Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"HYDRANGEA IN AMESBURY"

LEO/RIKI

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Trust My trust is strengthened by my joyful heart.

Friday, July 29, 2016 Martin Luther once compared the exercising of faith to placing a joyful wager on God’s unexpressed goodness. Every time I center myself in a positive spirit, I am truly praying. When I lift up my heart in joy, I move in the direction of better outcomes in my life. Trust and joy are linked within me, resulting in answered prayer. What can I do right now, in the midst of whatever is facing me, to raise my spirits? I engage my cheerful nature with a sense of optimism about a positive result. I begin by trusting that all things are working together for my good—in my life and in the lives of all those I care about. My joyful heart is giving me the energy that empowers this answered prayer. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid.—Psalm 56:4

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"IN MEMORY OF A LADY"

This was painted in Amesbury, MA  7/26, 2016  (20"x16")

From "UNITY'S DAILY WORD"

Inner Peace I practice peace in this tranquil moment.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 No matter where I am, or what situation I find myself in, peace is always available to me. Peace is a sensation free of conflict or turmoil. It is a knowing of calm, serenity, and tranquility. I acknowledge that in my life there are situations that may leave me feeling unsettled. In times of change or challenge my unchecked thoughts can turn to worry or fear. My actions may become rushed and reflexive. Noticing this frenzied state, I make a conscious effort to calm my thoughts and practice peace in this moment. Taking a few deep breaths, I hit the pause button. I whisper to myself: Peace, be still. I affirm that God is present right where I am, guiding me to the right and perfect outcome. 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

From Unity's "Daily Word"

Saturday, July 23, 2016 The poet Maya Angelou wrote that “the ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” I cherish the people to whom I have consistently been able to turn to for a sense of security and unconditional love. I also appreciate those special places where I feel a greater sense of unity with all life. With profound gratitude, I acknowledge how my spiritual growth has significantly impacted my sense of belonging. The more I abide in God’s love, the more often strangers and foreign places begin to feel like family to me. No matter where I am or whom I am with, I carry with me a sense of unconditional acceptance as a refuge not only for myself but for all whom I encounter. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.—1 John 4:16