Your Daily Cup of Inspiration!

Believe in His Authority

"Mom, Kaleb won't give me back my doll," Kaiah told me with her pouty face. So, like a dutiful mom, I intervened and stopped the three year old from pestering his older sister. "Kaleb," I said firmly, "give the doll back." "O-tay," was his reply and just like that, he returned the Baby Alive doll back to its rightful owner. Everybody was happy. Then, moments later I heard my name being called in surround sound... again. This time, the "victim" was his older brother, Kedar. "Moooom," he whined, clearly frustrated, "Kaleb won't give me back my caaaar!" I knew the drill, so, I got up the second time, trying to put on my best serious "do what I say right this minute" face and told little Kaleb to cut out the shenanigans and give his big brother his car back.... Read more →

Believe in His Authority

There's a powerful truth that every believer should know, embrace and believe beyond all doubt. Jesus Christ, who lives on the inside of you and me, has the power to change a situation, by only speaking a word! Read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #26

Lately, I've been getting praise reports and testimonies of God's delivering power from women who have been on our Thoughtful Thursdays list. Though I'm always extremely excited to hear the good news, I am in no way surprised, because I believe in the power of prayer! In fact, I would be dismayed if I didn't see the hand of God moving through the prayer. I know beyond all doubt that, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16b). When we walk upright before God and join our faith together, things begin to happen. The best part of Thoughtful Thursdays for me, is knowing that there are believers from everywhere coming together for a common purpose, which is, to lift someone else other than themselves up in prayer. To all of you who partner with me in... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #26

Lately, women have been sending testimonies of God's deliverance after you joined me in praying for them on Thoughtful Thursdays. I know prayer changes things! Get this week's list of requests on www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

Know Your Calling

I would longingly gaze out of the window, desperately missing the way things once were. I was around 15 years old when our family moved to another house. It wasn't that far from my old neighborhood, but according to city mapping, our street fell just outside city lines and was considered the suburbs. So, you know what that meant... I was was forced into changing schools. Now, I had been accustomed to having predominantly African American peers, which is typical for public schools in the inner city. As you might imagine, it was jolting to be uprooted from what I was used to and be thrust into a suburban public High School. It was a totally new and foreign environment. There were only 4 black kids in the whole school--2 of them being me and my big sister, Shavette. Needless... Read more →

Know Your Calling

"I would longingly gaze out of the window, desperately missing the way things once were. I was around 15 years old when our family moved to another house..." Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

The Cost of Discipleship

Yesterday, I was sharing on Facebook about how a colleague of mine, who just so happens to be a fellow believer, attempted to coerce me into getting on board with something that goes 100% against my belief system. "This is a great networking opportunity," they said with gleaming eyes, clearly excited about the prospects. When I brought up the fact that , not just mine, but their faith also was in direct opposition with what was being proposed, they said, "Of course we know in our hearts what we believe, but that's just a part of the business." I was deeply disturbed when I heard them say that, particularly because, for a long time, this person has stood and taught against the very thing they were trying to get me to do. Long story short, I told them, "Sorry, my... Read more →

The Cost of Discipleship

A recent disheartening experience solidified for me that compromise is really taking hold in the Body of Christ. Is anybody willing to pay the cost of discipleship anymore? Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

Change the 'Effect'

On Saturday afternoon, I walked into the kitchen and immediately noticed a heaping pile of confectioners sugar on the floor. When I looked up from the spot covered in the white powdery mess, my eyes were immediately met with the guilty gaze of my six year old son, Kedar. "The sugar fell," he said, quickly offering up an unsolicited explanation, which is a sure sign of guilt, by the way. Of course, I knew there was more to the story. After all, I had only stepped out of the kitchen for a brief moment to give Kaleb his two slices of cinnamon toast I'd just made, which happens to be one of his favorite treats. I used to love it when my mom made it for me as a kid too. I just toast the bread, add a little margarine,... Read more →

Change the 'Effect'

Some cycles in our life persist simply because we have not yet identified where they stem from. Discovering the why behind the what, is the key to maximizing your God-given potential! Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

