In this episode, Luke sits down with Kimberly Beam Holmes, CEO of Marriage Helper, to explore her journey of slowing down and embracing rest in order to gain clarity about her true calling. Kimberly shares how years of relentless productivity led to burnout, how she wrestled with her sense of worth, and what ultimately led her to take a four-month sabbatical. Through journaling, stillness, and seeking God, she rediscovered a deep-rooted passion for missions that had been buried for years. This conversation highlights the power of reflection, the struggle of surrender, and the transformation that happens when we give our souls time to catch up.

1. Productivity Does Not Equal Worth

• Kimberly spent years believing that if she wasn’t producing, she wasn’t valuable. This belief led to overwork, neglect of personal time, and ultimately burnout.

2. The Moment of Realization

• After 12 years of running Marriage Helper at full speed, Kimberly realized she had lost vision for the future and didn’t recognize herself anymore. This prompted deep conversations about what needed to change.

3. The Power of Slowing Down

• Inspired by Luke’s own sabbatical story, Kimberly took a bold step and decided to take four months off. This decision was met with both fear and relief, as she grappled with what it meant to step away from her work.

4. Journaling as a Path to Clarity

• Through daily journaling, Kimberly uncovered suppressed emotions, identified deep-seated beliefs about her worth, and began to hear from God in a new way. One moment of clarity led her to read The Hole in Our Gospel, which reignited her passion for missions.

5. The Return and the Resistance

• Coming back from sabbatical, Kimberly was immediately faced with financial struggles at Marriage Helper. Instead of being able to dive into her new mission work, she had to focus on turning the company around, leading to frustration and feelings of setback.

6. The Bigger Vision

• Despite the challenges, Kimberly remained committed to her calling. She is now blending her work in saving marriages with her passion for missions, launching initiatives to train pastors in developing countries on strengthening marriages in their communities.

• “If you don’t make time to slow down, your body and mind will force you to.” – Kimberly Beam Holmes
• “Growth is worth. That’s the lie I believed for years.” – Kimberly Beam Holmes
• “God, what do you want to say to me? That question changed everything.” – Kimberly Beam Holmes
• “Sometimes the hardest and strongest thing you can do is rest.” – Kimberly Beam Holmes
• “We were created for a purpose, but sometimes we have to slow down to remember what it is.” – Luke LeFevre

• Marriage Helper Website
• Marriage Helper YouTube Channel
• The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns
• Holy Work 7-Day Journaling Challenge – holywork.com

• Website: www.marriagehelper.com
• Instagram: @kimberlybeamholmes
• YouTube:

In this episode of The Holy Work Podcast, host Luke LeFevre shares a deeply personal story about his journey from discontent and distraction to finding peace and clarity through journaling. He explores the transformative power of journaling, drawing on his own experiences, scientific research, and biblical principles. Luke introduces the Holy Work Method of journaling, a unique approach that helps individuals connect with God and discover their purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Hit the reset button on your thoughts and emotions with the power of journaling.
• Discover the science-backed benefits of journaling for stress reduction, mood enhancement, and emotional regulation.
• Unlock the Holy Work Method: a unique approach to journaling that connects you with God and your true self.
• Experience the transformative power of journaling for Christians seeking to abide in God's word and discern His leading.
• Learn practical steps to integrate journaling into your daily life and experience its profound impact.

Episode Highlights:

• Personal Story: Luke courageously shares his personal struggle with discontent, addiction, and thoughts of divorce, and how journaling became his path to freedom and healing.
• Brian Koppelman's Experience: Discover how screenwriter Brian Koppelman overcame writer's block and ignited his creativity through the practice of "Morning Pages."
• Ann Frank's Diary: Explore how journaling provided solace, a voice, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit for Anne Frank during her time in hiding.
• From overcoming creative blocks to finding solace in times of adversity, journaling proves to be a versatile tool for personal growth.
• Rumination vs. Journaling: Understand the crucial difference between ruminating on negative thoughts and writing them out, and the remarkable benefits of the latter. While rumination traps us in a cycle of negativity, journaling provides a structured way to process those thoughts and emotions, leading to greater self-awareness and problem-solving.
• Dr. James W. Pennebaker's Research: Delve into the groundbreaking studies on expressive writing and its positive effects on mood, health, and well-being.
• The Truth Will Set You Free: Learn how journaling can help Christians connect with God's truth and experience true freedom.
• The Holy Work Method: A detailed explanation of the three levels of journaling – the epidermis, muscle layer, and heart – and the practical steps involved. This method also incorporates the 8 core feelings: joy, sadness, anger, fear, shame, guilt, disgust, and excitement. By exploring these feelings in your journaling, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationship with God. You can learn more about these core feelings and how to work with them in the Holy Work Journaling Challenge.

Call to Action:

• Join the hundreds of people who have committed to the Holy Work January journaling challenge at holywork.com.
• Share the podcast episode and subscribe to the channel to stay updated on new episodes and valuable insights.

Connect with Luke LeFevre:

• Website: holywork.com
• Instagram: @lukelefevre

In this episode, Luke LeFevre sits down with award-winning pianist and composer Paul Cardall to explore how music can be a tool for healing, reflection, and connection with God. Paul shares his powerful journey of surviving congenital heart disease, finding his purpose through music, and the resistance he’s faced along the way. They dive into the importance of slowing down, the role of journaling, and how God uses challenges to guide us toward our calling. Paul’s music is described as a grounding, spiritual experience, offering listeners a path to peace and stillness.

Key Takeaways:

1. Finding Purpose Through Struggles: Paul’s battle with chronic illness shaped his connection to music, teaching him that God uses pain to guide us toward our purpose.
2. The Healing Power of Music: Paul explains how music can be a tool for processing emotions, connecting with God, and creating moments of stillness in a chaotic world.
3. Resistance and Comparison: Paul shares how fear, comparison, and societal expectations can act as resistance, but surrendering to God’s timing leads to true growth.
4. Journaling as a Spiritual Practice: Both Paul and Luke discuss journaling as a way to process thoughts, uncover God’s guidance, and create a record of personal and spiritual growth.
5. Trusting God’s Plan: Paul emphasizes the importance of moving forward with faith, even when the path is unclear, and letting God open the right doors.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Music is like a warm blanket and God’s Spirit enveloping me. It’s where I feel His love the most.” – Paul Cardall
• “Resistance often shows up as fear, comparison, or doubt. But when you trust God, even the setbacks are part of His plan.” – Luke LeFevre
• “Your gifts help shape your purpose. Knowing your purpose empowers you to live with intention.” – Paul Cardall
• “We ask God what to do, and He’s waiting for us to start walking.” – Luke LeFevre

Resources Mentioned:

• Paul’s latest album: Grace in Grief
• Paul Cardall’s website: www.paulcardall.com
• The Holy Work Reflective Advent Course: holywork.com/christmas

Connect with Paul Cardall:

• Website: www.paulcardall.com
• Listen on Spotify: Paul Cardall
• Follow on Instagram: @paulcardall

Connect with Luke LeFevre:

• Website: holywork.com
• Instagram: @lukelefevre

In this episode of Holy Work with Luke LeFevre, Luke shares a personal and transformative journey into understanding and overcoming the forces that hold us back when following God’s pull in our lives. Through raw stories and practical insights, he unpacks the concept of "The War"—a spiritual and emotional battle we face when pursuing meaningful work and transformation.

Key Takeaways: "Overcoming Resistance and Embracing the Pull"

• The Power of Reset: Sometimes, life's interruptions are God's way of inviting us to pause and recalibrate. Slowing down can help us reconnect with what truly matters.
• Understanding the War: When you follow God’s pull toward meaningful work, you’ll encounter fear, negative voices, and resistance. These are signs that you’re on the right path, but they must be confronted.
• Facing Fear: Fear of looking foolish, uncertainty, and loss of control are universal struggles. Choosing courage in the face of these fears leads to growth and transformation.
• Recognizing Voices: The internal voices that doubt your ability or question your purpose are often rooted in past experiences. Acknowledging and reframing these voices can free you to move forward.
• Battling Resistance: Resistance shows up as procrastination, distraction, or avoidance. By naming it and continuing to take small steps, you can overcome its power.
• God Uses Our Failures: Even when we “lose the war,” God can use those moments to shape us, teach us, and guide us to new opportunities.
• Journaling as a Tool for Clarity: Writing down your fears, thoughts, and resistance is a powerful way to process emotions, listen for God’s guidance, and overcome obstacles.
• Advent is a Time to Slow Down: The season invites us to reflect on God’s presence and prioritize what matters most, making space for joy and connection in the midst of busyness.

• "Resistance is proof that you're headed in the right direction."
• "Fear of looking stupid, uncertainty, and loss of control keep billions of people stuck where they are."
• "God uses even our losses in the war to create new wins and move us forward."

• Holy Work Reflective Advent Course: A four-week journaling journey to help you slow down, reset, and embrace the joy and meaning of the Advent season. Sign up at holywork.com/christmas
• Books Referenced:
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs encouragement in their Holy Work journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast!

In this inspiring episode of Holy Work with Luke LeFevre, visual effects supervisor and film producer Sean Devereaux shares his incredible journey through Hollywood, the importance of gratitude in work, and how to discern and follow God's pull. Sean’s career spans blockbuster hits like The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, X-Men, Adaptation, and a bunch more! Sean's insights on creativity, resistance, and the pursuit of purpose will encourage listeners to embrace their own Holy Work.

• Creativity as Divine Purpose: Luke and Sean explore the idea that humans are made in the image of God, the ultimate Creator, and thus have an innate drive to create. Sean reflects on his calling into the film industry, tracing it back to a childhood fascination with The Wizard of Oz.
• Following God’s Pull: Resistance often accompanies God’s call, and it’s a sign to lean in rather than step away. Sean shares stories of divine intervention, from financial provision during unpaid internships to the doors that opened for him in Hollywood.
• The Power of Gratitude: Gratitude transforms how we view our work, even in seasons of burnout or dissatisfaction. Sean encourages listeners to find something to be thankful for in their current role before transitioning to something new.
• Lessons in Leadership and Mentorship: Sean highlights the importance of humility, hard work, and learning from others. A pivotal moment in Sean’s career came when a mentor subtly fixed his work but let him take credit, teaching him confidence and competence.
• Navigating Stress and Burnout: Sean opens up about running his own company, the toll it took on him, and the decision to sell it. He reflects on rediscovering joy in his career and how letting go of tasks outside his gifting created space for rest and creativity.
• Joy in Collaboration: Sean shares stories about working with icons like Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, and Emily Blunt, emphasizing the importance of being a joy to work with. He talks about the energy and passion that make certain projects stand out as life-changing experiences.

Connect with Sean Devereaux:

• IMDb Profile
• Follow Sean on social media for behind-the-scenes insights into filmmaking and creativity.

Follow Luke and Holy Work:

• Instagram: @lukelefevre
• Website: holywork.com

Subscribe and Share:

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who’s seeking God’s direction in their life and work. Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe to Holy Work with Luke LeFevre for more conversations about faith, purpose, and creativity.

In this third episode of The Holy Work Podcast, host Luke LeFevre takes us on a journey into the essence of purpose, creation, and what it means to be guided by something beyond ourselves. This is a solo episode, but Luke reflects on how he is never truly alone—and neither are you. Together, we explore the mystical connection that draws us here, bridging the space and time between the speaker, listener, and a divine Creator.

Luke delves into the concept of the “architect” behind our lives, the ultimate arranger who shapes our experiences, purposes, and even our doubts. Through reflections on time-travel-like connections, quotes from Stephen King, Os Guinness, Viktor Frankl, and Bono, and the significance of discovering Holy Work, he examines why humanity’s deepest needs point toward something supernatural. It’s not just a job, a title, or an outcome—it’s a journey and a calling.

Key Takeaways:

• A Mystical Connection: Whether you stumbled upon this podcast by accident or intention, Luke believes it’s part of a larger arrangement. This divine “architect” brings us into moments like these to help uncover our purpose.
• The Role of the Architect: Luke shares thoughts on God as the ultimate creator, architect, and arranger. We aren’t solo; God is in our journey, guiding us and shaping each step.
• Supernatural Elements: Describing our connection with God as supernatural and transcendent, Luke explains how purpose, meaning, and Holy Work derive from something beyond this physical world.
• Finding Your Holy Work: True purpose is found when we listen and respond to divine pulls, often revealed through restlessness, our stories, and even struggles.
• Stories of Belief: Luke shares a personal story of how he moved from doubt to faith, finding his Holy Work through small but meaningful steps.
• Listening Exercise: The episode concludes with a powerful guided meditation, encouraging listeners to quiet their minds and listen for God’s guidance, uncovering divine whispers in the stillness.

Quotes:

1. “Books are a uniquely portable magic... and I send you exactly what I'm thinking, right now, across time and space.” – Stephen King
2. “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” – C.S. Lewis
3. “The call of God does not come like that; it is much more supernatural.” – Oswald Chambers

Resources:

• The Holy Work Journaling Discovery Guide: Available at holywork.com for those looking to dive deeper into their Holy Work journey.
• Recommended songs for reflection: "The Architect" by Kacey Musgraves and "Jesus, I Have My Doubts" by Jon Foreman.

Call to Action:

If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with others on their journey of Holy Work. Your support helps spread hope and purpose!

Mentioned in this episode:

Holy Work Journaling Guide

Learn More about the Holy Work Journaling Course! The first Lesson is FREE

In this episode, Luke welcomes Jordan Raynor—entrepreneur, CEO, and bestselling author—to explore the idea of following where God is pulling. They discuss how restlessness, guilt, and discernment are part of the spiritual journey. Jordan shares stories about transitioning from tech startups to faith-based work, and together they reflect on balancing ambition with rest, the role of desires, and the importance of choosing a path instead of waiting for perfection.

Main Topics:

• Overcoming guilt and "unbiblical restlessness"
• The intrinsic value of work in God’s plan
• Trusting God while taking action ("trust and hustle")
• Making decisions without over-analyzing God’s will
• Managing ambition, rest, and digital boundaries

• Jordan Raynor: “Your job is faithfulness, God’s job is fruitfulness.” (20:15)
• Luke LeFevre: “A moving car is much easier to steer than a parked car.” (8:18)
• Jordan Raynor: “Trust and hustle are not at odds—they are a biblical tension.” (18:13)
• Tim Keller: “For a Christian, there is no plan B.”

Books:

• Called to Create by Jordan Raynor – Amazon
• Master of One by Jordan Raynor – Amazon
• Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor – Amazon
• The Will of God as a Way of Life by Jerry Sittser – Amazon
• Smartcuts: How Hackers, Innovators, and Icons Accelerate Success by Shane Snow – Amazon
• Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan Eagle – Amazon

• Subscribe to Holy Work with Luke LeFevre on Apple Podcasts / Spotify
• Visit holywork.com to download the Holy Work Discovery Guide
• Share this episode with someone you think might benefit from it.

• Newsletter sign-up: Link

Learn More about the Holy Work Journaling Course! The first Lesson is FREE

In this first episode, Luke LeFevre reflects on the challenge of starting something new and how to follow where God is pulling you. Through personal stories of restlessness, burnout, and career shifts, Luke shares the importance of paying attention to the little nudges and pulls from God. He references his journey and provides insight into how embracing your current position can lead to discovering your holy work.

Main Topics:

• The fear and discomfort of starting
• Chronic discontentment and burnout as spiritual signals
• Following the “pull” of God
• Personal experiences of career shifts and spiritual growth
• The importance of slowing down to listen to God’s guidance

• “In order to grow, in order to go somewhere new, in order to create, you must start.”
• "Your story, your restlessness, and your desires are all part of what God is using to pull you toward what He wants to create with you."
• “The secret to seeking is not in our human assent to God, but in God's descent to us. We think we're looking for something, but we realize we are found by something.” – Oz Guinness

• Books:
• The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren – Link to Amazon
• The Journey of Desire by John Eldredge – Link to Amazon
• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl – Link to Amazon
• Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller – Link to Amazon
• Making Sense of God by Tim Keller – Link to Amazon

• Subscribe to Holy Work with Luke LeFevre on Apple Podcasts / Spotify
• Visit holywork.com to download the Holy Work Discovery Guide
• Share this episode with someone you think might benefit from it.

• Newsletter sign-up: Link