Abide.

Camellias in bloom - photos by Griff

The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus.
-Hudson Taylor

Leaves are turning loose, waving good-bye to summer, and carpeting the earth with tones of brown. While cooler temperatures approach and the russet shades seem to overtake the landscape, the camellia shrubs surprisingly announce their beauty with blooms in shades of red, pink, and white.

Like the camellia shrub, I wait, staying close to the Vine ...

withstanding,

continuing to be sure,

enduring,

sustaining,

submitting,

bearing patiently,

tolerating,

dwelling,

remaining,

clinging

Trusting that in His perfect timing I will flourish.

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32