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

"SUMMER ROSES"

 Painting #820 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Linen (10"x 8") Completed April 16, 2005

"Today, I want to share with you this message I have received from my Guides.  I have been receiving messages on a steady basis since January 18, 2013 but have been reluctant to share.  I believe it is time."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

ART & SPIRIT by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ORANGE BEGONIA"

Painting #1074 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Canvas  (24"x 24") Completed October 30, 2009

Photos again from THE BOSTON MUSEUM OF FINE ART.

Shift I shift to a higher spiritual perspective. Wednesday, October 22, 2014 A car with a manual transmission cannot move if it is not in gear. If I find myself pressing my foot on the gas pedal and spinning my wheels, shifting the gears will propel me forward. Likewise, holding on to an attitude of insistence or resistance in my life will keep me stuck. Through prayer, I access the wisdom and clarity to know how to shift gears and change. To rise from blame, upset, or frustration, I adjust my attitude. I let go and forgive. I use my energy in positive ways—uplifting, encouraging, and looking for the best in myself and others. These shifts help me gain a higher spiritual perspective and move me steadily forward. Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.—Zechariah 4:6

Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"LADY IN PINK" (Heather)

Painting #925 of 1181   Oil on Linen   (36"x 24")   Painted in April, 2007

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"        Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Illumination

The light of a new day is dawning in my consciousness. I walk serene and sure.

Let us unite in prayer for the realization of spiritual light, which will illumine our ways in the days to come. In scriptural symbology, a new day represents a degree of unfoldment in spiritual consciousness. When the light of a new day dawns in our consciousness, it dissipates any condition of spiritual darkness that may have preceded it, just as the sunrise following the dawn dissipates the night and makes all things clear and beautiful.

As the light of a new day dawns in our consciousness, all indecision and all uncertainty are done away with. We see before us opportunities for realizing our good, for practicing good will toward all people, for loving God with all our hearts, minds, and strength. Each day, each moment offers us new opportunity.

If my people … pray … then will I hear … and will heal their land.—2 Chronicles 7:14

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Megan Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"MEGAN"

Painting #235 of 1181  Oil on Linen  (16"x 12")   Painted in July, 1995

"This granddaughter came to us when she was just two years old.  What a delight she was to us.  In fact, she was a Joy!  Good memories, Megan."

Stillness

Be still and know that I am God.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Be still, my child, and know that I am God. I am within you, your life, your intelligence, the very breath of your being. My protecting mantle of love infolds you, and you need have no fear, for I am your eternal and everlasting refuge.

If the flood waters of fear and doubt sweep over your being and you cannot seem to gain a foothold or keep afloat, remember that in the midst of you is an ark of healing silence. Stop struggling, resisting, and fighting; surrender to the stillness of this inner sanctuary. The flood waters will recede, and the dry land (your good) will appear.

In every situation be relaxed and poised in mind and body. Be still and know that I am God. I, within you, am the God with whom all things are possible. I, within you, am the same Spirit that resurrected Jesus. No matter what your needs may be, I am what you seek.

Be still, and know that I am God.—Psalm 46:10

Originally published on October 23, 1948

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Ego & Spiritual Quest by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES FOR THE TABLE"

Nora in France      April 23, 2014

"This is my 9th day home from the beautiful French Countryside and Paris.  Shouldn't jet-lag be over?  I'm not complaining because this resting time has provided me with new Spiritual insights and enlightenment.  

While an unfinished painting remains on the easel, I have been reading "Listening" by the author, Lee Coit.  Well, actually, I've been reading three of his books now.  As is always the case, when we ask, we receive.  I was so hungry and thirsty for more Spiritual leading after returning from the France trip (I Am always eager for more) but a last minute thought before hanging up the phone with my friend, Doris, I asked her if she had a book title for me . . . .  immediately, she told me "Listening".   Right away I downloaded the book from Amazon and I was off and running.  Well not running but walks on the beach and plenty of reading.

I am Blessed abundantly and feel led to share some of my Blessings with you.  I realize that  the world at large does not want to hear about the phenomena I experienced on January 18, 2013 and since March of this year, 2014, I have been quiet about it.  Do you want to know how I became aware not to tell everyone?  If not, don't read any farther.  

One thing I have learned on this special Spiritual Quest for me is that we are actually creating our life here on Earth.  Nothing comes to us that we have not consciously or unconsciously asked  to experience.  I Am experiencing the Peace now that I have asked for even though Karl is no longer physically with me.  I realize now that it was always within me but I didn't know it.  Well, to get to this other thing . . . . . I was being bombarded with one person after another coming to me to talk, talk, talk about themselves, their accomplishments, etc., their egos big time and I just didn't want to hear it.  I truly LOVE everyone so I was put out with myself for feeling this way.  I knew I wasn't pushing my art onto others and I was baffled why this was happening to me.  (I couldn't believe Nora had asked for this in her life).  The answer came, as it always does.  This time it was The Still Small Voice showing me that my messages were for me personally and how I was coming across to others when sharing my Spiritual messages.  Everyone can receive their own messages and they really aren't that interested in mine. 

The Spiritual Quest of this past year has revealed to me how the ego, given free rein, is such a detriment to me on this Spiritual path or journey.  The daily writing and meditations have been so helpful to me and below, I want to share a small portion of the "Morning Pages" I received today." 

"Question everything, Nora, but Trust that All is Well.  You need only to let go (of ego) and stay steady the course laid out for you.  Your path continues on in the Flow of Holy Spirit.  Sometimes you have to lift the oars and just float.  You’ve cried enough tears to fill the ego’s river and what have you received?  The ego’s burden is always too heavy for you.  In the Flow of Holy Spirit, there is no burden.  There is Peace, LOVE, and Harmony.  Yes, be thankful for your gifts.  Use them and open your heart for more.” 

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Watermelon Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"WATERMELON FOR SNACKS"

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014

"It was a very short message that I received today but I want to share it with you."

"Nora, take your pen and write.  The LOVE of God never fails."

FROM THE DAILY WORD

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

CELEBRATE

I celebrate life!

New beginnings are cause for celebration. Like the rising sun shining bright in the eastern sky, a fresh start is reason to rejoice. As we celebrate, we let go of the past and embrace the present. We discover a new opportunity to awaken to the power of Spirit within.

Some celebrations are filled with cheers, songs, and shouts of encouragement; while others are quiet, like the blossoming of a flower. I celebrate life as a continuous learning experience, a gift of growth and expansion from a loving God.

I acknowledge and revere life’s varied celebrations. Joyous in the eternal power and love of God, I celebrate all of life!

I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever.—Psalm 45:17

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

The Widowed Life by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"This music is a Blessing to me and I'm glad to share it with you. 
 In two weeks it will be two years since my dearly Beloved Karl died.  I thought the agony of grief would be behind me by now but  . . . . . WRONG.   He's always close to the surface of my thoughts but most days I am at peace.  Maybe the coming anniversary of his death is bringing on the waves of horrible  grief anew but I thought that I would be stronger now.  Someone said to me a while back "Nora, take time to enjoy your sadness".  What does that mean?  I have fought it for so long.  Can it be true that this grief for Karl, after all, is just "prolonged self pity".

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE