December 6, 2025

Luke 1:11-17

¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. ¹⁴ And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. ¹⁵ For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. ¹⁶ And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Thank you Sam for hosting!

 

Saturday 9: Ja-Da (1918)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) The lyrics tell us the melody is soothing. What calms you when you're upset or anxious?

Several things . . . sitting outside in my swing when weather permits, I love sitting there and sharing whatever is own my mind with the Good Lord.  When I can't go out, I have several areas in my home where I can peacefully sit and regroup.  God is with me there also.  Where ever I'm at my relationship with God is what brings me peace.

Here's a little poem I wrote some years ago:

Visit Him

If you don't know Jesus,

Go visit Him a while.

Once you get to know Him,

You'll want to be His child.

He'll tell you about His mercy,

He'll save you by His grace,

He'll tell you that He's busy,

Preparing you a place.

You'll want to stay with Him,

On earth and on above.

Just ask Him for forgiveness,

And accept His needed love.

He'll take your visit with Him,

Turn it into a lifelong stay,

He'll always be with you,

Forever and a day.

Mary Killough Hutchins

1999

2) There was a lot going on in 1918 – like WWI and the Spanish flu pandemic – that left people upset and anxious. In those days, radio wasn't yet a staple in American homes so people received their news through newspapers. Today with podcasts and 24 hour cable news and social media and other news outlets available, do you ever feel like taking a break from current events?

I certainly do!  I try to keep up with what's happening in our country as well as the world, hard as that is these days.  But I don't constantly watch it all. Nope, you'll find me enjoying happy things as much as possible.  Too much negative isn't a good thing,  my faith tells me I'm going to make it through what ever comes my way, either this side of heaven or in heaven.

3) In addition to newspapers, magazines were a big deal in 1918. Women turned to publications like Ladies Home Journal and McCall's for trends and tips about fashion and housekeeping. Do you have any printed magazines in your home now?

No, I don't buy magazines anymore because they are so expensive. Before computers I bought them regularly. 

4) Today schoolchildren often learn "Ja-Da" because it's easy to sing and play. Was music part of your grade school curriculum?

It was, I sang in the Jr. High and High School choirs many years ago. Truthfully, I don't have a good singing voice, but I do love to sing. Mr D. who has a great ear for music says I sing flat, :-( so I flatfully sing to myself. lol 

5) Composer Bob Carleton published more than 500 songs in his career. He had no songwriting partner, handling the words and lyrics himself. What's your favorite song? Was it written by a single composer or a songwriting team?

Too many great composers and songs to name just one. Mr D and I enjoy music and listen to all genres. (except opera)

6) Bob got his start in his hometown of St. Louis, playing piano in his parents' saloon. When you think of St. Louis, what comes to mind?

The movie, "Meet Me in St. Louis" and my nephew who visited there often.

7) In 1918, Americans were buying more cars and Studebakers were a familiar sight on the streets and highways. Today that name is mostly forgotten. Can you think of a brand that used to popular but has disappeared?

Nash Ramblers.  Mr D had an old Studebaker that he had 'fixed up' when we first met.  That was one ugly car, just my opinion. I hope he doesn't see this, it might hurt his feelings.  lol

Nash Rambler

8) During WWI, Americans were familiar with "Meatless Days." Back then we were encouraged to cut back on the consumption of meat as a patriotic gesture to help the American and Allied troops. Today "Meatless Monday" highlights health and the environment. Think about your diet. Do you try to eat more grains, fruits and vegetables?

I can't say that we do, we try to keep a balanced diet to keep us as healthy as possible.

9) Random question: Where did you get the shirt you are wearing right now?

It just so happens I'm wearing a new top, it's sage green with some appliqued flowers around the neck.  I bought it a little big so it's loose and comfortable.  I'm wearing it with yoga slacks, also loose and comfy, great for a staying at home kind of day.

If you would like to link up to Saturday Nine HERE.

Just got off the phone with our son, Rusty.  He watched a video that he says “I’ve got to watch!”  So I’m off to do just that.

Blessings to All

Until Next Time