Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Black Background Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN


Before

"ORANGE & YELLOW ROSES"
#1073  Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas  (30"x30")  Painted Black Background 11/2013

"This painting is hanging in front of me, here at my desk."

THE DAILY WORD
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
OPTIMISTIC
I anticipate God’s good.
Like the bird singing before dawn, I anticipate the good at hand. As I go about my daily routine, I expect the best. I maintain my awareness of the Christ Presence at the core of my being and acknowledge this same spark of divinity in everyone I meet.
I look for the blessing in every situation. Even challenges motivate me to bring forward my best self. In God, it is all good.
I am centered, optimistic, and I radiate a positive attitude. Christ in me is my hope, resource, and foundation. I live joyously and confidently.
As the day comes to a close, I give thanks for lessons learned, for love shared, and for the anticipation of new days to come.

We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.—Hebrews 6:19

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Reworked Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN


"LARGE BOUQUET"   Before


                     #1169  Oil on gallery wrapped canvas (48"x36") / outlined in Black 2013


"Painting a shiny black background on "A Large Bouquet" does not make this a better painting . . . . .  . but it is perfect for my home now.  I enjoy seeing the painting hanging above the bed in the master bedroom suite.

THE DAILY WORD
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
WORLD PEACE
The peace of God is accessible to all.
Many people have sought peace from the world around them, only to find that the world could not provide it. Yet when we realize the peace of the indwelling Spirit, we find our world is filled with the omnipresence of God—the presence of peace accessible at all times, in all places.
The peace of God becomes our own peace when we realize that nothing in all the world can disturb it. Having found the peace of God within us, we have the power to fill our whole world with peace.
The presence of God at the heart of my being gives me great peace. From this realization I live in the world. I see beyond conflicts to the presence of God, everywhere present and active. Peace is my reality.


Sunday, January 26, 2014

2014 Self Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN


"THE NECKLACE"
Painting #1181   Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas   (27"x27")     January 26, 2014

"Of course, this is a self portrait but it is the necklace that I wanted to capture on canvas.  When I stopped wearing this diamond as a ring from my dear Karl, I had it mounted on this flat, gold pendant in 2011.  The pendant necklace had been a gift to me from Karl for our 17th wedding anniversary in 2001.  See photo below.

Last January, 2013, I had Karl's wedding ring mounted on the pendant, around the diamond.  It has been a comfort to wear his ring with the diamond close to my heart.  Karl transitioned over three years ago now but he still continues to give to me.  Thank you, Sweetheart."




Sunday, January 26, 2014
GRACE
I accept grace with a grateful heart.
Grace is woven into the very fabric of my being. It is the goodness of God at work in my life. I accept grace as the redeeming, uplifting, and transforming power of God working in and through me now.
Grace is an expression of God’s love, and I receive it every day with a grateful heart. I experience grace as a nudge to pay attention … as a second chance … as unexpected good or a better-than-expected outcome. When I allow room for God’s grace, good blossoms in my consciousness. Forgiveness, generosity, and love come naturally, and I am blessed.
Life is easier when I am open to God’s grace. Following Spirit’s lead, I no longer paddle against the current, but flow with the stream of divine life.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.–Philippians 4:23

Friday, January 24, 2014

Oil Painting "Large Bouquet" by Artist, NORA KASTEN


"LARGE BOUQUET"
Painting #1169   Oil on Canvas    (48"x36")    Painted in June, 2012
(This painting was largely painted over with black gloss paint in September, 2013)

Friday, January 24, 2014
FAITH
I step out with faith and achieve my highest potential.
In order to live life to its fullest, I must be willing to occasionally embrace the unknown. This requires courage, pressing on even when fearful. Yet I have more than just courage; I have faith. Faith is steady, grounded, and filled with assurance.
I cultivate my faith in the fertile soil of Spirit. Infinite Substance is the source of all creation. Thoughts of faith fill my mind, and I use the creative power of words and actions to manifest my good.
I may not foresee the precise form in which new circumstances will be birthed. Yet I am assured that my highest good will be established. In faith, I step forward with joyful expectation into the next phase of my unfolding life.
Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.—1 Corinthians 16:13

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Oil Painting, "Lady With Letter" by Artist, NORA KASTEN


"LADY WITH LETTER"
Painting #238   Oil on Linen   (30"x24")       Painted in August, 1995

Sunday, January 19, 2014
DIVINE ORDER
Here, where grace abounds, all is in divine order.
When life seems messy or muddled, hearing the words “all is in divine order” might be frustrating. Yet when clouds block the sun, the sun continues to shine just as brilliantly. Similarly, divine order does not cease when my world seems upside down.
I take a moment to turn my awareness away from the challenge and into the presence and power of God within. I breathe deeply to clear my mind and release any stress. As I continue to breathe in God, unsettling thoughts dissipate and disappear.
I am open and focused in this God-centered moment. Grace abounds and all is indeed in divine order.
Run at once to meet her, and say to her, “Are you all right?” … She answered, “It is all right.”—2 Kings 4:26

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

"Lady In Red" by Artist, NORA KASTEN


Pastel Painting on Sanded Paper   (15"x 20")            Painted in 1990

Wednesday, January 15, 2014
TRUE NORTH
Spirit is my guide.
Even the best compass does not point to true north. Similarly, I know that directions and advice from the outside world can never replace true guidance from within.
I follow my internal compass. As I pray and meditate, the path to my highest good becomes clear. Spirit reveals a divine idea, which may inspire my next task or goal. I then move forward with clarity and assurance. My steps are confident, my faith is strong, and my determination, unwavering. Nothing can stop me from achieving my divine purpose.
Spirit is my guide, motivating every action and leading me to my true north—an authentic and fulfilling life.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.—John 16:13

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Watermelon Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"WATERMELON FOR SNACKS"



HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014


"It was a very short message that I received today but I want to share it with you."
"Nora, take your pen and write.  The LOVE of God never fails."

FROM THE DAILY WORD

Wednesday, January 1, 2014
CELEBRATE
I celebrate life!
New beginnings are cause for celebration. Like the rising sun shining bright in the eastern sky, a fresh start is reason to rejoice. As we celebrate, we let go of the past and embrace the present. We discover a new opportunity to awaken to the power of Spirit within.
Some celebrations are filled with cheers, songs, and shouts of encouragement; while others are quiet, like the blossoming of a flower. I celebrate life as a continuous learning experience, a gift of growth and expansion from a loving God.
I acknowledge and revere life’s varied celebrations. Joyous in the eternal power and love of God, I celebrate all of life!
I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever.—Psalm 45:17