Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"EMERALD RING"

 #932 of 1186 Paintings / Oil on Linen (20"x 16")  Completed May 25, 2007   SOLD 

"FRESH ROSES"

#1136 of 1186 Paintings / Oil on Canvas (16"x20")  Completed June 8, 2010

detail of "THE HAIRCUT"

 #1131 of 1186 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (16"x10)  Completed May 12, 2010  ARCHIVED

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Inner Peace I am calm, centered, and serene.

Friday, November 27, 2015 Peace emanates from the inside out. Even if I feel like I am in the midst of a storm, I can reestablish inner peace. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” This verse from the Book of John reminds me that peace is in the midst of me as the Christ Essence, calming my troubled heart. I breathe deeply and focus on my natural state of peace. I let my body relax. Once inner peace is restored, my perceptions and responses are sharpened. I function in the world of activities and responsibilities, present to whatever is happening, yet I am centered in Spirit. I proceed with joy and confidence. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. –John 14:27

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"RED ROSES"

#1032 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen (12"x12")  Completed May 7, 2009    SOLD

"ORANGE BLOSSOMS"

#1049 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (12"x 12")  Completed in August, 2009   SOLD

"MOTHER & DAUGHTER"

#942 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (24"x 20")  Completed July 21, 2007

From Unity's  "DAILY WORD"

Patient I practice patience and take life one step at a time.

Friday, October 16, 2015 When I think of patience, I may think of inventors like Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Sir Isaac Newton. They exhibited great patience as they tried repeatedly to create something new. What gave them perseverance? Perhaps it was their faith in the end result. They knew what they were doing was important and they ultimately would succeed. Newton referred to this as “patient attention.” I practice patience as part of loving myself. I relax and release, trusting God to guide me. I give my life and my concerns “patient attention” rather than hurried attention. I take life one step at a time, knowing God guides me each step of the way. I am perseverant and I am successful. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.—Romans 12:12

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"MEGAN"

 #235 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (16"x 12")  Completed July, 1995

"ROSES & MELON"

 #401 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (20"x 16")  Completed June, 1997  SOLD

"RED ONIONS"

 #812 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (8"x 10")  Completed February, 2005

"FRUIT FOR BREAKFAST"

#830 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (40"x 30")  Completed May 20, 2005


From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Strength I am strong and unstoppable!

Sunday, September 13, 2015 Today I focus on my divine power of strength. Knowing I am strong, I pursue my goals with confidence, determination, and perseverance. Any temporary setbacks only serve to increase my resolve. Just as steel becomes stronger after it is heated to a high temperature, my ability to draw on my inner strength grows as I steadfastly overcome obstacles. If I encounter what looks like a roadblock, I call upon my divine faculty of strength. I turn within and feel the mighty power of God. I affirm: I am strong and unstoppable! Passion wells up within me as I envision my dreams. With renewed strength and faith, I see my goals through to completion. Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary.–Isaiah 40:31

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 by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"YOUNG GIRL"

 Painting #818 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (10"x8") Completed 4-14-2005 

"FLORAL IN BRASS"

 Painting #819 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (7"x5") Completed 8-15-2005

"BIRTHDAY BOUQUET"

 Painting #822 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (20"x16") Completed 4-30-2005

"AZALEAS"

 Painting #824 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (18"x14")  Completed 5-6-2005

"MOSTLY ZINNIAS"

 Painting #848 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x20") Completed 8-3-2005

"ROSES WITH BRASS"

 Painting #869 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x36")  Completed 4-21-2006    SOLD

"TWO BROWN EGGS"

Painting #895 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (14"x11")  Completed 7-12-2006   SOLD

"ROSES IN JULY" 

 Painting #896 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x24")  Completed 7-15-2006  SOLD

"ROSES FOR THE TABLE"

Painting #899 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x24")  Completed 7-30-2006

Faith I expect and receive only good. Tuesday, April 14, 2015 When fears and doubts cloud my mind, I check in with my heart. I ask myself: Where am I placing my faith? Is it in outer appearances or my Truth? I may need to redirect my thoughts to my faith in a loving God and affirm divine order. I expect and receive only good. Faith begins in consciousness. In the Silence, I focus on the reality of Infinite Good everywhere present at all times. The darkness of doubt gives way to the light of Truth. I deny any words or actions that suggest lack. Rather, I praise and bless everything I encounter on my life’s journey. My actions reflect my conviction that my divine inheritance is always at hand.

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.

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"SELF PORTRAIT-2007"

Painting #917 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x20") Completed Feb. 27, 2007

"The Vertigo is gone, thanks to a great physical therapist. Trevor Gilliam DPT, at Palm Coast Physical Therapy here in Naples, FL.  It all started on December 22, 2014 in Barcelona.  A long and very stressful three weeks!  Today is GOOD."

Divine Order As Divine Order unfolds, I am at peace. Monday, January 12, 2015 We often say “Divine Order” to reassure ourselves that all will work out in the end. Regardless of how circumstances unfold, I have control over my inner world. I create a space for peace inside me. When I become quiet and turn within, I feel the peace of eternal reassurance. I choose a calm state of mind by closing my eyes, breathing deeply, and letting go of busy or fearful thoughts. In this place of inner peace, I sink further into the Presence of God. I know Divine Order prevails. As I go about my day and interact with others, I access this same peaceful Presence. No matter how circumstances evolve, I live in Divine Order—from the inside out. Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.–Psalm 119:165

"LADY IN PINK"

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

"Today is day six that I've been home from Barcelona, Spain and a Mediterranean Sea Cruise. This afternoon is the very first time I have been well enough or have the strength to come to this computer.  On December 22nd, while in the taxi taking us back to the hotel in Barcelona from the Costa Cruise ship, a horrible attack of vertigo came upon me.  How I wish I had never gotten on that cruise ship.  Barcelona is a wonderful city and that is where I probably should have stayed instead of taking the cruise.  Doing the Epley Maneuver for the vertigo helped me to be able to make the flight back home on the 24th.  Christmas Day was rough but nothing like the vertigo that came on me the next morning.  I'm telling how bad it was so you will know how thankful I am to be getting well today.  A dear friend, Marta and her daughter, Kasey, became my Angels of Mercy and came to my rescue.  Without them, I would still be in a hospital today.  Did Karl send them to me?  I believe so.  How do you thank somebody who does so much?  The cruise wasn't bad.  It was just bad for me."

Dream Through the power of God within me, my dream comes true and blesses others. Tuesday, December 30, 2014 A divine plan for good is at work in my life and in the Universe. My dream is a part of that plan. It comes from God—a vision and desire planted in my soul. To outpicture this vision, I use my faculty of imagination. With my mind’s eye, I see myself achieving my dream. I allow myself to savor how it feels to see it accomplished. If I face challenges, I do not become discouraged. I keep focused on my vision, and trust Spirit to reveal my purpose and direction. Confidently, I take the next step. My heart’s desire propels me through any obstacles. My dream comes from God, and it is for my soul’s unfoldment. I joyfully take my part in the divine plan and bless the world. You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips.—Psalm 21:2

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"MACY AT DINING TABLE"

Painting #408 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Linen (40"x 30")  Completed in July, 1997

"This is my granddaughter and of course I painted this one from a photograph.  I loved painting her and in those days Karl and I were still enjoying living in our home on Lamb Lake, Indiana."

Healing I am whole and well in mind, body, and spirit. Tuesday, November 4, 2014 When electrical equipment malfunctions, I first check to see whether it is plugged in. Similarly, when I experience dysfunction or disease in mind or body, I check whether I am “plugged in” to God. If I have harbored faulty ideas, I let them go. If I have given power to beliefs of disharmony or sickness, I disconnect from those thoughts and reconnect to Truth. Established in right thinking, I allow the light of Truth to heal and transform me. As I experience healing from the inside out, I feel great ease and aliveness. I deeply trust life’s divine and perfect unfolding. No matter where I am in my healing process, I know that perfection and wholeness are my Truth. God is my health and well-being. Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light.—Luke 11:34

"KARL KASTEN" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"KARL, 2007"

Painting #929 of 1181   Oil on Linen  (16"x 20")  Completed May 18, 2007

"This painting was done from a photograph I took of Karl while we were visiting our four Freeport, Illinois, Snowbird friends.  I don't know where the painting is.  I just discovered the photo of it this summer while transferring the painting photos from old CDs to an external hard drive.

Oneness

I am one with God and my supply is abundantly provided.

Jesus taught unity with God: “As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us.” Many enlightened teachers have said that separation is an illusion. We are one with God, the Source of All.

In meditation, I become aware of my oneness with the unlimited Source. I gain a deeper understanding: As I am one with my Source, I have access to unlimited health, abundance, protection, and love. Unity teacher Emilie Cady wrote: “There is really no reason for jealousy or envy, for all persons are one and the same Spirit.”

I let go of thoughts of separation. Good flows to me and through me at all times. I experience God’s good in my life and my needs are abundantly met.

The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one.—John 17:22

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PLEASE BE SEATED"

Painting #936 of 1181  Oil on Linen  (30"x24")  Completed June 15, 2007

Today's message is from Unity's "DAILY WORD"                        

Constant Good

My good comes to me from God, steadily and constantly.

Inasmuch as I desire my good to come to me in a constant flow, it is up to me to be constant in my faith. If I find myself having ups and downs, I watch my thinking, speaking, and acting. If I want good health, abundance, and happiness, I remember that as I think, so I am; and as I sow, so shall I reap.

I remember the lessons taught by Jesus. He said, “Seek first his kingdom … and all these things shall be yours as well.” He told us to pray believing, to pray without ceasing, and we should be rewarded openly. If I abide by his teachings to the best of my ability, I shall receive the benefits promised.

I form the habit of positive thinking, of silent prayer, of affirmative speech, by constant practice. The more constantly I practice the Truth, the steadier and more constant will be the manifestation of good in my life.

They ought always to pray, and not lose heart.—Luke 18:1

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE