Christmas 2007
Dear Family and Friends,
Thank you for allowing me to share with you about something very dear to me- my family and the God whom I love and serve.
Last year I gave a tribute to my Dad. As I mentioned in that letter, much of who I am today is a direct result of my Dad investing in me and what I personally witnessed in his life as I got to spend time with him. My Dad’s short life ended at age 53 but he lived a life of honesty, integrity and as a “family man.” I hope I can be half the man he was. As mentioned in last years letter, he grew up in Juneau, Alaska, a small fishing and gold mining town. Back in 1972 my Dad took my two brothers and I to visit. As we walked down the streets of Juneau it seemed that most people would recognize him and stop and talk. We visited my Grandfather’s restaurant, still called “City Cafe.”After a hearty breakfast, my Dad sat at the bar stools with about 20 people crowded around him. This lasted a couple hours and gave us boys time to explore the cold storage where all the fish and crabs are brought in, and souvenir shops. We really got to do a lot since the sun really does not go down- so we did things even late into the night. During this trip we got to visit many of the places and people that shaped my father’s life.
This past summer we had a Tanaka Family Reunion with about 60 relatives. What a nice time to catch up and reflect. We got to hear from the wise Nisei (2nd generation in America- our parents and uncles and aunts). They reflected on WWII and the internment camps, where the Japanese were rounded up and placed in camps. My Dad was the oldest of five (Dad, Bill, Alice, Teddy and Mary) I never got meet Uncle Teddy because when he was 9 years old he turned up missing. This always intrigued me. When I was young I was always afraid of getting lost (when I was 6-7 years old I got lost in the Woodland Park Zoo) or being left behind. How can a 9-year-old just disappear in Juneau? There is no way out of Juneau except by boat or plane. We would ask my Dad to tell us about Teddy. I remember him telling me that Teddy was very hard to keep track of. He would just wander off. My Dad even said that he tied him to a tree to prevent him from wandering away. My Dad wondered if Teddy ran away because he was firmly disciplined just prior to his disappearance. I always wondered if some day Teddy would just show up. Where is Teddy? Auntie Alice was 7 years old at the time of Teddy’s disappearance. Her reflection of those times: “When all hope for him was gone, I remember my mother going to bed and seemingly not able to get up. I can still see my father quietly standing and looking out to sea from our front window. What a heavy time it was for all of us.” First a $100 then $500 reward was offered for information leading to Teddy’ s whereabouts. $500 doesn’t sound like much but in 1939, $700 could buy you a new car, a new house less than $4,000, gas 10 cent/gallon, and stamps 3 cents. Days turned into weeks and weeks into month, but still no Teddy. There were witnesses that said they thought they saw him playing down by the docks. Divers checked under the docks and they dragged around the docks, but still no Teddy. The town searched everywhere for this lost boy with no leads. My Dad said that my Grandmother was never the same after that. My Auntie Mary was born the following year and this helped ease her pain.
The mystery continued: Where’s Teddy? Does one give up hope or just keep clinging to a little glimmer of hope? At family reuniions and get-togethers I would occasionally hear my Dad and Uncle Bill and two Aunties talking about Teddy. After a while they just assumed he drowned. My Dad said that the water around Juneau is so cold that often the bodies would not float up or the tides would carry the body out to sea. . Can you believe that the mystery was solved some 47 years later. At Auntie Alice’s 46th high school reunion, she was approached by one of Teddy’s friends. He had been holding a secret for 47 years and now he felt led to tell someone what happened with Teddy. He said that he and Teddy were playing down at the docks and got into a dingy and rowed out to one of the boats. Teddy slipped overboard. Teddy’s friend couldn’t swim; at least not well enough to save Teddy. He saw Teddy drown. He rowed back scared as ever. The police questioned him multiple times because people saw them playing together down by the docks, but he was so scared that he never told the truth. Eventually the pressure was off as the search was called off. 47 years is a long time to keep such a dark secret. Sure it was wrong to play on someone else’s boat. Children do foolish things. Sure it was wrong to not tell the truth. Again, children do foolish things. Adults do foolish things also. We hide the truth hoping that it will not be found out, where, in reality, the truth sets us free. How this child then and now a grown man must have felt carrying this guilt over all these years. If he just told the truth, he would not have to cover it with lies, guilt and shame. So now we all know what happened to Teddy. Would the world be different if Teddy was alive? What impact would Teddy have on my Dad, my uncle and aunts? Who knows? I may not be here. Just like “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
So what does all of this have to do with Christmas? Can we gain a deeper appreciation about God’s love through this story about Teddy. Here is what I want to have you ponder. My grandparents, their children and the whole town were waiting for Teddy’s return. I bet my grandparents never gave up hope. Hope beyond hope they waited for Teddy’s return. In the Bible we read that the nation Israel also hoped and waited. For centuries they waited for a Messiah, a Savior of the world. The Old Testament foretold a coming Savior who would crush Satan’s head (Genesis 3:15). The Messiah would come from the line of King David (Psalm 132:11, Jeremiah 23: 5-6), born of virgin (Isaiah 7:14), come from Bethleham (Micah 5:2), suffer (Isaiah 52:13-53:12), save people from sin (Isaiah 52:13-53:12). People studied the Scriptures and anticipated the coming of a Messiah (Savior). It was about 4000 years from the time of Adam and Eve until Jesus’ birth. That is a long time to wait. God fulfilled not only these prophesies but 100s more, just as He promised. Not only was Jesus’ birth was predicted but also His death. All the animal sacrifices you read about in the Old Testament were a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice when God the Father sacrificed His own Son, Jesus, to pay for the sins of all people. Sinless Jesus laid down His life for sinful people like you and me. The Scriptures say, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.” (Hebrews 9:22). Two attributes of God that stand out are: God is Loving/Merciful; and God is Goodness/Justice. Can God be good without punishing evil and sin? The answer is no. Can God be loving without providing a way for forgiveness and mercy? The answer again is no. How can God be totally Just (punishing sin fully) and totally Loving (forgiving our sins)? The only answer is that God must punish sin fully (full wrath of God punishing sin), but He poured out His full wrath on His own Son. Now God demonstrated His fully Loving and Just attributes all in Himself. Does God just forgive everyone then? No God gives us a free choice. God does not force anyone to spend eternity with Him against his/her will.
How does one have his/her sins forgiven? First, one must acknowledge that he/she is a sinners deserving of God’s punishment.(Roman 3:10-13 & 23) Second, I must acknowledge that I can not save myself and accept Jesus’ death on the cross as the only means to pay for my sins (Ephesians 2: 8-9). Third: Ask Jesus to forgive your sins and surrender your life to honor God in all you do (Romans 10:9-10). I can guarantee that there is no better decision you could ever make, because this decision answers life’s most difficult question and has eternal consequences. There is no better time than right now. We are never promised a tomorrow or in that case, another breath. If you have further questions let me know as it would be my honor to help you in this most important decision. Don’t walk through life like Teddy’s friend, burdened with guilt. God provided the solution. It began with the birth of His own Son, Jesus. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord,…” Now that is something to celebrate!
Our Family:
Jairus (16 months old) (No one knows how to pronounce his name- he will be asked his entire life how to say and spell his name. His name is pronounced Ji’ rus (long “i” and short “u”) Jairus is a Hebrew name meaning: God enlightens. He just started walking. Have you ever seen those old black and white movies like Charlie Chaplin, that seem to be played in fast motion? That is Jairus’ gait. It looks like he is going to fall all the time, but he actually rarely does. His hair is sparse and wispy. He was beginning to look like a mad-scientist, so he just had his first haircut. His first words sounded like Mama- this made Lori happy as it seemed all the other children said Dadda before Mama. Most of the time he just walks around making sounds like a guinea pig. Now the only word that he says on a regular basis is ‘Ah-oh’, which he says whenever he drops something. He does signs language only things that pertain to food. He signs ‘eat’, ‘please’ and ‘all done’. He is still nursing and at the rate he is going he going to be 2 before he stops. In the morning I get no greetings as he has only one thing on his mind. After he is done then he gives me his hugs and snuggles.
Lily (3 years old). She tends to be our shy one, but once she gets to know you she’ll stick with you. She likes routine. I have been trying to read the Bible nightly to the children and this actually has not been easy to be consistent. When we do have it the children and I really enjoy it and we has some very insightful discussions. Lily is my reminder as she often says, “Daddy, is it Bible Study?” I tell her, “Ring the bell (which means come upstairs) and get your Bible” (unfortunately her Bible does not have all the stories- but this does not seem to discourage her). In order to help the little ones sit still and be quiet, I have them sit on the sofa with their legs straight out and hands folded as I count down from 10 with my fingers and if they move and talk then fingers go back up. After 10 they can do whatever but at least it seems to help. Every night she also wants a bedtime story. One night I told her a story about Amy when she was little. We heard something outside so we bundled up and searched and we saw an opossum under the car. Its eyes glowed back and we could see its white teeth. I did not want to scare Amy so I called the animal ‘little eyes’. Now Lily wants a ‘Little Eyes Story’ every night. Lily thinks that ‘Little Eyes’ is a friendly and cute animal from all the stories. One of these days she’ll find out the truth. She almost always has her hand up to give thanks for the food God gives us. You have to listen very carefully to make out her words, which can be many. I am glad God can understand her. Her clap tells us when she is finished.
Noelle (5 years old) likes to remind me that she is a ‘big girl’. She loves to be with people and her smile can brighten even the dark, rainy and gloomy Pacific Northwest winter days. She has a big window in her smile as she had two front baby teeth knocked out with a frisbee. It always sound so cute when they talk without those front teeth. Do any of you have a snooze alarm? I haven’t used an alarm in years- except when I had my Board exams. Well Noelle is my snooze alarm to help me not forget. First reminder: “Daddy can you teach me to ride a bike?” I taught 6 children. Have you ever wished you had a double who could help you get all the things that you want accomplished? I’ll have her riding a bike by Spring. More important reminder she often tells me: How do I become a Christian? Can I have communion then? I want her to understand that this is then most important decision she’ll ever make because it has eternal consequences. I will make time for this. As Lori often says, “Fail to plan; Plan on failing”. If it is not on the calendar then other things will crowd the important things.
Aaron (7 years old) He is all boy. He loves to be outside. Riding his bike is his favorite. Usually we buy shoes and coats extra large so they can grow into it. Well we bought a bike several sizes too big and even with the handle bars turned around, Aaron was practically horizontal riding it.
Rain or shine, he loves to help me out. This year he helped me plant some trees and collect fire wood. He is usually muddy and wet by the time we are done. He graduated to being a ‘Middler”. It is a big thing- like graduating kindergarten. He actually is our little powerhouse. When I am at work he is the one to bring up a new case of rice milk or other heavy things. He very good around the little ones and it is neat to see two to three little ones around him as he reads them stories. Like his big brother, Aaron likes army, Mariners, frisbee, exploring. I often see those two watching the Mariner’s highlights or playing baseball or frisbee outside.
Kristi (9 years old) has learned the art of organization. She learned it from Lori, Amy and Stefanie. There must be something in their genes. I wished that some of it would wear off on me. I love things to be organized but I have never figured out how to do it. At least I have several willing helpers. Kristi, Bethany, Stefanie and Amy went to a sewing class this summer and learned some nice sewing skills. One of their teachers learned about a lady wanting to donate a serger to some sewing enthusiasts and she thought of our girls. We now have a serger! They are pretty excited, so I am excited for them. They also got tons of scraps of fabric at $1 per pound. We are already seeing some amazing clothes and dolls clothes coming from the sewing room. She loves to play house with her Calico Critters (miniature fuzzy play animals). Kristi can lead you off into the wonderful world of Calico critters where there are no deadlines, no death, and no prolonged illnesses. After 30 minutes you may not want to return to the real world, but then you remember that you are always a welcome visitor to Kristi’s Wonderful World of Calico Critters! At about this age many of our children begin to have a very sensitive conscience and Kristi is at that stage. She may apologize for doing multiple things during the day or for things she may have done quite some time ago. Sometimes this may seem to be in excess, but then again I realize that there truly is a battle between good and evil and God wants us to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). This past year we expanded our garden and instead of the whole garden being a family garden, we divided it up into plots and each child got their own plot. We tried to get an early start with grow-lights. They did not do very well with a big kill off. How discouraging for us all. We ended replanting directly into the ground and this worked out well. All of them started off well but then the weeds came and took over the garden. We learned our lesson- you must weed regularly! I think that things will be better this new year and this time we’ll all keep up with the weeding.
