words of encouragement – Hestina's Jewels

Forgiving You: The Ultimate Act of Self-love

July 25, 2026January 8, 2026Leave a comment

Today’s word jewel is less of a word of encouragement and more of a plea: forgive yourself.

***Take a deep breath…hold for 3 counts…and release***

For many of us, those two words hit home—hard.

We know forgiveness is necessary, not for the one who has wronged us but for our own emotional and spiritual freedoms. We know that forgiveness frees us to release hurts and offenses and embrace liberation and expansion. We know this.

And yet…

How many times have we replayed our mistakes in our minds each time beating on ourselves—harder and harder—because we should’ve known better?

How many times have we looked in the mirror and allowed hurtful words and thoughts to run amok without correction?

How many times have we allowed condemnation to block us from embracing and receiving love from others?

Much has been said on the importance of forgiving others, but many seem to skip over the concept of forgiving ourselves.

Child of God , believe it or not, it’s equally important and that we forgive ourselves with the same urgency, compassion, and hope that we use to forgive others. Unforgiveness brings with it spiritual bondage, emotional rigidity, anger, and other emotions like bitterness which often manifests as body ailments and/or unrelenting stress.

The word of God tells us that bitterness—the fruit of unforgiveness—is a means by which many are defiled.

Hebrews 12:15

Regardless of what we’ve done in our past, of an embarrassment we’ve suffered, or a sin we’ve committed, it’s imperative that we forgive ourselves—that we release ourselves from the shame or anger we harbor about ourselves. If God chose to forget our sins for His sake, then we ought to do the same and follow suit.

I, only I, am He who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins. Isaiah 43:25

Our gracious Father, the I AM, the Omnipotent One, the God who loves us unconditionally, wipes out our transgressions and refuses to remember the wrong we have done.

Why on earth would you, me, us continue to do the opposite? Why beat up ourselves for something that has already been wiped out and forgotten?

Child of God , your past does NOT define you! Your mistakes do NOT define you. You are wonderfully made and you are beautiful. Forgive yourself, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward.

Blessing & love from my heart to yours,

Hestina’s Jewels

Grace, Grace, and More Grace | Hestina’s Jewels

Praise the Lord Beautiful Ones

James 4:7-8 says this, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

This verse in the book of James gives us three steps for obtaining grace, grace and more grace.

Submit yourself to God.
Resist the devil in whatever form he appears.
Come near to God.

Pretty easy, right? We didn’t think so, either. Beautiful Ones, grace is given to each believer to accomplish God’s will. It is an energizing strength that flows from the risen Christ, operates through the Holy Spirit, and dwells within in the believer. Who is the believer? You. Me. All of us who are marked, called, and chosen by Him –those who profess him as Savior.

Today’s Word: Grace, grace, and more grace. How? By submitting yourselves to God!

We are believers who are given the grace of God. Why is that important? Because we know and understand that with this grace, comes the power to resist the devil, in whatever form he appears. With God’s grace, we can assume a posture of praise and prayer–thanking the Almighty God for his present help. With His grace, we stand firm giving no place to the adversary (Ephesians 4:27). We stand firm in faith. We stand.

By God’s grace, we stand! Let us thank Him for His gift of grace.

Blessings and love, from my heart to yours!♥️

Hestina’s Jewels

Comforted and Never Forsaken | Hestina’s Jewels

June 11, 2026January 8, 2026Leave a comment

Praise The Lord All You Great People!!

Comfort is defined as “a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. The easing or alleviation of a person’s feelings of grief or distress.

In simple terms, to comfort means to “lessen the sadness or sorrow of someone and to strengthen by inspiring with hope and restoring a cheerful outlook. To make grief or distress seem lighter, by means of kindness and thoughtful attentions.”

I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you. John 14:18 (AMPC)

The Word of God is clear: God never forsakes us. He never leaves us. And His strength and love will keep you–us–every day. All we need to do is run to the Source–the One–who promised “Lo, I am with you always.”

If you are overcome with grief, sadness, helpless or feeling comfortless, RUN to the Father, today! RUN into God’s open arms and trust Him to breathe comfort, healing and strength into your lungs. He is faithful. He is willing. And He is waiting for you.

Blessing & Love From My Heart To Yours!

Hestina’s Jewels

The Power of Peace | Hestina’s Jewels

May 23, 2026January 8, 2026Leave a comment

Hello Beautiful Ones!

In a world of uncertainty, angst, pandemics, and every pressing thing on every side, I want to you know this: God is concerned about YOU. He is concerned about YOUR family. He is concerned about YOUR well-being. And even though things may look like they’re falling apart or going every which way but the right way, God’s promises for your life will always come to pass.

This is where peace comes in.

Peace is power. It is “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts” that infringe on our faith and growth. Peace is a disruptor to fear, anxiety or worry. It anchors us – securing us firmly in place so that we are not easily shaken or intimidated.

God’s peace surpasses all understanding. If we allow it, peace can permeate every facet of our lives paving the way for our faith to grow – for our trust in God to deepen.

[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. Jeremiah 17:7 (AMP)

Beautiful One, God knew you when you were in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5). He approved of you as His chosen instrument, and before you were born He set you apart.

You are unique and wonderfully made. You are created by a God who loves and cares for you. I encourage you to allow His peace to anchor you during your storm.

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. Colossians 3:15 (AMP)

Remember, God is for you (Romans 8:31), God is with you, and He is ALWAYS on your side. Let His peace lead you from faith to faith, and glory to glory!

Blessing & Love From My Heart To Yours,

Hestina’s Jewels

Just Keep Running

May 20, 2026January 8, 2026Leave a comment

Praise the Lord Beautiful Ones!

Today’s word jewel: Run With Endurance

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Hebrew 12:1

Beautiful Ones, strip off every weight that’s slowing you down, every care that keeps you burdened, distracted or fearful. We are created in God’s image. We are created to endure and run our race knowing that we are never alone. Success is ours. Joy is ours.

Let’s pray…

Father, as we run the race you set before us, let us run with endurance, not allowing anything or anyone to distract us from being successful in life, from fulfilling our purpose in the earth. Be a lamp to our feet and a compass for our lives.

Blessings & Love from my heart to yours,

Hestina’s Jewels

Speak Until It Manifests | Hestina’s Jewels

May 16, 2026January 8, 2026Leave a comment

Praise the Lord Beautiful Ones!

Today I want to declare some things for you. Will you join me?

I declare God’s favor over you and your family.

I declare God’s blessings over your life!

I declare that you will have a great month.

I declare that you will enjoy life with your families and friends.

I declare that you and your family be filled with God’s awesome love, peace and joy.

I declare that God will give you the desires of your heart.

I declare that God will make all your plans successful.

I declare good health upon you and your lovely family. I declare that God will guide, protect, and equip you for everyday of your life.

When it feels like you’re taking three steps back for every seven steps you take forward, I want you to begin to declare these things, out loud, over yourself until it manifests.

Blessings & Love from My Heart to Yours!

Hestina’s Jewels

A Woman of Wisdom | Hestina’s Jewels

May 10, 2026January 8, 2026Leave a comment

Happy Mother’s Day, Woman of God!

We celebrate all the Women, Mothers and the one who ever was a mother figure in your life. Maybe you were one the motherly figures, godmother, foster parent etc.

Today I encourage you: keep on being an awesome woman and mother! Continue to apply wisdom to your life situations.

Godly wisdom is defined as, “The ability to discern or judge what is true, right; a gift from God to view life from a spiritual perspective; by applying biblical principles in all areas of life.”

I believe that Wisdom and knowledge gives us the ability to make the right choices at the right time to help cope with our everyday life situations and circumstances.

We must always keep in mind that we need inspiration and wisdom and knowledge from heaven!

Pr.4:7 tells us (NKJV) Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

A Woman Of Wisdom

Proverbs 31:26-28 tells us (NKJV)She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.²⁷She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.²⁸Her children rise up and call her blessed

In these scriptures we learn that a woman of wisdom takes good care of her children and household by addressing their physical, emotional, social, mental, and spiritual needs.

Things A Woman Of Wisdom Does For Her Household