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

"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 (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

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

Destroyed Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ART & ARTIST"

Painting #905 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Linen (60"x 30") Completed Oct. 20, 2006 Destroyed

"I realize now that many of you have taken Unity's Daily Word to be my words.  That is not so.  I post "The Daily Word" because it is such a Blessing to me and I am eager to share my Blessings with All.  Hopefully, today's post shows in a better way that these words below are from Unity's Daily Word." 

Being God is the life of my body, the intelligence of my mind, and the fulfillment of my heart. Sunday, October 19, 2014 To sense the presence of God in my mind, body, and heart is not always easy. I may view God as a vast and powerful force in the universe, but God is also close and near. God lives within me. As I observe the intricacies of the human body and its miraculous healing power, I see the life of God expressing. As I witness the intelligence of the human mind, I am in awe of Divine Mind. As I experience the capacity of the human heart to love and understand, I am uplifted by the goodness of God. We are made of the very substance of God. We can meet any challenge as we connect with the power of God within. God is the life of our bodies, the intelligence of our minds, and the fulfillment of our hearts. In him we live and move and have our being.—Acts 17:28

2007 Self Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

Portion of "SELF PORTRAIT" 2007

Painting #917 of 1181 paintings /Oil on Linen  (24"x20") Completed February, 2007

"No time to write this morning.  When I returned to the Ft. Myers Int'l Airport last evening from my Maine vacation, the battery in my car had died.  It's not two years old yet but AAA told me they see this often.  I'm headed out to the Lincoln dealership to have the battery replaced.

It was really hot waiting outside the car in the Long Term Parking lot for the AAA service man.  The wait was 45 minutes and I realized if I put the trunk lid up, I could sit on the back bumper in the shade and feel cooling breezes from time to time.  The first thing the nice man from AAA did after getting out of his truck was to hand me an ice cold bottle of water.  I am always Blessed."

Comfort The peace of God comforts me.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 Even during the dark and stormy times of my life, God’s abundant peace is only a thought away. As I close my eyes to fear and confusion, I see the steady light of the Divine at my center. Just as the flame from a single candle dismisses darkness, the light of the Divine dissipates fear. I am comforted by the divine inner light shining peace, power, and love within me. I affirm: God is my power; God is my strength; I am safe. Any temporary experience has only the power I give it. I choose not to empower adversity. God in me is the strong comforting presence upon which I rely. I am comforted by the power and light of God within. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.—Psalm 23:4

Home from France by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"GOLD EARRINGS"

Painting #1153  Oil on linen on board (20"x16")  Painted in March, 2011 Destroyed

"The French Countryside Tour came and is now over.  It was a first, going to Europe for me and I am so thankful.  Monet's Giverny, the impressionist museum, Musee` d'Orsay and the Louvre were what I treasured most.  Being able to see the Impressionist's paintings up close at the Musee` d'Orsay was like visiting dear, old friends.  What a wonderful experience!"

This is from Unity's "Daily Word"

Strength

I meet every challenge with strength.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Strength enables me to persevere when I am challenged; yet I don’t need to endure alone. The presence of God strengthens me whenever I need energy to meet any adversity.

Just as I nourish my body at mealtimes to remain physically strong, I nourish my spiritual strength through prayer and meditation. Prayer reminds me that God and I are one, that everything I need is already available to me. I connect with God’s mighty presence by affirming: My resilience comes from Spirit within. My strength is the energy of God.

As I partner with God in prayer, I become stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally. I meet any challenge through the presence of God that strengthens me.

The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation.–Exodus 15:2

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"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

"Nora" /Self Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"NORA"  2009

Self Portrait   Oil on Linen  (24"x20")    2009    /  Archived

"This was me almost 5 years ago.  Today, after cataract surgery, I no longer need to wear glasses and my hair is silver with a very short cut.

Of course my spiritual journey began the day I was born but in January of this year, 2013, I began a Spiritual Quest.  This year is coming to a close now but not my Spiritual Quest.  With Joy I proclaim this year to be one of the most remarkable years of my life here on Earth.

Today, another Blessing!  The artist and author, Florence Scovel Shinn, was revealed to me.  She was born in 1871 and transitioned in 1940.  She attended the PA Artist Academy and was married for some years to one of the Ashcan artists of New York,  Everett Shinn  (1876-1953).
Her words are the reminder of what I learned back in 1982 after reading Napoleon Hill's book "Think And Grow Rich".  This is just what I need today and gladly share Florence's book with you now.  I have this book on my IPad/Kindal but it is so good having her book read to me."  

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Self Portrait by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"NORA At 76"

              Painting #1180   /   Oil on linen on board  (20"x18")        Painted August 29, 2013

"This is me alright, minus the wrinkles.  Artists can be such wonderful plastic surgeons, you know. 

Now, I can't stop smiling.  The second cataract eye surgery was done on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 and I can see Sooooo Well!   Am I ever thankful!!!   Dr. Corrent of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute can be my "Angel of Sight" now."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

From Unity's DAILY WORD                  Saturday, August 31, 2013

POSSIBILITIES

I am one with the divine Presence, and all things are possible.

It may seem that a situation is impossible, or a problem is unsolvable, but I know that with God, the impossible becomes possible.
As I open my heart and mind to the presence of God, I grow in awareness of the divine potential that is present in all of life. The Presence transcends any appearance of lack or limitation.
I connect with God in prayer and meditation, where the fullness of life becomes clear. My imagination and faith allow me to see possibilities beyond outer appearances. My wisdom and will empower me to realize and manifest new possibilities.
At one with the divine Presence, I embrace my unlimited potential. Right outcomes are coming to fruition.

For God all things are possible.—Matthew 19:26