Tip's Travels: In Tigerland

Not only being a huge sports fan, but playing college football I’ve had the privilege to see dozens of sporting events in just as many arenas or stadiums. I don’t know if it’s been every year of my 22 years being married to my wife Suzanne or if it just seems that way but every football season she says “you’ve never been to the best, Death Valley.” A few weeks ago we visited her family in Louisiana for Thanksgiving and our nephew was kind enough to give us his LSU/Arkansas tickets. Not a bad game, #1 vs #3 with the SEC championship on the line. Being an LSU grad, Suzanne was pumped that her man was to experience Tigerland and it’s Cajun hospitality at it’s best. She loves to pray specifically, and had told the Lord exactly what kind of weather she wanted, and that our seats should be on the shady side of the stadium, because, after all, it was a day game.

 

We actually left her brother’s house at 7am to insure that we'd have time with all the anticipated traffic to find a parking place. The weather was perfect, as requested. The previous week she started calling a few of her old college friends wondering if they, although also moved away, just might be in town for the Holiday and the game. One after one, the same disappointing answer came. Noooo, not this year. Since we were getting to the game four hours early, she was concerned about where and what we would eat, etc. Man, there we were, everything in place and no one to tailgate with. Imagining the worst she told me, "well, I guess we'll just be eating leftovers in our car by ourselves". What a pitiful sight that would be. Then one of her friends called back and said, in the spirit of true Cajun hospitality, "there is no way ya'll are gonna tailgate alone! Here's the name and number of my friend Leigh Ann. She and her husband have a big tailgate every year. They said they'd love to have ya'll. They're even gonna put out a big sign with your name on it so you can find them!" Another God provision. First the great tickets, now the great food, and new friends! Rolling into Tigerland at 9 am we had no idea where to park. If we could find parking it would be $30- $50.00, and then the hike. Would you believe that their tailgate was directly across the street from the stadium and they had a free parking spot for us!  This is just all too much, Lord. And God remembered! Our seats were on the shady side, and He had even added a sweet breeze! 

           

All of you college football fans out there already know that LSU also had a sweet victory over Arkansas and finished the season 12-0! We relished in the moment after the game as 93,000 people went wild. Our newfound friends had invited us back after the game for  “smoked hog” or better know as ribs. Great way to wait for the traffic to subside. Walking back to the tailgate we were marveling at what a perfect day it had been. Little did we know that God had set us all up for the most fun of all.

            

Sitting around talking to these dear people's 27 yr. old daughter, we found out that she was leaving for Belgium to work for an organization involved in the great effort to stop child trafficking. Before long we were praying over her, as she sobbed out all the fears and frustrations accompanied with such an undertaking. An hour later we looked up to find everyone had gone. Even the tent we were sitting under had been removed! Deep in prayer, we hadn't even noticed. What a divine appointment. Her parents were so grateful for all the breakthroughs God gave her, and the grace she received to cross that last hurdle, as she says yes to God.

           

Is there a word to describe when you feel you've been high five'd by God? I felt His presence there outside Tiger stadium in this young girls life, as He truly calls her to change this world. 

Ten Days Tip

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[Joan]

Great is His loving kindness toward us!