[@theMennoniteMom]

Sometimes it feels a little overwhelming that you never quite arrive 😔 that it always takes work and intention

[@Mrs_Guac_and_Glock]

Thank you for the verse you mentioned on point 21. It was very encouraging to me 😊

[@someonelikeyou3359]

Excellent advice!

[@ashbear5906]

This was a great video to listen to while I cleaned the bathroom!! I really enjoyed it! Fun fact... I just got that Empowered Wife book in the mail today! A friend recommended it to me😊 So excited to read it! God bless you as you continue to share His love and truth💕

[@theMennoniteMom]

That's great! Curious on your thoughts. I like the majority of it. 😀

[@NataliesCause2023-xn2mh]

You were just the breath of fresh air that I needed today. Thank you.🥰

[@TheBonnieberry]

me too Im 60 and so wish someone had shared earlier...say close to our Saviour He will lead...

[@theMennoniteMom]

Blessings on your day!

[@debbieswanson780]

One of the things one of my sisters suggested instead of being embarrassed be grateful and express it. " I'm so glad you stopped by! I was feeling lonesome, overwhelmed... I wanted to ask you.... " She basically told me to stop thinking of me but think of them. She also told me bought cookies are more than acceptable 😅 Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your book suggestions

[@theMennoniteMom]

This is excellent excellent advice. Thank you for sharing! Because it's so true. If you're focused on yourself, you become insecure. Focus on them, and hopefully they leave with a good feeling 😀

[@rosiejb3]

So good to hear from you! I've missed you!❤

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you! 😊 it does feel like awhile. Thanks for being here!

[@thelmawall-butler6663]

Jeanine - #6 - the sharing of good news (wins) made total sense - too many people are envious and in turn they become petty and may in fact see you as just plain boasting. I have tested the water so to speak and I can easily discern who I can and can’t trust with my good news.

[@theMennoniteMom]

🙂 you put it well. I'm with you! 😃

[@ckeck402]

Thank you for doing this video! I just ordered the empowered wife book. I think that has been my biggest hardship in my marriage and would love to learn new skills to make it better!

[@theMennoniteMom]

Hope you enjoy it. It feels a bit radical and some parts in not 100% sure about but I think it's power spot on! Sending hugs 🫂

[@reneeragsdale8251]

Thank you for this chat! So needed this today! Blessings to you❤

[@zuzanacoynehanakova2511]

happy birthday Jeaninne :) the point where you were talking about busyness hit home, i was actually pondering this topic with my friend...i was asking her am i being selfish for not wanting to visit her before i clean my house...even when i type it it sounds very selfish:D i struggle with it..this thing where you feel like you cant relax until you get your stuff done,,anyway, i hope enjoyed your day :) Blessings

[@theMennoniteMom]

I know the feeling! It's hard to navigate thru these things at times

[@bettyloar2238]

Happy birthday, thanks for all you do ❤

[@carolyn683]

I liked this, Thanks. I relate to the tip that we shouldn't apologize for our messy house when we receive a visitor.. I'm quick to do this but I see it could make the visitor uncomfortable. Also I am slow to share any bad or good in my life. Its hard for me to have a friend that i feel comfortable being vulnerable with.

[@llijable]

This is my favorite video of yours. I love following you b/c you are so wise. However, I think this video tops them all. I sent it to 3 of my friends.

[@theMennoniteMom]

You are too kind! Thank you for "sitting" with me on my front porch 😀

[@ruthturkington1736]

Happy Birthday, Jeanine! I loved ❤ everyone of these

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thanks so much!

[@Hunternicholeeee]

I love this so much! You are so encouraging to me! I really resonated with the one about being so afraid of some type of sexual abuse or other awful things. I obsess over something terrible happening to my kids that i somehow could have prevented. But all i can do is my best & trust that the lord has them in his hands & it’ll all be okay!