Bethany (11 years old) is our encourager. I don’t think there is a mean bone in her body. She can be counted on for telling the truth. Bethany is like me in that we have not found out how to be neat and organized. Her strengths are in communication and empathy for others. She loves to talk to just about anyone, but especially if they are looking lonely or sad. Her friendly spirit often is contagious. She is my ‘encourager’ and leaves me wonderful notes to remind me how much she loves and appreciates me. What a blessing she is. Bethany loves to look forward to things, but never wants those fun times to end. She is looking forward to our Father-Daughter Date at age 15 and getting her own hope chest to put all her treasures in. The world of imagination is Bethany’s domain. Calico Critters come alive and their lives are adventures in make believe. The little ones loves stories and Bethany loves to tell stories, so it is a win:win situation. Sewing and baking are new endeavors and we are all glad recipients. Bethany is Noelle’s piano tutor. Every so often we get our report card documenting Noelle‘s progress- so many neat insights by her astute tutor that we would have missed. Noelle longs to be like one of the older children and Bethany is a good role model. Bethany has a heart for children with seizures or similar struggles. She has worked hard and donated her money to encourage and support these children. She said that she is glad to have the seizures because it has made her sensitive to those less fortunate and wanting to help them. She also says that seizure have helped her not hold onto this world too tightly.
Stefanie (13 years old). She is our 3rd teenager. I remember when our children were young, Lori and I would talk about some the foolish things that teenagers often do. Our children must have picked that up, because they would say, “I never want to be a teenager”. Actually they are such a good asset to our family. Sure we do have some very difficult times. Lori and I are trying to shepherd their hearts and not just their outward behavior. This takes time, commitment, consistency, and at times loving discipline. Stefanie has a very loving and sensitive heart. It was her idea to make care packages to hand out to those we see asking for food or money on the corner. Rather than just driving by then, we now have something to share. Our family went to Six Stars and filled plastic bins with many useful and tasty treats. Stefanie wrote out her own description of God’s love and how to get right with God. I had the privilege of handing out one of these packages and talking to a man with his sign, “On the Road Again”. He and his wife have been living out of their car and occasionally staying at a person’s home. They were so grateful and told me repeated, “Tell your daughter and family, Thank You.” I was blessed. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20: 35) The older 5 children took a speech class this past Fall. Public speaking is one of the most anxiety and fear-provoking activities around. Lori and I felt that this would be a great class for the older children to help them get over that fear. Stefanie told me that she would like to take this speech class to prepare just in case she becomes a pastor’s wife or missionary where she may have to share what she believes. Stefanie is our seamstress-making most of her birthday presents. Those sewing lessons are really paying off. She is filling her hope chest with homemade treasures. She is our animal lover. This year she got her own caterpillar/butterfly kit. It came in the mail with 5 ‘Very-hungry-caterpillars’. They started small but within days they grew into big and not-so-pretty-caterpillars. After attaching their bottoms to the ceiling (one of the many questions I’ll need to ask Jesus when I get there),they wiggle out of their skin of legs and hair (like taking off a tight sweater). A couple weeks later we had 5 “Painted Lady Butterflies”. They mated, laid eggs and now are in the process of dying, awaiting the next generation to take their place. Pretty fascinating.
Jonathan (14 ¾ years old) is my outdoor helper. His responsibility has been the road- all 600 feet of it. He has done an excellent job keeping the road from washing out. No easy feat with all the rain we get here. Jonathan helped me complete the chicken coop. We got our baby chicks through the US post office. I got a 6 AM call from the Post Office, “Your chicks are here.” 26 chicks all in a 12 x 12 X 3 inch box. Shortly after they are hatched they are dried off and off they are shipped. After the 2-3 day trip they are hungry and thirsty. I gave them each a sip of water and set out their water and food in a box with a heat lamp. The children were so excited! I heard that shortly after the children saw them, one of them drowned in the shallow water feeder. The other chicks apparently were stepping all over the poor chick. The children were determined to not let another chick die and set up 2 hour watches. We did happen to lose one more through some type of constipation problem. Recently 3 full-grown chickens somehow got out of their fenced-in coop and feathers were all about. The detectives in our family set out to find the culprit. The snow helped as the unwary intruder left small hand prints all around- a raccoon no doubt. The thought that three of our chickens were eaten up made the children sad. I did secure the door better. We have 20 hens and 1 rooster. For a while he was ‘hen-pecked’, but now he is much larger and is the boss. So far the rooster has been pretty tame. The children were afraid that if the rooster got mean that he might end up being supper. The chickens just started laying eggs and we are getting 10-12 eggs daily. We are hoping for more and possibly open a stand at the Poulsbo farmer’s market along with possible garden and crafts. We’ll see… Jonathan and I are still planning on building a tree fort- high enough to see the house, down the road, the Hood Canal and Olympics. I also want to take him backpacking in the Olympics. We have been meeting weekly going through “Future Men” and “Not Even a Hint” books preparing a young man for manhood and living a pure life. I look forward to these times and it has drawn us closer and I am learning along the way. As they say: the best way to lead is by example. Amy and Jonathan are a debate team again this year. This year’s debate topic is: “Resolved: That the United States should significantly change its policy on illegal immigration.” What a hot topic, especially with the impending presidential elections. They make a great team. Last year I was the official ‘Timer Coordinator’ for their team. Not a difficult job. I thought that if I was a timer, then I wouldn’t have to be a judge. This year I asked Jonathan to help me at church do a short skit. Jonathan really did not want to do it. He did put up some resistance and then I realized that Amy and Jonathan had frequently asked me to ‘judge’, but I had always turned it down. Now is that a double standard. I confessed. Jonathan then agreed to help me with the skit and I agreed to volunteer to be a ‘judge’. I don’t know who is more stressed: the debaters or me. It was a good lesson for me to learn. In our family, on a person’s birthday, we go around the table and say things that we are thankful about that birthday person. On my birthday Jonathan said to me something like, “Daddy, thank you for showing me how to be a godly man”. What a nice birthday present! Jonathan truly is a wonderful son. Over the past several years Jonathan has had a newsletter. It was initially called Ponderosa Times when we lived on Ponderosa in Port Orchard. The name switched to Ten Acres Times when we moved to Poulsbo. It went from printed to being ‘on-line’. It has very interesting articles about our family and happenings from a young man’s perspective. I highly recommend visiting his website athttp://www.tenacretimes.wordpress.com. To access his articles contact Jonathan using the ‘contact form’ and receive a password.
