ART & SPIRIT by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ORANGE BEGONIA"

Painting #1074 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Canvas  (24"x 24") Completed October 30, 2009

Photos again from THE BOSTON MUSEUM OF FINE ART.

Shift I shift to a higher spiritual perspective. Wednesday, October 22, 2014 A car with a manual transmission cannot move if it is not in gear. If I find myself pressing my foot on the gas pedal and spinning my wheels, shifting the gears will propel me forward. Likewise, holding on to an attitude of insistence or resistance in my life will keep me stuck. Through prayer, I access the wisdom and clarity to know how to shift gears and change. To rise from blame, upset, or frustration, I adjust my attitude. I let go and forgive. I use my energy in positive ways—uplifting, encouraging, and looking for the best in myself and others. These shifts help me gain a higher spiritual perspective and move me steadily forward. Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.—Zechariah 4:6

Destroyed Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ART & ARTIST"

Painting #905 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Linen (60"x 30") Completed Oct. 20, 2006 Destroyed

"I realize now that many of you have taken Unity's Daily Word to be my words.  That is not so.  I post "The Daily Word" because it is such a Blessing to me and I am eager to share my Blessings with All.  Hopefully, today's post shows in a better way that these words below are from Unity's Daily Word." 

Being God is the life of my body, the intelligence of my mind, and the fulfillment of my heart. Sunday, October 19, 2014 To sense the presence of God in my mind, body, and heart is not always easy. I may view God as a vast and powerful force in the universe, but God is also close and near. God lives within me. As I observe the intricacies of the human body and its miraculous healing power, I see the life of God expressing. As I witness the intelligence of the human mind, I am in awe of Divine Mind. As I experience the capacity of the human heart to love and understand, I am uplifted by the goodness of God. We are made of the very substance of God. We can meet any challenge as we connect with the power of God within. God is the life of our bodies, the intelligence of our minds, and the fulfillment of our hearts. In him we live and move and have our being.—Acts 17:28

"Floral In Brass Vase" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FLORAL IN BRASS VASE"

Painting #701 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (30"x 24")  Completed May 6, 2002  SOLD

"Let's look at some more paintings hanging in The Boston Museum of Fine Art"

Decisions Every decision offers me a blessing.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 When making a decision, I relax knowing that every choice offers me a blessing. I do not allow myself to become anxious that one choice will be “wrong” and another “right.” Whether I turn right or left; go or stay; say yes or no, God is with me. I ease my mind by knowing I am never apart from the Divine Creator. I claim my power to choose and celebrate the wisdom that guides me. Any direction I take is a fresh path to adventure, new experiences, and deeper understanding. I don’t dwell on what might have happened on another path. With God, I cannot make a wrong choice. I embrace my journey! My lessons, gifts, and blessings are right where I am. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs … and you shall be … like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.—Isaiah 58:11

At Boston Museum of Fine Art / Artist, NORA KASTEN

"RETIREMENT LUNCHEON"

Painting #213 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Linen (21"x25") / Completed March, 1995

"I was at the Boston Museum of Fine Art on Saturday, October 11, 2014.  I started my tour in the Contemporary Gallery and was immediately faced with this work of art below.  You must make your own assessment."

Boston of Fine Art Contemporary Gallery

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"I took photos of some of my favorites and most of them, as you can see, are by John Singer Sargent"  Here are some of the photos and tomorrow I will post more."

The Boston Museum of Fine Art

God-Essence God flows in and through me!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014 I am an expression of God. I am love, peace, power, and life. I am all this and more. I am one with God, and therefore, one with the essence that God is. Guided by an inner Light, I turn within in prayer and seek ways to express the presence of God in my thoughts, words, and actions. As I listen to God’s gentle guidance, I learn to be kind to myself. As I practice patience, kindness, and love for myself and others, I manifest the essence of God in the world. When I am centered in God, I behold the Divine in others, and I embrace a life of goodness. I pray to be a conduit through which others experience the essence of God and come to know its fullness. From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.—John 1:16

"Onions & Melon" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ONIONS & MELON"

Painting #501 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (25"x 30")  Completed September 11, 1998

