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

"THE BRASS VASE"

"ROSES IN JULY"

Painting #896 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x24")  Completed July 15, 2008

Kasey & Leo                 January 10, 2015

"Kasey graduates from 5th grade tomorrow here in Naples.  She is a beautiful and precious young lady and she and her mother were the influence for me to adopt Leo back in January.  I am so thankful.  "Congratulations" to you, Kasey. "

Forgiveness Thank you, sweet Spirit, for the gift of forgiveness. Tuesday, June 2, 2015 I both give and receive the gift of forgiveness when I release a painful situation to God. This does not mean I condone what happened—I simply choose to let it go. My past has only as much power over me as I give it. I can let my past hold me back or I can move on. I can carry the weight of emotional pain forever, or lay it down and release it to God. I choose to be free from resentment, anger, and hurt. As I release the pain of the past, I claim the life of peace I deserve. My load lightens, my pain heals, and my heart opens. Forgiveness frees me to laugh, love, and embrace a life of joy. Thank you, sweet Spirit, for the gift of forgiveness. He will wipe every tear from their eyes ... mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.—Revelation 21:4

Destroyed Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"SUNDAY MORNING TREAT"

Painting #1035  Oil on Linen   (36"x 24")   Painted in May, 2009   Overpainted or destroyed

"This may be my last Post for a couple of weeks.  I leave for France on Monday, April 21, 2014 and return on Monday, May 5, 2014.  This is my first trip to Europe and I feel so very happy and grateful.  It's my 77th birthday present to Nora.  The IPad and IPhone will be with me and who knows . . . .  maybe I can post from France.  This Digital Age is a wonderful experience, isn't it?" 

From "The Daily Word"                       Saturday, April 19, 2014

FORGIVE

I forgive, and I am forgiven.

Today I choose forgiveness for myself and others. I let go of the perception of how things should have been and open my heart to accept life as it is. I make a choice for my serenity and peace of mind.

I forgive any error I may have made in my thoughts, words, or actions. I quickly release any harsh judgment and step into expressing my best self. In so doing, I become more accepting, tolerant, and free.

As I forgive others, the Divine in me connects to the Divine in them. Even if no apology is spoken, my forgiveness cleanses me of any bitterness. Forgiveness creates harmony and builds communication and understanding. By forgiving both others and myself, I gain an open heart and peace of mind.

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.—Psalm 86:5

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE