Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"WHITE ROSES"

#760 of 1186 Paintings / Pastel On Sanded Paper  (24"x 18") Completed Dec., 2003

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Guidance Spirit guides me to my highest good.

Saturday, November 21, 2015 Every moment of every day brings the opportunity for new choices. The freedom to choose what I think, say, and do can be a liberating joy. On the other hand, the options for how to live my life may seem overwhelming. Should I go back to school? How can I serve humanity? From everyday events to major life changes, I have choices to make. If I rely solely on my mind to endlessly weigh pros and cons, I may feel lost in a sea of possibilities. Instead, I turn to my internal guidance system. God’s guidance is always available to me. As I contemplate major life choices, I move from my head to my heart. I pray and patiently wait for the still, small voice within. Spirit guides me to my highest good. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.–John 16:13

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"THE GLORY OF ROSES"

#801 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (30"x24")  Completed Dec. 3, 2004   SOLD

"LILY & ROSE STILL LIFE"

#815 of 1184 Paintings / Pastel  (20"x16")  Completed March, 2005   DESTROYED

"68th BIRTHDAY BOUQUET"

#822 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (20"x 16")  Completed April 30, 2005


"MACY AT THE TABLE"

#408 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  ((40"x 30")  Completed July, 1997

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Grace I open my heart to the grace of God.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015 I love to see flowers awaken to a new day. As the sunlight touches them, they respond by opening their petals in a beautiful display of color. In the same way, I open my heart to the grace of God. The activity of grace in me is as constant as the sun rising and falling. Grace is always present. My heart’s opening takes no personal effort when I surrender to the light within me. Grace comes naturally. I feel warmth, acceptance, and love. With each new moment, I surrender my old ways and embrace more of this divine activity. I let grace bring about perfect outcomes and let go into a deep feeling of trust and peace. Whatever efforts I make in life, grace adds more good than I could ever imagine. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.—Hebrews 4:16

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"MACY"

 #77 of 1184 Paintings / Pastel (18"x 20")  Completed in March, 1993

"SNOWBALLS IN MAY"

#45 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Canvas  (26"x 22")  Completed in May, 1992

 "RETIREMENT LUNCHEON"

#213 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (21"x25")  Completed in March, 1995

 "GRAPES"

#510 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen (9"x12")  Completed September 30, 1998

 "APPLES & BRASS"

#601 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (12"x16")  Completed July 1, 2000      SOLD

 "BOUGAINVILLEA BOUQUET"

#700 of 1184 Paintings / Pastel  (24"x 20")  Completed April, 2002    SOLD

 "ROSES FOR THE TABLE"

#899 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  Completed in July, 2006     SOLD

 "ROSES & BAVARIAN CUP"

#913 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (5"x 7")  Completed January 22, 2007

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Faith I have faith in divine direction.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015 While walking trails in a nature preserve, I find signs marking the way. I may not have a clear picture of the way through the forest. I simply trust the signs and follow the path to my destination. Likewise, as I start new ventures, make important decisions, or heal relationships, I have faith in divine direction. I do not need to envision the entire pathway before I start. God guides every part of my journey—even when I do not see clearly around the bend. What a relief to let go of the need to know every detail. If I encounter obstacles, I regard them as stepping-stones. Everything leads to my divine destination as I exercise faith in the mighty power of God. If you have faith the size of a mustard seed ... nothing will be impossible for you.–Matthew 17:20

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"BOUGAINVILLEA BOUQUET"

Painting #700 of 1181 paintings / Pastel on sanded paper (24"x20") Completed 4/29/2002 SOLD

"After many years of controlling the pain of Peripheral Neuropathy, I am once again laid low with it.  Resting most of a 24 hour day is what I do and it helps me.  When trying to do otherwise, the price is too high to pay.  I will recover from this as I did before but please understand why I have not been available and won't be until this greatly subsides."

Guidance Divine guidance is always with me. Monday, February 9, 2015 I am a student of life and God is my teacher. My Divine Teacher instructs me in all I need to know at the right time. The course of study is lifelong, sure, and true. I embrace the joy and fulfillment of learning. My Teacher shows me the way and supports me in new situations. When a life lesson comes, I take time in the quiet and listen to my divine guidance. I open my heart to the still, small voice and ask what path to follow, and what I need to learn. As I listen within, I hear the words “This is the way.” I am gently guided to my highest good. As I recognize and understand my lesson, I give thanks for my growth. I am never alone. My Teacher is always with me. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path.—Psalm 27:11

"BOUGAINVILLEA BOUQUET"

Painting #700 of 1181 Paintings / Pastel on Sanded Paper (24"x20") Finished April, 2002  SOLD

"ROSES ARE RED"

Painting #1117 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Canvas (24"x20") Completed March, 2010  SOLD

"My baby, Jason, is forty-seven years old today.  Jason was born three months premature and weighed only two pounds and two ounces at birth.  Today, he is such a handsome, robust man, worries about weighing too much and still fills my heart with Joy.  He is a living Miracle!