He'll Keep You Anchored

Last evening, Kyla, Kaiah, Kedar, Kaleb, Kenya and I stood around the dining room table gazing upward, after observing what appeared to be the loosening of the the chandelier from the ceiling that sits above the dining room table. But, upon closer inspection, I could see that the bolts holding the chandelier in place, were actually still screwed in tightly and just the canopy, also known as the back plate, that covers the nails, wiring, and hardware underneath, had somehow dislodged. I breathed a sigh of relief knowing the chandelier, at least, wasn't going to come crashing down from the ceiling. That would have been really dangerous and it could have severely damaged the ceiling, as well as anything else it smashed into on its rapid descent. Thankfully, when it was all said and done, it turned out to be... Read more →

He'll Keep You Anchored

Sometimes, it is not until things fall apart all around us, that we realize where our strength and help comes from. Jesus is the anchor of our soul! Read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #25

This Thoughtful Thursdays is dedicated to those who are suffering in Haiti. I was reading reports yesterday that rescuers were still finding survivors trapped in the ruins of collapsed buildings in Haiti, as a magnitude 5.9 aftershock rattled Port-au-Prince, the strongest since the original 7.0-magnitude quake struck on January 12th, according to the United States Geological Survey. Many survivors still aren't receiving food, water and medicine, and the death toll is steadily climbing. I have received countless prayer requests from those who have loved ones caught up in the midst of this sad and awful tragedy. Though I cannot post them all, I ask that you continue to earnestly pray for Haiti and the many families whose lives have been shaken up in the worst way by this quake. Please join me in praying for the following individuals on our... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #25

The prayer requests have been pouring in as people seek for their family members in Haiti and in some cases, mourn the loss of them. Please join me in praying for everyone on our "Thoughtful Thursdays" list at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Don't Get Weary Where You Are

A woman named Fatima, (Who granted me permission to share what she told me), emailed me the other day. She's 32 years old and has been in business for two years now, doing freelance writing and some graphic design work on the side also. Fatima let me see some of her writing and design samples and she's excellent at her craft. But still, she can't seem to get steady jobs, or gain a solid foothold in the writing or design industry. She said in her typed message to me, "I feel like I'm stuck in a maze, like I'm so small compared to the big time, successful people, who seem to have all the answers." Although Fatima knows God has gifted her, she's not sure that she'll ever figure out how to maximize her God-given potential and really become fruitful.... Read more →

Don't Get Weary Where You Are

A woman named Fatima emailed me feeling so discouraged. Her dilemma served as the inspiration for today's blog post. Read it at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

Stay Committed to the Vision

My six year old son, Kedar, is a counting enthusiast. He'll count just about anything. No matter how many or few items are in front of him, his fascination with amounts, facts and figures, periodically takes over and he'll just start counting out of the blue. Sometimes, I silently observe his meticulous process, intrigued by how something so simple can be quite that fascinating to him. Well, the other day, Kedar climbed into my bed, picked up a book I had been reading and started pointing to the individual letters on the front cover. "One, two, three, four, five.." he counted, with such intense focus. But, when his baby brother, Kaleb, saw big brother Kedar huddled over this book, Kaleb decided he wanted a playmate. "Play cows (cars) with me Kee-dow (Kedar)," Kaleb whined with pleading eyes, while holding two... Read more →

Stay Committed to the Vision

The other day, as I observed the interactions between my two sons, Kaleb and Kedar, I managed to take away a very valuable lesson I want to share with you today. Read what I learned at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

Don't Just "Wish them Well"...

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Louisiana back in 2005, I can't recall a single person I know who wasn't in some way impacted by the tragedy. There were those who physically lived through it, while others, like me, did whatever we could from our small corner of the world and simultaneously looked on in disbelief at the slow response of the government to this devastating tragedy. In this very moment, we are watching the aftermath of another cataclysmic natural disaster in Haiti. Unlike Katrina, however, the victims are citizens of another country. Yet, we cannot turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to those in need. As I was on Facebook, I came across the status updates of a woman named Gessie Thompson, a New York based Christian publicist whose father (Along with other family members) live in... Read more →

Don't Just "Wish them Well"...

