HOME in Louisiana

"PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I am almost speechless today, but i feel like SHOUTING, as i stand in complete awe of God's mighty works in so many, many ways.  Even in ways some may consider not a top priority... like a football game.  BUT, God does see it as a priority... there is NO LIMIT as to what our God can accomplish.  He uses absolutely everything for the good... for the opportunity to show and grow His Light among people so others may come to know Him too. And in an area that relishes football, it is a perfect venue to use. God desires ALL to know Him, and yes, if He can reach even one more through a football game, HE WILL,  HE CAN, and HE DOES.

I believe any college would have stepped up to help USC in this crisis (and many have), but just how perfect is it that LSU was the college USC was slated to play today in Columbia.  Just 10 years ago, LSU faced a similar situation with Katrina, having to play a home game in Arizona.  And look at this deja-vu story today... it's LSU's chance to pass on compassion and gratitude to another. And did you know that LSU had to cancel their first home game this season, due to weather?  I can hardly keep from crying as God's Hand and control over ALL things is overwhelming.    

For those who are unaware of the many acts of kindness from LSU and the state of Louisiana, striving to make USC "feel at home", i want to share with you some listed in the Columbia newspaper....

1. Transportation

LSU will provide the air transportation for the Gamecocks, Steve Spurrier said. “LSU actually rents with United Airlines. We go with Delta, but this week we’re using their charter flight with United. Their people are coming to get us and take us and bring us back and so forth.”

2. The band

USC’s pep band can’t travel to the game “due to time and travel challenges involved,” so the LSU Tigers Golden Band from Tigerland will fill in. LSU’s band will play USC’s alma mater, “We Hail Thee Carolina,” as well as the Gamecocks’ fight song before the game. (LSU won’t play the fight song after a USC score.)

3. ‘Sandstorm’

“Sandstorm” is the modern anthem of the Gamecocks, and LSU will play the sans vocal techno piece on its stadium sound system before the game.

4. Ticket money

All proceeds generated from ticket sales, minus the expenses that LSU incurs for hosting the game, will be given to the USC Athletics Department. USC had expected to make $3.8 million from the game, according to their 2015-16 athletics budget.

5. Fund-raising

The American Red Cross will be collecting monetary donations at the gates of Tiger Stadium on Saturday for the victims of the flooding in South Carolina. “I’m confident our compassionate LSU fans, who are very familiar with the damage a catastrophic weather event can bring, will respond in a big way to the presence of the Red Cross,” LSU Athletics Director Joe Alleva said.

6. Keys to the stadium

The LSU student government will present members of the USC student government with ceremonial keys to Tiger Stadium as part of the pregame festivities.

7. Tailgating

LSU will have a pregame tailgate for LSU and USC fans with free food and non-alcoholic beverages. This takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time on the LSU Parade Ground.

8. Hype video

South Carolina will wear all white and take the field first as the home team. A Gamecocks intro video will be played on the stadium big screen.

9. Moment of silence

A moment of silence for South Carolina and the state’s flooding victims will be held with 2:22 to go before the game starts.

10. Billboards

Highway billboards with the words “Geaux Gamecocks: We stand STRONG with you!” and “Geaux Gamecocks: Make yourself at home!” have been spotted around Baton Rouge.

ead more here: http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article38295864.html#storylink=cpy

What a incredible witnessing of College/team divisions and competitions put aside for the love for God and others. How can your heart not be ready to explode?!

If you have any encouragement for being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, have the same love, being one in spirit and purpose...

Thank you, LSU and Louisiana for living out His Word.   May God continue to bless you and your people.  Today, no matter what the scoreboard says, we are all winners.  Thank You, Jesus!!

friend, we are loved and chosen by God, 
BELIEVE!
veneal