Joy Bombs

“Whirlwind”. “Blur”. “Mind-spinning”, “Crazy”, “Prayerful”: These are all words that can be used to describe our latest trip back to the states. What was meant to be a time of relaxation and joyful time with family, turned out to be quite different.   After landing back here in the Philippines, I found myself staring out the window, tearful and wondering “what in the heck just happened?”  I was in quite a slump and I was mad at myself for being down. I prayed and read my daily devotionals, but somehow I wasn’t hearing it.  I was cranky that my brother spent Christmas (and many days before/after) in the hospital. I was cranky that Kay's cancer had spread to her brain. I was cranky that I had to leave my daughter on the other side of the ocean. I was cranky that I didn't have enough time...or ANY time...with so many people. And, yes, I was cranky that my friends were headed to California and I would be sitting alone at home watching the National Championship while Ellis and Tony went to school/work. Then I found myself on Tuesday morning jolted back into reality. Not because my team just destroyed Alabama in the National Championship (Okay, that was pretty awesome!), but because of what Dabo said in the moments after the victory. As his fans and team cheered around him, Dabo talked about where he gets his joy. With a big grin he said, “Joy comes from focusing on Jesus, Others and Yourself.” WHAM! It was like a slap in the face…a good slap!  Last Fall in my Bible study, we talked about fighting back with JOY. It may not have been my favorite study, but the author did help me to look for “joy bombs” in life. I do not believe it was a coincidence that my last Bible Study and Dabo's words coincided. I was covered in chills when I heard Dabo talk about joy. Of course that is what I needed to hear! I encourage you (and myself) to look for those “joy bombs” and remember to keep the focus on Jesus, Others and then Yourself!

Here are my recent "Joy Bombs":

1. (Background: My brother’s spine was attacked by a virus that led him to be unable to walk and started to cause other parts of his body to shut down.) Joy Bomb: IT ISN’T FATAL!!!! And he is starting to get some of his mobility back. He has a long road ahead of him, but he is surrounded by great doctors at MUSC.
2. Kay (she may as well be family) “woke up” on New Year's Eve to give her husband a kiss. She was also surrounded by incredible doctor’s that are getting her on the road to recovery!
3. My daughter may be far away, but she is happy and thriving at school!
4. Tony misses football, but he was able to cheer on his Tigers in Dallas with some of his closest friends from college.
5. We spent more quality time with Tony’s brother and his wife (my college roommate) than we have any other Christmas break.
6. We didn’t have a lot of time with many people, but we did get to hug them and love them. Any time is better than no time.
7. We didn't see everyone, but the joy bomb is that we have technology that can keep us in touch!

Here are some memories from our time in the states (JOY BOMB: I have a camera to capture LOTS of photos to help me cherish those memories!): 

Joy Bomb: Jerry Pryor (Dad's former player from Clemson) happened to be in town and stopped by on the evening of the Coastal Christmas Party. He and Dad had a great catch up and Jerry had a lot of laughs once the traditional "sing-a-long" started.

If only I had been quick enough with the draw of my camera to capture Jerry picking my mama up off the floor and twirling her around! Pretty sure he was happier to see her than he was to see Dad. 

Joy Bomb: Watching Dad do what he loves. Not a Joy Bomb: The game reminded me of the UCONN game. 

Joy Bomb: Lunch with my sister and her family on the Inlet and IT WASN'T FREEZING!

Joy Bomb: You can never go wrong with a sunset!

Joy Bomb: When your Papa's last name and your first name match, you get a Coke with your name on it. 

Joy Bomb: Having a mom that gets as much of a kick out of building blocks as her grandchildren. Also...having a mom that kicks "booty" when it comes to putting lights on a Christmas tree!

Joy Bomb: Sitting with this precious child in church!

Joy Bomb: The Christmas Eve tradition continues cause Target can be found just about anywhere!

Joy Bomb: We didn't have our annual bowling night, but there's always cornhole!

Joy Bomb: A fire pit on Christmas Eve and staff at the Courtyard Marriott that do their best to make your Christmas Eve in a hotel special.

Joy Bomb(s): 1.Restaurants that welcome you on Christmas Eve with delicious seafood. 2. We were together. 3. Mom and Dad got to smuggle some food back to my brother. 

Joy Bomb(s): 1.We didn't wake up to a Christmas tree, but this view was pretty amazing. 2. The hotel was within walking distance to the hospital. 3. IT WASN'T FREEZING! ***My brother didn't want me taking photos at the hospital. I did anyway, but will respect his wishes and not post them. 

Joy Bomb: The picture says it all.

Joy Bomb: Uncle Mikey's pizza being open on Christmas Day and helping us feel like we were recreating "The Christmas Story". 

Joy Bomb

Joy Bomb Times Two

Joy Bomb Times Two

Joy Bomb: Having a husband and son with a hilarious sense of humor that tried to (once again) recreate "The Christmas Story". We may not have seen the movie this year, but we tried to live it. HAHA!

Joy Bomb: Annual Oyster Roasts

Joy Bomb: Cousins that are the best of friends!

Joy Bomb: The annual "sit by the fire" photo

Joy Bomb: Celebrating 50 years of marriage!!!!

Joy Bomb: Finding a dog to love on.

Joy Bomb: Friends that know the "off the beaten path" lunch spots in Dallas.

Joy Bomb: Hugging on my Magpie. 

Joy Bomb: Traveling to Dallas with your cousins.

Joy Bomb: Fraternity brothers celebrating ?? years later.

Joy Bomb: Friends that treat your children like their own.

Joy Bomb: Having a friend with connections that gets you all to the game together!

Joy Bomb: Group Photos

Joy Bomb: First Family football game in many, many years!

This one just made me laugh! It was FREEZING! Joy Bomb: Group Hug?

Joy Bomb: Seeing the Cowboy stadium in person! Thanks Mom and Dad for the tickets!

Joy Bomb: Friends from all stages of life! Here you have Daniel, Converse and Clemson covered! 

Joy Bomb: Championships!!! And witnessing them in person!

Joy Bomb: Watching your children and nephews sing your alma mater.

Joy Bomb: Our friends daughter scoring the Jersey of #99 Ferrell! SO COOL!

Joy Bomb: Staying at the team hotel and getting lots of photos. I will only share a few!

Joy Bomb: Getting a photo to go along with your football signed by CJ Spiller. Her Papa and Grammy gave her the football years ago. 

Joy Bomb: Now Ellis has a ball signed by Spiller, too!

In 2019 may we all find the joy bombs in every day life. There will be awesome memories, but let's not take for granted the ability to walk to your car, give a hug or just take a breath. May we all focus on JOY!!!!