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you! And I hear you. It's hard too not worry and obsess over their safety. Probably a life long battle? 🤷‍♀️

[@pamelabell5897]

Thank You For Sharing This Video❤

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@melindercaudell9120]

Thank you so much for this video. There is a lot of wisdom in this video.

[@kristinecornell8649]

Love these! Many ring very true to me. Thank you Janine!

[@RAM-eb2te]

❤❤❤ The lesson God is trying to teach me now, is it's OK to protect myself and ask them to not say/ do what is hurting me.

[@theMennoniteMom]

A good lesson. Thanks for sharing

[@elainep.204]

I love what you all say!! So true!!

[@DeniseVisco-w9e]

My daddy told me "Always scratch someone's back, cause you never know when you will need the favor returned" (his take on the Golden Rule 😂 Also, something I try to keep our home a haven is to ALWAYS greet my husband with a hug and a kiss when he leaves or returns home. Love your vids!!!!!!

[@theMennoniteMom]

I love your dad's advice! 😀 and the way you make your home a haven 🫶 thanks for sharing!

[@leni8172]

"the older I get, the less answers I have"... I can totally relate to that. I´m 43 now, the arrogance of youth is slowly vanishing, I not longer pretend to be able to explane everything. The experience of life makes one humble. Greetings from Germany!

[@theMennoniteMom]

The experience of life makes one humble. Very true.

[@cottagecreations1663]

Loved this! For inspirational for a young mom, thank you. ❤️

[@beverlywells6193]

A very insightful video! Thank you for sharing. I agree with all 35 and yes, I struggle with some too. Happy Birthday! ❤

[@pcodignoni9344]

Enjoying this video! Choose your words carefully is what I struggle with.

[@theMennoniteMom]

Same

[@Thefunfamily_3582]

I'm 47 and taking this all in. Thank you so much 👏

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thanks for being here and taking the time to comment

[@stephaniefairchild82]

One thing I’ve learned is Don’t judge people. I’ve faced more judgement this past year than most have experienced. I hate judge mental attitudes. I’ve also learned that not everyone is a friend when they say they are your friends. When you go through something that is very hard you find out who your real friends are. My goal is to be a better friend to people than I have experienced. 3rd hand everything over to God and trust Him only

[@theMennoniteMom]

I'm sorry it's been tough. Sending hugs! I, too, know that feeling, and once I experienced the pain of it I determined that it would teach me a lesson to do my best not to make that mistake to others. Sending hugs as you navigate your mountain.

[@starflower703]

My best friend always reminds me you must be a friend to have a friend. Friendship is a two-way street just like marriage. It’s so important to be there for each other in the joys and celebrations, but also in the downs and the sadness that life brings. You know who truly is your friend when you count on them no matter the circumstance.

[@karenokleson975]

Thanks Jeanine….I needed that. We are human, nobody is perfect. We need constant reminders to do as Jesus would do. I’m not even what I would consider religious, but if we could ask ourselves “What would Jesus do?”, we would make the world a better place. xxoo

[@mez6973]

Would be able to do a front porch mom chat with Raquel Witmer? I loved you both together. Thanks

[@theMennoniteMom]

Great suggestion! I need to see if she'd like to again

[@stillyourb]

Good list :) Wisdom I’m currently learning is : diligence & being intentional doesn’t equal legalistic. I’ve skirted around it about a lot of things because I was afraid I would swing too far and make it legalistic and become judgmental. God has been patient with me and has started reminding me Often though, that much good can come from diligence and being intentional, AND there is room for grace. Also I can be intentional and diligent in REST….a season for all things and what not. I ordered that book because so many women were talking about it but I didn’t get very far before putting it in the shelf. It just rubbed me the wrong way, seeming manipulative and catering to the women’s power movement, but maybe I just didn’t stick with it long enough.

