How to Create a Family Vision that Lasts w/ David Green and Bill High
An Impactful Life
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The Parenting IQ Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org
On today’s episode…
Dr. Kelly is joined by Hobby Lobby founder David Green and author Bill High for a powerful conversation on building a legacy that lasts. They share practical wisdom on faith, family values, and intentional living—giving parents simple steps to shape generations. A must-listen for anyone who wants to create a family culture that outlives them.
Show Notes
How to Build a Family Legacy That Actually Lasts
If you’ve ever felt the tension between building your life and raising your family at the same time, you’re not alone. Most of us are juggling careers, parenting, faith, and personal growth—hoping we’re doing enough to shape children who will love God, make wise choices, and carry on the values we’ve worked hard to instill.
But what if legacy isn’t something you leave behind someday?
What if it’s something you intentionally build right now?
That’s the heartbeat of the conversation with Hobby Lobby founder David Green and legacy advisor Bill High, two men who have spent decades thinking about what lasts beyond a lifetime. And surprisingly, their definition of legacy has very little to do with money.
Legacy Starts at Home, Not in a Bank Account
David Green says it plainly: legacy is about who your family becomes for generations. His dream isn’t financial success—it’s seeing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren walking with the Lord. And he has the fruit to show it: over 47 family members living intentionally near one another, deeply connected, and rooted in shared values.
It’s a picture many families long for but don’t know how to build.
The key? Intentionality.
A Generational God Requires Generational Thinking
Bill High reminds us that God spoke to Abraham in terms of 400 years. In Scripture, God never thinks in seasons—He thinks in generations. And yet most families today think only in terms of the next school year, the next raise, or the next crisis.
Legacy requires a shift in mindset:
Stop living for retirement.
Start living for generations you will never meet.
That means putting structure around what your family believes.
Writing down your values.
Speaking them.
Living them out daily.
Letting them shape decisions, discipline, conversations, and priorities.
It may sound formal, but it’s actually freeing.
Why Your Family Needs Written Values
One of the most practical pieces of wisdom from the conversation is this:
Write your family values down.
Not a long paragraph—just five one-word values with a short statement and Scripture for each. Then talk about them regularly, just like Deuteronomy 6 teaches.
The Green family even hosts an annual gathering to reinforce these values across generations. They’ve built rhythms that protect their family culture—and those rhythms are part of why 48 members live near each other today.
Values aren’t just protective; they’re attractive.
They help you say, “This is who we are,” and, just as importantly, “This is who we’re not.”
Your Failures Are Part of Your Legacy
One of the most surprising insights?
Children and grandchildren don’t remember your achievements as much as your struggles.
They’re shaped not by the polished moments but by the honest ones—the times you failed, cried out to God, or made the hard choice even when it cost you. David shared about seasons when his business nearly collapsed and he found himself under his desk, praying for God to intervene. Those moments became the anchor points of his family’s faith story.
Your kids don’t need you to be perfect.
They need you to be faithful, honest, and humble.
The Beauty of Slowing Down
Perhaps the most countercultural advice Bill offered was this:
Slow down.
Legacy isn’t built in rush, noise, or busyness.
It’s built in conversations, intentional moments, rhythms, and presence.
Your children don’t need a faster parent.
They need a present parent.
Quick Practical Tips for Building a Lasting Family Legacy
1. Pick 5 Core Values
Choose five one-word values you want your family to embody (faith, courage, kindness, etc.).
2. Define Them Simply
Write one short sentence for each value so everyone—kids included—understands it.
3. Anchor Them in Scripture
Choose one verse for each value to keep your family grounded in God’s Word.
4. Post Them Where You Live
Put your values somewhere visible—fridge, living room wall, or a homeschool binder.
5. Talk About Them Daily
Use real-life moments to ask, “Which value applies here?” or “How did we live this out today?”
6. Share Your Struggles
Tell your kids stories about times you failed and how God helped you through it.
7. Create One Family Tradition
Start a simple yearly or monthly ritual that reinforces connection and identity.
8. Build Slow Moments In
Pause for small pockets of presence—5 minutes of conversation, a walk, a no-phone bedtime.
9. Make One Values-Based Decision
Occasionally choose what’s right, even when it costs you convenience or comfort.
10. Invite God In
Pray throughout the day: “Lord, walk with me.” Let Him guide your parenting moments.
David Green and Bill High
About David Green
David Green is the founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, known for building his company on strong biblical values. With more than 50 years in business, he believes true legacy isn’t measured in wealth but in generations who love and serve the Lord. As a husband, father, and grandfather to a large, close-knit family, David is passionate about helping families live with faith, integrity, and intentionality.
Learn More About David Green
You can explore David Green’s work and resources through:
Hobby Lobby stores and corporate website
His published books available at major retailers
Interviews, articles, and features highlighting his leadership and faith journey
About Bill High
Bill High is a legacy advisor, speaker, and co-author of Legacy Life. With a background in law and decades of guiding multigenerational families, he helps parents define their mission, values, and long-term vision. Bill believes legacy is built through daily faithfulness and intentional living, equipping families to think—and live—generationally.
Connect Further with Bill High
Discover more of Bill High’s legacy teachings and tools at:
LegacyStone.com, where he shares resources for families
His books, including Legacy Life, available online and in bookstores
Articles, speaking content, and legacy frameworks featured on his website
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