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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"BABY SUNFLOWER"

Painting #1030 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (10"x8") Completed April, 2009  SOLD

 Leo in the cart at BED BATH & BEYOND

 Leo at BED BATH & BEYOND

 Leo & I at BED BATH & BEYOND

Leo in cart as we're leaving HOME GOODS

"Naples, Florida is "Pet Friendly" at many stores and some outdoor restaurants.  This is great because I can take Leo with me most of the time for my limited outings.

Beloved I am the beloved of God. Sunday, June 28, 2015 In times of darkness, I remember difficulties give me a chance to grow. I faithfully turn within for wisdom and peace. As my old thinking clears away, divine light radiates from my heart to every aspect of my life. I dance in grace, knowing I am a wondrous creation of God! In this state, my eyes open to everyday miracles. The sun rises every morning and nourishes the planet. Rain waters the soil and trees bear the fruit I enjoy. On top of that, Earth is home to so many amazing animals. God, the source of all creation, is active in my life too. I confidently affirm peace, happiness, good health, and prosperity. I am the beloved of God. For now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come.—Song of Solomon 2:11-12

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"RED GERANIUMS"

Painting # 1001 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x30") Completed Jan. 17, 2008   SOLD

"INTERIOR AT PINE HAVEN"

Painting #26 of 1181 paintings / Watercolor (16"x12")  Completed June, 1991
Note:  I painted very few watercolors through the years.  Oil was my medium of choice.

"Resting most of the day is still the best I can do to manage Peripheral Neuropathy which feels like experiencing the worse toothache pain all over my body. . . . It is nerve pain.  So far my doctor's pain management is not working for me either since my body has an allergic reaction to and cannot tolerate the drugs, Percocet, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Tylenol #3 which has Codine in it.  The nerve block shot in my lower back did not relieve any pain at all.

It appears this is just where I am supposed to be at this time and I am at Peace with it.  I intend to glean only Good from this experience.  If you are new to my blog, I have copied and pasted my earlier message about this below:"

February 9, 2015 
"After many years of controlling the pain of Peripheral Neuropathy, I am once again laid low with it.  Resting most of a 24 hour day is what I do and it helps me.  When trying to do otherwise, the price is too high to pay.  I will recover from this as I did before but please understand why I have not been available and won't be until this greatly subsides."

Awareness I am mindful of my body temple. Monday, February 23, 2015 My body is a holy temple of Spirit. Its true purpose is to fully express and embody Divine Love and Life. I release any behaviors that may deplete my body. I support its vitality through my loving attention to its messages and needs. I honor my body by eating nourishing food and living a healthy lifestyle. I regularly send love and thanksgiving to all parts of my body, energizing them with affirmative words of Truth. My increasing body awareness helps me recognize and release challenging emotions that I may have repressed and stored as physical pain or illness. I honor my needs for rest and recreation. As I devotedly serve my body temple, I create space for the sacred to unfold in my life. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God.—1 Corinthians 6:19