Sztanyo Christmas Greeting 2023!
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,
First, may I explain the black and white picture insert of grandson, David. He is healthy and doing well away at university, and we didn’t want him to be excluded in the family picture.
I’ll begin the 2023 Christmas letter with our traditional, yet heartfelt, wish for you and yours to have the happiest and most meaningful Christmas Season of all. We hope this was a good year for you and you’re looking forward to wonderful times during this season. I must admit that Christmas letters (including this one) have become uncool, not trendy, and often boring. Our culture is one that cherishes sound bites, clicks, and bits and very short text messages. In other words, reading personal news and thoughts, like this letter, is a bit blazé and old fashioned. After all, real news is something that Apple puts out in a press conference. So allow me to apologize in advance for being so old fashioned that we sit down each Christmas to contemplate the Advent….the season….our family and friends and what has been experienced by both of us over this past year. And because of our faith in our Lord, we also contemplate His mercies and blessings shown to us both in 2023. I can sincerely attest that this look-back was rewarding, and I would suggest that we all may benefit by taking a few moments of reflection each year around this time. It became a powerful time of acknowledgment and gratitude for me.
Overall our year was a gift of good health and full of enjoyable activities. Our kids and 12 grandkids bring great fullness and blessing to our life. We vicariously live again all those growing years as we see each one tackle new and exciting challenges. Over the past year, we ‘snowbirded’ to FL, shopped on ‘Sisters’ weekend, hunted in MI, cruised the St Lawrence, gardened, flew airplanes, joined a Church, traveled and went to emotional weddings and sobering funerals. When taking a look back, much has been experienced….felt….learned and appreciated!
As good as this year has been, and it has been good, there were times when I’ve faced a hurdle or two. So I wish to share a few words from the scriptures that really helped me with areas that occasionally came up, and I hope this is encouraging to you as well.
When I needed guidance: John 8:12 - Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
When I needed strength: Isaiah 40: 31 …..but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
When I felt mistreated: John 16:33 “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
When I needed a friend: Proverbs 18:24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
I’m sure you recognize most of these passages and maybe they rang a familiar chord with you. This Christmas season we celebrate the birth of the One, who as found in the hymn ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness;’ “gives you hope for tomorrow and strength for today.”
From Barb and Mark to you and yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Barb and Mark Sztanyo
Peace, Love and Joy!
Until next year!
For those who can't get enough...... here's a little more!
2023 Bonus Offerings
Every year we learn a little something new and wish to share something a little different. Hope you find something you enjoy.
Photos:
2023 Fall New England/Canada Cruise w 14 family & friends: (Master Album of loads of pics)
For your reading pleasure:
From my "Soar High Devotional" - Lightnings Impression
Wishing You the Merriest Christmas of all!
This online Christmas greeting supplements our traditional snail-mail paper version.
Please feel free to share this page with your family & Facebook friends.
2023 Christmas below!
Florence, Columbiaville, Amelia, and Ft Thomas Sztanyo's
Sztanyo 20: 1st row L to R: Rafe, Witni, Holt, Bailey, Bridgett, Heather, Miriam 2nd row of grandkids: Emil,Corin, Sawyer, and Elania. Back 3rd Row: Eric, Barb, Brian, Mark, Mike, Marisa, Joey, Hallie. picture insert David at University.
OUR Runner UP "Best" Family Photo
L to R: Bridgett, Sawyer, Bailey, Brian
L to R: Rafe, Witni, Holt, Emil, Eric, Corin, Miriam,
Back L - R: Marisa, Hallie, Elaina, Joey, Front Heather, Mike
(David away at University)
