Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES & BAVARIAN CUP"

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

"RED GERANIUMS"

#1001 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (24"x 30")  Completed January, 2008     SOLD

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Knowledge I demonstrate my faith by putting knowledge into action.

Monday, October 5, 2015 As I move through life, I learn in myriad places. In school I gain a basic understanding of our world. I continue to learn at work, home, and in my community. The more skills and knowledge I acquire, the greater my chance of worldly success. Yet there is a greater education offered to me each day. It is a spiritual knowing—a deep understanding. It is knowledge I put into action as I live my life more prayerfully and thoughtfully. I express love unconditionally, I forgive continuously, and I demonstrate my faith courageously. I pray in positive, life-affirming ways. Through my spiritual knowledge, I make conscious decisions and live life to its fullest. If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.—James 1:5

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

"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

"PINK SIMPLICITY"

Painting #512 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (20"x16") Completed 10-3-1998  SOLD

Benevolence I am appreciative, kind, and generous with others. Saturday, January 24, 2015 Today I live with the intention to express to others my generosity, kindness, and appreciation. I am grateful for the presence of my loved ones. I cherish the good moments and the difficulties that help us grow. As I appreciate others, I also feel better about myself. Because I value others and myself, I am kind. In my thoughts and actions, I treat myself with gentleness, and I extend that kindness in my relationships. As I cultivate gentleness, my spirit expands. Out of kindness and appreciation for others, I am generous. I take every opportunity to give of my time, talent, and treasure. As I cultivate benevolence, I grow in the love of God. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God.—2 Corinthians 9:11

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"THE ROSE"

Painting #502 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x30") Completed September 14, 1998

Happiness In this moment, I am enough and I have enough to be happy. Thursday, January 22, 2015 Whatever happens in my life, I can experience happiness within me. I deserve happiness and I am worthy of love. I am joyful when I am content with myself and connected to others. I let go of what might have been as well as past mistakes. By forgiving myself and others, I clear away barriers to giving and receiving love. When I release the past, I choose happiness and freedom. I feel the love of God enfolding me. I trust my Creator withholds nothing good from me. I appreciate the blessings in my life and claim the good still unfolding. Whether I am praying alone, playing with friends, or planning an adventure, I am content with myself and with others. In this moment, I am enough and I have enough to be happy. O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.—Psalm 84:12

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"EMERALD & GOLD"

Painting #1106 of 1181 paintings / Acrylic & Gold Leaf (8"x8")  Completed January 25, 2010

Pray for Others I pray for others with faith and gratitude. Wednesday, January 21, 2015 When praying for others, I center myself in the awareness of God within me. I remember that God is also within those for whom I pray. I affirm my faith in the power of prayer and give thanks for the activity of Spirit in all situations. If I am tempted to worry, I realign my emotions, thoughts, actions, and words, for they are part of my prayer. When I pray for a loved one’s healing, I visualize them whole and healthy. When I pray for a friend seeking a job, I imagine them gainfully employed in fulfilling work. Praying for the people of the world, I imagine Divine Love, Light, and Life at work in their lives. Filled with faith and focused on gratitude, I live in prayer for others. Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.—Colossians 4:2

Floral Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Breakfast Fruit"

Painting #828 of 1181  Oil on Linen  (40"x 30")  Completed May 20, 2005

ANOTHER SLIDESHOW OF SOME PAINTINGS

Today's message is from Abraham   /   Excerpted from the workshop: Philadelphia, PA on April 14, 1998
"You are on the leading edge of thought, taking thought beyond that which it has been before. Who cares what thoughts have led up to this. You're standing in the fresh now, and many of the thoughts that you vehemently oppose are the very thoughts that have given you the desire that has attracted the clarity of where you now stand. No matter how awful you think they might be, all were of value in the evolution forward. Every one of them.

---Abraham

Our Love,

Esther (and Abraham and Jerry)"

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Non-Resistance by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PINK ROSES IN CLEAR VASE"

Painting #547 Oil on Linen  (10"x 8")  Completed September 4, 1999 

"I totally agree with the words of Unity's "Daily Word" for today."

Nonresistance

I do not resist change for I know only God, the Good, governs me.

I do not resist change, however challenging it may be. When I am called on to meet it, I know this truth: As the door to a former way of life closes, another door opens. I know that only good governs me, my circumstances, and my environment, for God governs me.

I do not resist change. I maintain my poise. I do not give way to fearful thoughts. I do not persist in the feeling that I cannot be happy in other circumstances or other places.

I find that change is easy to make when I remember that God has not given me a spirit of fear but a spirit that is wonderfully flexible and adaptable. God has given me a spirit that welcomes new ideas, new ways of living, new places, new friends. God has given me a spirit that is willing to grow, a spirit that is willing to unfold and to change.

Grow in the grace of our Lord.—2 Peter 3:18

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Macy" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"MACY"

Painting #479 of 1181      Oil on Linen  (18"x18")       Painted June 12, 1998

"This painting of granddaughter, "Macy" was not executed as well as yesterday's "Megan" but the Love is just as great.  Macy was almost six years old when I painted this.  

"MACY"

Painting #406 of 1181   Oil on Linen   (30"x 24")   Painted in June, 1997

"Sure, I know these paintings were poorly done but I'm really enjoying seeing them again.  Finding these early painting photos on old CDs this summer is really a Blessing for me."

Fearless   From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

I release my fear and activate my faith.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Fear is the opposite of faith. While fear may sometimes strike, I do not let it control me; instead, I activate my faith. I am strong; I am confident; I am fearless, because I have faith in the powerful love of God.

Anytime I face a situation that may cause anxiety or uneasiness, I pray. Praying helps me release my fears and open to the love of God. Praying calms my mind, soothes my emotions, and frees my spirit to accept the good that is mine to receive. I cannot be afraid when I am filled with the love of God.

God’s all-providing love surrounds me and each person for whom I pray. Where there is faith, there is no room for fear. In God’s love, I am faith-filled. I am fearless!

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption.—Romans 8:15

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Old Self Portraits by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"A LADY IN RED"

Painting #67    Pastel on Sanded Paper  (14"x 18")    Painted in October, 1992

"NORA AT SIXTY ONE"

Painting #500   Oil on Linen  (24"x 24")    Painted in September, 1998    Archived

"ART & THE ARTIST"

Painting # 905  Oil on Linen  (60"x 30")  Painted in October, 2006     Destroyed

"I Am still in the process of transferring my painting photos from old CDs to an external hard drive for the computer.  It's really fun, yet it may take all summer to finish.  It's interesting and amazing to me these four old self portraits don't even look like the same woman, let alone me.

Who remembers when ladies wore hats?  We thought we were so stylish and I guess we were . . . for the era.  That red hat was my last for fashion and I have such good memories of wearing it."

FROM UNITY'S "DAILY WORD"                            JULY 3, 2014

Love

I am a perpetual winner in love.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

In the children’s game of hide-and-seek, at least one player is hidden while another is seeking to find those in hiding, often with excited anticipation. Usually the person hiding is found amid shrieks of joy.

In the game of love, I don’t need to hide or seek. The truth is I am always found by love, and this is a joyful discovery. Love is here, inside me. I am a perpetual winner in love.

Whether love manifests as friendship, romance, service, or simply a warm feeling, it reminds me that the infinite love of God is with me always. I am loved beyond measure, and I share this love with others, unconditionally. I need not seek, nor can I hide from love. Love is present here and now, and I carry it in my heart.

The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love.—Jeremiah 31:3

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Painting Archives from Artist, NORA KASTEN

 "THE BURNING BUSH"

Painting #692  Oil on Linen   (30"x24")   Painted in April, 2002

"Today, I am transferring painting photos from CD's to an external hard drive for the Apple Mac.  It will probably take several days to do this but I Am enjoying viewing the paintings that I did several years ago." 

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"    Monday, June 23, 2014

Trust

I open my life as I trust the wisdom of God.

It can sometimes be difficult for human beings to trust one another. Trust requires willingness to surrender and to be open and vulnerable.

In learning to trust, I begin by trusting the Divine within. By placing my trust in God, I will never be led astray. This does not mean that I adopt a passive attitude. Rather, it means being alert and responsive to divine wisdom and discernment, to love and beauty, to divine order and truth. As I do, I learn to trust myself to judge rightly and act on the wisdom that I receive.

Spirit will guide me to people and experiences that bless me, and I will find others with whom I feel comfortable sharing my thoughts, ideas, and feelings. As I trust, a world of blessings opens up to me.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.—Psalm 56:3

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Roses" Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES"

Painting #1009  Oil on Linen  (36"x 24")   Painted in April, 2008  Archived

From Unity's "Daily Word"

Comfort /I am never alone.       Saturday, June 14, 2014

The lights in the night sky remind me of my infinite connection with All That Is. As I allow my thoughts to turn away from the day’s events, I focus on the truth that I am one with God, one with all life. This brings me comfort. Gazing at the heavens filled with distant stars and planets, I see my life from a cosmic perspective. I feel my divine connection with these many little dots in the sky.

I am comforted by my powerful connection with Spirit and the knowledge that I am never alone. The lights of the heavens shine upon me. The wisdom of Spirit is my guide. The strength of Spirit is my support. The peace of Spirit lies deep within me. I am surrounded and enfolded in God’s ever-present love.

I, I am he who comforts you.—Isaiah 51:12

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Floral by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FLORAL BALLERINA"

Painting # 1083   Acrylic on Canvas   (7"x5")    Painted in Nov., 2009

"Over the week-end, I finished reading "The Star Keys" by Eron & Walter Starckey.  This book was such a Blessing to me and maybe it is just what you are looking for too.

From Unity's "The Daily Word"  

Envision

As I believe, I gratefully receive.

Monday, June 9, 2014

The power of imagination is an amazing gift from God. With faith, I visualize what I want to manifest in my life. Sending forth a powerful affirmative prayer, I picture in detail what I seek to create. My vision is specific, broad-reaching, and impactful.

By seeing the result first in mind, I generate the feelings that accompany success. I may feel a sense of pride, relief, or joy as I envision a favorable outcome. I am grateful for what I know will be achieved. I internalize that sensation, and whenever I imagine my goal, the positive feelings return.

When my good comes to fruition, I welcome it with appreciation and joy. As I believe, I gratefully receive.

Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.—Mark 11:24

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Floral & Portrait" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FLORAL WITH PORTRAIT"

Painting #1149  Oil on linen on board  (36"x24"Oval)  Painted in Feb., 2011

Inspiration

Divinely inspired, I create a wonderful life.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

I cherish my capacity to receive inspiration from Spirit, to create and use the power of my thoughts, words, and actions to manifest my good in the world.

At the center of my being is an all-­knowing guide. This divine source contains the ideas and answers I need to create a wonderful life. My job is to design that life and call on the wisdom of divine guidance to create it in the physical world.

Through prayer, I ask Spirit to show me the way. I listen carefully and discern what is mine to do. I trust my intuition and realize I am here to live in happiness and joy. I deserve to be inspired by Spirit. I deserve to have a beautiful life.

O you who dwell in the gardens, my companions are listening for your voice; let me hear it.—Song of Solomon 8:13

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Yellow Roses by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PEACH WITH FRANCISCAN WARE"

Painting #1173  Oil on Linen on Board   (12"x 12")    Painted in July, 2012     Archived

From Unity's "Daily Word"

Faith

My faith is strong and active.

Friday, May 23, 2014

My faith is a vital, vibrant part of my spiritual life. Through faith, I know that I am whole and well, no matter the situation. Through faith, I recognize my life overflowing with God’s good and blessed with prosperity.

Faith implies action to boldly step forward, move on, or stand strong, regardless of the challenge. If my faith wavers, I turn within in prayer. A brief reconnection with God brings me the assurance I need to continue on.

I energize my faith through prayer and meditation, staying centered in the Power that is always with me, directing my steps. My faith is steady and strong.

By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.—Hebrews 11:3

_________________________________________________________

FROM ABRAHAM   MAY 23, 2014

If your dominant intent is to feel joy while you are doing the work, your triad of intentions—freedom, growth and joy—will come quickly and easily into alignment. See your "career" as one of creating a joyful life experience. You are not a creator of things or a regurgitator of what someone else has created or a gatherer of stuff. You are a creator, and the subject of your creation is your joyful life experience. That is your mission. That is your quest. That is why you are here.

Please visit the  NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"JOHN"

Painting #923  Oil on Linen   (20"x16")   Painted in April, 2007

From:  "THE DAILY WORD"                                                  Thursday, April 17, 2014

FREE

Today I am free to begin anew.

In springtime, all is made new. As buried bulbs push up through the ground, I behold the cycle of Life at work. I discover the same kind of drive in me to create a new life for myself.

I am free to release old ideas, habits, or preconceptions. I choose to think and do only what supports my highest good. Each moment offers me the gift of making a new choice. I deserve the life I dream of—the life I was meant for. Every day I remind myself: I am free! I am free! My freedom grows as I trust in my God-given power.

The seed of new possibilities has been planted in me. I blossom in every area of my life. I am happy, joyous, and free!

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.—Galatians 5:1

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"RADKA"

Painting #938    Oil on Linen    (36"x24")    Painted in June, 2007

From "THE DAILY WORD"                                            Tuesday, April 1, 2014

JOY

Gratitude brings me joy!

According to the Law of Increase, what I focus on multiplies. Knowing this, I refrain from dwelling on my challenges and struggles. I choose instead to center my thoughts on what brings me happiness—my friends and family, beloved pets, satisfying work and interests, the beauty of nature, and so much more. As I appreciate the blessings in my life, they multiply abundantly.

I joyously and continuously give thanks for my ever-increasing good and stand in awe of the activity of God. As I dwell in the energy of gratitude, its radiance expands within me, blessing not only myself, but also those around me.

You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest.—Isaiah 9:3

Oil Painting from Photo by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ME & MY BROTHER"  1948

Painting #921   Oil on Linen  (36"x24")   Painted in March, 2007

FROM "THE DAILY WORD"                                                Saturday, March 29, 2014

WONDER

I am amazed at God’s good.

Wonder reflects a sense of reverence for all of life. I am filled with wonder as I gaze at a drop of rain perched on a leaf or behold the first ray of sunlight over the horizon at dawn.

I expand my sense of wonder by taking nothing for granted. I am captivated as I contemplate the world we live in. Each breath is a miracle­—an intricate collaboration between the cells of my body and nature. Gravity holds me securely to Mother Earth, yet the birds fly with ease in the sky above.

I am immersed in awe and gratitude for what God can do. Whether a tiny baby or a majestic mountain; a grain of sand or a work of art—the creative activity of God is on display within and around me.

God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him.—Ecclesiastes 3:14

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Destroyed Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"LADY IN BLUE SHIRT"

Painting #916  Oil on Linen    (16"x12")    Painted in February, 2007   Destroyed

From Unity's "The Daily Word"      Wednesday, March 26, 2014

COMFORT

God is my all in all.

It is possible to be alone yet not lonely; to feel down but not out; to experience loss and recover. All is possible because the spirit of God fills me with a steady stream of comfort and love. If I experience loss or a broken heart, I invite the love of God to heal me. Divine love is powerful in restoring my body, mind, and spirit.

If I am grieving, I trust in the promise of Spirit’s comfort and restoration. I recall the story of Job, who went from having everything to losing everything—possessions, friendships, social status, and health. Eventually, God restored it all to Job, even beyond what had been lost. I trust in God within to restore me to wholeness. The ups and downs in life are temporary, but God’s love is constant and sure.

Remember, I am with you always.—Matthew 28:20

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE