Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

Leo with purple toy - Summer, 2015

Leo, day of adoption at Humane Society 1-10-2015

Leo on walk-April, 2015

Leo shops with me and rides in cart at Bed Bath & Beyond /  August, 2015

"Leo's name is "Riki" now and I believe he is happy with his new name and living a new life in Toronto.    I was blessed and I am so thankful for the year he spent with me."

Website:  NORAKASTEN.COM

  

Divine Order

I allow divine order to work through me.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Gardeners plant spring bulbs in the fall before the ground freezes. The bulbs require exposure to cold temperatures to flower well when conditions are right. The resulting blossoms announce the arrival of springtime and the fruition of an orderly growth cycle that began underground, beyond my sight.

The desires, goals, and ideas I hold in mind are like these spring bulbs. I hold them close and nurture them with positive thoughts. I believe in my dreams and the indwelling power of God at work to help me achieve them. In time and with each divinely inspired step, they begin to take shape and form. I fulfill my heart’s desires with perseverance and faith by allowing divine order to work through me.

Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.—Psalm 143:10

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

NEW PAINTING OVER FIREPLACE

Photos of New Kitchen & Pantry

"These photos were taken with my IPhone and the best that I could do.  It must seem like a jumble to those who have not been in my home but I assure you, everything is in fine order. Leo even managed to be in one of the photos.

 "A MESSAGE FROM UNITY'S DAILY WORD"

Quality I focus on the quality of my experiences.

Friday, September 4, 2015 True joy lies not in the quantity but in the quality of my life experiences. Engaging in too many activities—even fun activities—may leave me feeling drained. I am deeply nourished when I do a few things with great love and attention. I begin my day in prayerful discernment, setting aside, without guilt, any nonessential tasks. By focusing on what really matters I make more heartfelt connections with others. I notice the beauty of my surroundings. I savor my meals. Rather than rushing through an endless list of activities, I focus on each moment of my precious existence. Focusing on the quality of my experiences becomes a habit as I consciously practice doing less and paying more attention. I am aware of God in every moment of the day. The kingdom of God is among you.—Luke17:21

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

"BROWN EGGS"

#895 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (14"x 11")  Completed July 12, 2006   SOLD

LEO AT BED BATH & BEYOND CHECKOUT (Yesterday)

LEO IN PARKING LOT / ON HIS WAY TO THE CAR

"We're shopping for new things for the soon to be finished new kitchen."

Relaxation I relax and reconnect with Spirit in me. Thursday, July 30, 2015 The Universe balances the activity of the day with the stillness of night. In a similar way, I relax after work, a long drive, or strenuous exercise. My self-care practice also includes short breaks throughout the day. Wherever I am, I take a few minutes to rest and reconnect with Spirit. I begin by focusing on my breath. I breathe in and my mind is at peace. I breathe out and let go of stress. I notice my breath flowing into each part of my body—my head, my shoulders, and my chest. I breathe out through my arms, down my torso, and all the way out the bottoms of my feet. My heart, mind, and soul rejuvenate in God. Spirit flows in me with ease. After a few minutes, I bring my attention back to where I am sitting. I return to my activities with a peaceful heart. You will find rest for your souls.—Matthew11:29

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PORTRAIT SKETCH of LEO"

Painting #1183 / Oil on Canvas (48"x 48")  Completed July, 2015

"While the men were working on my new kitchen, I was painting "Leo".  This is actually a design piece that I painted especially for my living room.  It hangs on the wall next to the old, white baby grand piano."

The reason I have not shown pictures of my finished kitchen is because it is not finished.  The "great carpenter" went on vacation."

Lively I am lively in Spirit. Saturday, July 18, 2015 Unity cofounder Charles Fillmore certainly knew how to lead a lively life. Even in his later years, he stayed active and taught Truth principles. When he was 93 years old, he wrote one of his most popular affirmations: I fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and spring forth with a mighty faith to do the things that ought to be done by me. This lasting exuberance for service springs from an inner source—the Christ within me. My body and mind are in a constant state of renewal. I nurture this vitality by praying and meditating. Paradoxically, my quiet time with God unleashes vast storehouses of energy and inspiration. Whatever I am called to do, I do with zest and zing! Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord.—Ephesians 6:7

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES  IN TIFFANY"

Painting #716 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x18") Completed April, 2003

MORE PHOTOS OF LEO

Self-Care I honor God by caring for myself. Wednesday, July 1, 2015 As fast as life goes sometimes, I may find it difficult to stop, rest, and take care of myself. I may feel pressured to do things for others and keep a hectic pace to meet their requests. I remember the lyrics of a country song, “I’m in a hurry to get things done. Oh, I rush and rush until life’s no fun.” I stop hurrying and care for myself. The most important person to focus on is me. Caring for myself is honoring Spirit within. I rest, breathe, and step away from pressures or worries. I take time to connect with God through prayer and meditation. I also take time for fun! Caring for myself does not take away from my ability to care for others. It energizes me and strengthens my relationship with God. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.—Psalm 16:9

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

"FRESH ROSES"

Painting #1136 of 1182 paintings / Oil on canvas (16"x20")  Completed June 8, 2010

"Leo" is waiting for me to toss this toy so he can run as fast as he can to retrieve it.

"Leo" having fun with his purple toy.

Love Love transforms my world. Tuesday, May 26, 2015 Through the power of my thoughts, I can alter my perception of the world. Where I once may have seen anger, jealousy, or fear, I now can perceive the presence of Love. My outlook changes as I become more aware of God expressing through us all. I intentionally look for examples of love in my world. As I observe people in their daily interactions, I notice strangers holding doors open for one another; parents hugging their children as they get off school buses; store clerks making friendly conversation with customers. As I focus on gestures of kindness, my awareness of the goodness in life grows. My life is transformed by Love. If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.—1 John4:12

Spirit & Art by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES WITH BRASS"

Painting #869 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x36") Completed April 21, 2006   SOLD

LEO, ASKING TO COME UP ON MY LAP

Stillness In the stillness, I find peace and satisfaction. Saturday, May 23, 2015 Today I make time to be still and allow God to speak to the desires of my heart. I let go of any anxious searching or forcing solutions, and open myself to Spirit. I relax and focus on the rhythmic flow of my breath. The chatter in my mind quiets down and I ease into my connection with God. As I let go of all worries, I feel the strength of my steadfast faith. I take another deep breath and follow it further into the chapel of my own heart. Here, I find stillness and rest in the Silence. The love of God fills me with peace and satisfaction. I am calm and serene. All my needs are met and I am complete. In the peace of the stillness, I am deeply satisfied. 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