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

"ROSES"

Painting #891 of 1183 / Oil on Linen  (24"x20")  Completed July, 2006     SOLD

FROM UNITY'S DAILY WORD

Friday, March 25, 2016 I am a physical, spiritual, and social being. Within me are hundreds of parts that comprise my whole. My skeleton frames me. My heart circulates blood infused with oxygen courtesy of my lungs. My brain monitors processes. Each part of my body has a specific function and purpose. I am the sum of these parts that allow me to think, breathe, move, and feel. Divine energy flows within me, infusing every cell, tissue, and organ with strength and vitality. There is only one of me, and I am a magnificent creation of God. I give thanks for my body and the amazing way that it works without my even being aware of it. I praise my body for its strength, and I give thanks to God for creating me. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.—Psalm 139:14

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Roses For The Table"

#899 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x24") Completed July 30, 2006

"This will come as a surprise to my golfer friends and family.  Tomorrow, I am having my first golf lesson . . . . . . from a Pro.  It is so exciting!

Faith I am anchored in life, love, and wholeness. Tuesday, February 16, 2016 How much faith is needed to achieve great results? Jesus taught that even a small amount of faith can move mountains: “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.” If I am lacking the faith to pursue big dreams, I start with small ones. Trusting in the presence of God within to guide my way, I steadily advance toward a larger, divinely inspired vision for my life. To build my faith, I use the spiritual tools of prayer, imagination, affirmation, and action. I see divine order in all that unfolds, both large and small. I devote time each day thanking God for perfect results. I am anchored in life, love, and wholeness. I have faith in faith itself. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.—Hebrews 11:1

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"A JAR OF ROSES"

Painting #1124 of 1187 Paintings / Oil on Canvas (20"x 12")  Completed 4/9/2009

"Christmas, 2015 was especially meaningful to me and I can never again say, "I don't like Christmas", as I have in the past.  I am most thankful . . . . and happy beginning 2016!  

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Faith I am meant to live a great life! Monday, January 4, 2016 As I begin the new year, I step out in faith. I am excited to know that God has given me all I need to have a great life. “It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” I gratefully accept! The energy, life, and love of Spirit move through me easily and effortlessly. I open to divine ideas and discern what is mine to do. I am blessed with unlimited possibilities to experience God. Opportunities to connect with the Divine arrive in new and unexpected ways. I am now conscious of others expressing kindness, joy, and peace. I feel one with all that is. I feel certain that my circumstances will work out favorably, perhaps in unimaginable ways. As I deepen my connection with God, my faith grows ever stronger. I am meant to live a great life! For we walk by faith, not by sight.—2 Corinthians 5:7

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"THE MAGI"

#953 of 1187 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (30"x24")  Completed November 24, 2007

From Unity's "Daily Word"

FAITH

I have faith in God as my guide.

A bird in flight glides on rising air currents and follows its inner navigation to its destination. The bird has learned to let go of fighting the wind. Instead, it harnesses this energy and flies high.

Placing my faith in the wisdom of Christ within, I discover I, too, can soar. I rise above any situation and release any need to know what, when, and how all will unfold. I trust God to sustain me, protect me, and strengthen me along my journey.

Prayer moves me directly into the current of Spirit. As I faithfully use my energy to work in harmony with Spirit, I am blessed beyond all imagining.

I have faith in God as my guide.

For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight; for the Lord will go before you.—Isaiah 52:12

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"THE GLORY OF ROSES"

#801 of 1186 Paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x 24")  Completed December 3, 2004   SOLD

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Release I make room in my world for new good to appear.

Monday, November 30, 2015 To experience greater peace and prosperity, I make a habit of releasing unwanted and unneeded belongings. By letting go of what no longer serves me, I make room for new good to appear. Release makes my world more spacious. It opens the way for the free circulation of God’s infinite supply. Letting go need not be painful. I am free to keep useful, artistic, or sentimental items, and release whatever has fulfilled its purpose. Donating, recycling, or selling unneeded possessions can also create breathing space in my home. No matter where I begin, I ask for divine guidance. I then joyously set into motion the cleansing power of release. For one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.–Luke 12:15

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"EMERALD & GOLD"

O

#1106 of 1186 Paintings / Acrylic on Canvas  (8"x8")  Completed January 10, 2010


"FIRE & RAIN"

#1107 of 1186 Paintings / Oil on Canvas  (10"x 10")  Completed January 30, 2010


"RIBBONS OF BLUE"

#1119 of 1186 Paintings / Oil on Canvas (24"x 24")  Completed March 14, 2010

"APPLES & ORANGES"

#1095 of 1186 Paintings / Acrylic on Canvas  (30"x 36")  Completed December, 2009

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Family I strengthen my family through the power of love.

Sunday, November 22, 2015 A towering pine or mighty oak draws on rain, sunshine, air, and soil to thrive. Similarly, we grow through the comfort, inspiration, ideas, and enrichment we receive from others. Family is a vital part of our spiritual support system. Today I give thanks for my family and others who are important to me. As we gather for special celebrations, I embrace our similarities and differences. When we are apart, I enrich my relationships by reaching out. I strengthen our connection through simple acts of kindness, such as calling or sending a note. Near or far, I bless others with warm thoughts and prayers of gratitude for their presence in my life. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.–Galatians 5:22-23

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"GRIEF ABSTRACT"

#1150 of 1185 Paintings / Acrylic on Canvas (24"x48") Completed Oct., 2011  DESTROYED

"THE TOURIST"

#1185 OF 1185 Paintings / Oil on Canvas (30"x 24")  Completed October 31, 2015

"I used the photo taken of me in France last year to complete this painting.  Now I'm working on "Floral".  We'll see how it goes."

