Do Hard Things Conference 2010- Recap

August 28, 2010

Today marks the two-year-anniversary since we attended the Do Hard Things Conference in St Louis, MO. Alex & Brett Harris' book Do Hard Things has changed my life. God used it at the exact moment that I needed to hear its message. The twins' message still daily impacts my life.

They've impacted my blog too. Particularly, my posts on "Walking With the Wise," modesty (Parts I & II here) & do hard things (Parts I & II).

I'll never forget that day. It was early, it was long, it was late. I spent it with some of my best friends. I made new friends that day too- great friends! We heard a great message, left inspired & ready to take on the world! 

Last year, Alex & Brett announced on their website that they're no longer touring the USA with the DHT message. Since Alex & Courtney got married & the twins are now done with College (at Patrick Henry), we're excited to see what God has in store for them next... Maybe they'll go on to write more books like their big brother Josh? :)

That day in 2010 also marked a major milestone in two of my friends' lives & the mess that followed that Autumn- the hardest thing I have ever experienced to date. That Autumn changed the way I look at everything.

 

As a refresher, some of the principles in Do Hard Things are:

5 Kinds of Hard Things

1) Things that take you out of your comfort zone (taking risks in order to grow)

2) Things that go beyond what is expected or required (pursuing excellence)

3) Things that are too big to accomplish alone (daring & dreaming big)

4) Things that go against the cultural norm (taking a stand for what's right)

5) Things that don't earn immediate payoff (being Faithful & choosing integrity)

I would encourage you to read the book, follow the blog & buy the Conference DVD today!

Walk with the Wise

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, 
but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
- Proverbs 13:20

You can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep.

"Show me your friends & I will show you your future." - John Kuebler

WOW. That is a sobering thought! Our friends do influence & impact us, even if we do not realize it or try to disagree. They influence our everyday decisions, thoughts, words & actions. Who we spend time with, who we idolize, who we pattern our lives after is who we will become. That is a scary thought!!!

So, some questions for you-

Who are your friends?
Who is impacting & influencing you?
Are they suitable companions for you?
Who is following whom, in this friendship?
Do they encourage you to walk in integrity, to follow the Lord's statutes?
Or do they discourage you from walking in righteousness?
What sorts of decisions do you end up making, when you are with them?
What kinds of decisions are they making in their lives?

"Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'"- 1 Corinthians 15:33

Don't be deceived. You might think that you are the one doing the influencing in this situation. Maybe you're trying to "missionary date" or are befriending someone, so that you might lead them to Christ.

I am reminded of a visual that my best friend tells all the time- One person is standing on a chair with another person on the ground next to them. They link arms. It is much easier for the person on the ground to topple the person on the chair & pull them off, than it is for the person on the chair to pull up the person on the floor. In the same way, it is much easier for unbelievers to pull us down to their level, than it is for us to bring them up to ours.

 "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.
For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?
Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 
What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?
Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?
For we are the temple of the living God."
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-16

"Do not be yoked with unbelievers." Hmm... A commandment. Pretty straightforward, if you ask me!

Another thought- Your friends are more than just the people you associate yourself with. In blog post entitled "My iPod Is My Best Friend," authors Alex & Brett Harris (founders of the Rebelution & authors of Do Hard Things & Start Here) give us this radical thought- your friends are anything that has an impact or an influence on you! Whether it's books, the Internet, movies, music, magazines or whatever. If you can't put it down; if it rules your pocketbook, if it consumes your time- it's a friend. [You can read the whole article here]

So I ask you again, what is influencing you? Where do you spend your time and money? What occupies your thoughts the most?

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction;
whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 
Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up."

- Galatians 6:7-9

Where are you sowing? Where do you spend your time? What will your harvest be?

DO HARD THINGS!

5 Kinds of Hard Things

1) Things that take you out of your comfort zone (taking risks in order to grow)

2) Things that go beyond what is expected or required (pursuing excellence)

3) Things that are too big to accomplish alone (daring & dreaming big)

4) Things that go against the cultural norm (taking a stand for what's right)

5) Things that don't earn immediate payoff (being Faithful & choosing integrity)

Doing hard things are not just for teenagers. We are Called to pursue righteousness, godliness & holiness in all areas of life, in all stages of life. The goal is to become ever more Christ-like. We will never "attain" that in this short lifetime.

What does this look like? How does one do this? By battling complacency, overcoming obstacles, through accountability & mentorship, by raising the bar, stretching comfort zones, pursuing excellence & integrity etc .

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9

There are always hard things to do- things God has pre-purposed for us to accomplish & is Calling us to do in His power, His strength & His motivation. What are yours?

For more information, I encourage you to read Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations & Start Here: Doing Hard Things Right Where You're At by Alex & Brett Harris