Your Daily Cup of Inspiration!

God's Good Work will Continue

Watch night service. Big events. Celebrations across America. Lots of folks will we bringing in the new year in a big way. For most of us, saying goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011, represents new beginnings, starting fresh, and wiping the slate clean. But, for God, who is confined to neither time nor space, the new year doesn’t dramatically alter His plans in any way. All the great things He started in 2010, will continue when the clock strikes twelve tonight. When we scream out “5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Happy New Year!!!!” there won’t suddenly be a dramatic shift in God’s sovereign will. In fact, the good work he has already begun in your life and mine, will move along without interruption. The Bible says in Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good... Read more →

He'll Hold Your Hand

Hi Daily Cup family! Yesterday I got so busy, I missed blogging. It was my niece Ayanna’s 10th birthday, and my sister, Shavette, invited all the kids to the skating rink for the birthday party. So, most of my day was spent getting the Hobbs clan ready for the party and then hanging out with them. Although it was a tiring day, the children and I had a fantastic time! We really did. The biggest surprise of the night came when my 4-year-old son, Kaleb, decided he wanted to skate for the first time. When we got out there on that slick floor, I clutched my baby boy’s hand tightly, so he could depend on my strength and stability to hold him up. Every time he would slip, I would firmly grasp him, so he wouldn’t fall down. After about... Read more →

Reflecting Back on the "No's"

“Those candy canes look so booty-ful mommy,” said 4-year-old Kaleb with a dreamy gaze. I chuckled as I watched his glimmering eyes stare adoringly at our tree decorated with those shiny red and white striped treats my husband, Kenya, brought home. From the moment the candy canes were hung, I think Kaleb subconsciously set a goal for himself—to eat every single one. So, in an effort to convince his dear mother to continue giving him permission to unhook those peppermint delights from the tree branches, my little tyke constantly interjected candy canes into our conversation in any way he could. In fact, he’s still doing it, although more than half of them are gone now. “Uh, do you like pepp-o-mint candy canes too mommy?” he queries with a big innocent smile on his face. Isn’t it always funny to see... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: "A Christmas Prayer"

My uncle on my mother’s side, whom I didn’t know very well, passed away last week. So, my mom, Annie, is grieving the loss of her brother right now—her sister passed away from cancer just months ago— and she is in my prayers. A young lady I’ve known for a while, named Nia, went into labor. She and her husband were so excited about adding their new son to their family after a healthy full-term pregnancy. But, the baby died Saturday. The two of them are in mourning today. A close family friend named Katrina, lost her young daughter, J’Kayla, to cancer this year. This will be her first Christmas without her little angel. She needs our prayers so much. So many people have lost loved ones. Others are struggling with health issues. Some families are in financial crisis. And... Read more →

Are You Out of Alignment?

I have been completely out of commission for the past couple days and I missed you guys terribly! It all began over the week-end when I was walking around the mall and noticed a dull aching in my pelvic area. It seemed odd for me to begin hurting so suddenly, but I shrugged it off and continued doing what I had to do. Well, Saturday, I wasn’t feeling a hundred percent, but I had a video shoot to finish. We didn’t wrap until around 8:00 in the evening, and I felt like a truck had hit me after that. The next day, my rapid downward spiral began, and I’ve been in pretty bad shape this week. You see, seven years ago, after giving birth to my oldest son Kedar (8lbs 6ozs), my pelvis dislocated as a result of the intense... Read more →

God is Interceding for You

I prayed for lucidity yesterday. And, no. I don’t use that word all the time. Although I majored in English back in college and I love words, I tend to keep it basic when I’m talking to God. We have a regular conversation. He’s my best friend. But the word just rolled off my tongue, as if God implanted that prayer in me, and let me give voice to it. Even when I heard myself say, “I pray for lucidity right now God,” it seemed a bit odd. But, actually, it was just what I needed during such a hectic day. Lucid means several different things. But I think there is a particular way God wanted to apply it to me. The definitions that resonate with me most are: having a clear mind, being rational, and balanced. After I finished... Read more →

Run to the Rock

I read a disturbing news report via CNN about a 56 year old gunman, Clay Duke. The frustrated husband wasn’t happy after his wife lost her job. And, he was also feeling disgruntled about taxes, as well as the financial hierarchy in America that too often leaves the poor and middle class behind. So Duke opened fire at a schoolboard meeting in Florida. I watched the video of these horrifying events; the whole incident was caught on camera. Sadly, the gunman ended up dead after a self-inflicted fatal gunshot to the head. But, before perishing, Duke managed to fire off several shots at point blank range. No doubt, his intent was to kill every person sitting before him. Astoundingly, none of the officials on the platform were hit. As I sat glued to the video, I thought about how many... Read more →

Yes or No?

My 4 year old son, Kaleb, plopped down beside me, happily smacking on his raisins I’d given him. “Good?” I asked enthusiastically. “Mmm hmm? He nodded his head while moving his eyebrows up and down at the same time. His little eyes twinkled with delight. Kaleb loves raisins. So does my husband Kenya and our other three children. Me? Not so much. Actually, not at all. Yuck. “For you mommy!” Kaleb smiled while extending his arm to hand me a raisin. Just great. :-/ So, with a forced grin I said, “Thank you for sharing with mommy! That’s so nice.” “You’re welcome,” he politely replied, handing me another. Then another. Then—“Thanks, but mommy’s had enough,” I quickly told him before having to pretend to enjoy another of those gross gummy raisins. So, without missing a beat, Kaleb popped it in... Read more →

Because He Sent You

2010 is almost gone. That’s hard to believe, though I am very excited about what’s to come. As always, when I prepare to enter a new year, I reflect back on all that has happened and ponder the lessons learned from each situation. Over the past week or so, God has been really dealing with me about one specific bit of wisdom that has been a huge blessing in my life, and I want to share it with you. Before I do, however, I must testify about how God has totally transformed my thinking. I remember when the opportunity first presented itself for me to enter into the world of entrepreneurship years ago. I felt like a scared little child learning to walk. I didn’t know if I would be able to move forward without falling and failing… miserably. Today,... Read more →

Where Is Your Heart?

The Bible says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). This scripture has been on my heart very heavily today, particularly because of some of the opportunities that have come knocking at my door. Taking advantage of them would require me to compromise and abandon my principles in exchange for gain. And I won’t do it. I love God too much. He means everything to me. I can’t imagine deliberately doing something that would bring shame to His name and undermine the message of the Kingdom. There’s a scripture that’s very dear to me found in Psalm 119:11 and it says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.“ The New American Standard translation says, “Your word I have treasured in my heart…” I love that interpretation... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: December 9

While many of us are excited about the holidays—Thanksgiving and Christmas are all about love, giving, and sharing special time with family—there are many people going through tough times. Job loss, death of loved ones, foreclosure, health challenges, and all kinds of personal struggles are plaguing lots of families. This season, we want to make sure we’re remembering them and praying God’s peace and comfort over their lives. Please join me in praying for the individuals who sent “prayer mail” to me to be included on our “Thoughtful Thursdays” list. Feel free to send your request to [email protected]. 1. Nicole Burruss wrote, “Dianna I lost my aunt who raised me. She was taken away by breast cancer a few weeks ago and I’ve never been without her around the holidays. This is a very sad year for me and I... Read more →

Revelation of Purpose

I was talking to my younger sister, Shante, yesterday. We chatted about a few things, but one thing in particular stuck out for me. She told me about how she used to wonder what she had to offer God. For a while, Shante had trouble identifying what specifically in her life the Lord wanted to use to make a difference in the world. She wasn’t certain about which gifts, talents, or abilities could be useful to Him. Although God would often place it on Shante’s heart to pray for others, she didn’t think anything much of it. For a long time, she didn’t realize she was called to be an intercessor—one who consistently prays to God on behalf of others. Now she knows the value of that gift and how important she is to the Kingdom. As I sat listening... Read more →

Making the Most of Each Day

I stood in the mirror combing my hair the other day as I chatted and laughed with my husband, Kenya. When I parted it down the middle I noticed something glistening up there. So I leaned in closer and sure enough, it was a long gray hair. “Look babe,” I showed him. Kenya flashed a big smile, “You’re gonna look like me soon,” he chuckled. Kenya’s hair is graying rapidly up top. For him, it’s hereditary. His late mother, Rosie, had the most beautiful perfectly silver coif. It’s so funny to think about how much time has passed since Kenya and I said “I do” on that cold January day in 1998 while a blizzard was going on outside. I’m so excited that next month, I’ll be celebrating 13 years with my best friend and partner for life. My how... Read more →

Change of Plan

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas—a very, very white one. All day long it’s been snowing! Although I love the snow—it’s so gorgeous—when the wind starts blowing it around, it can be quite difficult to see while driving. And when you combine low visibility with icy roads, that can make for some pretty treacherous travel conditions. Hopefully the flurries will stop soon, because I need to run a few errands this evening in preparation for a new video shoot. Originally, my label set up a shoot for my song, Purpose. Remember that? Everything went so well and many of you have been inquiring about when that music video will be released. Well, there has been a change of plan and that video is no longer being released. But…there is a new song. And it’s coming at you soon.... Read more →

Learn from the Storm

Oh the irony! Just after writing Wednesday’s blog post about my hometown of Buffalo, New York, being so awesome at snow removal, we got hit with a snow storm that crippled traffic and resulted in a bunch of drivers being stranded on highways. This treacherous Lake Erie-fed storm started on Wednesday and continued strong through Thursday, burying parts of Buffalo and some of our suburbs under two to three feet of snow! Dozens of schools canceled classes Thursday and again on today. It’s been a crazy couple of days. The impact of the storm has gotten the attention of national news and is being covered on CNN and other network stations. Interestingly, this isn’t even the worst storm to hit our city. Back in late December of 2001, more than 76 inches of snow landed in Buffalo with 35.4 inches... Read more →

Thoughtful Thursdays: December 2

I love this saying: “Let prayer be your first response, not your last resort.” When you’re going through hard times it’s easy to look for answers and solutions everywhere else but from the Lord who created both me and you. Everyday, steal away and talk to God. No one can dictate the length of time, place, or even what you talk to Him about. Just make sure you’re in regular communication with the Father. I ask that you please join me in praying on behalf of these individuals on our Thoughtful Thursday’s list today. 1. Stephanie Coleman writes, “Dianna I am having surgery today to have fibroid tumors removed from my uterus. They cause me so much pain and discomfort and I want to be free of this issue. Please pray for a safe surgery and full recovery with no... Read more →

Trouble is a Teacher

My lawn and bushes are covered with snow flurries today and I’m so excited about it. What a wonderful way to welcome the first day of December. Now it really looks like the Christmas season is here! The snow beautifully complements the seasonal decorations. The gently falling flakes add a quiet serenity to the neighborhood. Being a Buffalo, New York native, I’m used to snow…and lots of it. The kids play in it and I know how to carefully drive in it without fear. It’s just a part of my reality. In fact, in my hometown, we can we be walking around in snow up to our knees without the city shutting down. Again, we’re just sort of used to it. But, in Delaware, if there are flurries falling from the sky that happen to stick to the ground for... Read more →