Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

Five Paintings Left In Amsbury, MA / August 25, 2016

#1196 "Mixed Roses"  Oil on Canvas (14"x11")

 #1190 "Queen Anne's Lace"  Oil on Canvas (18"x18")

 #1197  "Roses"  Oil on Linen  (10"x20")

 #1199  Lilacs"  Oil on Canvas  (14"x11")

#1200  "Abstracted Floral"  Oil on Linen  (14"x11")

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Inner Truth God-life within assures me that all is well.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016 Deep inside me is a truth I want to know consciously all the time. When I am centered in it, I know all is well in my life and the world. When I am aware of it, there is no room for struggle or problems of any kind. I find it in the place the psalmist called “the secret place of the Most High.” I simply become still and rest my attention on God-life within. Then I, too, discover this secret place where the highest truth dwells. I meet God at the core of my being. Here I find solace, passion, joy, and a sense of oneness with all life. Resting in the Silence, I hear and see through spiritual ears and eyes. No matter the circumstances of life, I know this deeply seeded and ever-available truth: God is here and all is well. You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.—Psalm 51:6

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"LILACS"

Painting #1199  Oil on Canvas  (14"x14")  Completed August 16, 2016

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Guidance My light shines as confidence and understanding.

Saturday, August 20, 2016 Elisabeth Kübler-Ross wrote, “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” I am guided by divine light, in good times and in difficult times. This light illumines my path and gives me the inner strength and confidence to move forward without fear or concern. As I become more attuned to divine light, I become more insightful and intuitive. I am more conscious of God’s direction, leading me to wise choices. With my path illumined, I am confident that all will be revealed to me at the right time and in the right way. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.—2 Corinthians 4:6

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Pots of Begonias"

Painting #1195  Oil on Canvas  (12"x16")  Completed August 9, 2016

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Resilience I am flexible. I am resilient.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016 As I ponder the spiritual quality of resilience, I am reminded of the beautiful willow tree that sways in the wind but does not break. The resilience of the willow tree is a powerful example of how it is possible to be stable, strong, and flexible. In order for me to be healthy and strong through any challenge, I must also remain flexible. I remember to stay open to the support that Spirit offers me on my spiritual path. Rather than closing myself off, I trust in God. I surrender my thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes and gain a deeper understanding of who I am. I become more flexible and open in my thinking. Centered in God, I open the way for possibilities to enter my life. I am flexible. I am resilient. They are like trees planted by streams of water.—Psalm 1:3

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"QUEEN ANNE'S LACE"

Painting #1190  Oil on canvas  (18"x18")  Completed July 13, 2016 in Amesbury, MA

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Self-Esteem I accept and respect myself.

Monday, August 8, 2016 At times we all face challenges we cannot overcome without help. Admitting that a situation seems beyond our control can be the first step toward positive results. Accepting ourselves even if we make a mistake is an act of love and respect that builds self-esteem. Henry Ford—who admittedly failed many times—said, “Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently.” Life is a progression of learning, trying, starting over, and realizing more of our divine potential. Our spiritual nature holds the seeds of wisdom, success, and love. As we recognize our own spiritual qualities, we feel good about our endeavors and love ourselves even though we will always have lessons to learn. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.—2 Timothy 1:7

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FLORAL IN MOONLIGHT"

Painting #1194 / Oil on canvas (16"x12") 8-5-2016

Free I am free to live a full and meaningful life.

Saturday, August 6, 2016 Theoretically, if a clear barrier is inserted into an aquarium, a fish will attempt to swim through but will eventually adapt to the smaller space. If the barrier is removed, the fish remains confined as though the obstacle remained. Are my habits or perceived obstructions limiting me? I am free to live a full and meaningful life. If fearful thoughts are limiting me or if I’ve grown accustomed to having others tell me “No,” I affirm: I am free to live a full and meaningful life. I have gifts and talents to share, ideas to explore, and dreams to pursue. I accept myself as a child of God having abundant potential and freedom to be my best self. For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.—Galatians 5:1