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

"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

"MOTHER & BABY"

Painting #942 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x20") Completed July, 2007  ARCHIVED

"LEO"

"LEO KNOWS HE DOESN'T BELONG ON THIS BED"


NEW CABINETS APPEARING
"Work will continue tonight as long as it takes because the Granite people will be here first thing in the morning to template the sink cabinet.  Chris has himself on a tight schedule.

Grace I am eternally grateful for the gift of grace. Monday, July 6, 2015 At times I look back at how my life has unfolded so miraculously. I found my way when I felt lost. Friends appeared when I was lonely. I survived a dangerous situation. How did these miracles happen? Through grace. Grace is God’s unconditional love in action. Grace lifts me up when I am down. When things fall into place, without me knowing how or why, I credit grace. Sometimes grace is so amazing I want to pinch myself. A long-lost family member reappears in my life. I find love when I least expect it. I am healthy! No matter what I may have on my plate, I trust I move through it with ease and grace. I am eternally grateful for the gift of grace. Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father.—2 John 1:3

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

"THE BLUE VASE"

Painting #608 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (40"x30")  Completed July, 2000   SOLD

"Here's Leo just after his bath.  He is so glad to have that over with."

Guidance I turn to God for guidance and understanding. Thursday, June 25, 2015 W e have information at our fingertips thanks to smartphones and the Internet. I may be tempted to rely on technology as my one-stop shop for help with every decision. However, for personal direction, I always start with the most important and reliable source of guidance—God. Spirit in me has the answer to every question. My process of asking for guidance begins with the release of any perceived limitations or stressful feelings. As I relax in the Silence, I listen with my heart, mind, and senses. My inner voice speaks lovingly and my guidance is clear. Centered in God, I am awake to the guidance I seek. O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.—Psalm 43:3

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"RED ROSES"

Painting #1032 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (12"x12")  Completed May 7, 2009  SOLD

Leo, the Miniature Schnauzer         June 9, 2015

"Leo posed for me to take these photos this afternoon after arriving home from Home Depot."

Let Go, Let God I release old habits, and fill my mind with divine ideas. Monday, June 8, 2015 Old beliefs or habits sometimes reappear in my life. They may resurface if I am distracted or stressed. Every time I “wake up” from the actions of the old me, I pause for a deep breath and remember to let go, and let God. Some deeply rooted habits or beliefs may take longer to eliminate from my consciousness. I acknowledge them as habitual energy that has lingered from the past. Yet no mind pattern is stronger than God. In prayer, I affirm my truth: I release old patterns, habits, and beliefs. I am filled with confidence and courage. As I let go, and let God within lead my life, my mind is filled with divine ideas. I am confident, creative, and compassionate. I am one with God. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.—1 Corinthians 13:12

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"LEO"

"Leo is a two year old miniature schnauzer and I have had him for four months.  He certainly is a joy and comfort to me.  Again, I am Blessed abundantly!  This toy animal is his favorite toy (of many).  It has paper inside the body that makes a crackle sound as he plays with it and he's found lots of squeaks in it too.  It's so entertaining to watch Leo play.  Sometimes he will sit on one end of the animal and then try to pull it out and away.  Doesn't he know he's sitting on it.  Watching Leo's attempts at getting this toy up and onto my lap is so funny but that's another story.  He's chewed off most of the ears of this toy and yet he's so sneaky when he does it.  He tries to hide that he's chewing the toy from me even though he's sitting right next to my chair.  Since he loves this toy so much, I have mended it a couple of times for him and it can take a lot more of Leo's "Love"."  

"TWO BROWN EGGS"

Painting #895 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (14"x11") Completed July, 2006  SOLD

Adventure I walk my spiritual path with courage and confidence. Saturday, May 2, 2015 Experiences like moving or changing jobs may bring both excitement and uneasiness. Transitions become easier when I accept plans may change and open myself to new adventures. I give thanks in advance for the lessons I will learn. I may feel the same mix of excitement and unease as I embark on a new spiritual journey. In prayer, I release any worries about outcomes and embrace surprises. Although I cannot anticipate every twist and turn, I know my overall success is assured. I become more attuned to my unique strengths as I deepen my connection with God. This knowledge of myself leads me to walk my spiritual path with courage and confidence. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.—Isaiah 9:2

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"YELLOW ROSES"

Painting #1182 / Oil on Canvas (42"x28") Completed April 7, 2015

"SUNDAY MORNING TREAT"

Painting #1035 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (36"x24")  Completed May 25, 2009  

"CLEMENTINES & IVY"

Painting #1016 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (14"x14") Completed Nov. 21, 2008  SOLD

LEO ON WALK AT WYNDEMERE

SAND CASTLES ON MARCO ISLAND, FL

"Over five months have gone by since I visited the beach and yet that is where I was late yesterday afternoon.  After leaving the Winn Dixie grocery on Marco Island, it seemed like the most natural thing to do and I am so glad I did.  Ten minutes was probably the length of time I was there but with my shoes off, walking on the sand, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of "The Outing". 

Garden Boundless possibilities blossom in the garden of my life. Wednesday, April 29, 2015 My choices determine what thrives in my life’s garden. In preparation for a bountiful harvest, I till the hardened soil. I turn the dirt to bring to light what was below the surface. I choose what I wish to plant and sow seeds of peace, love, and strength. At times, I might feel tempted to dig and see whether the seeds are germinating, but gardening is an act of faith. With proper care, the desired results will blossom. I treat my seeds of consciousness as I would flower seeds. I assure the proper conditions for growth. I weed out unwanted beliefs and sprinkle expressions of gratitude daily. I plant the seeds of desire and gratefully celebrate the fruits of my labor. As a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.—Isaiah 61:11

New Companion / Art & Spirituality by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"LADY IN PINK"

Painting #925 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (36"x24") Completed April 29, 2007

"LEO"

"Leo" has come into my life and he is a much loved, good and faithful companion.  He is a two year old miniature schnauzer that I adopted from The Naples Humane Society and he is considered a rescue dog.  I believe I am the one who was rescued though."

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY UPDATE

"What I have come to refer to as "My Sabbatical" continues.  Taking Tramadol three times a day for pain and still lots of rest is keeping me on an even keel for which I am most thankful."

Love When I center on Spirit, I experience greater love. Monday, April 6, 2015 What I focus on grows. Spirit is the ultimate source of all love, and the more I center on Spirit, the more love is expressed and evident in my life. I regularly practice focusing on God rather than the many distractions of the world. As I do, my awareness of love’s abiding presence expands. In the Silence, I cultivate my ability to perceive love as the very nature and essence of my being. I express love freely from within, rather than seek compulsively from without. In prayer and meditation, I recognize love as the unifying power behind all existence. I experience the fullness of divine love, which sustains and connects us as One.