Joy Wreath

Joy is on my door for a reason. Yes it looks festive and cute and appropriate for the season.  I had to ask myself, “Do I have joy”? I should have joy right? I know I’m blessed with wonderful, healthy, loving children and a beautiful home, and a great career, but am I focused on the joy that it all brings? Do I dare admit “no” publically? Guess I just did.

Holidays are difficult times for many of us who have lost someone, or have broken relationships, or are struggling financially, spiritually, domestically. Let’s face it, none of us have our lives in total order. We get overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of the season until suddenly we realize it’s over and we didn’t take time to enjoy and reflect upon the real joy of Christmas.

I’ve always thought of joy as a feeling of happiness all the time. Well, by that definition, none of us could be joyful. As a Christian, I know joy has a deeper meaning. I love this definition of joy by Kay Warren in her book Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn't Enough…..

“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”

THAT is the joy we want, the joy I want and need to know. But it is a decision, a willful determined choice to focus on. So to remind myself that I need to focus and choose joy in all situations, I decided to make this pretty Joy Wreath. Let’s make the wreath now, ok?

To make a Joy Christmas Wreath you will need the following items:

• Red berry wreath or any small wreath
• MDF letters “J” & “Y”
• Mod Podge
• Ultra fine glitter
• ribbon
• Hot glue
• paperclip

Step 1: Coat the letters with Mod Podge

Step 2: Sprinkle with a heavy coat of fine glitter. I used Martha Stewart crystal fine glitter. Shake off excess and allow to dry.

Step 3: Insert a paper clip onto the back of the wreath.

Step 4: Cut a long length of ribbon, put a piece of strong tape, like packing tape, and place on the back of ribbon. Poke one end of the paperclip through the ribbon where it is reinforced with tape.

Step 5: Hot glue the letters onto the ribbon and hang the ribbon over the top of the door.

I like to use 3M Command hangers. Place it upside down and use a large clip to grasp the ribbon and hang it from the hook.

Add a little bird to the wreath if desired. Isn’t he cute?

I took an left over candy cane striped ribbon, wrapped it around the planters and secured it with tape.

I smile every time I see this Joy Wreath and remind myself to look for the joy. Is finding joy in all situations easy for you or do you struggle also? Leave me a comment and tell me how you are trying to focus on the JOY!

Kim

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