Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"BOUQUET OF YELLOW ROSES"

#590 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen (40"x30")  Completed April, 2000   SOLD


"FLORAL BOUQUET"

#507 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (12"x9")  Completed Sept., 1998   Destroyed

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Change I gracefully move through life’s transitions.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015 As colder days approach, trees shed their leaves and animals prepare for hibernation. They instinctively move through the seasons. In contrast, humans are prone to resisting change even though we know it is an essential part of growth. I may notice myself worrying or fighting change. Then I remind myself I am able to prepare and move through any change I encounter. I envision myself shedding old beliefs and ways of being just as a tree releases leaves. Like the hibernating animals, I prepare my mind and body for a time of quiet and reflection. I see divine order in the leaves reappearing each spring. My life also follows a pattern. I emerge from each season stronger, wiser, and more loving. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.—Ecclesiastes 3:1

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"A JAR OF ROSES"

#1124 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Canvas  (20"x 12")  Completed April 9, 2010


"MANDOLIN WITH DRIED FLOWERS"

#567 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (24"x 36")  Completed in December, 1999   SOLD

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Prosperity I embrace abundant living and give thanks.

Saturday, September 26, 2015 True prosperity is no mystery—it is a manifestation of faith. Jesus gave us a pattern to follow. A crowd of 5,000 who had gathered to hear him speak needed a meal. Taking five loaves and two fish, Jesus turned his attention to God. He acknowledged his Source, gave thanks for what he had, and blessed it. He anticipated an abundance of food and a miracle occurred. I follow the example of Jesus and give thanks in advance for what I desire. I share love with others and love returns to me. I give thanks for my healthy body, nourish it, and use it to serve God. I am vigorous and vibrant. I live in faith and gratitude and I am prosperous. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled.—Luke 9:16-17

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PEACH ROSES"

#1123 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Canvas  (24"x20")  Completed in April, 2010  SOLD

"PEONIES IN SILVER POT"

#306 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (24"x 30")  Completed in May, 1996     SOLD

"BOUQUET OF ASTERS"

 #330 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (16"x12")  Completed August, 1996   SOLD

"RED ROSES IN BRASS POT"

#440 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (24"x36")  Completed in November, 1997

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Let Go, Let God I let go and open my mind and heart to guidance from God.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015 I may push myself to near exhaustion. When this happens, Spirit guides me to rest my weary brain and body. As I let go, the wall built from my “do-it-all-myself” attitude begins to crumble. With the first opening, the light of God shines through. The words of Jesus come to me: “I am with you always.” I relax in the awareness of Spirit within me. My breath anchors me and I release my tight hold on challenges and circumstances. Letting go brings down the perceived wall of separation. Divine love, wisdom, and understanding flow in me. I am open to receiving God’s help. By consciously letting go and letting God, I keep the channel open for answers, guidance, and love, assuring me I am never alone. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.–Matthew 28:20

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ORANGE BLOSSOMS"

#1049 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (12"x12")  Completed August 13, 2009  SOLD

"LEO"

#1183 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Canvas  (48"x 48")  Completed July, 2015

"A friend asked me about this painting of "Leo" thinking I had removed it from the blog but no, it's still here.  It was completed in July and appears in the "Blog Archives" which is located in the right hand column of my blog.  Click on July, 2015.

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Mindful I embrace life by focusing on the present moment.

Monday, September 14, 2015 Technology leads me to engage in multiple activities at once. I may eat while watching TV; talk on the phone while walking in the woods; or check my email while having lunch with a friend. Multitasking keeps me from being fully present in each activity. It may leave me feeling disconnected. To restore harmony I practice mindfulness—the art of focusing attention on the present moment. When I eat, I savor every bite and enjoy different textures and flavors. In nature, I listen to the sounds of birds singing and notice the beauty of the landscape. I engage fully in conversations and listen with empathy. If my thoughts wander, I gently bring them back to this moment. Mindfully awake, I embrace my connection with Life. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.—Psalm 23:2-3

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"MEGAN"

 #235 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (16"x 12")  Completed July, 1995

"ROSES & MELON"

 #401 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (20"x 16")  Completed June, 1997  SOLD

"RED ONIONS"

 #812 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (8"x 10")  Completed February, 2005

"FRUIT FOR BREAKFAST"

#830 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (40"x 30")  Completed May 20, 2005


From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Strength I am strong and unstoppable!

Sunday, September 13, 2015 Today I focus on my divine power of strength. Knowing I am strong, I pursue my goals with confidence, determination, and perseverance. Any temporary setbacks only serve to increase my resolve. Just as steel becomes stronger after it is heated to a high temperature, my ability to draw on my inner strength grows as I steadfastly overcome obstacles. If I encounter what looks like a roadblock, I call upon my divine faculty of strength. I turn within and feel the mighty power of God. I affirm: I am strong and unstoppable! Passion wells up within me as I envision my dreams. With renewed strength and faith, I see my goals through to completion. Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary.–Isaiah 40:31

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"THE GLORY OF ROSES"

#801 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (30"x24")  Completed Dec. 3, 2004   SOLD

"LILY & ROSE STILL LIFE"

#815 of 1184 Paintings / Pastel  (20"x16")  Completed March, 2005   DESTROYED

"68th BIRTHDAY BOUQUET"

#822 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (20"x 16")  Completed April 30, 2005


"MACY AT THE TABLE"

#408 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  ((40"x 30")  Completed July, 1997

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Grace I open my heart to the grace of God.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015 I love to see flowers awaken to a new day. As the sunlight touches them, they respond by opening their petals in a beautiful display of color. In the same way, I open my heart to the grace of God. The activity of grace in me is as constant as the sun rising and falling. Grace is always present. My heart’s opening takes no personal effort when I surrender to the light within me. Grace comes naturally. I feel warmth, acceptance, and love. With each new moment, I surrender my old ways and embrace more of this divine activity. I let grace bring about perfect outcomes and let go into a deep feeling of trust and peace. Whatever efforts I make in life, grace adds more good than I could ever imagine. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.—Hebrews 4:16

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"MACY"

 #77 of 1184 Paintings / Pastel (18"x 20")  Completed in March, 1993

"SNOWBALLS IN MAY"

#45 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Canvas  (26"x 22")  Completed in May, 1992

 "RETIREMENT LUNCHEON"

#213 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (21"x25")  Completed in March, 1995

 "GRAPES"

#510 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen (9"x12")  Completed September 30, 1998

 "APPLES & BRASS"

#601 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (12"x16")  Completed July 1, 2000      SOLD

 "BOUGAINVILLEA BOUQUET"

#700 of 1184 Paintings / Pastel  (24"x 20")  Completed April, 2002    SOLD

 "ROSES FOR THE TABLE"

#899 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  Completed in July, 2006     SOLD

 "ROSES & BAVARIAN CUP"

#913 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (5"x 7")  Completed January 22, 2007

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Faith I have faith in divine direction.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015 While walking trails in a nature preserve, I find signs marking the way. I may not have a clear picture of the way through the forest. I simply trust the signs and follow the path to my destination. Likewise, as I start new ventures, make important decisions, or heal relationships, I have faith in divine direction. I do not need to envision the entire pathway before I start. God guides every part of my journey—even when I do not see clearly around the bend. What a relief to let go of the need to know every detail. If I encounter obstacles, I regard them as stepping-stones. Everything leads to my divine destination as I exercise faith in the mighty power of God. If you have faith the size of a mustard seed ... nothing will be impossible for you.–Matthew 17:20

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES ARE RED"

#1117 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Canvas  (24"x20")  Completed March 5, 2010

"GRIEF ABSTRACT"

#1150 of 1184 Paintings / Acrylic on Canvas  (24"x 48")  Completed March 5, 2011   Destroyed

"RAIN & FIRE"

#1107 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Canvas (10"x 10")  Completed January 30, 2010

A MESSAGE FROM UNITY'S "DAILY WORD"

Being Divine love is the essence of my being.

Monday, September 7, 2015 Being productive is important—even necessary—to life. Yet constant doing may damage my health. It may also keep me from knowing my intrinsic value and experiencing love. I restore my well-being by taking time to do nothing. I let go of mental planning or worrying and center myself in the boundless peace of God. I release any belief that I have to do more or become someone better to be worthy of God’s acceptance and love. Divine love is all-encompassing and is, in fact, the essence of my own being. As I relax and simply be myself, I am revitalized. As I bask in the stillness, I experience my eternal oneness with the infinite love and peace of the Divine. “Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”—Psalm 46:10

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

NEW PAINTING OVER FIREPLACE

Photos of New Kitchen & Pantry

"These photos were taken with my IPhone and the best that I could do.  It must seem like a jumble to those who have not been in my home but I assure you, everything is in fine order. Leo even managed to be in one of the photos.

 "A MESSAGE FROM UNITY'S DAILY WORD"

Quality I focus on the quality of my experiences.

Friday, September 4, 2015 True joy lies not in the quantity but in the quality of my life experiences. Engaging in too many activities—even fun activities—may leave me feeling drained. I am deeply nourished when I do a few things with great love and attention. I begin my day in prayerful discernment, setting aside, without guilt, any nonessential tasks. By focusing on what really matters I make more heartfelt connections with others. I notice the beauty of my surroundings. I savor my meals. Rather than rushing through an endless list of activities, I focus on each moment of my precious existence. Focusing on the quality of my experiences becomes a habit as I consciously practice doing less and paying more attention. I am aware of God in every moment of the day. The kingdom of God is among you.—Luke17:21

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"WHITE ROSES / BLACK & WHITE"

New painting #1184 / Oil on Canvas (50"x 40")  Completed September 2, 2015

"This painting is now hanging over my fireplace instead of the "Angel" painting."

LEO

"LEO, my Miniature Schnauzer, wanting to get up on my lap"

"ORANGE BEGONIA"

 #1074 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Canvas  (24"x 24")  Completed October 30, 2009

"WISTFUL"

#800 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (20"x 16") Completed Nov., 2004   SOLD

"CLEMENTINES"

#1016 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (14"x14")  Completed Nov., 2008   SOLD

"RED ROSES"

#1032 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (12"x12")  Completed May 7, 2009     SOLD