Here’s some of my favorite things from the past month. Enjoy!

Reads

These are my favorite books from August. I put links in case you want to buy them; however, in full disclosure, I borrowed them from the library because #SupportPublicLibraries.

My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney

I’m a sucker for anything that’s going to have a movie or TV show tied to it. I haven’t read a mystery in awhile, but this one had me quickly turning pages (and staying up way past my bedtime).

Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About by Isabel Klee

I didn’t know the author before I read her book, so I felt a tad lost at times... but I know her now and appreciated her memoir. This is a great read for anyone with a passion for dogs — especially rescues.

SHAMELESS PLUG

365 Days of Strength for Difficult Times by Danielle Ripley-Burgess

I am so pumped to launch this book into the world in six weeks! This daily devotional was written for anyone going through a hard time. My hope is that it makes a great gift for someone you love, or that if you find yourself not wanting to get out of bed or face life, you’ll get some encouragement and a little boost for your day. Pre-order now so it gets to you ASAP. Releasing October 6!

Shows

I’m the reader. My husband Mikey B is the watcher. He makes sure I don’t miss the good stuff. Here’s shows we recommend.

Ted Lasso (Apple TV)

We’re from Kansas City. Of course we’re watching Ted Lasso. And of course we appreciated all of our city’s highlights in the first episode. Looking forward to following the female team this season.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

You can count on us to see the new Marvel movies. This one didn’t disappoint. It’s especially exciting to see how they’re tying in the X-Man characters.

Recipe

Peach Crisp

It’s peach season, and I’m here for it. I tend to prefer crisp over cobbler. This one — with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top — does not disappoint.

Get the Recipe

Phone Pics

A few favorite pics: Summer night at the Royals game, art classes with our neighbor, Back to School pic, and holding my new book for the first time!

Your Turn

Anything you’d recommend for August, or any of these faves match your own? Let’s hear it!

And lookie here – today’s the day!

Here’s some of my favorite things from the past month. Enjoy!

Reads

These are my 3 favorite books from July. I put links in case you want to buy them; however, in full disclosure, I borrowed them from the library because #SupportPublicLibraries.

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

This book has so much hype and attention, but for good reason. It’s charming, well-written, and it makes you slow down and remember what matters in life. It’s the only 5-star for me in July. I can’t stop sharing clips from Oprah’s interview with the author.

Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice by Virginia Roberts Giuffre

This was a hard read, but it’s an important read. This survivor of Jeffery Epstein’s crimes was courageous to share her story, and I hope people read it and take fighting for justice seriously.

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

I had mixed feelings about this book, but I’ve continued thinking about the ending for days. This one is appearing on several Summer Reads lists, and it’s probably worth adding to your TBR.

Shows

I’m the reader. My husband Mikey B is the watcher. He makes sure I don’t miss the good stuff. Here’s shows we recommend.

Man on the Inside (Netflix)

Mikey B insisted we watch this together; he said I’d love it. He’s right. We binged season 1 in a few days and we’re ready for season 2 this week.

Toy Story 5

Our family watched all the prior Toy Story movies in June so we could take Joe to his first movie in the theatre. We loved it—I especially appreciated the added diversity and female characters.

Recipe

Easy Bruschetta

Thanks to “volunteer plants,” I have 6 cherry tomato bushes in my garden that have yielded around 10 pounds of tomatoes so far. My friend shared basil from her garden, so bruschetta was a no-brainer. Here’s a quick, easy, and yummy recipe. (It’s OK if you only have red tomatoes).

Get the Recipe

Phone Pics

A few favorite pics from a Wild Animal Safari Park in southern Missouri, my backyard garden, our 5 year old’s birthday party, and Vacation Bible Camp at church.

Your Turn

Anything you’d recommend for August, or any of these faves match your own? Let’s hear it!

Some seasons of life afford me ample time to reflect, write, edit, and post. Other seasons of life, like the one I’m currently in, do not.

I’m finding it challenging to balance family commitments and work commitments. Life is full and demanding most days. Add in the cultural pressure to get in 10,000 steps, eat protein, and clean the hidden filter in the dishwasher (who knew!?) … yeah, keeping up with a set writing schedule is tough.

My dilemma is that writing in general – and especially faith-based stuff – takes alone time, quietness, stillness … all the things that feel like a luxury to this 40-something working mom. Thus my Monday devotionals and other articles have slowed down, and my writing has come to a very slow pace.

(Good news: My next book is releasing in October, so get ready for a daily devotional — you can hold in your hands! — from me soon!)

Embracing the Now

This isn’t a doom-and-gloom update, however, because today I write from a place of hope. A place of growth. Here’s what I’m learning:

Accept what is instead of striving for what ought to be. That is faithfulness.

Real terms: Be OK that I am not writing as often because I’m being faithful to other things I’m called to, like working a full-time job, freelance editing, finding health insurance, helping my teen navigate teenage things, and raising an adorable yet curious 5 year old who struggles to play by himself.

Much of what fills my days are answered prayers from years ago. Others are challenges inviting me to persevere. This season of life is not marked by quietness and stillness nor dedication to a scheduled writing calendar. But as I get older, I’m keenly aware this too will one day change.

So if you’ve been around awhile, thanks for sticking with me. And if you’re new here, thanks for reading. Please know that if I go quiet, I’m still here. I’ll pop back in eventually – just as soon as I can.

In four months, my new book will officially launch into the world! I thought I’d give my Substack subscribers a first look at the cover. My publishing team at Broadstreet did a bang-up job, don’t you think!?

You can find info about the book and pre-order links below!

Pre-Order on Amazon

About The Book

365 Days of Strength for Difficult Times: A Daily Devotional

Find strength in your struggle.

Life’s hard, and no one’s immune. When trials seem endless and God feels distant, you don’t need greeting-card assurances or quick fixes. You need daily reminders that the Lord’s promises and faithfulness extend to you too.

Cancer survivor Danielle Ripley-Burgess has experienced God’s strength during her hardest days and deepest doubts. In 365 Days of Strength for Difficult Times, she shares raw personal stories, powerful biblical insights, and calming breath prayers that will encourage you to

• Embrace hope that heals as life crumbles,

• Develop faith-sustaining habits, and

• Trust that God always comes through.

Face the dark valley with courage, knowing that the Lord will comfort and support you even when you don’t sense his presence.

Help me Launch this Book!

If you’ve ever known an author, you know launch teams are important. I’m building a launch team, but with this caveat: It’s a text-only launch team.

What does that mean?

I’m going to text you updates about the book and ways to pray, but everything I will ask you to do can be done via your phone.

Life’s busy and we’re all juggling a lot. So I’ll make it as easy as possible. If you’d like to join my text-only launch team, sign up here.

It’s going to be a fun few months as we count this down. I’m pumped to share it with you!

-Danielle

John 10:14 ESV

It’s a deeply painful experience when pastors and ministry leaders cause hurt and lead us astray. It’s never easy to realize someone has misled us in general, but when it comes from someone representing God and carrying spiritual authority, it can be earth-shattering. These painful experiences are unfortunately common, and they’ve led to an exodus from the church. It’s created public confusion and criticism about Christian morals and beliefs. Some people leave the faith altogether when church leaders fail. They’re just disgusted by the failures of those who lead us and represent God.

Strong people follow the Good Shepherd.

We are not responsible for our leaders’ bad behavior, and it’s fair to be disappointed and mad when we’re wronged. In times when we’re hurt and feel led astray, we must make sure that we’re following the Good Shepherd. In this human world, people are going to fail. That’s why we must question and test. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He’s always leading us (his sheep), and he will never lead us astray. If you’re following a Christian leader, make sure that they lead and serve like Christ.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Lead me…

Exhale: … Good Shepherd.

Judges 14:6 NIV

Samson’s the strong guy in the Bible whose story can be found in Judges. His super strength is still a marvel. He tore lions apart, charred ropes, and weaponized an animal bone. But despite his God-given super strength, he had a weakness—his hair. God had commanded that a razor wasn’t to touch it. If it did, Samson would lose all his strength. Eventually, Samson’s hair became his downfall: A woman tricked him and called for a man to shave Samson’s head (16:4–21). Mocked and torn down, he struck the walls of the temple and brought it down (vv. 23–30). His final act of strength ended up being his demise (and three thousand others died too).

Strong people have weaknesses.

Do you know your weakness? What can bring you to your knees? Samson’s was his cut hair. It was the end of him. What’s yours? Maybe it’s a person, a substance, or an unhealthy place. Even the strongest have vulnerabilities. It’s important to know what they are so we can avoid what weakens us and protect our strength.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Show me…

Exhale: … my weaknesses.

Isaiah 40:29 CSB

You’ve got this. Don’t give up. Sometimes we need to hear those three-word sentences. Because life’s hard, you know? The load gets heavy. Sometimes we pile it on ourselves. Sometimes we’re “voluntold.” And sometimes we’re burdened because circumstances far beyond our control found their way into our lives.

Strong people are equipped with God’s strength.

You may want to quit right now, doubtful that you have what it takes. But you do. God’s got you. You can do anything he calls you to. When you’re faint and weak, he comes with strength. Take his word for it:

• God equips you to do his will (Hebrews 13:20-21).

• You have divine help from God (Isaiah 41:10).

• God will give you competence (2 Corinthians 3:5–6).

What would happen if you believed that you are capable? If you decided “Yes, I can do this”? It would help you tap into strength, and you would keep going. You can’t see him with your eyes, but God’s beside you right now. Keep going; you’ve got divine help.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: I am capable…

Exhale: …with you.

Psalm 16:11 ESV

Some exciting times can also be difficult times. For example, have you ever moved? Especially if you are juggling two homes in the process, it can be a high-pressure situation. You have to handle details and events between multiple buyers and sellers, not to mention the financial parties and processing. Things must line up and be in sync, or the deals can fall through. The stress of a situation that started out fun can easily steal joy. Stress is a joy stealer, but strength is a joy giver. No matter what situation is stressing us out, we can act to preserve our joy.

Don’t let stress steal your joy.

If you find yourself in days, weeks, or months of high stress, prioritize peace. Being strong doesn’t look like bossing everyone around or taking control when it’s not ours to take. Strength looks like being assertive yet patient while remembering to pause, breathe, and pray. High-stress situations are a part of life, but they don’t have to take all our strength. Take a day off and remember what God says about you. There is joy in any situation. Don’t let the Enemy steal it.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: I will stop…

Exhale: … joy stealers.

Matthew 5:13 CSB

Life is full of problems. This is an important truth to accept. Take a garden, for example. Growing flowers and vegetables should be easy, right? It’s a fundamental part of human life. But growing a garden takes work. We have soil to condition, seeds to water and sow, weeds to remove. Even when we do everything right, things can go awry. The hot sun can scorch the plants, or pests can take over. There are no problem-free gardens, just as there are no problem-free lives. That’s why Jesus told his followers to be salt of the earth.

Be salty.

Jobs. Families. Churches. Neighborhoods. Anywhere people gather, we can expect problems. Jesus told us to be salty—to carry his attitude and approach. Salt is a preservative; it keeps things from spoiling. Salt also brings out flavor, enriches what’s good, and purifies. Salt doesn’t remove our problems, nor does it ignore them. But when we’re salty, we can point to God so people see goodness, strength, and light despite the problems.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Lord Jesus…

Exhale: … make me salty.

Matthew 7:25 CSB

One of the houses in our neighborhood should be the envy of the street. Its owners put a lot into its curb appeal, bringing in modern colors and landscaping. At firs glance, the house belongs in a magazine. But if you walk around back, you’d think twice. One glimpse of the digger next to a pile of dirt in the backyard tells a different story: The house has foundation problems. You can freshen up paint and plant flowers all day, but if the house’s structure is compromised, you have big problems.

Fix the foundation.

In foundation repair, cracks get filled, and structural walls get stabilized. A foundation’s strength can be restored. God designed our brains and bodies to work the same way. If our lives have been rocked and we feel shattered, healing is possible. God sends consistent love, nurturing, and stability through comforting people, places, and systems. Even the most broken stories can end in wholeness and healing with his help. But it’s only when we expose our cracks and let God in that we can fix what’s broken.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: I’ll reveal…

Exhale: … my brokenness.

1 Corinthians 3:9 NIV

It was a big day when I took the reins of my own health care. As a teenager, I was kept out of the “adult stuff” when it came to my cancer. But in my twenties, I became responsible for it all. I learned how to read an explanation of benefits and schedule a colonoscopy. I was told not to neglect my follow-ups. It was slightly overwhelming.

But one day, a survivorship clinic opened near me, and it became a game changer. A new doctor and nurse navigator took on my case. I gladly let them quarterback my care.

Get a team.

At the survivorship clinic, I found a team. Several people worked with me to keep me healthy and alive. We also need teams like this to build up our faith. In difficult times, we may lose our teams or shift to new places. We can feel like we’re navigating heavy things alone. But when we surround ourselves with people who share our goals, they strengthen us and keep us going.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Build a team…

Exhale: … around me.

Proverbs 19:21 NIV

My son was insistent: He did not need a recipe for his cake. He’d spent enough time in the kitchen, and he knew what he was doing. I knew better than to argue with a four year old.

Experience had taught me the importance of precise measurements (especially in baking), but my son had no patience for that. Not wanting to crush his enthusiasm, I let him do his thing. He wanted a banana cake, so he reached for milk, flour, sugar, and banana. I did convince him to add some baking powder and baking soda, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Once he determined his batter was ready, I helped him pour it into a pan and slide it into the oven. I held my breath and hoped for the best.

When his cake was finished and cooled, we cut a few slices. I was thoroughly surprised—in fact I was shocked. Not only had it risen to a light and fluffy texture, but it tasted pretty good. Even better than the cake turning out was the smile on his face. He was so proud of himself. I was proud of him, too, and I soaked in my life lesson.

Let go of control.

I wanted to step in and control the process so badly. I had experience and ideas! But my role wasn’t to lead the activity that morning, it was to empower my son in his creativity.

Sometimes our hands can clutch around an idea or a plan so tightly, we rob ourselves and others from blessings. But as we grow wiser and learn to trust in the Lord, we can ease up and let go. God’s ultimately in control of our days. His purposes always prevail. It’s not easy to open our hands and let go of controlling a situation, but when we do, our faith will survive and we will grow stronger.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Help me let go…

Exhale: … of control.

John 1:5 NIV

Where do you live? I live in an area where we experience all four seasons. Spring brings vibrant flowers; summer brings hot days. Fall brings pretty leaves, and winter brings cold winds. We all have our favorite seasons, but few of us choose winter. Although hot cocoa and snowy days can be fun, it’s hard when there’s a lack of light. Some people invest in special lights or winter beach vacations to get through the darker seasons. As the spring emerges and the sun comes out, longer periods of light bring healing.

Get in the light.

We need light literally and spiritually. Permanent darkness is not good. On the first day of earth, God made the sun. Jesus taught us he is the light of the world (John 8:12). When we’re facing difficult times, we need to find the light. It’s essential to our strength. God isn’t found in the darkness; he’s found in the light.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Light up…

Exhale: … my darkness.

Psalm 92:14 NIV

I wasn’t even thirty years old when I got my first gray hair. I immediately felt both joy and embarrassment. Joy because when I was a sick teenager, I wasn’t certain I’d live to “go gray.” But I was also embarrassed. I believed what culture said about aging. I thought I needed to cover up, pluck, fix, and hide any wrinkle, age spot, or gray hair. Fortunately, God gave me perspective and showed me how to appreciate aging.

See value in aging.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with white teeth, smooth skin, and hair dye. But we can’t let our antiaging attempts replace God’s definition of beauty. It’s not wrong to desire youth and vibrancy, but our desire must not overshadow the gift and wisdom of long life. It’s a blessing to get older, become wiser, and age. And it’s okay if the signs start showing.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Help me view aging…

Exhale: … as a gift.

My wedding day was near perfection, meeting my daughter was indescribable, being declared cancer free was amazing, and launching my first book would all be in the running for that “best day” title.

However, to walk into a courtroom with a foster son and walk out with a legal, permanent, he-shares-your-last-name son… it easily rises to the top as a best day memory. It’s definitely in the Top 5.

Starting to Share

I’ve not written a lot about our experience of adopting our son, which is weird for me since I was intentional and quick to write down my daughter Mae’s adoption story and share it in my memoir Blush.

But our son’s adoption went through foster care and made it radically different from his sister’s. It came with layers of heaviness and uncertainty that we’d swim and not sink.

But two years ago today, we exited “the system,” and I’m just now finding the words for it and the confidence to make some details more public.

I first shared pieces of this story on the Foster Light podcast, but today I wanted to write some of it out.

The Entry

Most people who provide foster care sign up for it, and that’s an ideal way to go. There are classes that prepare you to enter a traumatic situation and courses that explain the timelines and the acronyms.

When you provide “kinship care” however, your entry into the system doesn’t work this way. You’re literally thrown into it because there’s a relational connection between you and a child that needs help, and the county wants to keep the child with family.

Thank God this exists, because that’s how and why we got our son.

Camp Uno

If you knew us prior to 2021, you’d know that my husband and I were proudly in what we called “Camp Uno.” Mae’s adoption felt heaven-sent, and we had no desire nor plans for more kids. Mae was 11, so the subtle hints that “you should adopt another one” had ceased.

But then came a text.

It always seems to start with a text for us.

It was Mae’s birth mom sharing that she was pregnant. It wasn’t even a discussion between Mike and me because we had agreed we’d keep biological siblings together. Of course we’d adopt the baby that was due six months, I told her. She indicated in follow-up texts that it would be ideal.

The Curveball

Because we had an open adoption, we had built a relationship with Mae’s birth mom and her family. We understood the dynamics and circumstances at play as well as the mental health challenges.

So, we were fairly certain and confident in how things would go. Mae’s adoption had been speedy, so getting involved during pregnancy didn’t seem like a big risk.

I began making regular visits to the mom’s apartment with groceries or hot take-out in hand. I accompanied and drove her to several prenatal appointments and sat in the chair often reserved for spouses or partners.

Case workers were already involved, so they knew who I was and they were very supportive. Medical professionals in the room also gave me “the nod” when they understood my role, grateful to see me there.

I was happy and felt privileged to love on both the birth mom, and through her, the baby, who we’d found out was a boy. I gladly drove her to the appointment where we listened to his heartbeat, and I said “yes” when she told me to touch her belly and feel him kick.

I’d not had these experiences with Mae, so I soaked up every moment.

Mike and I hired a social worker who wrote up a home study and an adoption plan. Our birth mom was a willing participant. And although, to her credit, she did say “if” throughout her pregnancy when it came to a post-birth adoption, I never expected what happened less than a month before her due date:

Another text: “I’m going to do this on my own. Never talk to me again.”

Powerless

It’s a strange thing to mourn someone you never met (who hasn’t even been born yet) and a circumstance you were never guaranteed, yet one you were 100% invested in and sure would happen.

But that’s how it felt when all the texts, doctor’s appointments, rides, and visits with the birth mom suddenly ceased eight months into her pregnancy.

Deep grief.

Our hopes were dashed, our love for the baby had nowhere to go. We weren’t sure what to tell Mae or how to explain. We were gravely concerned because we knew the situation needed lots of support. But at that moment, we were powerless. There was absolutely nothing we could do.

Three weeks later, my phone “dinged” with a text from a case worker. She’d sent a picture of an 8-pound newborn with light red hair. My eyes swelled with tears. I was thankful he’d arrived safe and sound. Something in my heart said, “Don’t let go.”

But then I was deeply grieved again because for the second time in a row, my experience as a mom was bittersweet.

I first saw my kids not with my own eyes nor by taking them into my arms - but through pictures on a cell phone.

Seeing the baby boy’s picture made it real, and the ache in my heart intensified. Reports from case workers kept coming, and we were right to be concerned. All I could do was be available should things change and pray. Fortunately, we had a large support network aware of the situation who prayed with and for us and the baby.

They were literally on their knees interceding.

The Placement

A week after he was born, I told my heart to start letting him go. The state was providing support, oversight, and check-ups, and it seemed like the birth mom was ready and planning to parent.

But then, a 10 p.m. text followed by a call came nine days after he was born. It was a case worker: “Get here as fast as you can.” I didn’t know the whirlwind I was stepping into, and looking back, that’s probably a good thing.

I pulled into an apartment complex parking lot and entered a scene with flashing red and blue lights contrasting the dark sky. A police officer put a swaddled baby boy into my arms, relieved he didn’t need to be taken back to the station.

I was confused about what was happening and unaware of the next steps. People told me “Congratulations,” but I wasn’t sure why or what for. I was thankful I’d happened to borrow a car seat from my friends a few weeks back… just in case.

Women with the children’s division stood outside with me and began to explain what came next, as if I had context for what was happening. I didn’t. Their words went in one ear and out the other, as I was distracted.

The baby boy in my arms was the one I’d been mourning, praying for, and longing for. It was an unusual first meeting.

I was finally given the okay to head home around midnight. Mike and Mae were waiting. He was technically the biological half-brother to our daughter, but that night, he became the newest member of our family.

The Wilderness

If you’ve spent any time in or around Judaeo-Christian culture, you know we talk about “the wilderness” a lot, alluding to the 40 years the Israelites spent in the desert before they entered the promised land. We like to equate our hard times that last for long stretches to the Israelites’ experience.

I thought I’d faced “wilderness” moments in my life before we entered the foster care system, but now I know that nothing compares. We were raising and attaching to a child that wasn’t legally ours while our future hung in suspension because uninvolved professionals were deciding the child’s fate six months at a time.

For nearly three years, we were on pins and needles every day of our lives.

Our circumstances were called a “case” where many people got involved. We watched 25-year-old strangers pick up our baby and take him to locations where we couldn’t follow. We had a revolving door of professionals coming in and out of our house every week. We did as we were told with no guarantee things would end up how we hoped. In fact, we were often told one thing like, “this is an open-book case,” and then told another, “prepare yourself; this is going to trial.”

We were hotlined out of spite and accused of having meth in our home, and I faced month after month of online harassment. I learned how to block accounts, when to call the cops, and how to hire a lawyer. My nervous system is still healing from all of that.

I don’t share this for pity nor out of spite, but to give a real glimpse into how hard foster care can be. It’s some really tough, and at times, dark stuff. This is why we often say to be kind to and support foster families.

But I also don’t think it’s unique to foster care. When obedience to faith leads to hard situations, it’s wise to prepare for suffering.

The End

Everyone involved in the situation suffered and struggled, from the birth mom to the case workers to our little family. We’re all still recovering in our own ways.

Yet on this side of our case, two years later, I’m reminded that wilderness seasons do end. In some way, somehow, trials cease and the promised land comes.

This is the message of the Christian faith and why I hold so fast to it.

For us, things went from slow to sudden, and we got an adoption lawyer, a court date, and a smiling judge who said with her eyes (because she couldn’t say it with her words) she was thrilled to see our little boy finally, permanently set in our family.

Legally, officially, we got our boy Joe. He lights up our life.

Mike and I walked into the courtroom as foster parents and walked out as Joe and Mae’s forever parents. So yeah, two years ago today–it may just be the best day of my life.

Psalm 21:1 NIV

From the Oscars stage to the field of the Super Bowl, it’s common to see celebrities and athletes giving credit to God. It’s a heartwarming gesture for Christians all over the world when we see those at the top of the ladder, trophy in hand, point attention toward the sky. As a kid, it made an impression on me. It showed that even the strongest should be humble. It also showed that no matter who you are, God is greater.

Give God the glory.

David knew that glory and praise belonged to God, and he never forgot who had anointed him as king. He wasn’t always famous. Remember the dusty shepherd boy? Remember the warrior who fled for his life? He did. David remembered his early days and knew God was behind his fame.

We would be wise to follow his lead and join the celebs pointing to Christ. When God does an amazing work in our lives and brings a major blessing, be quick to point to the source and give God all the credit.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: You’re behind…

Exhale: … my success.

1 Peter 1:7 NIV

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Psalm 9:9 NIV

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Song of Songs 2:11–12

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John 20:27-29

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