Sztanyo Christmas Greeting 2016!
May this Christmas season be your family's
most meaningful ever! From our family to yours have a
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dear Family & Friends,
Wow, Christmas 2016! This year’s version of the holiest season is upon us and we wish you and yours the very best year ever! Merry Christmas dear friends and family!
As I sit to write this year’s letter, I feel conflicted. My head is completely into Christmas with the hope, excitement, and joy that His coming represents. Once again, this year’s plans and calendar are all looking good, and its shaping up to be very special year indeed. Since it is the Christmas season, and expectation and excitement are in the air, one might expect things are going well for all families. And there lies the rub. My head is into it but my heart, on the other hand, is feeling sober because life has a way of interjecting circumstances which can challenge our feelings for this season.
Have you ever had a dear friend or family member take a gut punch and if you’re honest with yourself…. you felt it too? You know, that whole thing about what should be the most joyous of times, yet it weighs down on your friend or family member like a ton of bricks, and your shoulders also feel the load? Well, I don’t have a particular story to share with you but suffice it to say a number of our dear loved ones are carrying burdens and even sadness during this year’s season. I think empathy is a gift from God. It unites us in strange ways and leads us to prayerfully carry one another’s burdens. I am sure you can relate. Never-the-less the troubles that others are going through can sometimes take a piece of our heart as well. When job loss, health issues or even death touch us (or a loved one), we sometimes only “see through the glass darkly.” Confusion and anxiety can reign even while the light still yet remains. Faith, hope and love (the real essence of this season) IS that light that can lead us to the One who created and who sustains us all. Yes, Jesus IS the reason for the season and our Christmas will never be so good as it is when we rise back up from a setback or stand back up from a gut punch with the renewed strength of faith in His goodness and grace!
Thankfully for our Sztanyo family, 2016 has been a very good year! God’s mercies have been poured out and we are counting each blessing daily. In February we said goodbye, for now, to our mom and grandma, Iris Sztanyo age 91. As with her 72 year married love, Emil, her passing was peaceful and spiritual. In June, I was honored to give the commencement address at our old high school Barb and I graduated from in 1970….. Whittemore-Prescott HS. A fun day. When Barb and I returned to our Florence home, we came back to a flood that had destroyed our upstairs bath and main floor kitchen. That began a 5 month journey of struggle and rebuild, but now we’re very happy with and enjoying the finished result. Even as I write this letter, the smells of Barb baking cookies have filled the air and are inspiring me that in a few moments, if I’m lucky, I may have a chance for a taste test. I am still flying for Omni and in this year have been very privileged to have had many great trips including bringing troops back to unite with their families at Cherry Point and Miramar from the war theatre. In October I will retire from over 47 years of active flying. It has been a good run. All of our kids and grandkids are just fantastic. What did you expect a proud dad and grandpa to say? We are looking forward to gathering soon for a great time celebrating Christmas.
This world has so many ups and downs, and our lives are filled with so many challenges and tests, but there is an anchor that keeps us secure and a hope that fills our hearts. While this celebration comes but once a year, the impact is eternal. “Angels, from the realms of glory, wing your flight o’er all the earth. Ye who sang creation’s story, now proclaim Messiah’s birth!” lyrics written by James Montgomery.
Merry Christmas from Florence! From the Kentucky Sztanyo’s
A little travel down memory lane.
Until next year!
For those who can't get enough...... here's a little more!
2016 Offerings
Every year we learn a little something new and wish to share something a little different. Hope you find something you enjoy.
Photos:
Writings/Articles
Memoriai:
Wishing You the Merriest Christmas of all!
This online Christmas greeting replaces our traditional snail-mail paper version.
Please share this page with your family & Facebook friends.
2016 Christmas below!
Yep, 6 kids and 10 precious grandkids!
1954 Sztanyo Kid Christmas - Marcia, Dick & Mark
2000 Christmas!
Left to right Back to front: Brian, Marisa, Joey, David Heather, Mike and Erid Row 2: Bridgett, Bailey, Corin, Emil, Rafe, & Witni, Front: Hallie, Barb, Sawyer, Mark, Elaina.
