Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FRESH ROSES"

Painting #1136 of 1182 paintings / Oil on canvas (16"x20")  Completed June 8, 2010

"Leo" is waiting for me to toss this toy so he can run as fast as he can to retrieve it.

"Leo" having fun with his purple toy.

Love Love transforms my world. Tuesday, May 26, 2015 Through the power of my thoughts, I can alter my perception of the world. Where I once may have seen anger, jealousy, or fear, I now can perceive the presence of Love. My outlook changes as I become more aware of God expressing through us all. I intentionally look for examples of love in my world. As I observe people in their daily interactions, I notice strangers holding doors open for one another; parents hugging their children as they get off school buses; store clerks making friendly conversation with customers. As I focus on gestures of kindness, my awareness of the goodness in life grows. My life is transformed by Love. If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.—1 John4:12

Spirit & Art by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES WITH BRASS"

Painting #869 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x36") Completed April 21, 2006   SOLD

LEO, ASKING TO COME UP ON MY LAP

Stillness In the stillness, I find peace and satisfaction. Saturday, May 23, 2015 Today I make time to be still and allow God to speak to the desires of my heart. I let go of any anxious searching or forcing solutions, and open myself to Spirit. I relax and focus on the rhythmic flow of my breath. The chatter in my mind quiets down and I ease into my connection with God. As I let go of all worries, I feel the strength of my steadfast faith. I take another deep breath and follow it further into the chapel of my own heart. Here, I find stillness and rest in the Silence. The love of God fills me with peace and satisfaction. I am calm and serene. All my needs are met and I am complete. In the peace of the stillness, I am deeply satisfied. He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.—Mark 4:39

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"MIXED ROSES"

Painting #1129 of 1182 Paintings / Oil on Canvas (15"x30") Created April 25, 2010  ARCHIVED

Positive Attitude I align my thoughts with the truth. Monday, May 11, 2015 My state of mind influences my experience of life. If I feel sad or troubled, I consider how my attitude is affecting my perceptions and interactions with others. Are my thoughts supporting me in my goal to be confident, productive, and positive? Or am I blocking my good? When I am ready for an attitude adjustment, I align my thoughts with the truth: I am an expression of God—capable, loved, and supported. I call upon my spiritual gifts to guide me. As I do, I experience greater wisdom, faith, strength, and understanding. Blessed by Spirit, I maintain a positive attitude and bring love to all I do. With this mindset, I see good everywhere. For it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.—Philippians 2:13

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FIRE & RAIN"

 Painting #1107 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Canvas (10"x10")       Completed Jan. 30, 2010

"PAPER ROSES"

Painting #1104 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Canvas (30"x40")    Completed Jan. 20, 2010

Growth I continue to grow in spiritual awareness. Tuesday, May 5, 2015 As an adult, I have stopped growing physically, yet I have many opportunities to grow emotionally and spiritually. Willingness to consider new ideas is key to my growth now. A plant grows in the right conditions and with proper nourishment. Similarly, I grow as I feed my mind and spirit. I pray and meditate regularly. I read uplifting books and articles. I may take part in classes and workshops to expand my spiritual understanding. As I grow, I broaden my awareness of what is around me and within me. I become mindful of beautiful serendipities in my life. I learn to observe my feelings and thoughts, my actions, reactions, and responses. In all things, I see the presence of God. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom.—Luke 2:40

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"LEO"

"Leo is a two year old miniature schnauzer and I have had him for four months.  He certainly is a joy and comfort to me.  Again, I am Blessed abundantly!  This toy animal is his favorite toy (of many).  It has paper inside the body that makes a crackle sound as he plays with it and he's found lots of squeaks in it too.  It's so entertaining to watch Leo play.  Sometimes he will sit on one end of the animal and then try to pull it out and away.  Doesn't he know he's sitting on it.  Watching Leo's attempts at getting this toy up and onto my lap is so funny but that's another story.  He's chewed off most of the ears of this toy and yet he's so sneaky when he does it.  He tries to hide that he's chewing the toy from me even though he's sitting right next to my chair.  Since he loves this toy so much, I have mended it a couple of times for him and it can take a lot more of Leo's "Love"."  

"TWO BROWN EGGS"

Painting #895 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (14"x11") Completed July, 2006  SOLD

Adventure I walk my spiritual path with courage and confidence. Saturday, May 2, 2015 Experiences like moving or changing jobs may bring both excitement and uneasiness. Transitions become easier when I accept plans may change and open myself to new adventures. I give thanks in advance for the lessons I will learn. I may feel the same mix of excitement and unease as I embark on a new spiritual journey. In prayer, I release any worries about outcomes and embrace surprises. Although I cannot anticipate every twist and turn, I know my overall success is assured. I become more attuned to my unique strengths as I deepen my connection with God. This knowledge of myself leads me to walk my spiritual path with courage and confidence. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.—Isaiah 9:2