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

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Mentioned in this episode:

2024 Christmas Mini Course