Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PALES ROSES"

#834 of 1186 Paintings / Oil on Linen (36"x 24")  Completed in June, 2005

"MERRY CHRISTMAS"      

 To ALL

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Joy

Joy is always just a thought away.

Sunday, December 20, 2015

While receiving a gift may make me happy, unadorned joy is itself one of the greatest gifts I can experience. Joy lifts my heart. As I exude happiness, others are uplifted as well.

Joy may be quiet, such as the tug at my heart I feel when I see a child happily playing. It may be boisterous, like shared laughter that brings tears to my eyes. Yet all joy is an experience of the heart—an experience of God.

Joy is always just a thought away. When I am experiencing stress in my life, I stop to remember my many blessings. I think of kindnesses given and received.

My spirits are lifted as I recall the good I have witnessed in so many people and circumstances.

When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.—Matthew 2:10

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"I WONDER"

#831 of 1186 Finished Paintings / Oil on Linen (5"x7")           May 29, 2005 

"THE ROSE"

#502 of 1186 Finished Paintings / Oil on Linen  (30"x 30")           September 14, 1998

From Unity's "DAILY WORD" Spiritual Intelligence I am a spiritually intelligent being making divinely inspired choices. I am blessed with intelligence greater than my mental IQ—my spiritual intelligence. This deeper knowing guides me through any situation in life as I continue my life’s journey, growing in wisdom and understanding. My spiritual intelligence reveals itself as intuition. If I am challenged by a circumstance, I say “Thank you, God” because I know I have been given an opportunity to evolve spiritually. I meet doubt or uncertainty with patience and faith, remembering that all fruits ripen in their own time—just as the gift of spiritual intelligence continues to ripen within me. I have a growing faith that is enriched through prayer. I know this because I am a spiritually intelligent being making divinely inspired choices. God gave Solomon very great wisdom, discernment, and breadth of understanding as vast as the sand on the seashore.—1 Kings 4:29

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"EMERALD RING"

 #932 of 1186 Paintings / Oil on Linen (20"x 16")  Completed May 25, 2007   SOLD 

"FRESH ROSES"

#1136 of 1186 Paintings / Oil on Canvas (16"x20")  Completed June 8, 2010

detail of "THE HAIRCUT"

 #1131 of 1186 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (16"x10)  Completed May 12, 2010  ARCHIVED

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Inner Peace I am calm, centered, and serene.

Friday, November 27, 2015 Peace emanates from the inside out. Even if I feel like I am in the midst of a storm, I can reestablish inner peace. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” This verse from the Book of John reminds me that peace is in the midst of me as the Christ Essence, calming my troubled heart. I breathe deeply and focus on my natural state of peace. I let my body relax. Once inner peace is restored, my perceptions and responses are sharpened. I function in the world of activities and responsibilities, present to whatever is happening, yet I am centered in Spirit. I proceed with joy and confidence. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. –John 14:27

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

"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

"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

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES & QUEEN ANNE'S LACE"

 #596 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x20")  Completed June 15, 2000

"THE BLUE VASE"

#608 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (40"x30") Completed July 24. 2000   SOLD

"PANCAKES"

#875 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (16"x20")  Completed May 22, 2006   ARCHIVED

"EMERALD & GOLD"

#1106 of 1183 Paintings / Acrylic & Gold on Canvas (8"x 8")  Completed January, 2010

"THE BEAUTY OF PEONIES"

#835 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (24"x36")  Completed June 7, 2005

New Beginnings I am free to begin anew. Friday, July 31, 2015 In the legal world, judges are bound by precedent—generally what was decided before dictates the outcome of a present case. Thankfully, the laws of Spirit, not man-made laws, truly govern all of life. As Thomas Troward, a noted British judge, said, “Principle is not bound by precedent.” In Truth, I am not bound by the past—not my own, my family’s, or anyone else’s. I am liberated by spiritual principles of unconditional love, infinite grace, and divine wisdom. I am free to choose a new path of greater love, peace, and joy. I embark on new beginnings with a positive outlook. I expect wholeness, love, and freedom. Uplifted by my consciousness of spiritual Truth, I know all things are possible. For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.—Matthew 19:26

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES  IN TIFFANY"

Painting #716 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x18") Completed April, 2003

MORE PHOTOS OF LEO

Self-Care I honor God by caring for myself. Wednesday, July 1, 2015 As fast as life goes sometimes, I may find it difficult to stop, rest, and take care of myself. I may feel pressured to do things for others and keep a hectic pace to meet their requests. I remember the lyrics of a country song, “I’m in a hurry to get things done. Oh, I rush and rush until life’s no fun.” I stop hurrying and care for myself. The most important person to focus on is me. Caring for myself is honoring Spirit within. I rest, breathe, and step away from pressures or worries. I take time to connect with God through prayer and meditation. I also take time for fun! Caring for myself does not take away from my ability to care for others. It energizes me and strengthens my relationship with God. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.—Psalm 16:9

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