|
* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*
In our post last week, STAYING CONNECTED TO YOUR SPOUSE IN THE CHAOS OF RAISING KIDS, we started a conversation that we hoped will be encouraging and helpful to parents who find themselves steeped in the busyness of raising kids. Marriage, our marriages, are super important and something we should be striving to keep healthy and a vibrant. We want to continue that conversation as we consider what it might look like to reconsider some simple priorities.
We know raising kids can consume everything. Having raised five of our own, we have walked through seasons of busyness. Schedules, practices, homework, meals, church events, bedtime routines… it can feel like it's nonstop. And somewhere in the middle of doing everything for your children, it becomes easy to slowly, quietly neglect your marriage. Not intentionally. Not maliciously. Just gradually. But here’s a truth worth holding onto: Raising kids is not a free pass to neglect your marriage. Your Kids Are Watching More Than You Think
As parents, we often focus on what we say—the lessons, the correction, the encouragement. But your kids are learning just as much (if not more) from what they see.
They’re watching:
Your marriage is setting a living, breathing example of love, commitment, forgiveness, and respect. By making the time to put your marriage first, you show your kids what it looks like to live out your covenantal vows. Remember, Your kids are watching your marriage as much as they’re listening to your words.
A Short-Term Assignment vs. A Lifelong Covenant
God’s Design Was Intentional
In Genesis 2:24, we’re reminded: “The two shall become one flesh.” Marriage was God’s idea—and it came before parenting. That order matters.
Your relationship with your spouse wasn’t meant to be secondary. It was designed to be foundational. Strong marriages create stable homes. Healthy relationships model God’s love to your children in ways words never can. Choosing to Invest in Your Marriage
The Goal Isn’t Just Surviving—It’s Thriving
You don’t just want to make it through the parenting years.
You want a marriage that:
Because one day, it will just be the two of you again. And the investment you make now will determine what that season looks like. A Final Thought
Your kids need your love, your leadership, and your presence.
But they also need to see a marriage worth believing in. So in the middle of the chaos, don’t forget this: The greatest gift you can give your children is not just a well-managed life—but a healthy, thriving marriage.
- jay & amy
0 Comments
* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*
Let’s be honest—this season of life can feel like pure chaos. Between school schedules, sports practices, meals, church commitments, and the constant exhaustion, it can feel like you’re just trying to survive the day. And in the middle of it all, something subtle can begin to happen: the distance between you and your spouse slowly grows.
Not because you don’t love each other—but because life gets loud. We’ve lived this. At one point, we had five kids in five different schools, multiple sports schedules pulling us in every direction, were planting a church, working full-time, and running in-home childcare. It was too much. And somewhere in the busyness, we realized—if we weren’t intentional, our marriage was going to take the hit. This isn’t about guilt. It’s about awareness and intentionality. Reframing priorities
Here’s a truth that can be hard to hear but is incredibly important: raising kids is not a free pass to neglect your marriage.
Your kids are watching your relationship just as much as they’re listening to your words. They are learning what love, commitment, forgiveness, and partnership look like by watching you. And while parenting is incredibly important, it’s also temporary. Your kids will grow up and move out. But your marriage—that’s a lifelong covenant. In Genesis 2:24, we’re reminded that a husband and wife become “one flesh.” Marriage was established before parenting. That means your relationship with your spouse isn’t secondary—it’s foundational. You want a marriage that not only survives these years, but thrives long after your kids leave home. Resources for parents
[ affiliate links ]
Your Spiritual Foundation Matters
You are called to disciple your kids—but you can’t pour out what you’re not receiving.
If your spiritual life is running on empty, it will eventually impact your home. Staying rooted in Christ—both individually and as a couple—is essential. In Deuteronomy 6:6–7, we see that faith is meant to be lived out daily—in conversations, routines, and rhythms of life. A healthy, Christ-centered marriage becomes one of the most powerful testimonies your kids will ever see. listen to the gathered podcastWho Sets the Tone in Your Home?
Here’s a question worth asking: does your family revolve around your values—or your calendar?
It’s easy to let sports, activities, and opportunities dictate your life. But as parents, you are the leaders of your home—not the schedule. That means you get to decide what matters most. Some practical shifts:
Because at the end of the day, a strong, connected marriage doesn’t happen by accident—it happens on purpose.
This season may be full, fast, and even overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to cost you your marriage.
Stay intentional. Stay connected. And don’t lose sight of what matters most. We'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts and comments below. - jay & amy
* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*
This Sunday starts what many commonly refer to as Holy Week. Simply put, Holy Week is the final days of Jesus' earthly ministry. This time includes his arrival into Jerusalem, the last meal with his followers, his arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection on Easter Sunday. It all kicks off this Sunday with Palm Sunday.
If you are from a traditional church that utilizes the Liturgy and the church calendar, you might be familiar with Holy Week. But if you are new to the faith, church, or you attend a more non-traditional church, you might be wondering what Holy Week is and why it's such an important week.
You might also be wondering why I used terms like traditional and non-traditional church. Well, a traditional church might be a church associated with a denominational connection. These would be churched that refer to themselves as Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, of Catholic. A non-traditional church might consider themselves as non-denominational or independent. Traditional churches generally, maintain or follow a Liturgical or church calendar that marks specific seasons, celebrations, and/or sacred days throughout the year. Some non-traditional churches choose to step away from those "traditions." Whether traditional or non-traditional, what's most important is that the church stay faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ while maintaining Biblical teaching.
But what is Holy Week, and how do I share this with my kids?
That's a great question. As we've said, Holy Week marks the week between Palm Sunday, when Jesus enters Jerusalem to cheers and palms while riding the colt of a donkey. Easter Sunday or Resurrection Sunday is when he is raised from the tomb to life. Consider these two videos. The first, the video just above, is from the question and answer website of GotQuestions.com, an online resources that answers questions relating to the Bible, church, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and faith. They do a great job explaining Holy Week, also known as Passion Week.
The second, the video below, is from Phil Vischer's, What's In the Bible, video series. Phil is the co-creator of VeggieTales and What's In the Bible, a video series that teaches kids the Bible. In the video below, Phil and his friends talk about Easter and the importance of what Jesus did for us on the cross. The video is really helpful and great to watch with your kids.
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of what Holy Week is, and why we take time to reflect and celebrate the events of this week. If you still have questions I would suggest you reach out to your pastor, youth pastor, or kids pastor and ask them to help you better understand Holy Week.
If you are not connected with a church, feel free to email us here at Life in the Higham House. We would be happy to help you in any way we can. You can also leave a question in the comments below! Be sure to join us starting this Sunday, as we begin Family Devotions for Holy Week! It's going to be a great week. Happy Easter! - jay & amy
* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THE POST.* Parenting in real life: The Fails
- Thursday, February `12, 2026
We're back with part two of the Parenting in Real Life episodes with, The Fails. Back in episode 3, we talked about The Wins (Parenting in Real Life: The Wins). As we look back, these are the moments that make us smile. But for every win there is a fail, moments when looking back we wish we would have handled differently. In this episode we're sharing stories and the lessons learned from our parenting fails. Listen to episode 9What We learned
Point 1: We’re Not Perfect — Parenting Is On-the-Job Training
God never asked us to be perfect parents—He asks us to be faithful and teachable ones.
Point 2: Be Quick to Ask for Forgiveness So You Can Be Quick to Give Forgiveness
One of the greatest gifts we give our kids is showing them how to repair what’s broken.
Point 3: Let Go of Guilt, Shame, and Regret — Embrace God’s Grace and Forgiveness
Shame keeps us stuck in the past, but grace invites us forward.
Discussion questions
Take the podcast to the next step and download out discussion questions. Use these questions to talk with your spouse. Download the questions here: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.
* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THE POST.*
We were recently asked a question that has stayed with us: “What is the biggest risk factor to kids in this generation that is leaning or turning them away from God?”
It’s a big question—one that deserves more than a quick, simple response. The temptation is to immediately point to culture, technology, or “the world today,” but we think wisdom requires us to pause, reflect, and respond with both truth and humility. As we've thought about this question, two foundational realities continue to come into focus. First: We Are Not in Control of Our
|
|
Do you have questions about family, parenting, marriage, ministry or faith? We'd love to hear them! Send us your questions and be a part of the conversation! Click here to submit your questions: Podcast.
|
Are you enjoying Gathered? Help us spread the word. Share this episode with a friend. Leave us a five star rating. And, leave a comment below!
|
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*
In episode three we talk about celebrating the parenting wins in family life. From defining a win to sharing some of our most memorable moments and family wins. Jay and Amy sit down and share stories from the Higham House. Pull a chair up to the table, and join us for Gathered in the Higham House.
Listen to episode 3
Some of our favorite resources
|
Connect with us on Social Media...
www.Facebook.com/lifeinthehighamhouse www.Instagram.com/lifeinthehighamhouse www.YouTube.com/@lifeinthehighamhouse Countdown to Christmas
The holidays are coming. Get ready for our annual Countdown to Christmas! Starting Monday, November 3rd, we will begin posting about the holidays as we prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
Family traditions. Holiday ideas. Resources. Family fun. Don't miss as we celebrate, Countdown to Christmas 2025! - jay & amy |
[ affiliate link ]
|
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*
I am often struck by how the fathers/grandfathers are remembered by the family members; particularly the by their kids. I listen as they recount the things that made their loved one so special. I usually find myself considering my own role of husband, father, and friend. I listen to learn. To ask questions. To evaluate. To be better. To do better. Here are a few things I've learned over the years.
Be Intentional
Every day we live is one less day to live. A morbid thought, but true. It always impressed me how these men lived intentional lives. With their families, with their friends, and with Jesus. That intentionality left a mark in those the loved. Living each day to take advantage of the time we have with those we care about reminds us to live intentionally.
As a husband, am I intentional with my wife; building her up, loving her well, and encouraging her to be all God has created her to be? As a father, am I intentional with my kids; encouraging their dreams and ambitions, pointing them towards Jesus, and loving them with grace, mercy and patience? As a friend and leader within the church and community, am I intentional in caring for others and leading them to the feet of Jesus? I want to take advantage of every moment I have with the ones I love and care about. |
Say the Hard Words
I don't want my family to assume that I love them, or that I am proud of them. I want them to know with certainty that they are loved. That only comes when it's said. And, that only happens when we say the hard words.
Be present
My wife, my kids, those I serve and work with, I want them to know that they are valued, that I care, and that they time and my time are worth being with them. I want to be present not just with. I want to engage, share, and be a part of their world, not just someone who says yes or no.
Have Fun
Have fun. There are two memorials that I remember for two exceptional men. As I listened to the stories of these men/fathers, I heard of trips, holidays, and moments of daily life, and I sensed that these men looked to create and have fun. I love this. And to be honest, it's probably something I need to work on. Over the last 10 years, we have tried to create more moments of family fun. And while I think we've been better at creating fun, having fun is something that we could always use more of!
Even as I type this blog post, my mind is in overdrive thinking how we can have more fun. And not just planned fun, but the spontaneous fun that happens at random. The fun that happens when you're not expecting it. The fun that leads to uncontrollable laughter and unforgettable memories. I want to look for more moments of fun.
|
Laugh a Lot
As we look forward to the holidays, I am hoping for those moments as we sit around the dinner table, exchanging stories, watching as our kids laugh together. It's going to be great.
Talk About Our Faith
But faith also needs to be a conversation. And we need to have more conversations. Conversations to lead to heart-change, which leads to life-change, which leads to discipleship, which leads to a life living for Jesus. More conversations. More talk about faith. More opportunities to see Jesus in the lives of our kids.
- jay
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THE POST.*
As part of the "sorting process" we are sharing some of our favorite vlog and blog posts. Since we are preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday, we thought it would be fun to share our Thanksgiving vlogs. Think of it as a trip down memory lane.
happy thanksgiving 2016
We decided to vlog our day, capturing as much as we could! After all, it won't be much longer before we have some major changes hit our house. Logan will soon be away at college, and Nate will follow a year later. So knowing that time is flying by, we are really trying to make memories now!
Yes, we have much to be thankful for.
We hope that you and your family had a great Thanksgiving! Thank you for being a part of our journey by reading the blog, watching our blogs, and connecting with us on our social media channels. As you know, our hope is to encourage families. So we hope that we are encouraging you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
- the higham family
Oh, and don't forget our Christmas posts! Yes, we are getting ready for Christmas and you will not want to miss all the traditions, decorating, and sharing! It's finally here, the 2024 Holiday Season! Let's go!!
- jay and amy
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES MENTIONED IN THE POST.*
I remember struggling with the reality that my kids weren't little anymore. It was also a time of transition, leaving a church where I had grown to love the people we served dearly, and quite frankly, the pain of having to say goodbye. But as I ran, looking at the rolling green hills and the fall colors still left on the trees, I felt God’s presence and peace fell upon me.
ORDER PUMPKINS. PUMPKINS. PUMPKINS.
The same is true as we go through season of change in our family. The kids get older. They grow up. And before you know it, they are all young adults, beginning to live their own lives. Every day that are little more independent. And while it's hard, we have to learn to let them go.
In Ecclesiastes 3:11, we read, “He makes all things beautiful in His time.” And it is in His time, not ours. Today, I am continuing to learn to be thankful that my Heavenly Father chooses to take the time to show me His love over and over again; a Father who gently reminds me through His Word and His creation.
Sometimes we have to go through seasons where we watch things come to end. But praise God, that He brings beauty and life even out of death.
- amy
5 kids raised
3 of the 5 married
2 grandkids
Categories
All
Adult Kids
Advent
Backyard Farming
Bible
Children's Book
Christmas
Crazy In Love
Dating
Digital World
Easter
Empty Nest
Faith
Family
Food
Garden
Gathered Podcast
Halloween
Holidays
Homesteading
Jay's Daily Vlog
Mariage
Marriage
New Year
PARENTING
Raising Kids
Recipes
Sex
Technology
Thanksgiving
Vlog
YouTube
Archives
April 2026
March 2026
February 2026
January 2026
December 2025
November 2025
October 2025
September 2025
August 2025
June 2025
April 2025
March 2025
January 2025
November 2024
October 2024
September 2024
August 2024
July 2024
June 2024
May 2024
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
January 2023
December 2022
September 2022
May 2022
November 2020
November 2015
May 2015





























































