Your Daily Cup of Inspiration!

Under the Weather...

Hi guys! All week long, I've been under the weather, battling a nasty cold. Yuck. I'm starting to feel some better, but I'm going to take the long week-end to regroup and regain my strength. Prayerfully, I'll be 100% by next week. Send up a little prayer for me and enjoy your holiday. Perhaps you can email me some barbecue :-). Also, Monday, on Memorial Day, please don't forget to say a prayer for all the families that have lost brave loved ones who gave their lives to protect our country. Remember those who are still serving in the US Armed Forces as well. We pray God's peace and protection over them. I'll see you next week. Warmest Regards, Dianna Read more →

Under the Weather...

Hi guys! All week long, I've been under the weather, battling a nasty cold. Yuck. I'm starting to feel some better, but I'm going to take the long week-end to regroup and regain my strength. Prayerfully, I'll be 100% by next week. Send up a little prayer for me and enjoy your holiday. Perhaps you can email me some barbecue :-). Also, Monday, on Memorial Day, please don't forget to say a prayer for all the families that have lost brave loved ones who gave their lives to protect our country. Remember those who are still serving in the US Armed Forces as well. We pray God's peace and protection over them. I'll see you next week. Warmest Regards, Dianna Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Week 42

I'm rejoicing with a reader today and you should be too! I have an awesome praise report to share from, Kesi Keys, one of the loyal Daily Cup readers that we've prayed for together. Here is what she wrote in an email: "Hi Dianna, I just wanted to let you know that I finally got a job after 1 year without one. I have accepted a new position as a Pipeline Compliance Engineer with Enterprise Products and I start on June 1, almost 1 year to the date I was laid off. I read about others who are struggling with the job hunt and I pray that they find that job that Jesus has for them IMMEDIATELY! I just wanted to let you know that Jesus NEVER let me fall and He kept a roof over my head and food... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Week 42

As every loyal "Daily Cup" reader knows, every Thursday, we pray for individuals who submit prayer requests. Today is no different, but I also want to share an exciting praise report from a loyal Daily Cup reader! Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Is it Worth the Collateral Damage?

My four-year-old, Kaleb, was happily playing and having himself a grand old time. But playtime was cut a little short when he said, "Look! There's a bug on the ceiling," pointing out a tiny mosquito circling one of the light fixtures in my bedroom. Next thing I knew, Kaleb had gotten one of my flats and bent his knees while looking upward. He was positioning himself and angling his little body, so he could throw my shoe at the light to try to kill the bug. In his four-year-old mind, that was a good idea. When I noticed what he was doing, I quickly said, "Oh no, no baby. You can't throw the shoe! You'll break the light." I could tell by his dazed look that Kaleb didn't quite see my point. All he paid attention to was the fact... Read more →

Is it Worth the Collateral Damage?

I had another "teachable moment" with my four year old son, Kaleb and I think the lesson is one that we each should embrace and apply. Read about it on my blog at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Don't Hide your Treasure

Little Kaleb, who recently turned 4, waltzed into my bedroom last evening, proudly carrying the picture you see at the top of this blog. "Look at what I did!" he said in his high-pitched voice. It was obvious that he was quite excited for Mommy to check out the great "scribble work" he had done. As I looked into his sparkling brown eyes and witnessed the immense joy in his face, I smiled right back at him. Even though his work of art isn't polished and his drawing skills are yet developing, I cherish every doodle in all its chaotic glory. To me, it's a wonderful treasure. "Awww, look at what my baby did," I said looking over every detail, then squeezing him tightly and doting on him. While all this was going on, Kaleb absorbed every bit of praise... Read more →

Don't Hide your Treasure

So many of us fail to utilize our gifts, talents, and abilities God has given us. But don't you realize that God loves for us to take the treasure He's placed inside and present it, not just to Him, but also, to others for His glory? Read more at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

God's "Prescribed Speed..."

I have to do lots of "regional driving" around the Western New York area when I travel to areas that aren't really far enough to necessitate a flight. This is fine with me, since I enjoy driving on the open road very much... when the distance isn't too far, of course. The only thing that tends to throw me off are the varying speed limits. Right in the middle of a stretch of road, I may have to reduce or increase my speed by 15 miles or more, which is a bit off-putting once I get in a zone. While it's much more enjoyable for me to speed up than it is to slow down, I do my best to abide by the laws, because I'm "allergic" to tickets. My faithful Daily Cup readers and others those that know me... Read more →

God's "Prescribed Speed..."

Driving on the open road is relaxing for me, but I don't enjoy the varying speed limits. Sometimes I want to go faster when the sign says slow down... similarly, God's "prescribed speed" may not match our "preferred speed," but yet, we must obey Him. Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Don't Dismiss Divine Connections

Yesterday, while watching an episode of a Nick Jr. show called "Wonder Pets" online with my four-year-old, Kaleb, I learned something fascinating that serves as a great lesson. A small bird called a "Plover" cleans the teeth of the crocodile with absolutely no threat of danger. It literally stands inside the mouth of the humongous reptile and picks out dead insects and other food particles that get stuck in its teeth. By doing this, the plover gets a hardy meal and the crocodile gets clean teeth, and avoids infection. Quite naturally, one would presume that it would be very dangerous for this relatively little bird to be that close to the croc's sharp teeth. Yet, nature's "feathered dentist" is completely safe in what would seem to be a perilous environment. As it relates to the crocodile, rather than seeing an... Read more →

Don't Dismiss Divine Connections

Today's blog post is based on an interesting fact I learned while watching a Nick Jr. show with my four year old son Kaleb, yesterday. The lesson I extracted from the simple episode of "Wonder Pets" is quite profound and I want to share it with you today. Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Week 42

I posted a picture of my handsome dad on the blog today, because it's his 75th birthday! I love him so much, even though Bishop Joseph Brinson Sr. can be a little lot stubborn and headstrong at times (Don't tell him I said that *Wink*). With all the ups and downs he's been through in his body recently, I thank God he's still here and doing well. You know, there were moments, particularly over the past year, when he took ill and the severity of his condition made things look pretty grim. But thank God for His healing power. I indeed know that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16b KJV). No matter what may be going on in your life today, I want you to be confident that God is able to meet your... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Week 42

Today is my dad's 75th birthday and I'm thanking God to have him with us and in good health! Even during those times when he has been severely ill, we prayed the prayer of faith, and God raised him up. Today, we're going to activate that same faith for those on our prayer list at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Don't Lose Your Desire

Very early yesterday morning, I heard little feet speeding through the house. It was my four-year- old, Kaleb, rushing over to the desktop computer. Initially, I couldn't figure out whether or not he was fully awake, since his little eyes were barely open and he had that sort of dazed look we all have when we're awakened prematurely. I didn't say anything. I just observed him. As I mentioned, it was really early and usually, my husband and I are the only ones up at that hour. Well, he sat down, turned the computer on and opened up one his favorite programs (Microsoft Word). Kaleb enjoys playing with the "auto shapes" feature in that program and making little pictures. You see, everyday, the children get computer time and they all like to be first. As I eased next to him,... Read more →

Don't Lose Your Desire

Life can feel like a real uphill journey sometimes, can't it? Still, we must never lose our desire to stay on the path God has set for us. If we lose our passion and our will to try, we can never possess all that the Lord promises to give us. Read more at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

When You Feel Tired...

With one eye open I'm squinting at the bright computer screen as I'm typing this post early this morning. I'm still feeling a bit exhausted from my travels last week and I've been trying to "catch up" on all the sleep I lost (although that's pretty much impossible to do). In fact, during the day, I keep trying to ward off the sleep that tries to overtake me while I'm working. Even after a full night's sleep, I've been feeling like sleeping all day long. Pretty much, my body has just been really worn out. Still, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to have a "fresh cup" of inspiration waiting for you today. And I cannot abandon my obligations simply because I don't physically "feel like" doing them. You know, just as our bodies get worn down and tired,... Read more →

When You Feel Tired...

The next time you feel tired, battle-weary, and tempted to throw in the towel, throw your hands up instead and surrender those things you cannot handle over to the Lord. Let Him carry that burden for you and infuse you with more strength than you ever knew you could have. Read more at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Day by Day

Yesterday, I was talking to my mom while driving back home from a speaking engagement she accompanied me to. We were chatting about the service and how mightily God had showed up and then, our talk turned toward business obligations and some other things I'm working on. As we got deeper into the conversation, my mom, Annie, encouraged me to continue being obedient to the call of God on my life and utilizing every gift He's given to me. Then she gazed over at me with a curious look on her face. "How do you do all of it Dianna?" she questioned me, laughing, yet serious. I said to her, "I don't think about it that way mom. If I sat down to really think about all the things I have to accomplish, I might be discouraged before I even... Read more →

Day by Day

Some of us try to figure out what's going to happen tomorrow and the next day, and the next day. As a result, we get exhausted just from thinking about what the future holds. But God doesn't want you stressed, worried, and full of anxiety. Trust Him for today! Read more at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Just be Still

My sons, Kedar and Kaleb (6 and 4 respectively) will find every reason in the book not to go to sleep at night. Lately, little Kaleb has been pleading insomnia. He'll mosey out of his room and announce, "I can't go to sleep mommy." Somehow, he doesn't seem to make the connection that all the singing, laughing, and goofing off with his big brother, with whom he shares a room, has anything at all to do with his inability to doze off. Well, last evening, my husband Kenya and I heard his little feet walking toward the direction of our bedroom. We both already knew what Kaleb had to say and we were right. With his little face all scrunched up and his eyes squinted due to their sensitivity to the bright light in our room, he said right on... Read more →

Just be Still

There are so many things and people vying for our attention, that we have to make a conscious effort to take time out to steal away and be still in the presence of the Lord. When we do, He can replenish us and pour into us. Read more at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Week 41

There's an old congregational song we used to sing in church that says, "I cried Oh Lord, He delivered me; I cried Oh Lord, He delivered me..." That song would get good to us as we clapped our hands and celebrated how God granted our petitions. I realize now that God's delivering power isn't just something to sing about. It is something to be witnessed and experienced in our lives as we exercise our "prayer muscles" and activate our faith. Today, please join me in "crying oh Lord" on behalf of those in our Daily Cup family who need our prayers. 1. A woman named Kia is requesting prayer for her 12 year old daughter Jenay. The doctors are running tests, because they found a spot on Jenay's bone in her left leg and believe it could be cancerous. Kia... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Week 41

I believe in God's delivering power! That's why all Thursdays on the blog are set aside to pray for others who need it. Please take a moment to read over the prayer requests that have been posted and say a prayer for each person mentioned. Just log onto www.diannahobbs.com. Read more →

Home!

Living out of suitcases is a real drag. My loyal Daily Cup readers know I've been traveling for the past week and although seeing new sites and going new places has its moments, there's nothing like being in the comfort of my own home. So, last evening when I returned, I couldn't have been happier. I kicked off those shoes, dropped that luggage, and did a free fall right onto my bed. It was truly heavenly. I just wanted to enjoy my resting place. Home. For me, spiritually speaking, that's what the presence of God feels like. And if you've ever had a time when you got away from praying, reading His word, seeking His face, and worshiping as often as you should, then you know how wonderful it feels to feel His embrace after being without it for a... Read more →

Home!

Living out of suitcases is a real drag. My loyal Daily Cup readers know I've been traveling for the past week and although seeing new sites and going new places has its moments, there's nothing like being in the comfort of my own home. So, last evening when I returned, I couldn't have been happier. I kicked off those shoes, dropped that luggage, and did a free fall right onto my bed. It was truly heavenly. I just wanted to enjoy my resting place. Home. For me, spiritually speaking, that's what the presence of God feels like. And if you've ever had a time when you got away from praying, reading His word, seeking His face, and worshiping as often as you should, then you know how wonderful it feels to feel His embrace after being without it for a... Read more →

When You Can't Hear God

I was recently in the studio working on some music. The producer instructed me to put on the headphones so I could hear the sound of the music and my voice coming through. Well, when he began playing the track I was supposed to sing to, I could clearly hear the music through my headphones. However, when I opened my mouth to sing, my voice wasn't audible. It was impossible for me to sing without hearing the sound of my own voice. I couldn't do anything else until the producer found out how to rectify the problem and make sure I could hear. Similarly, there are those trying seasons in our lives when we don't hear God's voice and we feel like, I can't do anything else Lord until I hear the sound of your voice speaking to me. Still,... Read more →

When You Can't Hear God

There are those trying seasons in our lives when we don't hear God's voice and we feel like, I can't do anything else Lord until I hear the sound of your voice speaking to me. Still, He doesn't always provide the answers right when we want them. Read more at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Monday Updates

For today's post, I'd just like to briefly update you on what's been going on with me. Let me first start out by saying to all the moms who read this blog, I hope your Mother's Day was wonderful. To those of you who may have been saddened yesterday because your mother is no longer with you, my prayers go out to you; yesterday was my husband's very first Mother's Day since the sudden passing of his mom not too long ago. Nobody can ever replace Mom. But we know and yet rejoice in the fact that we'll see her again. This past week-end has been an extremely busy one! I missed blogging on Friday (I hate it when that happens), but it was impossible with my travel schedule. I'm still not home, but I just had to carve out... Read more →

Monday Updates

I still have not returned from my travels, but I couldn't let another day go by without connecting with my Daily Cup family! Read more →

NOTICE: Traveling...

Hello! I just wanted to let you know that I'll be traveling and will not have access to my blog, so there won't be a new post for Friday, May 6, 2010. But I'll be back on Monday right on schedule. Have a fantastic week-end! Dianna Read more →

NOTICE: Traveling...

Hello! I just wanted to let you know that I'll be traveling and will not have access to my blog, so there won't be a new post for Friday, May 6, 2010. But I'll be back on Monday right on schedule. Have a fantastic week-end! Dianna Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Week 40

A couple days ago, I spoke to a friend of mine. She was so distraught, because she had gone to the doctor's office and received a bad report... again. Frustrated by years of sickness and repeat complications, surgeries, and numerous afflictions, she was feeling like she was at her wit's end. I prayed with her on the phone and let her know that God's plan and purpose for her life would prevail above all else. No matter what things look like, God's word stands. So today, I want to go into our Thoughtful Thursdays prayer list believing God to heal discouragement, brokenness, as well as sickness. Join me in praying for the following individuals: 1. A woman named Teresa was raped and recently found out she is pregnant. She is sickened by the thought of giving birth to her attacker's... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: Week 40

Today, I want to go into our Thoughtful Thursdays prayer list believing God to heal discouragement, brokenness, as well as sickness. Join me in praying for the following individuals... Read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

One Day You'll Look Back...

Yesterday, while playing on our desktop computer, the kids stumbled across some old pictures we had saved on the hard drive from four years ago. We had forgotten all about them, so it was a pleasant surprise to rediscover them. Back when those shots were snapped with the digital camera, little four-year-old Kaleb was just a tiny newborn baby. All the children were so much smaller than they are now. As we took our sweet time clicking through photographs and laughing, we reminisced about what was going on back then. Certain images carried stories with them. For the children, their memories were all pleasant and set off giggling spells among the four of them. For me and my husband Kenya, however, those images represented a time of transition for our family. We had recently relocated to a new city for... Read more →

One Day You'll Look Back...

Yesterday, while playing on our desktop computer, the kids stumbled across some old pictures we had saved on the hard drive from four years ago. We had forgotten all about them, so it was a pleasant surprise to rediscover them. Back when those shots were snapped with the digital camera, little four-year-old Kaleb was just a tiny newborn baby. All the children were so much smaller than they are now. As we took our sweet time clicking through photographs and laughing, we reminisced about what was going on back then. Certain images carried stories with them. For the children, their memories were all pleasant and set off giggling spells among the four of them. For me and my husband Kenya, however, those images represented a time of transition for our family. We had recently relocated to a new city for... Read more →

All You need is Some Rest

A few nights ago I was up "burning the midnight oil," determined to complete a project. I had been up late several nights in a row. I was feeling pretty drained, but I continued to push through my tiredness. As the hour grew later, I grew more exhausted. It seemed as if I was moving at a snail's pace and the things that usually come easily for me, were ten times harder. I felt so frustrated and at the same time, disinterested in the very thing I was dead set on accomplishing. Unyielding in my resolve, still, I plowed on. It was the most unproductive few hours I had spent in a long time. So, completely flustered, I shut down the workstation and called it a night. When I woke, after getting some much-needed shuteye, I felt completely replenished-- like... Read more →

All You need is Some Rest

God never intended for us to try to carry all of life's burdens on our own. It is not His will for us to be stressed out, worn out, and tired out. He wants us to rest in Him and allow Him to be a present help in our time of need. Read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

You Never Know...

I ended up over in the shoe department, instead of staying focused on what I was really supposed to be doing at the mall over the week-end. See, I had to sing at a banquet for the LEWAC (Lasting Education for Women, Adults, and Children) this past Saturday. The theme of the event was, "Hattitude-Hats Off to Heart Health!" From the theme, you've likely figure out that wearing a hat for this event called "hattitude" was necessary. It wasn't optional. Hats were a part of the mandatory dress code. Well, I'm not typically a hat wearer. My mother, on the other hand, dons the most beautiful, sparkling creations... and looks flawless while doing so. I've never worn a hat (other than a baseball cap) to run to the store, so dressing up with a fancy one, needless to say, presented... Read more →

You Never Know...

You never know who sees you and who's watching your life. You are "witnessing" to folks everywhere you go, everyday. Again, your life is your witness, whether good or bad. Read this blog post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

New Post Later Today

Thank you for visiting The Daily Cup of Inspiration. Please check back later today for a new post. Thank you. Read more →

New Post Later Today

Thank you for visiting The Daily Cup of Inspiration. Please check back later today for a new post. Thank you. Read more →