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Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #23

Today marks both an end and a beginning: The end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010, a new year and season in our lives. Now is the time to look ahead toward the future and endeavor to be even more effective for the Kingdom in the year to come. You know, I acquired a lot of new knowledge in 2009. Some came from good old fashioned research and study, but honestly, the bulk of what contributed to my growth and learning, came from the school of life. Whether pleasant or painful, I'm thankful for all God has allowed me to experience, which has ultimately made me better. Today, while you prepare to celebrate the incoming of 2010 at the stroke of midnight, please do not forget Thoughtful Thursdays. While I only have one prayer request I am at liberty... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #23

Today marks both an end and a beginning: The end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010, a new year and season in our lives. Now is the time to look ahead toward the future and endeavor to be even more effective for the Kingdom in the year to come. You know, I acquired a lot of new knowledge in 2009. Some came from good old fashioned research and study, but honestly, the bulk of what contributed to my growth and learning, came from the school of life. Whether pleasant or painful, I'm thankful for all God has allowed me to experience, which has ultimately made me better. Today, while you prepare to celebrate the incoming of 2010 at the stroke of midnight, please do not forget Thoughtful Thursdays. While I only have one prayer request I am at liberty... Read more →

Own Your Gift

Years ago, when I took my first paid editing project, I was scared out of my mind. Somehow, the idea of money being attached to the thing that pretty much came naturally for me, made me suddenly fearful that I didn't know enough about writing to make a good Editor. Of course, looking retrospectively, I know that fear was totally unfounded. Yet, it was very real for me back then. Oddly, I got no comfort from the fact that I had graduated college with a Degree in English (Though whether or not you have a Degree doesn't matter when you're called); I still figured there had to be some "secret rules" I wasn't privy to when it came to writing. Consequently, I kept imagining that I would do a horrible job and that my client would be angry and demand... Read more →

Own Your Gift

There are unique gifts God has planted inside of you, so that He might receive glory from your life. If you fail to own those gifts, however, you'll limit your impact in the world for the Kingdom. Read more at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

Don't Burn Out!

I was talking to a discouraged family friend yesterday. She's a very warm, typically joyful woman, who loves God with all her heart and truly strives to live a focused, mission-driven life. Well, when I spoke to her during a routine conversation, she began opening up to me about what had her feeling depressed and down in the dumps lately. Graciously, she gave me permission to use her dilemma for today's blog post. Well, for more than two and a half years, this friend has been diligently pouring her heart and soul into a business venture. She's a one-woman-operation, so the onus is on her to make the business grow without any outside help. It's certainly not easy doing everything alone. While passionate about what she's called to do, lately, she's been feeling burnt out, particularly because the company's growth... Read more →

Don't Burn Out!

If you've been feeling discouraged lately, because you don't see the kind of growth and productivity you wish to see in those areas you feel divinely called to function in, today's blog post was written just for you! Check it out at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Move Forward

Happy Monday Daily Cup Readers! I hope you had a wonderfully blessed and enjoyable Christmas. Now, we're looking ahead toward 2010. It's so amazing to see how rapidly time moves forward. We've got to be prepared to move forward too. There's something that happened over the week-end that serves as the inspiration for this post. You might be able to guess that my 3 year old, Kaleb, was at the center of this whole thing. Well, Kaleb has this little "Jingle Bell Dog" that wears a Santa Claus hat, has bells on its ears and tail, and sings Jingle Bells... all year round. He loves that dog so much, which he named Chip by the way; his late Grandma Rosie gave it to him last Christmas before she recently passed away. He drags Chip through the house all the time,... Read more →

Move Forward

When it comes to moving forward, if we're not careful, we can miss God, as well as our season of increase. This is why we have to be careful to obey God's leading and embrace the new things He wants to do in our lives. More on www.diannahobbs.com... Read more →

Giving IS a Gift!

"So... what did you get?" That's the one thing most people always ask me on or shortly after Christmas. Those same people usually look quite surprised when my response is, "Nothing." You see, years ago, my husband and I didn't have much extra money to spare. So, we wouldn't exchange gifts on Christmas. We'd simply focus on our two young children (Now it's four) and make sure they were happy. Seeing the smiles on their faces became much more important than satisfying any desires of our own. Then, with the progression of time, not exchanging gifts between the two of us, grew into our own small tradition... done by choice, not out of necessity. We know that giving IS a gift in and of itself and the reward for sowing into someone else is exponentially greater than focusing on ourselves.... Read more →

Giving IS a Gift!

Merry Christmas to you! It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. Giving, in and of itself, is both a blessing and a gift... More on www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #22

As we celebrate Christmas during this joyous season, we have to remember that everyone isn't joy-filled. Some folks are crying, broken and hurting. They're in need of our prayers. Last night, I came across such a person, while I sat reading some "prayer mail". Her email, in particular, jumped out at me. It was from a woman named Carletta Givens, who requested that I freely share her dilemma "in as much detail as possible" in the hopes that her struggle may help someone else. Well, Carletta is suffering from mixed and conflicting emotions, because her relationship abruptly ended when her mate left her. Now, she's sad, angry and withdrawn. She has pulled away from God, although deep inside, Carletta longs to be close to the Lord. Somehow, the deep hurt she feels keeps her from drawing nigh to God, which... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #22

As we celebrate Christ during this joyous season, let us remember that there are many people going though hard times in their lives. They're broken, hurting and in need of our prayers. Please join me for "Thoughtful Thursdays" prayer time at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

At All Times...

Yesterday, I walked into the kids' play area to find them all dutifully cleaning and organizing. I leaned against the wall and watched in silence, as they hummed happily, working together cooperatively (Except for 3 year old Kaleb who was bent on trashing the place and pulling out each toy the older ones tried putting away). For the life of me, I couldn't figure out what had gotten into the kids, that they voluntarily decided to go on an impromptu cleaning spree. Well, before I could fix my lips to ask, a bright-eyed Kyla, the oldest of the four, looked up at me grinning. "We're making room for our Christmas toys Mom!" They were in full-on preparation mode, making ready to receive what they each outlined on their Christmas lists. Their excitement about what they know they'll receive in just... Read more →

At All Times...

Too often, we serve God on contingency. When all things are going well, we live for Him and bless His name. But what about when things aren't going quite so well? Are we living for Him and loving Him in just the good times, or at ALL times? Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Drawn to the Light

"Oooh, the lights are so pretty," my daughter Kaiah said, with her eyes all aglow--partially from the white lights on our Christmas tree and partly from the excitement of the holiday season. Every year, my husband and I, and the kids work together to put the tree up and decorate it. It's one of our many fun traditions. Usually, it's a psychedelic mess! (Put together with love, of course) But, this year, we decided to stick with a red and gold theme and it turned out well... for the first time ever I think. Typically, my sisters come over my house and double over in laughter looking at our tree. You see, Kenya and I tend to let the kids have fun with it and do what looks beautiful to them. This Christmas, however, we made our tree look a... Read more →

Drawn to the Light

Everyday, you're giving off some kind of aura... good or bad. What do people see when they see you? Do they see the light shining through your life, or are they witnessing something else...? Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Do What Works for You!

Happy Monday Daily Cup Readers! Hope you all had an enjoyable and productive week-end. Today, I want to kick off this week of blog posts, by sharing something that happened to me last night and deriving a principle from it, that I think can be very helpful to us all. Well, ever since I was a young girl, I've had a condition called Eczema, which is basically a chronic skin disorder that causes the skin to become irritated and inflamed, resulting in dry, scaly rashes, dark skin patches, and even clusters of fine bumps. To look at me, you wouldn't know it, because, thankfully, I've learned how to manage it over time to minimize flare-ups. When I was a teenager, however, the Eczema got so bad that certain parts of my hands, legs and neck would crust over, crack and... Read more →

Do What Works for You!

If you're considering embarking on a new path in your life, don't do it before you read this! And if you've ever changed course at the urging of someone else, only to wind up in a mess, this post will really connect with you! Read it at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

You Have Access

Keanu Reeves (Star of The Matrix), was in my hometown yesterday, shooting scenes for an upcoming film he's starring in. The local television news stations in Buffalo, NY were all abuzz with coverage of this "major event" in our city. Although this didn't evoke any feelings of excitement in me, still, the story made front page news and to top it all off, lots of folks gathered to get a glimpse of "The One" for themselves. "It's something you don't usually see rolling across Main Street in Buffalo; a Hollywood spotlight, microphones and props," said Josh Boose in a write up. I suppose the rarity of this occurrence, is what made it seem so spectacular to movie buffs and fans. Certain parts of downtown were blocked off and heavily guarded by security teams. Fans and spectators who would have loved... Read more →

You Have Access

Keanu Reeves (Star of The Matrix), was in my hometown yesterday, shooting scenes for an upcoming film he's starring in. The local television news stations in Buffalo, NY were all abuzz with coverage of this "major event" in our city. Although this didn't evoke any feelings of excitement in me, still, the story made front page news and to top it all off, lots of folks gathered to get a glimpse of "The One" for themselves. "It's something you don't usually see rolling across Main Street in Buffalo; a Hollywood spotlight, microphones and props," said Josh Boose in a write up. I suppose the rarity of this occurrence, is what made it seem so spectacular to movie buffs and fans. Certain parts of downtown were blocked off and heavily guarded by security teams. Fans and spectators who would have loved... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #21

Sometimes, as we go through struggles and tragedies, as well as the ups and downs of life, it's easy to forget that the God we serve is an awesome wonder. He's a miracle worker and He's more than able to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." (Ephesians 3:20) As we go into our Thoughtful Thursdays prayer list, I want to share with you a powerful video that was brought to my attention. It will act as a reminder of the fact that God still does the impossible, if we only believe. May this video fuel your faith the way it has mine, as you join me in praying for the individuals on today's list. Please be sure to read the prayer requests following the video and intercede on... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #21

A video was recently brought to my attention that brought me to tears and reaffirmed my faith in God's power to do the miraculous! View the video and join me in praying for those on the "Thoughtful Thursdays" prayer list at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

The List...

CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE AGAIN and if you're a faithful reader of The Daily Cup of Inspiration, you already know how my children love to make lists: Snack Lists, Birthday Wish Lists... and now, Christmas Lists. Since Christmas is next week (Can you believe how quickly this year is passing?) I was going over their lists to make sure my husband and I remembered everything they so eagerly presented to us on fully illustrated pieces of paper, like the one pictured above, which belongs to my six year old son, Kedar. As you can see, he utilized his "artistic skills" to communicate, while his older sister translated his images into text. Too cute. When I looked at Kedar's list, I chuckled about his request for "chap stick." It's so funny to think of how the simplest things satisfy the hearts... Read more →

The List...

With Christmas right around the corner, I was going over the little lists each of my children made. I identified one thing that brought the biggest smile to my face and inspired today's post! Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com! Read more →

It's a Good Pain

RECENTLY, I'VE RESUMED MY REGULAR WORKOUT SCHEDULE and modified my diet after the ordeal I blogged about not too long ago. I'd somehow allowed the busyness of life and the demands on my time, to get me off track and out of balance. So, I decided it was time for a change and subsequently, took the plunge. While I feel good inwardly about being responsible for my health, outwardly, I feel sore and tender from challenging my body to to get into shape. Of course, the more I work out, the more my body grows used to being challenged and the soreness minimizes a bit. As you know, any muscle that's been out of commission for a while hurts something awful after it is re-engaged through exercise. Cardiovascular workouts, floor exercise and strength training regimens are all highly effective, but... Read more →

It's a Good Pain

So many of us want to run away from pain, when in reality, it's a good thing. It helps us become all God created us to be! Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

There's Another Way...

I'M ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE who believes that, through divine inspiration, empowerment and creativity, we all have the power to discover unique ways to fulfill our purpose and destiny in the earth. If something doesn't work out one way, I'm always confident that there's another way. It's never over unless God says it is. Anything is possible. I guess, from a practical perspective, this belief was cultivated as I grew up watching my dad, who's pretty handy by the way. For over 50 years, he was a pastor. Remarkably, many of the small, store-front churches we utilized for worship, would be completely renovated by him. My siblings and I, along with my mom, would act as Dad's assistants. With no formal training, he'd transform a single space into multiple rooms by building walls, adding doors and even windows. With his... Read more →

There's Another Way...

I'M ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE who believes that, through divine inspiration, empowerment and creativity, we all have the power to discover unique ways to fulfill our purpose and destiny in the earth. If something doesn't work out one way, I'm always confident that there's another way. It's never over unless God says it is. Anything is possible. I guess, from a practical perspective, this belief was cultivated as I grew up watching my dad, who's pretty handy by the way. For over 50 years, he was a pastor. Remarkably, many of the small, store-front churches we utilized for worship, would be completely renovated by him. My siblings and I, along with my mom, would act as Dad's assistants. With no formal training, he'd transform a single space into multiple rooms by building walls, adding doors and even windows. With his... Read more →

No Matter What It Feels Like

After an extended period of warmth and a relatively mild fall season, the cold chill of an impending winter is finally setting in. Icy, snow-covered roads, low visibility and bitter windchill makes driving treacherous. Interestingly, winter doesn't officially begin until December 21st of this year, but we're already getting snow days and what feels like sub-zero temperatures in my neck of the woods. Last night, it was only 15 degrees outside and weather reports said it actually felt like 3 degrees below zero--a full 18 degrees lower than the temperature actually was. According to meteorologists, even though it was indeed cold out, it wasn't quite as cold as it felt. I wonder; have things in your life ever seemed to be worse than they actually were? Usually, this question can only be answered in hindsight, though, because while you're going... Read more →

No Matter What It Feels Like

After an extended period of warmth and a relatively mild fall season, the cold chill of an impending winter is finally setting in. Icy, snow-covered roads, low visibility and bitter windchill makes driving treacherous. Interestingly, winter doesn't officially begin until December 21st of this year, but we're already getting snow days and what feels like sub-zero temperatures in my neck of the woods. Last night, it was only 15 degrees outside and weather reports said it actually felt like 3 degrees below zero--a full 18 degrees lower than the temperature actually was. According to meteorologists, even though it was indeed cold out, it wasn't quite as cold as it felt. I wonder; have things in your life ever seemed to be worse than they actually were? Usually, this question can only be answered in hindsight, though, because while you're going... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #20

Ever received one of those phone calls that just makes your jaw drop? Well, I had a conversation like that yesterday with someone close to me about some difficult and personal situations going on. When I tell you I hung up with an even greater commitment to prayer and steadfastness in the work of the Lord, I mean it! Listen; things are happening in this world everyday... tragic, traumatic and in many cases, seemingly unthinkable things. We've got to begin to plug into the needs of others. It's time to gird up and become real ambassadors for the Kingdom. Now, more than ever, we must assume a daily prayer posture. As for me, I'm asking that God will continue to send women who are vigilant in prayer, who will earnestly intercede on behalf of this blog ministry, as well as,... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #20

I received a phone call last night that left me with a deeper commitment to prayer and intercession. Somebody needs us to pray... and I need YOU to pray with me on their behalf. Please join me in prayer for these individuals... Read the rest on www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Rejection is a Good Thing

Last night I got so sick out of the blue. Ever since Thanksgiving, I must admit, I have drastically changed up my diet, allowing myself to eat things I don't ordinarily eat. Well, I guess last night was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. I had no idea that, shortly after I indulged in pizza and Pepsi(My most guilty pleasure), I was about to go through a horrible ordeal that let me know my body finally had taken all it could take. I'll spare you the grotesque details of what happened next, but let's just say, today, I'm turning over a new leaf! It's back to the fruits, veggies, chicken, fish and no fried foods for me. Pray for me that I can put the "bottle" down and stay clean and sober from my favorite soda. We all... Read more →

Rejection is a Good Thing

Last night I got so sick and it's because I've been indulging in the wrong things since Thanksgiving. When my body rejected last nights junk food, I got pretty sick, but it taught me a really good lesson! Read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

How do You Rejuvenate?

I've never been to a spa, nor have I ever had a professional massage or facial (You'll be the first to know if this ever changes... I'll blog about it). I guess it's partly because I never could wrap my mind around being that relaxed with someone I didn't know. Countless people have tried to convince me to go and "treat myself" to the spa for a "wonderful pampering experience," but still, I've never been quite interested in the whole thing... For the record, those who enjoy it, should definitely indulge when they can. Hey, there's nothing wrong with that at all. But for me, no massages, facials, scented candles, or aroma therapy can ever come close to the beauty of the aroma of His presence.That's what does it for me. When I worship, that's what refuels and revitalizes my... Read more →

How do You Rejuvenate?

The soothing of the soul and rejuvenation of the spirit is not something that can be accomplished by a temporary, external fix. It takes the spirit of God to reach down into the recesses of the soul and address what our real needs are! Read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

A Paper Bouquet for Me!

Tap, tap, tap. There was a knock on my door at around 3:00 in the afternoon. "Who is it?" I called, looking up from my computer screen. I had been working on something. "It's me," said the small, faint voice. Immediately I knew that "me" was my eight year old daughter, Kaiah. She's quite a sweet, demure and reserved kid. Though she doesn't enjoy speaking in front of others too much, she's pretty witty and funny. "Come in," I called out to her. Slowly, I heard the door creek as she entered the room, stepping very gingerly. First, I saw one of her long braids hanging, then an eye... then a leg. Finally she made it over to where I was sitting, grinning from ear to ear. "This is for you mommy," she said proudly, carefully handing me one of... Read more →

A Paper Bouquet for Me!

The smallest gesture had the greatest impact on me yesterday and led me to a wonderful revelation I want to share with you today! The simplest thing can lead to the profoundest lessons . . . Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Your Strength is In God

I remember when I was younger, I used to think that being saved and loving God precluded me from going through certain things. Somehow, I saw God as this shield from everything painful, uncomfortable, unfair and underhanded. I'm not sure why, but I reasoned in my mind that divine discernment, protection and favor would get me through life unscathed. I didn't realize that Christ's redemptive work on the cross ensured the rebirth of my spirit and the salvation of my soul... but did not, in any way, exclude me from suffering and affliction. I didn't expect to ever be betrayed, misunderstood, misused, or blindsided by life; as if His presence with me acted as an invisible force field, so that trouble would just bounce off of me and like a boomerang, return from whence it came. Ha! Boy, was I... Read more →

Your Strength is In God

Who ever promised us that life would be easy all the time? It certainly wasn't God! The Bible tells us that we will suffer hardships, but today's "Cup of Inspiration" teaches us what we should do when life deals us some of its toughest blows! Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #19

'I want to thank you," were the first words I read in the lengthy letter from a 32 year old woman who lives in Nebraska. "I shared a prayer request with you about something no one else knows except me, God and my journal," she wrote. "I appreciate the prayers and I want you to know that God answered that request..." "Glory to God," I whispered as I read, shaking my head in amazement at the details of exactly how God had supernaturally worked out this dire and very delicate situation in this woman's life. That's why I thank you for standing in faith with me every week. Lives are truly being transformed, restored, and touched through Thoughtful Thursdays. This week, the Lord laid it on my heart to list out some of the prayer requests from those who wish... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #19

'I want to thank you," were the first words I read in the lengthy letter from a 32 year old woman who lives in Nebraska. "I shared a prayer request with you about something no one else knows except me, God and my journal," she wrote. "I appreciate the prayers and I want you to know that God answered that request..." "Glory to God," I whispered as I read, shaking my head in amazement at the details of exactly how God had supernaturally worked out this dire and very delicate situation in this woman's life. That's why I thank you for standing in faith with me every week. Lives are truly being transformed, restored, and touched through Thoughtful Thursdays. This week, the Lord laid it on my heart to list out some of the prayer requests from those who wish... Read more →

It's Right There

My loyal Daily Cup readers know my computer contracted a stubborn virus last week that virtually shut everything down. I couldn't get online. My programs wouldn't function properly and since I'm a writer and editor by trade, I was not too happy about that. But hey, life happens, right? I've been working from my mobile device and an old Dell desktop with limited functionality. But thankfully, I've been able to manage, though the process of getting rid of a serious computer virus can be pretty frustrating to say the least. All in all, I learned a good lesson from it. So, as with most all of the neat lessons I learn, what do I do? You guessed it. I share them with you. Here goes. When the problem first occurred, my husband Kenya and I decided that we'd try to... Read more →

It's Right There

My loyal Daily Cup readers know my computer contracted a stubborn virus last week that virtually shut everything down. I couldn't get online. My programs wouldn't function properly and since I'm a writer and editor by trade, I was not too happy about that. But hey, life happens, right? I've been working from my mobile device and an old Dell desktop with limited functionality. But thankfully, I've been able to manage, though the process of getting rid of a serious computer virus can be pretty frustrating to say the least. All in all, I learned a good lesson from it. So, as with most all of the neat lessons I learn, what do I do? You guessed it. I share them with you. Here goes. When the problem first occurred, my husband Kenya and I decided that we'd try to... Read more →

Don't Kill It!

A few days ago, my husband Kenya and I watched a movie together about a young, newly married couple that went on an exciting trip to the Grand Canyon. They had found a highly knowledgeable tour guide who agreed to usher them through the expansive mountainous landscape and show them the most beautiful and exotic locations tucked away inside The Canyon. Initially, the tour was going perfectly smooth, until, at the urging of their tour guide, the newlyweds reluctantly went deeper into The Canyon than was advisable. They should have followed their hearts and journeyed back toward the entrance, because once they crossed the threshold of the "safe zone" their guide was bitten by a poisonous snake and subsequently, died. Kenya and I sat there riveted while watching the events unfold... stay with me, I'm going somewhere with this. I... Read more →

Don't Kill It!

Sometimes, we get so discouraged and end up giving up on something and terminating or "killing it" before its time. But this post is to encourage you to wait to see what God has in store! Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →