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

"ROSES IN ANTIQUE PITCHER"

#410 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x 20")  Completed July, 1997     SOLD

"ROSES IN VIENNA VASE" 

#418 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x 24")  Completed August, 1997   SOLD

"These paintings were photographed with one of my early digital cameras and this was the best I could do.  . . . . 

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Faith Right where I am, God is.

Saturday, October 31, 2015 Life is filled with beginnings and endings. Autumn leaves turn gold and crimson, then fall from the trees. One part of the cycle comes to an end. A period of dormancy is about to begin. My own life is also a cyclical process. I need not fear change, for it is normal. We all experience endings: the loss of a job, leaving a home, or the passing of a loved one. During these times, I turn to God in prayer. I affirm: Right where I am, God is. God is my ever-present source of comfort and strength. Just as I trust new growth will bud on the trees come spring, I have faith new growth will take place in my life. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going.—Hebrews 11:8

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES WITH BRASS"

#869 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (24"x 36")  Completed April 21, 2006   SOLD

"DARK RED ROSES"

#1009 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (36"x 24")  Completed April, 2008

"A TRAIN RIDE”

Saturday, October 17, 2015

“You’re on the right track now, rumbling along.

Hear the sound of sing song, sing song.

The rail you are traveling does not have a glitch.

Your train stays on the rail, and won’t go to the ditch.

The cars run behind you, all in a row,

The baggage car last, just let it go.

Supplies are within you, all that you need.

You need never beg, you need never plead.

There is a destination, not to worry about that.

It’s the journey that counts and that is a fact.

Pleasures untold, this journey brings,

Happiness, Love, Laughter and Joy . . . among other things.”

(Below)   From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Forgive I learn from mistakes and give thanks for my growth.

Monday, October 19, 2015 Mistakes are part of the human learning experience. I may say things unskillfully and hurt other people. Others may have made errors that hurt me as well. When I learn to see mistakes as lessons, with compassion and forgiveness, I let go of resentments and move on. I do not allow the error to increase its impact by holding grudges or allowing negativity to fester. I do not condemn or shame others or myself. Instead, I employ the tool of forgiveness as soon as I notice hurt or regret arise within me. I engage in forgiveness by recognizing my feelings, releasing the need to punish or be right, and letting it go. I seize the transformative opportunity human error offers and give thanks for my growth. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”—Luke 23:34

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"RED ROSES"

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

"ORANGE BLOSSOMS"

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

"MOTHER & DAUGHTER"

#942 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (24"x 20")  Completed July 21, 2007

From Unity's  "DAILY WORD"

Patient I practice patience and take life one step at a time.

Friday, October 16, 2015 When I think of patience, I may think of inventors like Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Sir Isaac Newton. They exhibited great patience as they tried repeatedly to create something new. What gave them perseverance? Perhaps it was their faith in the end result. They knew what they were doing was important and they ultimately would succeed. Newton referred to this as “patient attention.” I practice patience as part of loving myself. I relax and release, trusting God to guide me. I give my life and my concerns “patient attention” rather than hurried attention. I take life one step at a time, knowing God guides me each step of the way. I am perseverant and I am successful. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.—Romans 12:12

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

"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

"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

"YOUNG GIRL"

 Painting #818 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (10"x8") Completed 4-14-2005 

"FLORAL IN BRASS"

 Painting #819 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (7"x5") Completed 8-15-2005

"BIRTHDAY BOUQUET"

 Painting #822 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (20"x16") Completed 4-30-2005

"AZALEAS"

 Painting #824 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (18"x14")  Completed 5-6-2005

"MOSTLY ZINNIAS"

 Painting #848 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x20") Completed 8-3-2005

"ROSES WITH BRASS"

 Painting #869 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x36")  Completed 4-21-2006    SOLD

"TWO BROWN EGGS"

Painting #895 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (14"x11")  Completed 7-12-2006   SOLD

"ROSES IN JULY" 

 Painting #896 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x24")  Completed 7-15-2006  SOLD

"ROSES FOR THE TABLE"

Painting #899 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x24")  Completed 7-30-2006

Faith I expect and receive only good. Tuesday, April 14, 2015 When fears and doubts cloud my mind, I check in with my heart. I ask myself: Where am I placing my faith? Is it in outer appearances or my Truth? I may need to redirect my thoughts to my faith in a loving God and affirm divine order. I expect and receive only good. Faith begins in consciousness. In the Silence, I focus on the reality of Infinite Good everywhere present at all times. The darkness of doubt gives way to the light of Truth. I deny any words or actions that suggest lack. Rather, I praise and bless everything I encounter on my life’s journey. My actions reflect my conviction that my divine inheritance is always at hand.

"FLORAL" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"JANE'S PEONIES"

Painting #593  Oil on Linen  (24"x 36")   Painted in May, 2000     SOLD  

FROM UNITY'S "DAILY WORD"            Saturday, June 28, 2014    

Let Go, Let God

I let go and let the light of God shine.

       If I ever feel weighed down with responsibility, I consider whether I have unduly taken on the cares and concerns of others. Do I feel responsible for their success and well­-being? God is the One Source, available to meet every need for everyone. Each of us has access to divine wisdom, strength, creativity, understanding, and love. God is in relationship with each of us.

      I pray for my loved ones and release them to the path unfolding for their highest good. My focus is on my relationship with the Divine. Guided by God, I do my part with joy and peace. Beholding the Divine power in myself and others, I let go and know God is there for us all.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.—Psalm 62:8

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Sunlit Roses" Oil by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"SUNLIT ROSES"

From Unity's "Daily Word"

Good

My blessings multiply as I focus on the good in my life.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

In Genesis, God called all of creation good. Good is everywhere present. We can compare the good in all to the power of electricity. Electricity existed before humans discovered it, just as my good exists before I have manifested it. Good exists whether we perceive it or not. Through awareness, imagination, and faith, we behold the potential for good and bring it forth in our lives.

Like flipping a switch to turn on the lights, I turn my attention to everything good. As I focus on my blessings, they multiply. I turn on the light of Spirit in me and see my good increase.

The greatest gifts of life are mine to claim, and I am open to receive them. As I focus on my good, it continually expands.

God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance.—2 Corinthians 9:8

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Roses Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES, ROSES, ROSES"

Painting #588   Oil on Linen   (40"x30")  Painted in March, 2000    SOLD

This is a bad photo of a beautiful Painting

From "THE DAILY WORD"                                                          Sunday, April 6, 2014

PERCEPTION

Behind all of life, I perceive Infinite Love.

Our physical senses allow us to perceive the world from a certain perspective. Yet as we expand our view spiritually, we perceive so much more. We open ourselves to a consciousness of Oneness—harmony and connectedness that radiates through everything and everyone.

With our thoughts on the Divine, we attune to the Infinite Love behind all life. This radiant energy is present in every circumstance and in every person, even if it is not readily seen or heard. Evaluating life only through the filter of our physical senses, we might perceive discord or lack. Yet when we look at our lives with our hearts and minds on Spirit, evidence of the Divine is unmistakable.

Whoever is from God hears the words of God.—John 8:47

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Roses" & New Home for Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES"

      Painting #891 of 1180 paintings   Oil on linen  (24"x20")    painted July, 2006      SOLD  

"Yesterday, I purchased a house at Grasmere At Wyndemere here in Naples and the closing is two weeks from tomorrow, September 23, 2013.  This condo I bought a year ago is just fine but I have always felt it was temporary.  Now, I am so looking forward to moving into a nice home again." 

From The Daily Word at Unity                           

My highest good is always unfolding.

Circumstances change. Plans get interrupted. Life takes unexpected turns. Even so, I remain calm and unshaken as I stand on the solid ground of faith, knowing that my highest good is unfolding.

Beneath every outer change is the unchanging Truth of God—stable, unvarying, consistent. In God, nothing is ever lost. In God, there is enough power and strength to meet any life experience. In God, I know I am not alone. I maintain the courage and will to embrace all that life offers.