Amy (16 & 1/2) is our first-born. Both Lori and I are second-born. There is a unique quality that I don’t see in the other children; a drive and interest to explore beyond one’s comfort zone into the unknown (in a good way) and to strive to reach one’s full potential. As a result, she tends to excel in what she does and at times we need to set limits. Her heart is close to God- wanting to honor God with her life. She meets with Lori once a week and with me once a week. These sure are special times. She is no longer a girl but now a young lady. She and I have listened to a tape from a Father: Daughter conference- which emphasized the important role I play in my daughter’s life and future. Amy wants to help me to fulfill my goals and visions for our family. I need to have a clear vision for our family. We are currently going through a DVD series called The Blazing Center, by John Piper (one of Amy’s favorite authors- and Amy reads a lot) This series focuses on the ‘supremacy of God in all things’. We have some deep conversations about topics such as life, what is God like and why are we here. Next we are going to go through a series on what goes on with the years between school and marriage. Amy has about 2 & 1/2 years left of formal high school. Then what? Many paths. Many pitfalls and traps. I am looking forward to many lively discussions and being there guiding her through these exciting and challenging years. Amy has such a wonderful heart- wanting to honor her parents and most of all honor her God. Amy and Jonathan are taking a ‘speech’ class this year. Amy wants to enter a speech competition on ‘Apologetics’, which is being ready to share and defend what one believes. I believer her strength in debate is her cross examination, where she can point out weaknesses in their opponent’s case. Her size may make her look like an easy push over but she has a punch that can take your wind out. She says that she has to do it nicely or else she may lose speaker points- so a little warning – get ready for a polite slug. About five years ago Amy and her friend, Jenna Cooksey began a newsletter called Joyful G or Joyful Girl ‘designed to encourage, challenge and strengthen girls in their Christian walk.” Jenna has since moved and Amy has continued this newsletter. Instead of quarterly it does come out sporadically. As with most things that Amy does, it is top quality. Visit her website athttp://www.joyfulg.wordpress.com for information, registering for her newsletter and inquiries.
Lori (44 1/2) and I celebrated our 19th anniversary this year. We ended up going to a restaurant just down the road called Molly Ward. The food was delicious and time with my bride was special. It was so nice to get away together. We need to do this more often. You would think that after 19 years we would have this communication thing down. Well to be honest- I think that I need the most work in this area, especially really listening, not taking an offense at any criticism and remembering to be a keeper of my promises. One book that we are currently going together is called, “Love and Respect-The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs”, by Emerson Eggerichs. Husbands want respect in their workplace but even more so from their wife. Wives desires love from her husband- look at an Valentine’s card and it will be covered with all different way to express love, but never mention the work respect. Why- because those are some of the deepest needs. Why is this so universal? It is because God made us so. God even commands husbands to ‘love’ their wives and wives to ‘respect’ their husbands. If we follow God’s commands we will be filling that deep need. This book explains that many couple get on ‘crazy’ cycles spinning further apart and encourages couples to get on ‘energizing’ cycles drawing closer together. We are trying to stay on the energizing cycles more and unfortunately still have a long way to go. We made a promise when we got married and are committed to not only just staying together but have a truly wonderful marriage. I have a couple who have been married for 67 years. I asked them what was their secret. The husband said, “Well the first 50 years were the hardest.” The greatest gift you can give your children is a strong close marriage. I don’t like asking for directions when I am driving but for our marriage I seek good solid counsel based on Biblical principles. God invented marriages and He showed us the model of a husband’s love for his wife reflected in Jesus laying down His life for His church (His followers). I have a long ways to go, but at least I am the right path.
Rich (48) Nine children and a wonderful wife. Early is our marriage I thought having 5 children like I grew up with would be nice. Lori had only one sister. Are we in over our heads? Yes. Are we in over God’s head? No. God has been richly blessing us as we raise them according to the principles in the Bible rather than based on human philosophy and psychology, which is aimed at the outward behavior and have no effect on changing the heart, which is inherently evil. Just think about it: you never have to train a two-year-old to disobey, rebel, lie, complain, take. Those all come naturally- it is just part of our sinful human nature. Ultimately the only lasting victory over this sinful nature comes when we submit our lives to Jesus who has conquered sin and death. It does not stop there; that is just the beginning of the wonderful life of following Jesus. One of my main responsibility is teaching each child who God is (theology), teaching the truths in the Bible, recognizing sin and resisting or fleeing it, preparing them to be godly men and women. As 3 John 1:4 says, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children are walking in the truth.”
Teddy’s parents unfortunately waited in vain for Teddy to come home. How sad that must have been especially not knowing their own son’s whereabouts. Wise men waited and then when they saw a sign from God that a Savior had been born, they brought gifts to honor Him. Jesus came as the Lamb of God to be sacrificed as payment for our sins. Don’t be like Teddy’s friend and carry around the guilt. Jesus is the only permanent solution to our sin problem. In 1984 I decided to follow Jesus. In John 14: 6 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Sure I still have struggles and sins to confess but I know heaven awaits me- being with God who loved me enough to sacrifice His own Son for me. Out of gratitude in my heart I want to bring glory and honor to God through my life. My hope is that you also may get right with God. Let me know if I may help you in this area or if you have any prayer requests that I can pray for you.
Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
Rich (for Lori, Amy, Jonathan, Stefanie, Bethany, Kristi, Aaron, Noelle, Lily and Jairus)
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Thank you for allowing me to share with you about something very dear to me- my family and the God whom I love and serve.
Last year I gave a tribute to my Dad. As I mentioned in that letter, much of who I am today is a direct result of my Dad investing in me and what I personally witnessed in his life as I got to spend time with him. My Dad’s short life ended at age 53 but he lived a life of honesty, integrity and as a “family man.” I hope I can be half the man he was. As mentioned in last years letter, he grew up in Juneau, Alaska, a small fishing and gold mining town. Back in 1972 my Dad took my two brothers and I to visit. As we walked down the streets of Juneau it seemed that most people would recognize him and stop and talk. We visited my Grandfather’s restaurant, still called “City Cafe.”After a hearty breakfast, my Dad sat at the bar stools with about 20 people crowded around him. This lasted a couple hours and gave us boys time to explore the cold storage where all the fish and crabs are brought in, and souvenir shops. We really got to do a lot since the sun really does not go down- so we did things even late into the night. During this trip we got to visit many of the places and people that shaped my father’s life.
This past summer we had a Tanaka Family Reunion with about 60 relatives. What a nice time to catch up and reflect. We got to hear from the wise Nisei (2nd generation in America- our parents and uncles and aunts). They reflected on WWII and the internment camps, where the Japanese were rounded up and placed in camps. My Dad was the oldest of five (Dad, Bill, Alice, Teddy and Mary) I never got meet Uncle Teddy because when he was 9 years old he turned up missing. This always intrigued me. When I was young I was always afraid of getting lost (when I was 6-7 years old I got lost in the Woodland Park Zoo) or being left behind. How can a 9-year-old just disappear in Juneau? There is no way out of Juneau except by boat or plane. We would ask my Dad to tell us about Teddy. I remember him telling me that Teddy was very hard to keep track of. He would just wander off. My Dad even said that he tied him to a tree to prevent him from wandering away. My Dad wondered if Teddy ran away because he was firmly disciplined just prior to his disappearance. I always wondered if some day Teddy would just show up. Where is Teddy? Auntie Alice was 7 years old at the time of Teddy’s disappearance. Her reflection of those times: “When all hope for him was gone, I remember my mother going to bed and seemingly not able to get up. I can still see my father quietly standing and looking out to sea from our front window. What a heavy time it was for all of us.” First a $100 then $500 reward was offered for information leading to Teddy’ s whereabouts. $500 doesn’t sound like much but in 1939, $700 could buy you a new car, a new house less than $4,000, gas 10 cent/gallon, and stamps 3 cents. Days turned into weeks and weeks into month, but still no Teddy. There were witnesses that said they thought they saw him playing down by the docks. Divers checked under the docks and they dragged around the docks, but still no Teddy. The town searched everywhere for this lost boy with no leads. My Dad said that my Grandmother was never the same after that. My Auntie Mary was born the following year and this helped ease her pain.
The mystery continued: Where’s Teddy? Does one give up hope or just keep clinging to a little glimmer of hope? At family reuniions and get-togethers I would occasionally hear my Dad and Uncle Bill and two Aunties talking about Teddy. After a while they just assumed he drowned. My Dad said that the water around Juneau is so cold that often the bodies would not float up or the tides would carry the body out to sea. . Can you believe that the mystery was solved some 47 years later. At Auntie Alice’s 46th high school reunion, she was approached by one of Teddy’s friends. He had been holding a secret for 47 years and now he felt led to tell someone what happened with Teddy. He said that he and Teddy were playing down at the docks and got into a dingy and rowed out to one of the boats. Teddy slipped overboard. Teddy’s friend couldn’t swim; at least not well enough to save Teddy. He saw Teddy drown. He rowed back scared as ever. The police questioned him multiple times because people saw them playing together down by the docks, but he was so scared that he never told the truth. Eventually the pressure was off as the search was called off. 47 years is a long time to keep such a dark secret. Sure it was wrong to play on someone else’s boat. Children do foolish things. Sure it was wrong to not tell the truth. Again, children do foolish things. Adults do foolish things also. We hide the truth hoping that it will not be found out, where, in reality, the truth sets us free. How this child then and now a grown man must have felt carrying this guilt over all these years. If he just told the truth, he would not have to cover it with lies, guilt and shame. So now we all know what happened to Teddy. Would the world be different if Teddy was alive? What impact would Teddy have on my Dad, my uncle and aunts? Who knows? I may not be here. Just like “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
So what does all of this have to do with Christmas? Can we gain a deeper appreciation about God’s love through this story about Teddy. Here is what I want to have you ponder. My grandparents, their children and the whole town were waiting for Teddy’s return. I bet my grandparents never gave up hope. Hope beyond hope they waited for Teddy’s return. In the Bible we read that the nation Israel also hoped and waited. For centuries they waited for a Messiah, a Savior of the world. The Old Testament foretold a coming Savior who would crush Satan’s head (Genesis 3:15). The Messiah would come from the line of King David (Psalm 132:11, Jeremiah 23: 5-6), born of virgin (Isaiah 7:14), come from Bethleham (Micah 5:2), suffer (Isaiah 52:13-53:12), save people from sin (Isaiah 52:13-53:12). People studied the Scriptures and anticipated the coming of a Messiah (Savior). It was about 4000 years from the time of Adam and Eve until Jesus’ birth. That is a long time to wait. God fulfilled not only these prophesies but 100s more, just as He promised. Not only was Jesus’ birth was predicted but also His death. All the animal sacrifices you read about in the Old Testament were a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice when God the Father sacrificed His own Son, Jesus, to pay for the sins of all people. Sinless Jesus laid down His life for sinful people like you and me. The Scriptures say, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.” (Hebrews 9:22). Two attributes of God that stand out are: God is Loving/Merciful; and God is Goodness/Justice. Can God be good without punishing evil and sin? The answer is no. Can God be loving without providing a way for forgiveness and mercy? The answer again is no. How can God be totally Just (punishing sin fully) and totally Loving (forgiving our sins)? The only answer is that God must punish sin fully (full wrath of God punishing sin), but He poured out His full wrath on His own Son. Now God demonstrated His fully Loving and Just attributes all in Himself. Does God just forgive everyone then? No God gives us a free choice. God does not force anyone to spend eternity with Him against his/her will.
How does one have his/her sins forgiven? First, one must acknowledge that he/she is a sinners deserving of God’s punishment.(Roman 3:10-13 & 23) Second, I must acknowledge that I can not save myself and accept Jesus’ death on the cross as the only means to pay for my sins (Ephesians 2: 8-9). Third: Ask Jesus to forgive your sins and surrender your life to honor God in all you do (Romans 10:9-10). I can guarantee that there is no better decision you could ever make, because this decision answers life’s most difficult question and has eternal consequences. There is no better time than right now. We are never promised a tomorrow or in that case, another breath. If you have further questions let me know as it would be my honor to help you in this most important decision. Don’t walk through life like Teddy’s friend, burdened with guilt. God provided the solution. It began with the birth of His own Son, Jesus. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord,…” Now that is something to celebrate!
Our Family:
Jairus (16 months old) (No one knows how to pronounce his name- he will be asked his entire life how to say and spell his name. His name is pronounced Ji’ rus (long “i” and short “u”) Jairus is a Hebrew name meaning: God enlightens. He just started walking. Have you ever seen those old black and white movies like Charlie Chaplin, that seem to be played in fast motion? That is Jairus’ gait. It looks like he is going to fall all the time, but he actually rarely does. His hair is sparse and wispy. He was beginning to look like a mad-scientist, so he just had his first haircut. His first words sounded like Mama- this made Lori happy as it seemed all the other children said Dadda before Mama. Most of the time he just walks around making sounds like a guinea pig. Now the only word that he says on a regular basis is ‘Ah-oh’, which he says whenever he drops something. He does signs language only things that pertain to food. He signs ‘eat’, ‘please’ and ‘all done’. He is still nursing and at the rate he is going he going to be 2 before he stops. In the morning I get no greetings as he has only one thing on his mind. After he is done then he gives me his hugs and snuggles.
Lily (3 years old). She tends to be our shy one, but once she gets to know you she’ll stick with you. She likes routine. I have been trying to read the Bible nightly to the children and this actually has not been easy to be consistent. When we do have it the children and I really enjoy it and we has some very insightful discussions. Lily is my reminder as she often says, “Daddy, is it Bible Study?” I tell her, “Ring the bell (which means come upstairs) and get your Bible” (unfortunately her Bible does not have all the stories- but this does not seem to discourage her). In order to help the little ones sit still and be quiet, I have them sit on the sofa with their legs straight out and hands folded as I count down from 10 with my fingers and if they move and talk then fingers go back up. After 10 they can do whatever but at least it seems to help. Every night she also wants a bedtime story. One night I told her a story about Amy when she was little. We heard something outside so we bundled up and searched and we saw an opossum under the car. Its eyes glowed back and we could see its white teeth. I did not want to scare Amy so I called the animal ‘little eyes’. Now Lily wants a ‘Little Eyes Story’ every night. Lily thinks that ‘Little Eyes’ is a friendly and cute animal from all the stories. One of these days she’ll find out the truth. She almost always has her hand up to give thanks for the food God gives us. You have to listen very carefully to make out her words, which can be many. I am glad God can understand her. Her clap tells us when she is finished.
Noelle (5 years old) likes to remind me that she is a ‘big girl’. She loves to be with people and her smile can brighten even the dark, rainy and gloomy Pacific Northwest winter days. She has a big window in her smile as she had two front baby teeth knocked out with a frisbee. It always sound so cute when they talk without those front teeth. Do any of you have a snooze alarm? I haven’t used an alarm in years- except when I had my Board exams. Well Noelle is my snooze alarm to help me not forget. First reminder: “Daddy can you teach me to ride a bike?” I taught 6 children. Have you ever wished you had a double who could help you get all the things that you want accomplished? I’ll have her riding a bike by Spring. More important reminder she often tells me: How do I become a Christian? Can I have communion then? I want her to understand that this is then most important decision she’ll ever make because it has eternal consequences. I will make time for this. As Lori often says, “Fail to plan; Plan on failing”. If it is not on the calendar then other things will crowd the important things.
Aaron (7 years old) He is all boy. He loves to be outside. Riding his bike is his favorite. Usually we buy shoes and coats extra large so they can grow into it. Well we bought a bike several sizes too big and even with the handle bars turned around, Aaron was practically horizontal riding it.
Rain or shine, he loves to help me out. This year he helped me plant some trees and collect fire wood. He is usually muddy and wet by the time we are done. He graduated to being a ‘Middler”. It is a big thing- like graduating kindergarten. He actually is our little powerhouse. When I am at work he is the one to bring up a new case of rice milk or other heavy things. He very good around the little ones and it is neat to see two to three little ones around him as he reads them stories. Like his big brother, Aaron likes army, Mariners, frisbee, exploring. I often see those two watching the Mariner’s highlights or playing baseball or frisbee outside.
Kristi (9 years old) has learned the art of organization. She learned it from Lori, Amy and Stefanie. There must be something in their genes. I wished that some of it would wear off on me. I love things to be organized but I have never figured out how to do it. At least I have several willing helpers. Kristi, Bethany, Stefanie and Amy went to a sewing class this summer and learned some nice sewing skills. One of their teachers learned about a lady wanting to donate a serger to some sewing enthusiasts and she thought of our girls. We now have a serger! They are pretty excited, so I am excited for them. They also got tons of scraps of fabric at $1 per pound. We are already seeing some amazing clothes and dolls clothes coming from the sewing room. She loves to play house with her Calico Critters (miniature fuzzy play animals). Kristi can lead you off into the wonderful world of Calico critters where there are no deadlines, no death, and no prolonged illnesses. After 30 minutes you may not want to return to the real world, but then you remember that you are always a welcome visitor to Kristi’s Wonderful World of Calico Critters! At about this age many of our children begin to have a very sensitive conscience and Kristi is at that stage. She may apologize for doing multiple things during the day or for things she may have done quite some time ago. Sometimes this may seem to be in excess, but then again I realize that there truly is a battle between good and evil and God wants us to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). This past year we expanded our garden and instead of the whole garden being a family garden, we divided it up into plots and each child got their own plot. We tried to get an early start with grow-lights. They did not do very well with a big kill off. How discouraging for us all. We ended replanting directly into the ground and this worked out well. All of them started off well but then the weeds came and took over the garden. We learned our lesson- you must weed regularly! I think that things will be better this new year and this time we’ll all keep up with the weeding.
Bethany (11 years old) is our encourager. I don’t think there is a mean bone in her body. She can be counted on for telling the truth. Bethany is like me in that we have not found out how to be neat and organized. Her strengths are in communication and empathy for others. She loves to talk to just about anyone, but especially if they are looking lonely or sad. Her friendly spirit often is contagious. She is my ‘encourager’ and leaves me wonderful notes to remind me how much she loves and appreciates me. What a blessing she is. Bethany loves to look forward to things, but never wants those fun times to end. She is looking forward to our Father-Daughter Date at age 15 and getting her own hope chest to put all her treasures in. The world of imagination is Bethany’s domain. Calico Critters come alive and their lives are adventures in make believe. The little ones loves stories and Bethany loves to tell stories, so it is a win:win situation. Sewing and baking are new endeavors and we are all glad recipients. Bethany is Noelle’s piano tutor. Every so often we get our report card documenting Noelle‘s progress- so many neat insights by her astute tutor that we would have missed. Noelle longs to be like one of the older children and Bethany is a good role model. Bethany has a heart for children with seizures or similar struggles. She has worked hard and donated her money to encourage and support these children. She said that she is glad to have the seizures because it has made her sensitive to those less fortunate and wanting to help them. She also says that seizure have helped her not hold onto this world too tightly.
Stefanie (13 years old). She is our 3rd teenager. I remember when our children were young, Lori and I would talk about some the foolish things that teenagers often do. Our children must have picked that up, because they would say, “I never want to be a teenager”. Actually they are such a good asset to our family. Sure we do have some very difficult times. Lori and I are trying to shepherd their hearts and not just their outward behavior. This takes time, commitment, consistency, and at times loving discipline. Stefanie has a very loving and sensitive heart. It was her idea to make care packages to hand out to those we see asking for food or money on the corner. Rather than just driving by then, we now have something to share. Our family went to Six Stars and filled plastic bins with many useful and tasty treats. Stefanie wrote out her own description of God’s love and how to get right with God. I had the privilege of handing out one of these packages and talking to a man with his sign, “On the Road Again”. He and his wife have been living out of their car and occasionally staying at a person’s home. They were so grateful and told me repeated, “Tell your daughter and family, Thank You.” I was blessed. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20: 35) The older 5 children took a speech class this past Fall. Public speaking is one of the most anxiety and fear-provoking activities around. Lori and I felt that this would be a great class for the older children to help them get over that fear. Stefanie told me that she would like to take this speech class to prepare just in case she becomes a pastor’s wife or missionary where she may have to share what she believes. Stefanie is our seamstress-making most of her birthday presents. Those sewing lessons are really paying off. She is filling her hope chest with homemade treasures. She is our animal lover. This year she got her own caterpillar/butterfly kit. It came in the mail with 5 ‘Very-hungry-caterpillars’. They started small but within days they grew into big and not-so-pretty-caterpillars. After attaching their bottoms to the ceiling (one of the many questions I’ll need to ask Jesus when I get there),they wiggle out of their skin of legs and hair (like taking off a tight sweater). A couple weeks later we had 5 “Painted Lady Butterflies”. They mated, laid eggs and now are in the process of dying, awaiting the next generation to take their place. Pretty fascinating.
Jonathan (14 ¾ years old) is my outdoor helper. His responsibility has been the road- all 600 feet of it. He has done an excellent job keeping the road from washing out. No easy feat with all the rain we get here. Jonathan helped me complete the chicken coop. We got our baby chicks through the US post office. I got a 6 AM call from the Post Office, “Your chicks are here.” 26 chicks all in a 12 x 12 X 3 inch box. Shortly after they are hatched they are dried off and off they are shipped. After the 2-3 day trip they are hungry and thirsty. I gave them each a sip of water and set out their water and food in a box with a heat lamp. The children were so excited! I heard that shortly after the children saw them, one of them drowned in the shallow water feeder. The other chicks apparently were stepping all over the poor chick. The children were determined to not let another chick die and set up 2 hour watches. We did happen to lose one more through some type of constipation problem. Recently 3 full-grown chickens somehow got out of their fenced-in coop and feathers were all about. The detectives in our family set out to find the culprit. The snow helped as the unwary intruder left small hand prints all around- a raccoon no doubt. The thought that three of our chickens were eaten up made the children sad. I did secure the door better. We have 20 hens and 1 rooster. For a while he was ‘hen-pecked’, but now he is much larger and is the boss. So far the rooster has been pretty tame. The children were afraid that if the rooster got mean that he might end up being supper. The chickens just started laying eggs and we are getting 10-12 eggs daily. We are hoping for more and possibly open a stand at the Poulsbo farmer’s market along with possible garden and crafts. We’ll see… Jonathan and I are still planning on building a tree fort- high enough to see the house, down the road, the Hood Canal and Olympics. I also want to take him backpacking in the Olympics. We have been meeting weekly going through “Future Men” and “Not Even a Hint” books preparing a young man for manhood and living a pure life. I look forward to these times and it has drawn us closer and I am learning along the way. As they say: the best way to lead is by example. Amy and Jonathan are a debate team again this year. This year’s debate topic is: “Resolved: That the United States should significantly change its policy on illegal immigration.” What a hot topic, especially with the impending presidential elections. They make a great team. Last year I was the official ‘Timer Coordinator’ for their team. Not a difficult job. I thought that if I was a timer, then I wouldn’t have to be a judge. This year I asked Jonathan to help me at church do a short skit. Jonathan really did not want to do it. He did put up some resistance and then I realized that Amy and Jonathan had frequently asked me to ‘judge’, but I had always turned it down. Now is that a double standard. I confessed. Jonathan then agreed to help me with the skit and I agreed to volunteer to be a ‘judge’. I don’t know who is more stressed: the debaters or me. It was a good lesson for me to learn. In our family, on a person’s birthday, we go around the table and say things that we are thankful about that birthday person. On my birthday Jonathan said to me something like, “Daddy, thank you for showing me how to be a godly man”. What a nice birthday present! Jonathan truly is a wonderful son. Over the past several years Jonathan has had a newsletter. It was initially called Ponderosa Times when we lived on Ponderosa in Port Orchard. The name switched to Ten Acres Times when we moved to Poulsbo. It went from printed to being ‘on-line’. It has very interesting articles about our family and happenings from a young man’s perspective. I highly recommend visiting his website athttp://www.tenacretimes.wordpress.com. To access his articles contact Jonathan using the ‘contact form’ and receive a password.
Amy (16 & 1/2) is our first-born. Both Lori and I are second-born. There is a unique quality that I don’t see in the other children; a drive and interest to explore beyond one’s comfort zone into the unknown (in a good way) and to strive to reach one’s full potential. As a result, she tends to excel in what she does and at times we need to set limits. Her heart is close to God- wanting to honor God with her life. She meets with Lori once a week and with me once a week. These sure are special times. She is no longer a girl but now a young lady. She and I have listened to a tape from a Father: Daughter conference- which emphasized the important role I play in my daughter’s life and future. Amy wants to help me to fulfill my goals and visions for our family. I need to have a clear vision for our family. We are currently going through a DVD series called The Blazing Center, by John Piper (one of Amy’s favorite authors- and Amy reads a lot) This series focuses on the ‘supremacy of God in all things’. We have some deep conversations about topics such as life, what is God like and why are we here. Next we are going to go through a series on what goes on with the years between school and marriage. Amy has about 2 & 1/2 years left of formal high school. Then what? Many paths. Many pitfalls and traps. I am looking forward to many lively discussions and being there guiding her through these exciting and challenging years. Amy has such a wonderful heart- wanting to honor her parents and most of all honor her God. Amy and Jonathan are taking a ‘speech’ class this year. Amy wants to enter a speech competition on ‘Apologetics’, which is being ready to share and defend what one believes. I believer her strength in debate is her cross examination, where she can point out weaknesses in their opponent’s case. Her size may make her look like an easy push over but she has a punch that can take your wind out. She says that she has to do it nicely or else she may lose speaker points- so a little warning – get ready for a polite slug. About five years ago Amy and her friend, Jenna Cooksey began a newsletter called Joyful G or Joyful Girl ‘designed to encourage, challenge and strengthen girls in their Christian walk.” Jenna has since moved and Amy has continued this newsletter. Instead of quarterly it does come out sporadically. As with most things that Amy does, it is top quality. Visit her website athttp://www.joyfulg.wordpress.com for information, registering for her newsletter and inquiries.
Lori (44 1/2) and I celebrated our 19th anniversary this year. We ended up going to a restaurant just down the road called Molly Ward. The food was delicious and time with my bride was special. It was so nice to get away together. We need to do this more often. You would think that after 19 years we would have this communication thing down. Well to be honest- I think that I need the most work in this area, especially really listening, not taking an offense at any criticism and remembering to be a keeper of my promises. One book that we are currently going together is called, “Love and Respect-The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs”, by Emerson Eggerichs. Husbands want respect in their workplace but even more so from their wife. Wives desires love from her husband- look at an Valentine’s card and it will be covered with all different way to express love, but never mention the work respect. Why- because those are some of the deepest needs. Why is this so universal? It is because God made us so. God even commands husbands to ‘love’ their wives and wives to ‘respect’ their husbands. If we follow God’s commands we will be filling that deep need. This book explains that many couple get on ‘crazy’ cycles spinning further apart and encourages couples to get on ‘energizing’ cycles drawing closer together. We are trying to stay on the energizing cycles more and unfortunately still have a long way to go. We made a promise when we got married and are committed to not only just staying together but have a truly wonderful marriage. I have a couple who have been married for 67 years. I asked them what was their secret. The husband said, “Well the first 50 years were the hardest.” The greatest gift you can give your children is a strong close marriage. I don’t like asking for directions when I am driving but for our marriage I seek good solid counsel based on Biblical principles. God invented marriages and He showed us the model of a husband’s love for his wife reflected in Jesus laying down His life for His church (His followers). I have a long ways to go, but at least I am the right path.
Rich (48) Nine children and a wonderful wife. Early is our marriage I thought having 5 children like I grew up with would be nice. Lori had only one sister. Are we in over our heads? Yes. Are we in over God’s head? No. God has been richly blessing us as we raise them according to the principles in the Bible rather than based on human philosophy and psychology, which is aimed at the outward behavior and have no effect on changing the heart, which is inherently evil. Just think about it: you never have to train a two-year-old to disobey, rebel, lie, complain, take. Those all come naturally- it is just part of our sinful human nature. Ultimately the only lasting victory over this sinful nature comes when we submit our lives to Jesus who has conquered sin and death. It does not stop there; that is just the beginning of the wonderful life of following Jesus. One of my main responsibility is teaching each child who God is (theology), teaching the truths in the Bible, recognizing sin and resisting or fleeing it, preparing them to be godly men and women. As 3 John 1:4 says, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children are walking in the truth.”
Teddy’s parents unfortunately waited in vain for Teddy to come home. How sad that must have been especially not knowing their own son’s whereabouts. Wise men waited and then when they saw a sign from God that a Savior had been born, they brought gifts to honor Him. Jesus came as the Lamb of God to be sacrificed as payment for our sins. Don’t be like Teddy’s friend and carry around the guilt. Jesus is the only permanent solution to our sin problem. In 1984 I decided to follow Jesus. In John 14: 6 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Sure I still have struggles and sins to confess but I know heaven awaits me- being with God who loved me enough to sacrifice His own Son for me. Out of gratitude in my heart I want to bring glory and honor to God through my life. My hope is that you also may get right with God. Let me know if I may help you in this area or if you have any prayer requests that I can pray for you.
Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
Rich (for Lori, Amy, Jonathan, Stefanie, Bethany, Kristi, Aaron, Noelle, Lily and Jairus)
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