Cling Creeper Cling

Yesterday morning, despite being buffeted by a stiff northeasterly wind, this Virginia Creeper leaf clung valiantly to the spruce needles.

*

Over the summer, a Virginia Creeper vine had worked its way up the trunk of one of our spruce trees, providing glowing red highlights in the treetop this autumn.
Here's what I find interesting.......see the leaves that have turned red........but, also notice that green leaves continue to develop further up the vine, as if it keeps sprouting new leaves right up until freezing weather arrives. I suppose that's what vines always do; even the pumpkin vines are still growing. There were more smaller green leaves sprouted on the vine above the ones in this photo.
The branches and leaves were waving back and forth and up and down in the wind, causing many of the pictures to turn out very blurry. I was somewhat dizzy and almost nauseous by the time I was finished watching these bright leaves bouncing in the camera window! Here's one that was remarkably sharp and clear......in my estimation, anyway.
*

*

Though the angry surges roll

On my tempest-driven soul

I am peaceful, for I know

Wildly though the winds may blow

I've an anchor safe and sure

That can evermore endure

*

Mighty tides about me sweep

Perils lurk within the deep

Angry clouds o'ershade the sky

And the tempest rises high

Still I stand the tempest's shock

For my anchor grips the Rock

*

I can feel the anchor fast

As I meet each sudden blast

And the cable, though unseen

Bears the heavy strain between

Through the storm I safely ride

Till the turning of the tide

*

Troubles almost 'whelm the soul

Griefs like billows o'er me roll

Tempters seek to lure astray

Storms obscure the light of day

But in Christ I can be bold

I've an anchor that shall hold

*

Chorus:

And it holds, my anchor holds

Blow your wildest then, O gale

On my bark so small and frail

By His grace I shall not fail

For my anchor holds, my anchor holds

*

Anyone remember this old hymn? We used to sing it at the church I grew up in; it was a favorite at Sunday evening "Request Night" singalongs. I always enjoyed the bass rhythm of the chorus: "For it holds, it holds, my anchor holds".

*

Listen to the tune of "My Anchor Holds" at Cyberhymnal.

*

Have a great day! May your anchor hold! Keep clinging on, everyone!

*