Wednesday, August 27, 2014

"Grapes" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"GRAPES"
#510 of 1181 Paintings  /   Oil on Linen  (9"x 12")      Completed September 30, 1998

"I don't know why, but I have a feeling of nostalgia about this one.  I'm still here and yet the painting isn't." 

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Karl & Messages by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"KARL BY FIRESIDE"
#10 of 1181 Paintings  Oil on Canvas  (24"x36")  Completed in 1990      Destroyed

"This painting was painted by looking at the photo I had taken of Karl.  We had only been in our home, "Pine Haven" on Lamb Lake for about 10 months then.  I'm sorry that I destroyed this painting but so glad there is still an image of it.

Some of you know and some of you don't that since January 14, 2013, I have been meditating and writing every morning.  On January 18, 2013, Karl came to me.  I saw him and he gave me many words, a message, that I hold most dear.  That was over 1 year and 7 months ago.  Since then I have received messages daily from Karl and my guides.  It is time to share with those who have an interest.

Usually, I don't receive my messages in rhyme and yet lately that is what is so often happening.  I don't record or transcribe my words or questions I have written before the message arrives from the guides . . . . you see, Karl is also a guide.  I received a message in rhyme  this morning but I would like to share this one I received on Wednesday, 8-20-2014 with you first."

Wednesday, August 20, 2014     11:30am
“Write, Nora, for you want to recall this.  You are on the right track and your path is made easy for you.  Tune in often to get your updates.  Keep your Energy up high and avoid the static.”

Message in Rhyme IV / Wednesday, August 20, 2014

You are not alone as you live and abide,
Keep your eye on the center line and stay on your side.
Don’t crowd out another, give us plenty of room.

And you don’t have to travel at break neck speed,
Slow down, slow down, be aware, take heed.
See all around you, enjoy the view,
Please don’t miss what God has for you.

Arrows point in many directions,
You say, I’ll go here, I’ll go there.  Oh, so many selections.

Now, don’t be dismayed at the task set before you,
Resource to accomplish all you set out to do,
Is always within you . . . . who knew?


Healing:  from Unity's "Daily Word"
Wholeness is my true nature.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
I am innately whole and healthy. Divine Life is real, abiding, and eternal, and I am Life in expression. To experience the fullness of Life, I first realize that I live, move, and have my being in the universal life flow of God.
I center my feelings, thoughts, and words on Oneness and the perfect Life within me. I feel and know Life is present and available to me in all its fullness. When my mind is focused on the divine idea of wholeness, I am in conscious harmony with the rhythm and flow of Divine Life. I demonstrate wholeness in mind and body.
Wholeness is my true nature and my birthright. I confidently claim it by affirming: Life, sweet Life!
Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.”—Genesis 1:26

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Spiritual Messages & Roses Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"THE BLUE VASE"
 #608 of 1181 Paintings  Oil on Linen  (40"x 30")  Completed July 24, 2000  SOLD

Today’s Message came to me in rhyme /  August 19, 2014
This is the third message I have received in rhyme.  The first was March 8, 2014

You are already complete, All you can Be
Become aware, remember, and you will see.
The words of Spirit become clear with no doubt,  
You can relay them to others with never, ever a shout. 
Begin anew and maybe sing,  
Music rises your vibration, you can do anything.  
Ponder the words in the still and quiet,  
Receive your answer and then apply it.  
Go forth boldly with your head held high, 
Proclaim the message with never a sigh.

We give to you letters of hope and good cheer,
It’s a gift package for you, my Dear,
Open it quickly, you’ll be delighted.
Now, enjoy your gift without looking back,
And then go forward on your chosen path.

Look, see, the Goodness is sighted as you travel along,
If you follow the signposts, you won’t go wrong.
Just stay in the Flow to receive all you need,
You can share this knowledge, plant the seed.
There is a time to speak and a time to refrain.

To speak, you’ll know when the moment arises.  
What you give to another holds many surprises.
Abundance is yours because you share.
Pass it along, let them know that you care.
 The Spirit speaks to all but not everyone hears.  
Do your part and then, let them see what appears.

As you have been gifted, take the message to others.
Come out of the closet.  Walk in the Light,
Be your Being and display your might.
Words are a beginning but your actions ring true,
As others see God, They will see God in you.

Namaste!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Destroyed Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"SUNDAY MORNING TREAT"
Painting #1035  Oil on Linen  (36"x 24")  Completed May 25, 2009 Destroyed

"TABLE CENTERPIECE"
Painting # 1056  Oil on Linen  (36"x 24")  Completed Sept. 3, 2009 Destroyed

"These two paintings (same linen canvas) ended up in the trash.  Painting over another painting never really worked out for me.  With hindsight, maybe I should have just left the first one alone, facing the wall and let the good fairies work on it."

Approval  / Monday, August 18, 2014
I am whole and complete just as I am.
We all want to be appreciated and loved by others, but a need for approval can be a stumbling block. On my spiritual path, I learn that my priority is to be true to myself. I am an expression of God—in this form, body, and mind. I am all I need to be. By being true to myself, I may or may not garner the admiration or approval of others, but ultimately I will gain much more.
I pray to fully love myself as I am, to accept the love of God, to appreciate my gifts and the unique desires of my heart. I am here to live the life I have been given. As I learn to love myself more, my need for admiration and outside approval diminishes. I am whole and complete, just as I am.”
Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? … If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ.—Galatians 1:10

Thursday, August 14, 2014

"KARL KASTEN" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"KARL, 2007"
Painting #929 of 1181   Oil on Linen  (16"x 20")  Completed May 18, 2007
"This painting was done from a photograph I took of Karl while we were visiting our four Freeport, Illinois, Snowbird friends.  I don't know where the painting is.  I just discovered the photo of it this summer while transferring the painting photos from old CDs to an external hard drive.
Oneness
I am one with God and my supply is abundantly provided.
Jesus taught unity with God: “As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us.” Many enlightened teachers have said that separation is an illusion. We are one with God, the Source of All.
In meditation, I become aware of my oneness with the unlimited Source. I gain a deeper understanding: As I am one with my Source, I have access to unlimited health, abundance, protection, and love. Unity teacher Emilie Cady wrote: “There is really no reason for jealousy or envy, for all persons are one and the same Spirit.”
I let go of thoughts of separation. Good flows to me and through me at all times. I experience God’s good in my life and my needs are abundantly met.

The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one.—John 17:22


Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Four Years Later by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"CLEMENTINES"
Painting #1016 of 1181 / Oil on Linen (14"x14") Completed Nov. 21, 2008  SOLD

"Today marks the fourth anniversary that my Beloved, Karl, made his transition.  It amazes me that I am still here in the physical without him.  A spark of happiness wells up high within me each time my thoughts go to him and I look forward to the time we will be together again.  As I wrote this morning, I was Blessed with a loving and comforting message from Karl."

Two recent slideshow videos:

Perfect Life
My body temple expresses the perfection of God.

The life of God, which is the source of all life, flows in and through my body temple. I rejoice to know this truth.
Today I see the perfection of God expressed in and through me. Every cell is alive and functioning in accordance with its individual pattern. Every organ is operating smoothly and harmoniously as it performs its unique task. Every muscle expands and contracts so that I move with grace and ease.
I stand straight and tall. I walk with confidence and strength. I ask God’s blessing on all that I eat and my body is wisely nourished. The perfect rhythm of God helps me to balance activity with rest and work with recreation. I sleep soundly and awake refreshed.
My body temple expresses the perfection of God’s life.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him.—Genesis 1:27 
The above is from Unity's "Daily Word"

Monday, August 11, 2014

Roses Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES ARE RED"
Painting #1117 of 1181   Oil on Canvas  (24"x 20") Completed March 5, 2010

"Here are two recent slideshow videos.   
25 PAINTINGS     NORA KASTEN PAINTINGS IV

Today's message is from Unity's "DAILY WORD"
Guidance
Spirit guides me in the right way.
Before I embark on a journey, I map the route to and from my destination. But life is not as easy to plan. Instead, I trust Spirit within to guide me in the right way at the right time.
Present to each moment, I listen for the guidance I know is available to me. I do not worry about the future, for I know Spirit is leading the way.
I hear the guidance of Spirit when my mind is calm, so I spend time in the Silence each day. I listen for Spirit in the words of others, in Scripture, and in song. I hear Spirit speak to me in my heart. I am not anxious about making decisions, because I trust in Spirit to guide my way.
When you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”—Isaiah 30:21

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PLEASE BE SEATED"
Painting #936 of 1181  Oil on Linen  (30"x24")  Completed June 15, 2007

Today's message is from Unity's "DAILY WORD"                        
Constant Good
My good comes to me from God, steadily and constantly.
Inasmuch as I desire my good to come to me in a constant flow, it is up to me to be constant in my faith. If I find myself having ups and downs, I watch my thinking, speaking, and acting. If I want good health, abundance, and happiness, I remember that as I think, so I am; and as I sow, so shall I reap.
I remember the lessons taught by Jesus. He said, “Seek first his kingdom … and all these things shall be yours as well.” He told us to pray believing, to pray without ceasing, and we should be rewarded openly. If I abide by his teachings to the best of my ability, I shall receive the benefits promised.
I form the habit of positive thinking, of silent prayer, of affirmative speech, by constant practice. The more constantly I practice the Truth, the steadier and more constant will be the manifestation of good in my life.

They ought always to pray, and not lose heart.—Luke 18:1

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Floral Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Breakfast Fruit"
Painting #828 of 1181  Oil on Linen  (40"x 30")  Completed May 20, 2005

Today's message is from Abraham   /   Excerpted from the workshop: Philadelphia, PA on April 14, 1998
"You are on the leading edge of thought, taking thought beyond that which it has been before. Who cares what thoughts have led up to this. You're standing in the fresh now, and many of the thoughts that you vehemently oppose are the very thoughts that have given you the desire that has attracted the clarity of where you now stand. No matter how awful you think they might be, all were of value in the evolution forward. Every one of them.
---Abraham
Our Love,

Esther (and Abraham and Jerry)"

Monday, August 4, 2014

Self-Portrait Slideshow by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Aquarium Scene"
Painting #1101  Oil on Canvas   (6"x 6")  Completed December 26, 2009     Destroyed

"This is one of the paintings I termed at the time,"Modern Expressions".

Here is a slide show of all the self portraits I have done (37 of them). 
 "The Good, Bad & The Ugly" 

Today's quote from Adam James
"The universe always responds to your beliefs. You always manifest what you believe. It doesn't need to be for your highest good, it doesn't need to be for anyone's highest good. If you (for some reason) firmly believe that killing a million people is your highest good, then the universe will assist you in doing this. 
The universe doesn't judge. It simply responds to your beliefs. If the universe only manifested what was for everyone's highest good, the world would be perfect. The world isn't perfect. The universe responds to peoples beliefs and that's all there is to it. Everyone has free will. 
Few people take conscious control of their beliefs. Those that do, become the masters of their universe.

Intending your highest good,

Adam James"

Friday, August 1, 2014

Studio & Office Walls by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ORANGE BAG"
Painting # 906  Oil on Linen  (20"x16")  Completed October 21, 2006
In the collection of Mr. & Mrs. Jason Simrell


"This is my office and studio I woke up to this morning.  I didn't run out of paint.  I couldn't move the heavy glass desk and couldn't reach the top of the wall over it.  The solution was to leave the wall over and under the window white.  I am so happy with the result and it seems like one of those "happy accidents" has happened.  It's amazing how a pencil and level can help us."

"The left-side view.  This photo shows my easel and a painting in progress.  The wall in back of the easel is still white.  By the way, that painting was started months ago.  Will I finish it?"

"The right-side corner view.  I am so pleased to have such a beautiful workspace and view."

"Today's message from Unity's "Daily Word" is perfect for me today.  Remember, I am 77 years old and I really enjoyed being on the ladder and painting walls yesterday."  Actually, this message is perfect for all of us.  Enthusiasm and Gratitude . . .  . WOW!"


Ageless
I honor my ageless nature by living with enthusiasm and gratitude.

The essence of my being is ageless. The spark of divinity, of God within me, is everlasting. It was there before my birth and will continue beyond my physical body.
What a blessing it is to know that this most real part of me is always fresh and vibrant! As I cherish memories, wisdom, growth, and a bounty of lessons learned throughout my life, I understand that my fundamental nature remains ageless.
No matter my chronological age, my spirit is as new as a budding leaf. I visualize myself in the flow of all that God is. I honor my ageless nature by living this day with enthusiasm and gratitude.

Their leaves will not wither … but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary.—Ezekiel 47:12