(I’ve been asked where the title of this website originated so I thought I’d share the post that inspired it - originally posted on Facebook on 11.21.23.)

Today, I thank God for November roses. The summer heat has been brutal, and my rose bushes have suffered. Plentiful  blooms burst open in the spring and early summer, but they surrendered in defeat as the high temps just kept getting higher. Finally, in mid-August, they were done.

I was sad for the shortest blooming season I’ve ever had with my roses. But a few weeks ago, the craziest thing happened - my rose bushes went wild with new blossoms! They were more fragrant and vibrant in color than anything I’d seen in the spring!

Those November roses are a reminder to me that when the heat of disappointment interrupts your beautiful life, there is still Hope. His name is Jesus. The Bible is full of stories of men and women who thought it was all over, but Jesus stepped into their heartache and restored flourishing and life.

Your November roses may be waiting for you just around the corner. Or they may be in the hands of Jesus as He waits to present your bouquet to you at the gates of heaven. Either way, know that He wants to encourage your heart with a hope that doesn’t disappoint, and He hears you when you pray.

Ask Him to help you persevere as you wait for your November roses, and in the meantime, fill your time reading stories of His faithfulness to those who’ve gone before you. “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)