* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
​ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

The popular new year comment goes, "New Year, New You." We say this when venturing out to improve ones self; attitude, activity, physical appearance, etc. But what do you say when everything around you changes, and you stay the same? New Year, New___________."

This past weekend  everything changed. Everything. In last weeks blog post, we took a minute to recap some of the highlights from 2024. We also took the opportunity to share a little of what God has been doing in our lives the past couple of months. (If you missed Monday's post, you can read it here, Happy 2025.)

Last Thursday, we loaded up a 26' U-Haul, and hit the road heading west. Friday morning, a small, yet mighty, army met us at our new cottage apartment, and in 30 minutes, the truck was empty. The apartment, however, was filled with boxes and furnisher and narrow walk way navigating from room to room. The sight was overwhelming. But by Sunday evening, we were unpacked and sitting in our new living room. This sweet little cottage is home, for now.

Change isn't new to our family. Change comes often. We familiar with change. We're not afraid of change. But change is still change. New address. New jobs. New church. New school. New group of friends. New routines. We've been down this road...a couple of times. And yet, change is still hard.

In some ways, things feel familiar. We have been here before. We've navigated these waters once (or ten times) before. Yet, in many ways, we're starting over. It's a blank slate. And, it's in this 'new' that we find the unknown.

But over the years, we have continued to see God's faithfulness in our lives and in the circumstances and places He has called us to live and serve. From the very beginning of our marriage, we've said, 'God, we'll go anywhere you send us, just make the way.' And He has sent us. And every time, He has made a way.

Once again we have seen God open doors, provide a way, and show us that He is in control. It's Monday morning. Currently, I am sitting on the love seat in our new living room. It's between 5 & 6 AM. And, as I think about this new chapter and all that might come to be, I can only think about how grateful I am. I am grateful for His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. I am grateful to know that our story isn't over; that there is still ministry left to do. I am grateful that I get to do what I love with the people I love. I am grateful that, as a family, we have chosen to put God first and to obediently go when He says go. 

Yesterday, (Sunday) a new chapter of our story began. We worshipped with our new faith family. I stood in the entry way, welcoming those who walked through the doors. Breya and I attended the student ministry for the first time. And we met a bunch of students, parents, church members, and staff.

I don't know what will happen tomorrow, but I know who holds tomorrow. And I trust Him. He is a good, good Father who wants good for His children.

* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
​ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

Happy New Year! 2025 is here. Are you ready? 

2024 was an amazing year. God has been moving in some pretty major ways. Looking back, it's crazy to see all that has happened. 

Here are just a few family highlights from 2024.

• Logan (26) is living in Florida and works for JP Morgan. He loves fishing, visiting the beach, and enjoying the warmer weather of the south.
• Nate (25) and his wife, Amaris, are living in New York with their two kids, Ace and Worthy Jae. Nate is a certified wildlife technician.
• Aiden (21) is in full-time construction and splits his work time between Florida and West Virginia. When not working, he loves fishing and hanging out with his Goldendoodle, Rex.
• Asher (18) has graduated from high school and is now a freshman at West Liberty University where he is majoring in finance. Asher enjoys fishing, a round of golf, and a game of basketball.
• Breya (16) transferred from The Linsly School to Park High School for her Sophomore year. She set aside her volleyball sneakers this year to help with the swim team.
• Amy has been working at the high school in a transitional classroom that helps learn-at-home students return to in-class academics. She is also crushing it as the Ohio Valley Young Life Capernaum director.
• Jay started with National Network of Youth Ministries, a ministry organization that supports youth leaders with encouragement, training, and spiritual strengthening.

We also had the opportunity to spend time together as a family.

• In February, Amy and Jay visited Logan for a couple days in Florida.
• In April, Jay was offered a position with NNYM.
• In May, everyone came home for Asher's graduation weekend.
• In June, we spent a week in Ocean City, NJ for vacation.
• In July, Breya spent a week at camp, while Jay and Amy focused in support raising.
• In August, Breya started a new school and Amy started a new role at the high school.
• In November, we all gathered in Philadelphia for Thanksgiving with Jay's mom and siblings.
• In December, everyone gathered for Christmas and New Years!

But maybe one of the most exciting changes in 2024 comes with this joyful announcement. The Higham family is growing! Asher has proposed to his girlfriend, and she said, YES! We are so excited to welcome Alaina into the family! Asher and Alaina are planning for a 2025, summer wedding! 

So, what will 2025 look like? Who knows, but there are a number of things that we are looking forward to in the new year.

It all starts with a move and the start of a new job. That's right, we're moving to Ohio. At the end of 2024, Jay was offered a position with a church in the Cleveland area. Starting in January, Jay will be working with students and parents at a dynamic church doing amazing things in their community. And because of the nature of Jay's new role, he will be able to continue serving with NNYM in the Cleveland area.

Amy will also start a new role, helping with the disability ministry at the church. We're waiting to see if she will continue to serve with Young Life Capernaum. We're also hoping that she might be able to work at the high school in some capacity. We just have to wait and see.

Family life will look a little different in 2025. Now that all four boys are adults, they are doing their own things. Logan in Florida. Nate and his family in New York. And, Aiden and Asher in West Virginia. Aiden is working full-time, and Asher is in school. This move to Ohio will only include Breya. Over the last 5 years we've gone from a household of seven, to six, to five, to three. It's going to be an adjustment.

2025 will also bring a few changes to some of our favorite hobbies and activities. 

JUST DUCKY FARM UPDATE:
We're saying goodbye to the chickens and ducks. Yes, it's unfortunate, but this move means no more chickens and ducks. But they will be well cared for as they go to live with some friends who have a small homestead.

As for the garden, we will scale down this year and only grow a few of our most favorite veggies. Our hope is that once we are settled, we'll be able to start again with our garden beds.

LIFE IN THE HIGHAM HOUSE VLOG:
The vlog will continue. New state, new city means, new adventures. There will be some many new places to visit and explore. So many new adventures to go on. And so many new things to share.

Moving also means new places to live with new spaces to decorate. Yes, we will be decorating and living into our new apartment. And what will make this space special is that we will be experimenting with a new style of decor; Rustic Lake House. Stay tuned for that.

LIFE IN THE HIGHAM HOUSE BLOG:
We've got new blog content coming, too. Paired with the vlog, we will share more about life in a new community, family-life updates, parenting and marriage resources, and home decor, organizing and DIY projects. And, we'll continue to share matters of faith as we seek God in these coming seasons of life. We're excited to see how all of these life-changes might encourage you and your family in the new year.

It's here. A brand new year. 2025. We can't wait to see all that God is going to do. And, we look forward to sharing it with you!

Happy New Year, friends! We're so glad you're here with us.

- jay and amy

We want to hear from you.

• What are you looking forward to in 2025?
• What goals are you setting in for yourself or your family in the new year?
• How are you planning to maximize family time in 2025?

We would love to hear from you. Share you responses to one or more of the above questions in the comment section below.