Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Floral Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"TULIPS"
Painting #1115    Oil on Canvas   (16"x12)    Painted in February, 2010

FROM "THE DAILY WORD"                                       Tuesday, February 25, 2014

FAITH
My life demonstrates the power of my faith in God.
My faith in God inspires me to do more good works than I thought possible. As divine ideas come to me, I act with confidence. I express everything from simple acts of kindness to extraordinary visions of peace. I wait patiently for guidance, knowing that when the time is right, my next step will be revealed. I claim what I need and share the abundance I receive.
The good others see in my life is the flow of God’s love, peace, and substance through me into the world. The secret to my good is that I live in faith. I boldly do what is mine to do. Nothing is impossible! Through faith, my success is assured.
You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was brought to completion by the works.—James 2:22

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES IN A DISH"

Painting #1143    Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas   (6"x6")       Painted in December, 2010

FROM "THE DAILY WORD"                                           Sunday, February 23, 2014

JOY
The Universe celebrates itself through me.
If ever I question my purpose in life, I may find the answer in knowing that life is a purpose unto itself. I am alive, I am living, and that is enough.
My life is an expression of the Divine. I am divine consciousness manifested in human form, capable of sensing, perceiving, and expressing. Through my senses I perceive creation. Through my feelings and actions I express love, drawing good into my life and the lives of others. With joy, I cele-brate the miracle of life!
The Universe celebrates itself through me. I am its instrument of expression. It sings itself into my soul: “You are alive, whole, and loved!” By saying yes to life, I joyfully celebrate God’s greatest gift—Life itself.
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy.—Job 8:21

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PITCHER OF ROSES"
Painting #1057    Oil on Linen    (16"x12")   Painted in Sept. 2009   SOLD

FROM "THE DAILY WORD"                                         Saturday, February 22, 2014
BLESSED
I am blessed by my friends.
My friends and loved ones are gifts from God. We celebrate when our lives are smooth, easy, and filled with joy. And we stand together in challenging times of loss or disappointment.
Regardless of what is happening in our lives, my loved ones are a blessing. Each moment together is a gift we share. Our connection is a manifestation of divine love and harmony. We are here to bring out the best in one another.
The spirit of God permeates my relationships. Whether in times of challenge and crisis, or times of happiness and joy, I open my heart to my friends and we grow together in love. With God in the midst of our friendship, we are truly blessed.
Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.—Proverbs 18:24

Friday, February 21, 2014

Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES OUTDOORS"

Painting #1163     Oil on linen on board    (14"x14)     Painted in November, 2011      (?)

FROM "THE DAILY WORD"                                Friday, February 21, 2014

REASSURANCE
Centered in the power of prayer, I triumph!
In the story of the Resurrection, Thomas required tangible proof that the man standing in front of him was indeed Jesus resurrected from the dead. Jesus said, “Reach out your hand … Do not doubt, but believe.”
If an answer to prayer eludes me or I expect a certain outcome that is not forthcoming, I, too, may look for tangible evidence. If I become unyielding, I could miss the blessings right in front of me.
To dispel any doubt, I recall instances in which I kept the faith—even when unfolding good was not yet visible. Recalling these past triumphs reassures me to trust that good is always unfolding. I declare myself a faith-filled believer. I overcome any false appearances and trust only in the Divine.
He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands … Do not doubt, but believe.”—John 20:27

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN


"LOUISE & SUZIE"
Painting #1146     Oil on Linen   (18"x14")   Painted in January, 2011

FROM THE DAILY WORD                                            Wednesday, February 19, 2014
FREE
I am created to live free.
Self-discovery and observation are practices that free me from limiting thoughts and beliefs and enhance my development and growth. I bring awareness to my thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors to identify what serves me well and what I am ready to release.
If I carry a heavy burden from the past, this is the time of liberation. I consciously turn my attention to Spirit for guidance and prepare to release, heal, forgive, and renew.
I let go of what no longer serves me, lay down the burden of lack and limitation, and pick up a new vision of promise and potential. I make room for new perspectives and fresh experiences. I embrace the Truth that sets me free.
I relieved your shoulder of the burden; your hands were freed from the basket.–Psalm 81:6


Saturday, February 15, 2014

Acrylic Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN


"BIRDS OF A FEATHER"
Painting #1092  /  Acrylic on Canvas  (5"x 7")   /   Painted In December, 2009     Destroyed

From "The Daily Word"                                                   Saturday, February 15, 2014

HEALING
I am healthy, whole, and well.
When I scrape my knee or cut a finger, I apply antiseptic and a bandage, and allow the healing process to begin. In time, the pain subsides and the wound heals.
Emotional healing is much the same. If I am hurt about a broken relationship or suffering a loss of any kind, I apply the antiseptic of love and the bandage of forgiveness, and allow healing to begin. Then I add the powerful medicine of affirmative prayer.
Prayer heals at a deep level. I hold in mind my innate perfection and affirm my true nature: I am whole, one with the life of God. Healing starts in my consciousness and brings peace to my soul. I come to see myself as I am: healthy, whole, and well.
It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.—Proverbs 3:8

Friday, February 14, 2014

Floral Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN


"RED GERANIUMS"
Painting #1172   Oil on linen on board  (24"x 18")      SOLD

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

"This is a great love story I found on Ralph Taylor's blog this morning.  Enjoy reading it here or on Ralph's Blog. http://thetoilsofbeinganartist.blogspot.com.

"It is always best to do what you know to be right, honest and true to what your head and heart tells you. This is true in all things, but possibly even more so in matters of the heart. Yes of course I am aware that today is Valentines Day, so of course I am going to be romantic. Love can overcome all things, but it cannot flourish in the midst of untruths. Let me explain with a story based on a true experience."

"John stood up from the bench, straightened his Army uniform, and studied the crowd of people making their way along platform 6 of Waverly Station.. He looked for the girl whose heart he knew, but whose face he didn't, the girl with the rose.  
His interest in her had begun thirteen months before in the Carnagie Library. Taking a book off the shelf he found himself intrigued, not with the words of the book, but with the notes penciled in the margin. The soft handwriting reflected a thoughtful soul and insightful mind. In the front of the book, he discovered the previous owner's name, Miss Hollis Maynell. With time and effort he located her address. She lived in a town further up the coast. He wrote her a letter introducing himself and inviting her to correspond. 

The next day he was shipped overseas for service in World War II. During the next year and one month the two grew to know each other through the mail. Each letter was a seed falling on a fertile heart. A romance was budding. John requested a photograph, but she refused. She felt that if he really cared, it wouldn't matter what she looked like. 
When the day finally came for him to return from Europe, they scheduled their first meeting - 7:00 PM at platform 6 Waverly Station Edinburgh. "You'll recognize me," she wrote, "by the red rose I'll be wearing on my lapel." So at 7:00 he was in the station looking for a girl whose heart he loved, but whose face he'd never seen."


"I'll let John tell you what happened:"

"A young woman was coming toward me, her figure long and slim. Her blonde hair lay back in curls from her delicate ears; her eyes were blue as flowers. Her lips and chin had a gentle firmness, and in her pale green suit she was like springtime come alive. I started toward her, entirely forgetting to notice that she was not wearing a rose. As I moved, a small, provocative smile curved her lips. "Going my way, sailor?" she murmured. Almost uncontrollably I made one step closer to her, and then I saw Hollis Maynell. She was standing almost directly behind the girl. A woman well past 40, she had graying hair tucked under a worn hat. She was more than plump, her thick-ankled feet thrust into low-heeled shoes. The girl in the green suit was walking quickly away. I felt as though I was split in two, so keen was my desire to follow her, and yet so deep was my longing for the woman whose spirit had truly companioned me and upheld my own. And there she stood. Her pale, plump face was gentle and sensible, her gray eyes had a warm and kindly twinkle. I did not hesitate. My fingers gripped the small worn blue leather copy of the book that was to identify me to her. This would not be love, but it would be something precious, something perhaps even better than love, a friendship for which I had been and must ever be, grateful. I squared my shoulders and saluted and held out the book to the woman, even though while I spoke I felt choked by the bitterness of my disappointment.  
"I'm Lieutenant John McEwan, and you must be Miss Maynell. I am so glad you could meet me; may I take you to dinner?"  

The woman's face broadened into a tolerant smile. "I don't know what this is about, son," she answered, "but the young lady in the green suit who just went by, she begged me to wear this rose on my coat. And she said if you were to ask me out to dinner, I should go and tell you that she is waiting for you in the big restaurant across the street. She said it was some kind of test!"

It's not difficult to understand and admire Miss Maynell's wisdom. The true nature of a heart is seen in its response to the unattractive. "Tell me whom you love," says the well known saying, "And I will tell you who you are."
         May your heart be touched with Love this day and may you share your love with those
         who touch your life this day.


FROM THE DAILY WORD                                          Friday, February 14, 2014

RELATIONSHIP
Love blesses my relationships.
Every loving relationship is blessed. Divine Love in me seeks to express itself through my relationships. When I establish a bond with someone, whether for a moment or a lifetime, we meet on holy ground.
If miscommunication or resentment arises, I bring the relationship into prayer. In that sacred space, I release any preconceptions or judgment. I invite love and wisdom to help me see things differently. Focused on God in the midst of us, I see the conflict resolve or dissolve.
My deepest desire is to embody and express the exquisite love of God in all my relationships. I treat my loved ones with honor, respect, and devotion to Spirit within.

Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.—1 John 4:8

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Floral Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN


"AM I BLUE"
Painting #1088 / Oil on Canvas  (30"x30") / Painted November, 2009 / In Artist's Possession


FROM THE DAILY WORD
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
INVINCIBLE
I am fearless and free!
I am an overcomer. I am bold and fearless. My indomitable inner power comes not from my ego, but from the power of God within me—for God and I are one. All my accomplishments are the result of a team effort. With God as my partner, no one or no thing can defeat me.
As I focus on my spiritual nature, I let go of living small. I release aches and pains, fears and failings. I am more than a physical being. I am a spiritual being—invincible, fearless, strong, and free!
Through the power of God within, I can reach any goal and meet any challenge. I surmount any obstacle on the way to my good. God is with me and within me, and I am invincible.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.—Philippians 4:13

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Floral Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"A SMALL BOUQUET"

Painting #1112        Oil on Linen   (8"x10")     Painted February, 2010        SOLD

THE DAILY WORD
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
INNER PEACE
I am at peace in this present moment.
In our fast-paced lives, finding inner peace requires intention and practice. As I focus on the present moment and all that it holds, I release any hurry or anxiety. I let go of past concerns and future expectations. Centered in this now moment, I discover inner peace.
I may experience peace as a feeling of serenity, a state of harmony, or a deep trust that all is well. Knowing God is with and within me, as close as my very breath, I feel the assuring presence of peace.
My spiritual practices—prayer, meditation, and contemplation—help me maintain a consciousness of peace. In the midst of any rush or confusion, I center on the presence of peace in the present moment, and all is well.
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts.–Philippians 4:7

Saturday, February 1, 2014


"CALL ME RED"
Painting #1103    Oil on Canvas  (30"x30")     Painted January, 2010           SOLD

THE DAILY WORD
Saturday, February 1, 2014
LET GO,LET GOD
I boldly let go and trust in God.
Holding on to the familiar may feel more comfortable than facing the unknown. Change can be frightening. Yet as I look back at my life, my breakthroughs have occurred when I was willing to let go of the usual routine, accept any temporary discomfort of change, and try something new.
With this in mind, I now set aside any anxiety about a potential change and trust in God. I let go of others’ expectations and follow my inner calling. I let go of the way things have always been and let God lead the way to something new. Releasing any fear of the unknown, I step out in faith.
I boldly let go and let God and see my life unfold in new and exciting ways.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.—Psalm 25:4