As conditions change, I am flexible, moving through times of transformation with ease and grace. I expect the manifestation of my highest good, and I embrace whatever form it may take.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change.—Psalm 46:2

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Red Geraniums" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"RED GERANIUMS"

Oil Painting on linen on board  (18"x24")                   Sold  February, 2013

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

To Taos, NM & Back by Artist, NORA KASTEN

Artist, Laura Robb in her studio, 9/26/2012

"If anyone is noticing it has been a month now since I've posted on this blog.  Two days before Earl and I flew out to NM on American Airlines (Everything went wrong because of the pilots calling in sick),  I had closed on my new home.  It's a beautiful condo.  I'll share all the good news about that in my next post but now it's time to tell you about Laura Robb's wonderful workshop in Taos, NM.

She not only paints beautiful flowers and still life, she is quite beautiful, herself.  There were 10 of us artists in attendance and it was one of the best group of artists that I have ever been with.  Laura was so thorough in her teaching and she shared everything with us, always going the extra mile for each one of us.  The night before our last workshop day, Laura invited us all for a pizza party at her wonderful, unique home and studio in Taos.  What a privilege for us and it was really special.  Before going to NM I only knew Laura from her published, beautiful works of art but now I am honored to count her as my good friend.  Did I mention that she has a keen wit and great sense of humor too?

Have you noticed yet that I have not published notes from Laura's workshop?  Well . . . . . . the reason is I was SICK. . .  . through it all and it was a big effort just to function for me.  The weather, the scenery, the season, the mountains, EVERYTHING was perfect and I couldn't enjoy it.  Two weeks before the trip, I was fighting a sinus infection and one week before I was struck down with a horrible vertigo attack, dizzy, headaches, vomiting, the whole nine yards.  With massive antibiotics and a trip to our Naples hospital to receive the Epley maneuver, I thought that I was well enough for the trip but I was WRONG!  The air flights always give me terrible problems with my ears but this time it was just too much.

Today could be the first day that I am feeling somewhat back to normal and Oh, I'm just remembering the author, Joan Marie Ambrose, who sat next to Earl and I on our flight home.  It was well worth the discomfort that I was feeling to meet this dear lady.  I think so because she is one of the very few people I have encountered that has also realized "The Power Of Now" in her life.  Her book is 10 years old and out of print now but I was able to get it through Amazon and it has been a blessing to me.  I can whole heartily recommend it to you.

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Sold Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Bavarian Vase"

Oil painting on linen on board  (12"x12")              SOLD

"This Bavarian vase was a favorite of mine for many years, starting back in the early years of my painting journey.  I am so happy this painting is now in the wonderful collection of Rick & Brenda Kelley  of Nashville, IN."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

New Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Bavarian Vase"

© Nora Kasten

Oil painting on linen on board   (12"x12" unframed)        August 18, 2012

"It's good to be painting again and I've also been listening to the audio version of  "The Untethered Soul" by Michael A. Singer.  I just want  to share with you.  It is a wonderful book!  This author explains, in the best way, what I have experienced since childhood.  I always referred to it as my gut feeling or the still small voice within but finally someone has explained what I didn't have the words to do."

This book came to me through a beautiful lady who just recently entered my life and she too is a widow.  She was widowed after 60 years of marriage and has not yet reached the first anniversary of her Beloved's transition.  "Transition" is her word for her husband's death and I want to use it too.  Her presence in my life is most certainly a Godsend and I realize anew how precious life truly is."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Sold Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Pitcher Of Roses"

Oil on linen     (16"x12")                 SOLD   August 15, 2012 

"Many thanks to the nice couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary who bought this painting last week at The Brown County Art Guild Gallery in Nashville, Indiana.  I wish that I could find the better photo of this painting but just not having any luck."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Oil Painting "Yellow Moroccan Vase" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Yellow Moroccan Vase"

© Nora Kasten

Oil painting on linen on board   (24"x12")     July 31, 2012

"Today is much, much better and life is certainly our most valuable possession.  

This painting was started over a week ago before my youngest son,  Jason, and his lovely wife, Leticia, were here for the nicest visit.  Sadness hit me when they left but we all visit with one another on the phone every afternoon so I always feel they are close."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE