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Thoughtful Thursdays: 9-30-2010

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) Today I had a conversation with someone very close to me. She has been living on her own for a while and trying to make ends meet. But, about 8 weeks ago, she suddenly lost her job without warning, and has been fighting for unemployment benefits while seeking new employment. A few weeks ago, she was really discouraged and low in her spirit. I’m sure you know that hard times have a way of wearing you down—particularly when you’ve been going through for a long time. Anyway, on Tuesday, things began taking a turn for the better, and although the situation is not fully resolved, God is working it out as we speak. And I’m believing... Read more →

Hidden Treasure

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." (Matthew 13:44) Earlier today, I was running around looking for my Blackberry. Unfortunately, the ringer was on silent, so I couldn't just call it from a land line and determine its whereabouts by listening. I looked everywhere! So, after being frustrated for about 10 minutes with my fruitless search, I stood in the middle of the floor scanning the room with squinted eyes, with my hands on my hips. "Wait a minute. What's that?" I mumbled, feeling a bulge. I shook my head and laughed when I discovered the phone was in my pocket the whole time! I forgot I had slipped it in there... Read more →

Hidden Treasure

You may already be in possession of the very thing you seek. Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

A Lesson my Mother Taught Me

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:12 NIV) Today is my beautiful mother Annie Dean Brinson's 58th birthday. She and my dad (both pictured above posing at my sister Alesha's wedding reception) have been married 37 years. And her signature smile I always talks about, pretty much never ever goes away. When I called Mom this morning with a purposely botched and silly rendition of the Happy Birthday song, she laughed and said, "Awww, thank you Dianna!" in her soft, chipper voice. It was so sweet to see how excited she was about her lunch date today with my dad, Joseph Sr.... Read more →

A Lesson my Mother Taught Me

As I carried on a phone conversation with my mother for her birthday today, our talk made me reflect on how we can find simple things to be thankful about everyday. Read the full post at www.diananhobbs.com Read more →

Monday, September 27, 2010 at 05:53 PM

I sat down at my computer to blog today. And the only thing I could think to utter was "Thank you Lord." So many times, we ask God for things. We want assistance, opportunities, and so many other things. While there's nothing wrong with asking the Lord for the desires of our heart (He loves to bless us!) it's even better to express gratitude for all He has done already. Read more →

We all have a Set Time

"Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)" ~Hebrews 10:23 The two boys ate cake and had a blast, laughing and talking... until gift-giving time rolled around. "But we wanted bikes," Kaleb said with a disappointed look as his 7 year old brother, Kedar, opened up his birthday presents. We? I thought. Bikes? I was somewhat confused, because 4-year-old Kaleb's big bro never even asked for a bike. And I didn't quite understand exactly how he came up with the idea that he would be the recipient of a shiny new three-wheeler on Kedar's birthday. For some reason, he didn't recognize that it wasn't his time to receive gifts yet. All he knew is that Mommy and Daddy were giving away toys, and he had put in his bid, even if... Read more →

We all have a Set Time

We all have a set time of manifestation, but in the meantime... don't be discouraged. Read the full post www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: 9.23.10

"And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him" (James 5:15 KJV). Whether you're heartsick, physically sick, or just sick and tired of being sick and tired, I believe in the power of prayer to change lives. So today, please join me for another Thoughtful Thursdays where we take someone else's burdens before the Lord. Here are the requests of the individuals who wrote into the Daily Cup. 1. A concerned wife named Janie wrote: Please pray for my husband and me. He has recently been laid off after 23 years with the same company. It was so hard to see his hurt at what he felt was a betrayal of sorts. The 8 months preceding them letting him go were some... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: 9.23.10

Today is "Thoughtful Thursdays" again. So please join me in praying for the following individuals on our list today at www.DiannaHobbs.com Read more →

Pregnant with No Proof

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11 NIV). I knew I was pregnant with him before I had any signs, evidence, or proof. My son, Kedar, is turning 7 years old tomorrow. But, before he was even a twinkle in my eye, during my prayer and worship time, I heard an audible voice speak to me and tell me that I was having a baby boy. At first, I thought, "Okay, wait a minute! Am I going crazy?" Besides, my hubby Kenya and I weren't even trying for a baby at that time. Now, I know that may sound odd. Trust me. I'm a skeptic by nature and it can be difficult to... Read more →

Pregnant with No Proof

When God speaks a word over your life, even when your reality contradicts it, believe what God has spoken above all else! Read the full post at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

If you wait...

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him..." (Psalm 37:7a) Hey Daily Cup family! I'm so sorry I missed blogging yesterday. You know how much I despise missing days. I was traveling and things got so crazy with my schedule, which is why I had to get up this morning all geared up and ready to work, work, work. So today, I turned on my computer and began working on a project; I had some clear goals in mind. Tap. Tap. Tap. I hit the"Enter" key three times. And nothing happened. Six more times, and still nothing, except the appearance of the little time capsule on my laptop screen. Just great. My computer was frozen... and I hate it when that happens. Especially when I'm trying to work quickly and efficiently. There I sat, frantically hitting at the... Read more →

If you wait...

I got up today geared up and ready to work! Then, a minor delay put some things in perspective for me and inspired today's post. Read it at www.DiannaHobbs.com Read more →

It's Not that Serious

"Mommy, Kee-dow won't yeave me ayone." Translation: Mommy, Kedar won't leave me alone. "OK," I say without looking up. "Tell Kedar mommy said stop it." "Stop it Kee-dow!" 4-year-old Kaleb yells out as he's walking out of my room with a sly, gratified look. "But I didn't do anything mommy!" 6-year-old Kedar presents his counter-claim as he enters my room to plead his case. "OK," I say again, without looking up from what I'm typing. "You two be nice." "Okaaaay," they both whine and walk out. This cycle had been going on all day. The first time, I stopped what I was doing to address the two "feuding" brothers. And I gave them equal attention the third and fourth time too. But after the 5th trip into my bedroom with the same gripes, I realized these two were happy to... Read more →

It's Not that Serious

Sometimes we get all worked up over situations when, in reality, it's just not that serious. Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: 9.16.10

Before I begin listing the "Thoughtful Thursdays" requests today, I just want to say thank you to all of you who pray with me week after week; and for those who pass along warm words of encouragement to those waiting on God for answers. One such encouragement came from a woman named Bhatupe Mango who reached out to Debbie, the HIV positive woman who requested prayer last week: Bhatupe said: Hi Debbie, I read the last Thursday prayer list and was touched by the HIV positive story. Being positive myself, I provide counseling, and am here to help. Here are this week's requests: 1. My name is Marie and I had an abortion 10 years ago before the Lord saved me and I cannot seem to forgive myself. I still have nightmares about it and I've never told my current... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: 9.16.10

Please join me in praying for those on our Thoughtful Thursdays list today at www.DiannaHobbs.com Read more →

Discomfort is Necessary

When I woke up early this morning it was so cold in the house. The temperatures outside have already started to drop significantly. Tomorrow night, the low is supposed to be 48 degrees here in Buffalo. Brrrr! Goodbye Summer, right? But hey, this is upstate New York. The weather is pretty unpredictable around these parts. Truthfully, no one really even bats an eye if it snows right in the middle of summertime. Buffalo natives pretty much expect the unexpected when it comes to the weather. Buffalo=Cold. And being that I've lived here most of my life (except that 41/2 year stint in Delaware), I've adapted to the frigid temps. I suppose it's because my mind is conditioned that way now. Whenever folks who live in warmer regions visit my hometown during cooler seasons, you would think they had come to... Read more →

Discomfort is Necessary

Going through uncomfortable circumstances right now? Don't fret. God is shifting you for your destiny. Read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

The Blessing of Divine Connections

It was an eventful week-end Daily Cup readers! There's something else I want to tell you about besides the "wedding day drama" I shared yesterday. Okay so, that's me and a woman who's really special to me named Kimberly Adams in the picture above. Back when I was very young (about 7 or 8), my dad would minister at her church (Open Door #5) in Buffalo, NY. And I always watched and admired her as a child, because her worship was so passionate. And Kim was so, so sweet to me. She would ask for my "autograph" when I was just a little knucklehead kid, and made me feel like she really saw God's hand on me all those years ago. But, she got married and moved away. I recall how much I missed her warm smile and kindness for... Read more →

The Blessing of Divine Connections

I had an experience this past Sunday that reminded me of how strategic God is when He connects us to others. Read the full post at www.DiannaHobbs.com Read more →

Panicking Won't Change It!

Remember I shared the news that my baby sister Alesha was getting married this week-end? The ceremony was beautiful! As I told you before, I had to sing a song I'm not familiar with (Golden by Chrisette Michelle). Sooooo, how did it go you ask? Well, pull up a chair. All day Saturday was pretty crazy. I had a million things to do, including my baby sis's make up for the big day. By the time I got to her house, I was already running behind schedule, but still, things went well and she looked even more beautiful than she already does everyday. Okay so, after finishing her face, with only 45 minutes to spare before the wedding, I flew out the door, took a wrong turn, ended up miles away from home, with no gas, and no money to... Read more →

Panicking Won't Change It!

Remember I told you last week that I had to sing at my baby sister Alesha's wedding? You'll never guess what happened! So read today's blog post at www.DiannaHobbs.com to find out. Read more →

Ask the Lord to Help You...

The other day I had to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Anyway, one of the workers there seemed to be in a really foul mood. She kept snapping at me and cutting me off in the middle of sentences. So, I assumed she was having a bad day, or she just really didn't like me. I smiled and thanked her for her help anyway. Well, I had to go back to the DMV again today. As I was sitting waiting for them to call number 118, my number, I heard someone yelling. I looked over and saw the same woman letting some guy (who I felt so sorry for) at her window have it! Her face was red and she was going in. Uh oh, I thought. My number was the very next one to be called. And... Read more →

Ask the Lord to Help You...

My recent trip to the DMV inspired this blog post today. Want to know more? Visit www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: 9.9.10

Thursday is my favorite day of the week, because we get to join forces in prayer for someone else. And today, I want to jump right into "Thoughtful Thursdays" and ask you to pray with me on behalf of the following individuals who have written into the Daily Cup: 1. Prayer for Employment: "My name is Taylor and I'm a divorced mother of 3 boys. I never thought I would be on the other side of a failed relationship because of infidelity but here I am! It's been a really hard year for me especially with me losing my job too. But I do have a job interview coming up in two weeks. Please pray for favor. I desperately need this to come through!" 2. Prayer for a grieving grandmother: "I just want to tell you how much the Daily... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: 9.9.10

Please pray with me on behalf of the following individuals who have written into the Daily Cup. More at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

It's a Teachable Moment

I got a phone call the other night from one of my younger sisters, Shante. "Dianna, go listen to the song on YouTube," she said after informing me that I have to learn a new song for my sister Alesha's wedding by this Saturday. Uh oh. Immediately my mind traveled back to 2004. I had to sing a duet called "The Prayer" by Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin at my brother Andre's wedding. I only had a few days to learn it and uh, let's just say, that didn't go well. On the day of the wedding when it was my turn to sing, I opened my mouth, and it was like someone deleted my mental computer. I completely forgot the words! And the poor dancers that worked so hard to sync their choreography with the lyrics, were totally thrown... Read more →

It's a Teachable Moment

No matter what you go through, God, the consummate teacher, can use it to enhance your knowledge going forward. Read more →

Master the Challenge

"Press refresh," instructed our youngest son, Kaleb (4), who was busy trying to provide technical assistance to his older brother, Kedar (6). Apparently, the desktop computer had frozen up in the middle of one of their "exciting" preschool games. And our in-house MIS Specialist, Kaleb, had assessed the situation and decided that refreshing the computer's browser might help resolve this issue. Well, when Kedar ignored his younger brother, refusing to heed Kaleb's sage advice the first time, the young advisor repeated his instructions a bit more assertively. "Kee-dow," Kaleb said with a hint of exacerbation in his voice, "press refresh because nothing's popping up!" I looked over at my husband, Kenya, and laughed because it was pretty funny to see a 4-year-old telling someone else to refresh a browser of all things. But I should not have been surprised. Everyday,... Read more →

Master the Challenge

There are times in our lives when God exposes us to challenging circumstances and situations to give us experience. Through them, we grow and develop in crucial areas. Read more at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

It's for Your Glory, Lord

"Lord use me for your glory," we say. And we like to sing songs like, "For your glory, I would do anything..." But using our lives to bring glory to God requires great sacrifice, testing, and stretching. And I happen to be going through a season of intense stretching right now. A few months ago, I was asked to be a co-author with 17 other women from around the country, of a book designed to minister to new mothers, that comes out next year. But when the opportunity came knocking at my door to be a contributing author to the annual Daily Guidepost series with more than 20 million copies already distributed to people around the world, my first inclination was to decline. "I just don't think I have time for it," I confided in my husband Kenya. "There is... Read more →

It's for Your Glory, Lord

When going through a season of stretching, remembering the "why" behind everything we must endure, helps us continue moving forward. Read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: 9.2.10

A woman who submitted her request anonymously to the Daily Cup regarding the financial hardships she and her husband had been going through wrote in to give her testimony: "Praise God Dianna! The Lord has come through for us financially and I give him all honor. My husband got hired after being laid off for a year and his salary is double what he was making at the old job!!! God is faithful and he always comes through at the right time. Thank God he truly answers prayer." Now please join me in seeking God on behalf of the following women on our Thoughtful Thursdays prayer list today. 1. Linda Ericson, who has to be tested for a mysterious spot on her breast wrote: "My Breast Cancer has been in remission for two years, but last week I had a... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: 9.2.10

Today is "Thoughtful Thursdays" when we take time out to pray for others. Please join me in seeking God on behalf of the women who wrote into the Daily Cup of Inspiration... Read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →

Don't Toil

" And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." (Matthew 6:28, 29) I woke up this morning with that scripture above, and a two-word sentence on my heart. "Don't Toil." To toil means to work hard, labor, and grind. And while I do believe hard work is both beneficial and necessary in the right context, I also believe in sweatless victories. I've had plenty of those in my life, and someone reading this post is long overdue for one. So, what is a sweatless victory? For our purposes today, the term represents specific opportunities that come knocking at your door that you weren't even expecting.... Read more →

Don't Toil

Today God wants you to rest, not toil. What He has for you... is for you. Read the rest at www.diannahobbs.com Read more →