Pray for Others I bless others through prayer.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 Praying for another is like giving an anonymous gift. I imagine the individual receiving the ideas, direction, and answers they need. When I pray for someone’s health, I envision them vibrant and energized, healed and whole. As I pray for friends and family, I see them receiving exactly what they need at exactly the time they need it. If I affirm a specific outcome, I always add “this or something better.” Part of my prayer activity is to also let go. If I pray for someone’s well-being but continue to worry, I am demonstrating doubt rather than faith. Instead, I pray with confidence that God is already making known what needs to be known and providing the right and perfect answers to everyone’s needs. Pray for one another, so that you may be healed.—James 5:16

Cabin on Diamond Lake by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FRESH ROSES"

 Painting #1136 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Canvas  (16"x 20")  Completed June 8, 2010

Karl's cabin on Diamond Lake in Cable, Wisconsin / Friday, October 3, 2014

"Back home last night from my trip to Minneapolis, MN and Cable, Wisconsin.  The Mall of America is not my "cup of tea" but the whole day on Friday is now one of my very most treasured memories to last forever.

It was on Friday that I drove almost four hours from Minneapolis to Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin.  Thirty years have gone by since Karl and I were there and I really didn't know the way.  Thanks to the new Cadillac Budget rental car with GPS and the good people at the grocery store in Cable, I found the cabin about 4:30 in the afternoon. 

As I drove into the lane and up to the cabin, I suddenly realized that I was in the middle of a beautiful, misty wonderland, just like in a fairytale.  It had begun to snow very hard but not sticking on the ground yet.  The temperature was 36 degrees and fog was hanging heavy over the lake.  In all of this splendor, there was even more . . .  . this Fall's beautiful, foliage colors were still peeping out from everywhere, creating and beckoning me into what seemed like a glorious, live painting.  My treasures greatly increased that day and I am Blessed beyond measure."

Kindness I am kind and loving to myself and others.

Monday, October 6, 2014 Kindness is a choice. It costs nothing, yet it is wonderfully fulfilling. When I treat others with kindness, I feel better about myself. Every act of kindness—large or small—produces joy, peace, and happiness. Any person I meet may carry a burden inside. A simple, heartfelt smile may bring them hope. Opening a door, saying hello, and offering a helping hand may make a major difference in someone’s day. I also remember to be kind to myself. If I criticize my looks, actions, or thoughts, I stop and find one aspect of myself that I like. Being kind to myself is the first step toward being kind, patient, and loving to others. Kindness is a choice. As I choose kindness, I am rewarded with love, peace, patience, and joy. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.—1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Massoud's Book & "Emerging Artist" Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"EMERGING ARTIST"

Painting #927 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen  (30"x 24")  Completed in May, 2007

"This is an exciting time of year for me.  Tomorrow, I will fly up to Minneapolis/St.Paul and then Friday, I will drive over to Diamond Lake in Wisconsin.  Hopefully, I will see the cabin that Karl and two of his friends built in the late 1950's.  Diamond Lake is in Cable, Wisconsin, 15 miles north of Hayward, Wisconsin.

It is Fall up there and October is my favorite month of the year.  

October is the month that my first born son arrived, my mother's birthday, Karl asked me to marry him and our marriage. . . . .  13 days later. "

I have just finished the second book by author and painter, Massoud Eghrari, MD 

It's even better than the first 

*****

Massoud's book is a collection of short stories, life events he has experienced.  He tells these stories in a way that we truly enjoy reading and don't want the book to end. 

                

Achievement I accomplish what I set out to achieve.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 I am successful in life as I partner with Spirit. When I am spiritually centered, I invite divine wisdom and judgment to be my guide. I open to Spirit’s direction as I clarify my goals. I point myself toward a target and achieve even more than I thought possible. I allow myself to think big, set aside doubt, and let go of fear. With God, all things are possible. I listen to Spirit’s guidance, and with each step, I proceed in faith. In partnership with God, I watch as results are revealed in divine order and time. I celebrate each small success. If I diverge from my path, I reconnect with Spirit and carry on. With God’s guidance and my perseverance, I accomplish whatever I set out to achieve. For this purpose he called you … so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord.—2 Thessalonians 2:14