[@theMennoniteMom]

I love your insight and life lesson about being intentional, including rest. The book? Yes, I don't care for the slant about your own happiness is priority #1... as well as you said, seeming manipulative in some ways. However, I think there is much truth to be learned about letting go, stating your wishes, and then let what's on his paper on his paper. It's hard to do at times. I'm still struggling to get it all 😀

[@saram3156]

​@@theMennoniteMomCould this be a topic to expand on, in another video? It seems like the concept of "eat the meat, spit out the bones" is so rare these days!

[@lovalin4139]

I couldn’t agree more with you. Every time I hear a person “worshiping” another person, especially a pastor or a church leader, you just have to wait for the same person to tell you how that same pastor let them down and ended up being not what they thought. If we are taking with a friend I’m always trying to remind us that only Jesus is completely righteous, but not the people. I’m myself learned that the hard way 😂🙏🌺🌼🌸

[@theMennoniteMom]

It's a big disappointment when you do that. I've learned the hard way as well 🥲

[@thefehrs]

Thank you so much for sharing this, I love it! Beautiful reminders ❤️

[@whyme7400]

Wonderful discoveries that everyone can use! I am 80 and one thing I have learned is to never say things about yourself that you would never say to others like:"1m so fat, I am so ugly, I am so old."

[@theMennoniteMom]

That's a great lesson. Thank you for sharing

[@starflower703]

If I find myself talking negatively in my head about me, I ask myself, “Would you talk this way about a friend?” If the answer is, no, then I shouldn’t be saying it to myself. It’s a good guide so I know when I am being too hard on myself.

[@hann3671]

Something I was told a while back and it is VERY good advice but SO hard to live out is that there is no reason to apologize for a messy house because it means it is a house that is well lived in. It shows you enjoy being in your own home!

[@theMennoniteMom]

Love this! It is harder to live out, but so true

[@addiekeen7219]

Very helpful video thank you glad to see you back👍❤️🙏🏻

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thanks for taking the time to say hello! 💓

[@Dana-mb1hd]

Hooray a new video today!!!!!! I’m so excited for this one i’ll be watching while my daughter naps. Thanks for making my day brighter!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@theMennoniteMom]

Aww thank you! Enjoy the quiet! My daughter just went down too and I'm grabbing a coffee! 😀

[@ednapenner2673]

Thank you for sharing! Awesome advise especially the marriage bit!!❤❤❤

[@SaffronHammer]

Agreed! #1 Saying No. I needed to learn this . Raised Christian, especially as a woman, I never knew I had a choice.

[@theMennoniteMom]

Truth.

[@emilyblaisdell2073]

Yes! Feelings are not facts. We can feel things so deeply but they aren't always facts. The enemy of our souls loves to whisper lies!!! But God!!🙌🏼

[@SaffronHammer]

#7 is tricky. I think there is nuance in this. While we don't want to tear down, for far too long men have made this rule to their benefit, unfortunately. Keeping women silent about their mistreatment, neglect and abuse only serves the abusers and oppressors --and it is NEVER wrong to speak truth and to seek protection, help, and support. Of course if you are one of the lucky who have never experienced this, you may not understand the nuance, but with nearly all things there is no black and white.

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Thank you!

[@veronicarist2770]

Excellent advice! Thank you!

[@JandKG]

Thank you for sharing ❤❤❤

[@aggiemom3690]

❤ good to see you Janine!

[@acornsandlillies8788]

I can't wait to listen to this, but I have to clean house first and if I have something on my girls would just like to sit and listen and they really need to help me today. 😊

[@theMennoniteMom]

🤣 this made me smile. Get to work, girls! 🤣

[@Readrose8]

#9 handing the results over to God is very hard when it comes to family members 😢❤

[@theMennoniteMom]

It really is... 😪

[@cleanqueen75]

At 67 the older I get the more I don’t care what people think of me.

[@theMennoniteMom]

😀 it seems to come more easily as time goes on. So I've heard. I love it!

[@vickiebelk635]

Love this video!!!!

[@emilyyoder2041]

500th like 🫶 such great nuggets of wisdom, thank you!

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you 😀

[@caffeinatedandconquer6483]

Sometimes a relationship cannot be restored and there is no hope when there is domestic violence in the home. Especially if he/ she for me it was he would not go to get help. He didn't need help only I did but he did the abuse leaving bruises and I lost all my teeth. I'm unable to afford dentures so I daily live with the memory. I am blessed to have gotten out alive. He was trying to kill me I found out that led to the divorce.

[@theMennoniteMom]

I'm so sorry you went through that. Staying in a dangerous relationship is not good. I'm glad you got out! Sending hugs

[@theresadavis4885]

I enjoy your videos so much!!!

[@theMennoniteMom]

Your too kind. Thank you! 💓

[@delledonne1]

I'm almost 65. I no longer apologize for my living my life the way I live it, I've learned to say no, I will no longer be talked down to and I expect respect. On that note, I don't judge others, they can live how they choose. If a no comes my way, I don't question it. As for respect, I will respect others until they proven that they don't deserve it. I always dream, I refuse to live life through my phone, and I'm grateful for each day that I wake up.

[@theMennoniteMom]

Ahhh love this. Thank you for sharing. You have Much wisdom

[@delledonne1]

@@theMennoniteMom ♥

[@kathleengreen9660]

A while back you had you carpet cleaned. What was the name of the company or the type of cleaning system you had do the job. I don’t live in your area but I would like to see if I can find a company that uses the same type of system in my area.

[@katelynzeiset8740]

As a newish mennonite this was relaxing to listen to.

[@Stoopsfamilyadventures]

Welcome the company. I am the person I stop in because my mind is on them. If I was brother by the mess, I wouldn't stop. My aunt cleans out a chair for me. Or now I do it myself, because it the visit not the mess of a house.

[@theMennoniteMom]

Love it!! Thanks for sharing

[@WoodlandApothecary]

Happy Birthday!

[@Eyesofmars2040]

In Irish culture, sorry is the same as pardon me and many other things. Grew up with an Irish dad and sorry is said all the time.

[@theMennoniteMom]

That's interesting. Cultures are very different and I love learning about other cultures' ways

[@Eyesofmars2040]

@@theMennoniteMom I would always say sorry and I would have so many people including my husband get a bit frustrated with me about it. It’s just kind of the way I grew up. I can see why people would think it’s insincere. Honestly in that culture if you don’t say it (for instance if you are walking by someone) they kind of think you’re rude. It is funny how different cultures think.

[@peterwhite9261]

Happy Birthday, Jennine. Over my 64 years, I have been growing, still learning, and less reluctant to change, and more willing to accept change.A true friend is one who is there for us in good and bad times. I got over the I'm sorry, and the please excuse this etc. A good neighbor donlook over your fence and point out the ugly weeds in your garden. Instead, it's a good neighbor who appreciates the beauty of the weeds in your garden. Many blessings to you all.❤

[@theMennoniteMom]

Truth! Thanks for sharing your insights, Peter

[@karenmartin9743]

There was a time in my life where I had a just say no campaign.

[@theMennoniteMom]

That's great! Love it!

[@landymohler3006]

No wonder your friends with Sarah Alimowski! Travel!!! We just got their letter! Whew

[@theMennoniteMom]

Yes! They travel so much! 😅 they make me tired lol

[@candacegaddis6165]

I am a chronic apologizer too.

[@theMennoniteMom]

It's hard to break the habit

[@dianamarsden1933]

I am in my 70’s. I have just learned that “NO” is a complete sentence. When I say NO, I give no explanation. If people ask why and I just look them in the eye and say “ NO is a complete sentence. And I walk away. I am getting old for that stuff!

[@theMennoniteMom]

I love this! 😁

[@kpf1818Kath]

Actually, you speak the truth of the Holy Spirt, the truth of The Holy Trinity. May your messages of everlasting eternal life, penetrate those hearts of doubt. Nothing in life waits for decisions. The time is exactly right now to give Christ your heart.

[@jamestammaro7480]

I do think the mennonites and Amish live nearly perfect Christian lives!😊

[@theMennoniteMom]

😀 we are extremely human. Trust me.

[@paulasmith8229]

Wow, Janine. This vlog was amazing. I’m a 65 year old pastor’s wife and so many of your points spoke volumes to me. Thank you so much. You are such a blessing. One of the life lessons I have learned is this….I am not the general manager of the universe, so my prayer (more so in the last few years)……Lord, grant me the SERENITY to except the things I cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference.

[@theMennoniteMom]

That prayer really hits home. I'm wrestling through some things currently and need to grasp ahold of that prayer. Thank you for the encouragement and God bless!

[@Sarah-fs6li]

I love this! Just wanted to say, the "trauma" comment was unessecary. Trauma is a real thing and impacts peoples's lives very deeply. I do understand that a lot of people don't understand the meaning of this word and just throw it around , but needing therapy is no bad thing. Just wanted to let you know that there are real people who have real trauma that impacts their real life and that that comment was hurtful. Love your videos anyways, though!

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thanks for the admonition. I completely agree with you. My side comment came simply seeing the overuse of the word.. I believe we live in a time that everyone throws the term around for simple things that are just life's knocks. Trauma is very different from simply being wronged here and there. I've met people with deep trauma that and others that try to make things trauma that I feel is a misuse of the word. But I wasn't trying to diminish the true messing of trauma. I agree. It's very real.

[@JandKG]

​@@theMennoniteMom I did have trauma as a child so I feel as though I can also comment to this ..forgiveness is key. But I'm SO over seeing all of the trauma videos and constantly 'therapist' blaming parents. My childhood wasn't perfect but I've come to realize having Grace for other's and remembering we live in a fallen word has helped me tremendously. Also, letting go of ALL bitterness is huge.. bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.. thank you for sharing Jeannine ❤

[@karengear5254]

Totally agree love your videos ❤❤❤❤. Trauma comes in different shapes and sizes and affects individuals differently ❤❤❤

[@starflower703]

@@JandKGI can confirm this. My childhood was pretty darn good until I was 12 and then my world was turned upside down. I was molested by a stepfather and almost ended up homeless. My mother played a big role in the trauma I experienced; but I have chosen to see the reasons she made the choices she made and I realize she did the best she could in her own trauma. I want to be grateful for the things I learned during that time in my life, I want to be grateful for the good my mother taught me, and I want to forgive her because hurt people hurt people. I so easily could have become bitter, angry and unforgiving; but I made the choice to love, forgive, and show grace instead.

[@JandKG]

@@starflower703I'm so sorry you went through that. So glad to hear you chose forgiveness instead of bitterness. Because in the end bitterness will hurt us. Thank you for sharing this with us. 💜

[@shariwagner3002]

👵💜

[@rebeccadumas9536]

I feel like this 35 yrs of knowledge is coming at me 😂 34 the most!! Lol... I'm definitely watching this thinking how in the world do you know all my secrets?? The respect & stop mothering hits home for me too. I hate that I do it! I think growing up in a family dynamic where parents would fight/ argue whatever then the mom would often take kids & leave... Dad would then act loving & sweet to mom to get them back, I think plays a huge negative part of adulthood & marriage. I've always been told you learn to become a spouse & parent from your parents 😢I will be checking out the book recommends bcuz I need all the help I can get to show up & support my husband. Oooh man staying busy is my trauma response bcuz even tho I feel like a failure, I know I'm good at wood burning 🔥 & creating things so it helps me feel in control 😂 I never thought about it being sins buddy! 🫣

[@theMennoniteMom]

I'm sorry you had that childhood... 😔 sounds traumatic. Thanks for sharing and best wishes as you focus on more of your goals! 😀