Remember I remember what is true, good, and holy. Monday, December 8, 2014 Everyday happenings may trigger old feelings, images, or responses. While some of these memories may be sweet and joyful, others may feel painful or challenging. I release old emotions with the help of Divine grace. As memories come up, I center faithfully in Spirit, acknowledge the feelings, and let them go. Infinite Love comforts me with tenderness, like a caring mother rocking a newborn baby. Basking in God’s compassion, I remember who I truly am—a precious child of the Most High, worthy of all good. My divine inheritance is wholeness, love, prosperity, and joy. Assured of this Truth, the past no longer has any power over me. I claim my good in full right here and now. They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer.—Psalm 78:35

More Rain in Naples by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"BOUGAINVILLEA BOUQUET"

Painting #700 of 1181 Paintings / Pastel (24"x 20")  Completed April 29, 2002   SOLD

"Another rainy day in Naples, FL.   While sitting at my desk, this is my view."

Embrace I embrace changes in life as blessings.

Saturday, September 20, 2014 When an oyster suffers irritation from a foreign body in its shell, it responds by secreting more shell-making substance. The intruder is not cast out but enfolded, coated by layers of nacre as it is gradually transformed into a smooth and precious pearl. Like the oyster, I choose to see irritations as invitations to make pearls! I release resistance and accept any such experience as part of life. As I enfold the situation in love, I see how temporary life challenges lose their power to annoy and become gifts. As I bless each challenge, I allow it to help me find the peace of God within. Gratefully, I magnify the treasures of the kingdom. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!—2 Corinthians 5:17

"Lady In Red" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

Pastel Painting on Sanded Paper   (15"x 20")            Painted in 1990

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

TRUE NORTH

Spirit is my guide.

Even the best compass does not point to true north. Similarly, I know that directions and advice from the outside world can never replace true guidance from within.

I follow my internal compass. As I pray and meditate, the path to my highest good becomes clear. Spirit reveals a divine idea, which may inspire my next task or goal. I then move forward with clarity and assurance. My steps are confident, my faith is strong, and my determination, unwavering. Nothing can stop me from achieving my divine purpose.

Spirit is my guide, motivating every action and leading me to my true north—an authentic and fulfilling life.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.—John 16:13

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Paintings by Artist, NORA KASTEN

Some Paintings Back on my Walls

"White Rose"  Oil on linen on board  (30"x14")

 "Hydrangeas"  Oil on gallery wrapped canvas   (24"x24")

 "Peonies In Copper Pot"  Oil on linen   (24"x36")

 "Morning"   Oil on linen   (36"x48")

 "A White Rose"   Pastel on sanded paper   (28"x 22")

"Tumbling Roses"  Oil on linen on board   (30"x30")

"Several of my paintings have been stored in a good friend's home for the past year but now I have space and brought them home.  These are only a few of the total.

The hand surgeon put a pin in the finger (ring finger, right hand) I broke at Christmas time but I am struggling with it.  The pin will be removed the 27th of February when hopefully everything has healed in place.

One month is almost past already in 2013.  Did time always move this fast?  

Please join me in lifting up the great artist, Don Hatfield, in prayer.  This month and next are the one year anniversaries of the deaths of his wife and then his daughter.  Don is now raising his three grandchildren without those dearly Beloved women in his life.

Good wishes and Blessings to All

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"Old Fashion Roses" Pastel Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Old Fashion Roses"

© Nora Kasten

Pastel painting on sanded paper on board  (24"x24")  From Archives

"This pastel painting is one of five paintings that I'm offering to the Naples Baptist Church "An Evening of the Arts" being held on April 14, 2011."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Framed Painting by Artist NORA KASTEN

"Ruby Gem" (framed)

Acrylic & Pastel painting on sanded paper on board framed  (44"x44")

I framed and hung "Ruby Gem" this morning in a passageway between the kitchen and family room.  Of course getting a good photo of it is difficult because of window and lamp reflections on it from across the room.  I like this painting and even my husband says it's pleasant to view but he might like it even better upside down . . .  . he doesn't like the abstract style. 

There are plenty of paintings to view on my website in the traditional style as well as my "Modern Expressions".

WEBSITE:  www.norakasten.com