Sunday, June 29, 2014

"KARL" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"KARL, on the Porch"
Painting #344  Oil on linen on board  (24"x 36")   Painted October, 1996         Archived
(This painting really isn't as bad as it looks here but my photography skills were very limited in those days.)

"Karl had retired about six months before this painting and it was GOOD to have him home with me.  That day was a beautiful Fall day there on Lamb Lake, Indiana and Karl was enjoying sitting out on the upper porch studying his financial reports.  I Am Blessed with such Loving memories.  Thank you, Karl."
Joy
I am one with Spirit, one with joy.
FROM UNITY'S "DAILY WORD"        Sunday, June 29, 2014
Nothing surpasses the joy of Spirit; nothing is stronger than the indwelling Divine Presence.
Joy is always available, regardless of outer conditions, other people, or adverse circumstances. If I ever lose touch with inner joy, if I ever feel discouraged that life does not seem to be going my way, I simply bring myself back to center. I look within to find that joy has never left me. I am loved. I am strong. I am one with God in every way. My sense of joy returns as I allow my consciousness to rise to an awareness of Spirit’s unmovable presence and power.
Joy is as natural to me as breathing and smiling, because Spirit is with and within me at all times.
God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness.—Hebrews 1:9

Saturday, June 28, 2014

"FLORAL" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"JANE'S PEONIES"
Painting #593  Oil on Linen  (24"x 36")   Painted in May, 2000     SOLD  

FROM UNITY'S "DAILY WORD"            Saturday, June 28, 2014    
Let Go, Let God
I let go and let the light of God shine.
       If I ever feel weighed down with responsibility, I consider whether I have unduly taken on the cares and concerns of others. Do I feel responsible for their success and well­-being? God is the One Source, available to meet every need for everyone. Each of us has access to divine wisdom, strength, creativity, understanding, and love. God is in relationship with each of us.
      I pray for my loved ones and release them to the path unfolding for their highest good. My focus is on my relationship with the Divine. Guided by God, I do my part with joy and peace. Beholding the Divine power in myself and others, I let go and know God is there for us all.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.—Psalm 62:8

Friday, June 27, 2014

"Floral by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"SUNLIT BOUQUET"
Painting #1053   Oil on Gallery Wrap canvas  (48"x24")   Painted: August, 2009

Inner Peace           (FROM UNITY'S "DAILY WORD")   JUNE 27, 2014

Divine peace calms my mind and lifts my spirit.

I declare peace in my life today by choosing peace-filled thoughts. If I have been dwelling on worries, regrets, or deadlines, I stop, take a breath, and imagine a tranquil scene. I see myself sitting by the ocean, taking a walk in the woods, or meditating in a quiet, sacred space. My body relaxes and any tension fades into nothingness.

I bless myself with these moments of peace, which lift my spirit, enhance my creativity, and focus my mind. Remaining attuned to divine peace, I am undisturbed in any circumstance. As peace emanates from within, I impart calm and composure to the situations of my life. My serenity spreads to others. Peace begets peace.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you.—2 Thessalonians 3:16

Monday, June 23, 2014

Painting Archives from Artist, NORA KASTEN

 "THE BURNING BUSH"
Painting #692  Oil on Linen   (30"x24")   Painted in April, 2002

"Today, I am transferring painting photos from CD's to an external hard drive for the Apple Mac.  It will probably take several days to do this but I Am enjoying viewing the paintings that I did several years ago." 
From Unity's "DAILY WORD"    Monday, June 23, 2014
Trust
I open my life as I trust the wisdom of God.
It can sometimes be difficult for human beings to trust one another. Trust requires willingness to surrender and to be open and vulnerable.

