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

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

Art Archives & Spirituality by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Lady With Letter"

Painting #238 of 1179 Paintings /  Oil on linen  (30"x24") / Painted in 1996

"The spiritual journey started for me as a little girl, eight years old(I'm 76 now), sitting on the front row pew of our neighborhood Methodist Church in Terre Haute, Indiana.   Other children and friends from my neighborhood were seated with me and none of us wanted to be there.  We loved going to Sunday School and to do that, we had to stay for morning worship service too.  A wonderful lady and servant of God, Miss Bartruff, had heeded God's call and her mission was to bring as many children as she could to church.  She went throughout our neighborhood, knocking on doors and asking mothers if she could be permitted to pick up their children and take them to Sunday School every Sunday morning.  My mother was happy to send us to Sunday School and several other mothers were too.  My girlfriends and I loved Sunday School and our teacher, Mrs. Dooley.  We sure didn't like it though that we had to stay for worship service, sitting on the front row, before Miss Bartruff could take us home.  That was the deal  . . . .  and we did it.

One Sunday, while sitting on that pew, I heard the "Word" and my little girl heart opened.  I received Jesus Christ as my Savior.  I did this without a word to anyone but I was sincere and God's LOVE has never left me. 

That's all for today but remembering Miss Bartruff has made me aware once again how very serious and important it is to heed God's call in our lives."

Today's "DAILY WORD" from Unity

SIMPLE WORDS

"I AM a divine expression of Spirit."

My senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch emanate from my physical body. My capacity to think independently reflects my mental ability. I understand, however, that I am more than my physical and mental self. I am a spiritual creation.
Although I may sometimes act or speak in error, the perfection of Spirit is within me. As I connect simple but powerful words such as faith, love, and peace with the affirmation, I AM, I affirm my true nature and expand my consciousness. I AM an expression of God’s love and peace right here and now. I AM faith in action.
I embrace the Truth of who I AM and live this truth every day. I AM an expression of Spirit contributing to a world of divine creation.

Truly it is the spirit in a mortal, the breath of the Almighty, that makes for understanding.—Job 32:8

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Good News!

"Good news today?  The biopsy on the tip of my nose shows it to be a pre cancerous Actinic Keratosis and the doctor will treat it with nitrogen on Thursday morning.  This was the best news possible for me and I am really thankful I didn't wait any longer.  The small sore that never healed has been  on the tip of my nose for at least three years.  I just couldn't bring myself to deal with it the last year while Karl was still with me and even over a year after his death.  It was foolish on my part but it looks like everything will be alright after all.

Tomorrow, I am going to Shark Valley in The Everglades National Park so there won't be any painting but. . . . .  life is GOOD!"

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE