Carson Village, Birmingham, Alabama
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ~ John 1:14
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. We’re so blessed to be able to pull up our church’s website and watch and listen to the Pastor’s message each week! The last couple of weeks another member of the staff has been teaching us on how to handle the pandemic from a spiritual perspective – reminders about continuing to do good in small ways, and not being anxious, and using this time to draw nearer to God. The lessons have been good, but we miss Pastor Mike. 😊
Well, today, he was back! Unfortunately, it was because Pastor Jeff learned – – last night! – – that he’d been exposed to Covid, so he couldn’t be in the church. So Pastor Mike had to get a message together in time for today’s first service at 8am. Yikes! We weren’t worried though. He stepped up and finished Jeff’s series with no problem. It’s too bad Jeff didn’t get to finish up though.
We were kinda surprised to learn later today that it was the first Sunday of Advent, because the church didn’t acknowledge it. The sanctuary was decorated, but other than that, there was no evidence of Christmas today. Hmmm . . . .
Since our church hasn’t posted anything in the way of Advent devotionals, and we can’t find the book we thought we had, I went in search of something on-line. I found the following, which seems to be good, in the event you’re looking for something too:
https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/devotions-christmas-advent-week-one-faith
We spent all of about 15 minutes decorating the coach for Christmas today. That’s the advantage to living in a 40’ motorhome. 😊
We also have a red bow on the front of the coach and a flag out front that says “Wise men still seek Him”.
Once we were done with that, we drove over to David’s, picked him up and went to an early dinner at Jim N’ Nicks – a famous BBQ joint we visited last year. They have the BEST cheesy muffins (which they call biscuits)! And I have a clone recipe that tastes just like them!
David also bought us dessert – banana pudding. Neither of us are banana pudding fans, but I have to say, this was pretty awesome! Oh. And the BBQ was excellent as well!
Again, no pictures. You’ll have to look on their website. Sorry!
Here’s the recipe for the muffins (and honey butter, cuz ya gotta have that!) in case you missed it last year.
JIM N’ NICKS MUFFINS
1 ½ C. flour
2/3 C. sugar
¾ t. baking powder
½ t. baking soda
¼ t. salt
¾ C. buttermilk
1 egg, lightly beaten
¼ t. vanilla extract
4 T. butter, melted
1 ¼ C. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a mini-muffin tin with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Whisk buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Add to flour mixture along with melted butter. Stir just until combined. Fold in cheese.
Fill muffin tins with batter. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until firm on top.
Let cool 10 minutes and remove from muffin tins.
Serve warm.
Makes about 30 muffins.
HONEY BUTTER
1 pound butter
1/4 cups honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blend with a mixer.
If desired, roll into a log with parchment or wax paper, chill for 2 hours, slice and serve.
OR
¾ C. butter, room temperature
¼ C. honey
Blend with a mixer