episode #33 // Living Within Your Boundaries with Carla Sibley
Oh my goodness I am so excited for you to listen to this episode where I get to chat with one of my spiritual mamas, Carla Sibley. We met about 15 years ago when I had the joy of sitting at her feet and learning from her every Wednesday evening in her living room as she taught a Bible study full of college girls. I always say that Athens is the town that built me, and Watkinsville First Baptist Church, where her husband Carlos is the senior pastor, had a lot to do with shaping me into the woman I am today. The first time I walked into that church, I felt like I was home. Years later, I would go on to work on staff as Carlos’ assistant. Before that, though Ms. Carla directed our wedding, and we always note how funny it is that I am just like her, and my husband Rory is just like Carlos. She gives amazing hugs where you almost can’t breathe, but you just want her to keep holding you and not let go. But even sweeter than her hugs are the beautiful words of wisdom she shares from a life that has been spent loving others and loving Jesus. Hold on, sweet friend, because you are in for a treat.
In this week’s episode, pastor’s wife Carla Sibley and I chat about how to live within the boundaries God has given you. She shares with us how learning to steward her time, talents, and treasures has been an act of obedience for her that has helped her to grow in her dependence upon the Lord.
Her wisdom about how to choose contentment is gold! You’ll be so encouraged by this episode.
MEMORABLE QUOTES
It is a privilege to grow older with a congregation.
I realized over time that…God was healing me just by allowing me to stay with people who stayed with me.
When a pastor is called to a church body it is a lot like a marriage in a way.
I hear the “faithfulness of God” tied to a perceived good happening in our lives.
[I hear people say] “Oh I got that job; God is so faithful!” So always in mind the question that would pop up is, “So if you hadn’t gotten the job He wouldn’t have been faithful?”
What is He faithful about?
To forgive my sin
To set me free
To hold me in this new kingdom
I am learning to decide and then remind myself of what my priorities are.
I learned how to use 15 and 30 minute segments really well.
If you don’t have it, don’t spend it.
There is a crossroads where you choose between contentment and discontentment.
Start with an assessment of “What do I have?” not “What do I not have?”
Are your finances matching what you say are your priorities?
You don’t have to stay there in that room [of discontentment], you can just walk right on out into the next room of gratitude.
We always think we deserve the upgrade.
Who am I to complain about what I’ve got?
Take an honest assessment about what you do have. Decide that you’re not going to focus on what you don’t have.
What your business is what you do have. What is in your hand? What do you have right now?
We don’t prioritize material possessions as part of your identity.