When we see someone in need, it's human nature to want to see things get better, but it's not good enough to send our "well wishes," if not backed by real support and assistance. Read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

How You Can Help Haiti

When you see devastation of such great magnitude in Haiti, it's easy to feel like you can't do much to make a difference, but now you can, through the use of technology. For the first time ever, The American Red Cross has made it possible for the public to TEXT RELIEF TO HAITI. Just text the word "Haiti" to 90999 and $10 dollars will automatically be sent to the Red Cross and added to your next phone bill. It's that quick and easy to help. Millions of dollars have already been contributed through texting alone. Now is your opportunity to be one of the millions. Although you may want to donate other goods too, officials say right now the best way to help is by making a monetary donation. So, if you would like to donate funds to the Haiti... Read more →

No More Living with Two Faces

Happy Friday Daily Cup readers! Thanks for hanging out with me for another week. Well, let's jump right into today's post. I very much enjoy films that act as character studies, by delving into the psyches of the main characters. I suppose I'm intrigued by human nature and understanding the motivating factors behind the actions of people, both bad and good. Recently, I watched an autobiographical film about the life of Enid Blyton, one of the most successful twentieth century writers of children's fiction. Enid was a walking paradox because, while she brought joy to children around the world and considered herself to be an "expert" on what children wanted, she was distant and aloof when it came to raising her own children. It is doubtful that those who revered Enid's work and respected her so highly, would have been... Read more →

No More Living with Two Faces

God is calling His people to lives of authenticity. No more wearing two faces... the rest of this must-read post can be found at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #24

For some, it's easy to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the hurt, pain and tragedy of others, as long as they or someone they personally know is not involved. But I'm praying that God will continue to develop compassion and empathy in the hearts of every Daily Cup reader, so that when others are wounded, we feel their pain. As I always say, we don't know what the future holds for us and when we'll need somebody to go to God on our behalf. Today, join me in praying for those on our Thoughtful Thursdays list. 1. First, we're seeking God for the comfort of those who are yet whirling from devastation, after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, January 12, 2010--the largest ever recorded in the area. Government officials said the death toll... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #24

Let's not turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the hurt, pain and tragedy of others. Join me in praying for those on our "Thoughtful Thursdays" prayer list at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Seek His heart, Not His Hand

I often talk about how I didn't have much growing up, so I wasn't one of the popular kids at school. I learned early on that many people, unfortunately, are superficial and cling only to those they consider "suitable" or worthy to be a part of their club. I didn't wear the right clothes or run in the right crowd to be accepted, so I was overlooked and often, harshly ridiculed. Those who seemed to have it all, however, always had a big crowd around them. They were a part of the social elite and could do no wrong. For some, being excluded and marginalized would rouse a desire in them to be a part of those groups that shut them out. But, I felt just the opposite. Instead of longing for the companionship of those who judged me on... Read more →

Seek His heart, Not His Hand

I often talk about how I didn't have much growing up, so I wasn't one of the popular kids at school. I learned early on that many people, unfortunately, are superficial and cling only to those they consider "suitable" or worthy to be a part of their club. I didn't wear the right clothes or run in the right crowd to be accepted, so I was overlooked and often, harshly ridiculed. Those who seemed to have it all, however, always had a big crowd around them. They were a part of the social elite and could do no wrong. For some, being excluded and marginalized would rouse a desire in them to be a part of those groups that shut them out. But, I felt just the opposite. Instead of longing for the companionship of those who judged me on... Read more →

Bishop Neil C. Ellis Featured in EEW Magazine: Pursuing the Glory

Often, preachers get a bad rap. Frequently viewed as nothing more than "hope dealers" looking to turn a quick buck, many Black women (and men) have thrown the proverbial"baby" out with the "bathwater," refusing to listen to what they perceive as canned messages, delivered by professional speakers who know all the right buttons to push to drive the crowd crazy. For both the strong and weak in the faith, it can be quite challenging not to become a skeptic, particularly with all the high profile indiscretions (Adultery, domestic violence, solicitation), not to mention the concentrated focus on $50-$100 dollar lines at the end of sermons and to top it all off, those exorbitant fees for the best and brightest preachers to even show up at an event. It's understandable that many have lost faith in men of the cloth and... Read more →

EEW's Best Book of the Year Winner: Deana Murphy

Deana Murphy, Author of Designing for the King, Wins EEW Magazine's Highest Honor for First-time Black Christian Women Authors Winning EEW Magazine's Best Book of the Year Award is no easy feat and the honor isn't given away frivolously. Any book that is chosen must meet high standards. The published work must be well-written and designed, informative, thought-provoking & life-enriching to its readers. Not only that, but the author must exhibit qualities consistent with Godly character and integrity. With this criteria in mind, EEW's Search and Review Committee went through hundreds of book entries. And while many of the newly published works were fantastic reads, there was something special about author, Deana Murphy's Book, Designing for the King: From Chaos to Order by Designing Within (Tate Publishing). "I had never heard of anyone else demonstrating how Christians can incorporate their... Read more →

Avoiding Distractions in 2010

When I see the restlessness, anxiousness and preoccupation so many goal-driven women have with getting exposure, it really troubles me. Granted, we're beat over the head daily with the message, that success should be the goal of our lives at all costs and finding ways to get ahead should be at the top of the priority list. But we don't have to heed that message. We're also told that, we need to join the "right" social networks, make the right connections, rub shoulders with the right people...and so on and so forth. But what I find is, so many people get lost in self self-promotion with the underlying goal of acquiring the world's definition of success. As a result, they lose that vital connection with the Lord and end up being distracted, in the name of trying to be more... Read more →

Avoiding Distractions in 2010

Today's blog post is a clarion call to believers to get back to seeking God first and focusing on His will for our lives. We're too distracted... read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

I Want You to Read Something...

In lieu of posting a regular blog today, I'd like to invite you to read the new issue of EEW Online Magazine. I had the privilege of interviewing Bishop Neil C. Ellis, 2nd Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship and pastor of the 8,000 member Mt. Tabor Full Gospel Baptist Church in Nassau, Bahamas. He said some very thought-provoking things I think every believer needs to read regarding how many have strayed from pursuing God's presence, to pursuing His presents. I genuinely believe it is by far one of the most important articles you'll read all year. After you've had the opportunity to read my interview with Bishop Ellis, as well as the other features, please feel free to give me your feedback. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Click here to read the article. As always,... Read more →

I Want You to Read Something...

A new issue of EEW Online Magazine (www.eewmagazine.com) was just published today and I want you to read a specific feature... Read the rest on www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Remember the Pain & the Price!

Yesterday, I went to look for my retainers and the bottom half was missing. I searched high and low to no avail. I was not happy! This might not seem like a big deal to anyone who's never had braces and doesn't have to wear retainers each night to keep their teeth from going back to their former state. But, for me, it's a huge deal. Although it's been about five years since I first got my braces taken off to correct an occlusion that made my jaw pop because my teeth were not aligned properly, I still take my treatment very seriously. You see, correcting the problem was an extremely painful and expensive process, and in order for all that not to be in vain, I needed to find those retainers... ASAP! I called my Orthodontist to make an... Read more →

Remember the Pain & the Price!

Yesterday, I couldn't find something very important to me. I searched high and low, because I remembered what it cost me and what I had to go through to get it... Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #23

All week long, the Lord has been waking me up early each morning with a new song and I can so richly feel His presence through every melody. As I type this blog post, there's an old song ringing in my heart that says, "He touched me. Jesus touched me. And oh what joy floods my soul. Something happened and now I know, He touched me and made me whole." Whether you're familiar with that song or not, you can surely draw strength from knowing that, all it takes is just one touch from the Master. Despite the obstacles, odds, or struggles you might be facing, God sees and knows. Above all, He cares and is faithful enough to intervene in your situation when you ask Him. It doesn't matter if you need a physical, spiritual, mental, or emotional manifestation... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Installment #23

It's "Thoughtful Thursdays" again! Will you join me in interceding on behalf of someone else? Please take a few moments to read over this week's prayer requests and join me in praying for those in need of God's help. Read the requests at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

A Different Kind of Healing Salve

Ever since becoming a Mom, I try to keep a few products on hand at all times, like Neosporin antibiotic ointment with pain relief and band-aids. So, if any of the four children accidentally gets a minor scrape, cut, or burn, I can instantly whip out my tiny tube of ointment and cover the wound with the soothing salve they need to feel better quickly, while simultaneously fighting a potential infection. Boy, they don't know how good they've got it. Back when I was a little girl, there was no special over-the-counter ointment applied to numb my pain. If anything, I'd get my little cut or scrape wiped off with a cold wash cloth and then, be forced to walk around with that big glob of Vaseline hanging off my swollen knee, accompanied by that keen burning sensation... no band-aid... Read more →

A Different Kind of Healing Salve

Growing up in my house, it was all about praying and believing God. The first time I saw someone use Extra Virgin Olive Oil to cook, I thought something was wrong with them, because that was "Blessed Oil" reserved only for prayer! At least that's what I thought at the time...Read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Motivated by Purpose

About a week ago, a business colleague of mine told me they had something urgent to speak to me about and they thought I'd be very interested in hearing whatever it was. So, a couple days after receiving the message we finally connected and met up. They sat me down to talk about "an exciting business opportunity" better known as, a new way to make money. I sat there listening intently, although I knew almost immediately that, it wasn't quite my cup of tea. No, it wasn't anything unethical or wrong. It's just that, I'm one of those people who is driven and motivated by purpose, not increased revenue, which is why I pass up lots of "opportunities" that come my way. Well, after about 20 minutes, when they were finished with their pitch (A very good one by the... Read more →

Motivated by Purpose

If we're not careful, we can easily get caught up pursuing specific paths in life that have not been ordained by God. But you've got to get to the place where His will for your life is more important than anything else. Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

Take your Burdens to the Lord

Hey, thanks for logging on to read The Daily Cup once again. Hope your week-end was awesome. Mine was great, at least up until late Saturday evening. Here's what happened... I was in my bedroom when I heard a loud crash coming from the direction of the bathroom. Immediately, I hopped up and made a mad dash in that direction, hoping that none of the children were hurt in what sounded like some sort of nasty accident. Well, thankfully, no one was hurt... yet. Turns out that, my full length mirror, with this heavy wooden border, fell off the wall it had been mounted on, for no apparent reason. I walked into the bathroom to find huge shards of glass scattered all over the floor and in the tub... and no, I'm not superstitious. I'm not at all fearful of... Read more →

Take your Burdens to the Lord

You and I cannot adequately handle life's tests, hardships and struggles on our own. No one can without the Lord's help. If you're going through a situation that you need to lay down at the Master's feet, today's blog post will really connect with you! Read it at www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Daily Cup readers! You and I are so very blessed that we made it. I personally know quite a few people who went home to be with the Lord last year, which makes me even more appreciative that God has seen fit to allow me and you to see the incoming of another year. I want to take special time out to say thank you for all your support of this blog. Some of you have been with me from the beginning when this blog was called "Empowered to Prosper" and others just discovered "The Daily Cup of Inspiration" in 2009. Whatever the case, I want you to know that every time you log on to read, leave a comment, send an email and spread the word about this blog ministry, it warms my heart. I'm so... Read more →

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Daily Cup readers! You and I are so very blessed that we made it. I personally know quite a few people who went home to be with the Lord last year, which makes me even more appreciative that God has seen fit to allow me and you to see the incoming of another year. I want to take special time out to say thank you for all your support of this blog. Some of you have been with me from the beginning when this blog was called "Empowered to Prosper" and others just discovered "The Daily Cup of Inspiration" in 2009. Whatever the case, I want you to know that every time you log on to read, leave a comment, send an email and spread the word about this blog ministry, it warms my heart. I'm so... Read more →