In learning to trust, I begin by trusting the Divine within. By placing my trust in God, I will never be led astray. This does not mean that I adopt a passive attitude. Rather, it means being alert and responsive to divine wisdom and discernment, to love and beauty, to divine order and truth. As I do, I learn to trust myself to judge rightly and act on the wisdom that I receive.
Spirit will guide me to people and experiences that bless me, and I will find others with whom I feel comfortable sharing my thoughts, ideas, and feelings. As I trust, a world of blessings opens up to me.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.—Psalm 56:3

Saturday, June 14, 2014

"Roses" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES"
Painting #1009  Oil on Linen  (36"x 24")   Painted in April, 2008  Archived

From Unity's "Daily Word"

Comfort /I am never alone.       Saturday, June 14, 2014

The lights in the night sky remind me of my infinite connection with All That Is. As I allow my thoughts to turn away from the day’s events, I focus on the truth that I am one with God, one with all life. This brings me comfort. Gazing at the heavens filled with distant stars and planets, I see my life from a cosmic perspective. I feel my divine connection with these many little dots in the sky.
I am comforted by my powerful connection with Spirit and the knowledge that I am never alone. The lights of the heavens shine upon me. The wisdom of Spirit is my guide. The strength of Spirit is my support. The peace of Spirit lies deep within me. I am surrounded and enfolded in God’s ever-present love.
I, I am he who comforts you.—Isaiah 51:12

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Oil Painting,"Macy-Red Dress" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"MACY - RED PROM DRESS"
Painting #1010   Oil on Linen   (16"x12")   Painted in May, 2008

Free

I choose freedom, and I soar!

From Unity's "Daily Word"                                                 Wednesday, June 11, 2014

When a butterfly leaves its chrysalis, it abandons its former way of life. The transition takes time as the newly formed butterfly waits for its wings to dry. Once ready, it takes flight, leaving old ways behind as it soars freely.
Like the butterfly, I may find that my freedom from a former way of life takes time. I cocoon myself in prayer and meditation. I consciously let go of old thoughts, ideas, and habits that keep me from the full expression of who I am.
I let go of the past and live in the present. I am no longer held back by fear of failure or defeat. Through the power and presence of God within, I am free to soar through the garden of life.
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters.—Galatians 5:13

Monday, June 9, 2014

Floral by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FLORAL BALLERINA"
Painting # 1083   Acrylic on Canvas   (7"x5")    Painted in Nov., 2009

"Over the week-end, I finished reading "The Star Keys" by Eron & Walter Starckey.  This book was such a Blessing to me and maybe it is just what you are looking for too.

From Unity's "The Daily Word"  
Envision
As I believe, I gratefully receive.
Monday, June 9, 2014

The power of imagination is an amazing gift from God. With faith, I visualize what I want to manifest in my life. Sending forth a powerful affirmative prayer, I picture in detail what I seek to create. My vision is specific, broad-reaching, and impactful.
By seeing the result first in mind, I generate the feelings that accompany success. I may feel a sense of pride, relief, or joy as I envision a favorable outcome. I am grateful for what I know will be achieved. I internalize that sensation, and whenever I imagine my goal, the positive feelings return.
When my good comes to fruition, I welcome it with appreciation and joy. As I believe, I gratefully receive.
Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.—Mark 11:24

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Peonies & Iris by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PEONIES & IRIS"
Painting #1036 / Oil on Linen (12"x 24")  Painted in May, 2009 In Collection of Mr. & Mrs. Jason Simrell

FROM "THE DAILY WORD" by UNITY
Wisdom
I see the world clearly from my heart and soul.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Wisdom is more than intellectual discernment or logic; it comes from the heart and soul. With wisdom, I look beyond appearances and perceive the divine potential inherent within every circumstance and every person, including myself.
Through my prayer practice, I develop and strengthen my ability to make wise choices. I connect with Source and open my heart and mind to possibilities I did not recognize before. A daily connection with my divine nature helps me listen deeply, see clearly, choose wisely, and advance joyfully. From within the sweet silence of prayer, new possibilities arise and my capacity for wise discernment grows.

You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.—Psalm 51:6