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Navigation I am guided by God within.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015 Centuries ago sailors headed across the seas without the conveniences of electronics to guide them and often with incomplete or inaccurate maps. Instead they had to rely on the sun and stars to navigate. If the weather obscured their view or blew them off course, they used their own wisdom and experience to regain their direction. Just as voyagers look to the stars for guidance, I turn within to the spirit of God. In prayer my way is made clear. I remember that if I ever feel blown off course, I need only return my focus to the presence of God within. Even in the darkest of nights, I know the sun will rise again, and I will regain my bearings and sail onward. So that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other.—Isaiah 45:6

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"BABY SUNFLOWER"

 #1030 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen (10"x8")  Completed April 22, 2009    SOLD

"HARP & FIDDLE"

#1081 of 1184 Paintings / Acrylic on Canvas  (12"x 12")  Completed Nov. 14, 2009

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Gratitude Gratitude draws my good to me like a spiritual magnet.

Saturday, October 10, 2015 Gratitude is a spiritual magnet. I put my attention on the positive and draw more of the same to me. Friends, family, the comfort of home, and the beauty of nature bless me every day. I live from a place of gratitude and find an abundance of joy! At times, I may feel less than blessed. I may face financial or health challenges. I may be going through a transition and feeling lost or confused. Then, I refocus on gratitude. I make a list of five things for which I am grateful. As I think about my blessings, my attitude changes. The difficulties do not seem as large as they did just a moment ago. I attract more blessings as I practice gratitude and see life through a new perspective. I am fulfilled. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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

"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

"JUST WAITING"

Section of #924 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x24")  Completed April, 2007  DESTROYED

New Kitchen Continues to be Installed

"The call just came from Salvia Tile.  They will deliver and install granite tomorrow afternoon.  Such good news!"

LOWDERMILK BEACH IN NAPLES, FL, TUESDAY AFTERNOON, 7-7-2015

"Today was the first day at the beach for me since April or May and this was the scene 30 minutes after I arrived.  Hurrying, as best I could, I made it to the car just as the rain began to fall.  Though I wasn't at the beach very long, it was delightful to be there again as my Semi-Sabatical continues.  I am successful controlling the Peripheral Neuropathy if I get the much needed rest everyday, manage my meds and be careful not to overextend physically.  I've learned the price is too high to pay in pain and misery if I don't adhere to these guidelines.  Stress cannot be a part of my life now and my motto has become "Let go and let God".

Reading is and has always been a huge part of my life.  Some fiction but for the most part I read to learn.  Being on this Spiritual Awaking Journey, of course, has led me to read everything I can on The Spirit and Energy.  Einstein has shown us that all matter is Energy, including our bodies.  I love learning . . . . even during this later phase in life.

Below is a photo of one of the books I am reading now on my IPad and IPhone.  "The Grace in Aging" (Awaken As You Grow Older) by Kathleen Dowling Singh.  It's not a book that I'm reading straight through as I'm led to read other books as well.  "The Power Of Now" by Eckhart Tolle is still my all-time favorite."

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 (A New Kitchen) by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"BLUE SHIRT"

Painting #916 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen 16"x12" Completed February, 2007  DESTROYED

"Early this year I decided to replace my kitchen oven because it was so old, used and much too small.  I began searching for the right oven that would go in the space available but nothing came together for me.  Knowing not to go forward until receiving the "go ahead" feeling or sign, I just let it go.  Always, that is the right thing to do and I am so glad I listened to the Still Small Voice within because the Universe has a whole new kitchen for me and not just a make do.  

Almost two weeks ago the project began and the new cabinets are being delivered tomorrow, Monday, July 6.  Chris, the best carpenter in the world, will begin right away installing and he's promising to have my new kitchen finished by Friday, July 10.  The new appliances are all GE's "Slate" line and they are scheduled to be delivered on Thursday, July 9.  Sometime before that the new granite countertops will be installed.  It is all very exciting and believe it or not, there has been little or no stress."

PART OF OLD KITCHEN

PART OF OLD KITCHEN

PART OF OLD KITCHEN (THIS WILL BE THE NEW PANTRY)

OLD KITCHEN GOING . . . 

OLD KITCHEN  . . . GONE

Rejuvenate I am whole, strong, and full of vitality. Sunday, July 5, 2015 Nature in its summer splendor invites me to rest and rejuvenate. Cats and dogs bask in the sunlight. A gentle breeze carries the scent of flowers. The sunset provides a moment of splendor at the end of each day. I follow nature’s cues and take time to relax and rejuvenate. I find a quiet place to connect with God—perhaps I sit on a rock near the water, a park bench, or on my patio. I settle into meditation. I breathe in the fresh air and let go of any worries. Spirit renews me with each breath. I open myself to fresh perspectives. I see myself whole, strong, and full of vitality. I am rejuvenated! Mindful to maintain balance in my life, I commit to rest and rejuvenation. I look forward to my next experience in nature. You have been born anew.—1 Peter 1:23