Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"THE BRASS VASE"

#1021 of 1186 Paintings / Completed December21, 2008         SOLD

"ONE FOR LUNCH

#108 of 1186 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (17"x 19")  Completed November, 1993   SOLD

"This date, December 3, is especially meaningful to me.  My beloved husband, Karl, and I first met in Indianapolis, IN on December 3, 1982."

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Let Go, Let God

I freely let go and let God be God in me.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

One of the key words in the phrase “let go, let God” is the word let. Allowing myself to let go means stepping out in faith. If I am accustomed to self-reliance, this act of trust may feel more like a leap than a step.

I take that time now. I relax and allow myself to simply be with God. I let go of the need to be in control. I remember that I do not have to know and do everything. I do not have to be in charge; I can relax and just be. What a freeing feeling! What a comfort to know I do not have to do anything alone.

There is a continuous presence at work in my life guiding me on my way, blessing and supporting every step. I let go and let God be God in me.

Let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you.—1 Corinthians 7:17

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES IN ANTIQUE PITCHER"

#410 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x 20")  Completed July, 1997     SOLD

"ROSES IN VIENNA VASE" 

#418 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x 24")  Completed August, 1997   SOLD

"These paintings were photographed with one of my early digital cameras and this was the best I could do.  . . . . 

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Faith Right where I am, God is.

Saturday, October 31, 2015 Life is filled with beginnings and endings. Autumn leaves turn gold and crimson, then fall from the trees. One part of the cycle comes to an end. A period of dormancy is about to begin. My own life is also a cyclical process. I need not fear change, for it is normal. We all experience endings: the loss of a job, leaving a home, or the passing of a loved one. During these times, I turn to God in prayer. I affirm: Right where I am, God is. God is my ever-present source of comfort and strength. Just as I trust new growth will bud on the trees come spring, I have faith new growth will take place in my life. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going.—Hebrews 11:8

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PEACH ROSES"

#1123 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Canvas  (24"x20")  Completed in April, 2010  SOLD

"PEONIES IN SILVER POT"

#306 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (24"x 30")  Completed in May, 1996     SOLD

"BOUQUET OF ASTERS"

 #330 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (16"x12")  Completed August, 1996   SOLD

"RED ROSES IN BRASS POT"

#440 of 1184 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (24"x36")  Completed in November, 1997

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Let Go, Let God I let go and open my mind and heart to guidance from God.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015 I may push myself to near exhaustion. When this happens, Spirit guides me to rest my weary brain and body. As I let go, the wall built from my “do-it-all-myself” attitude begins to crumble. With the first opening, the light of God shines through. The words of Jesus come to me: “I am with you always.” I relax in the awareness of Spirit within me. My breath anchors me and I release my tight hold on challenges and circumstances. Letting go brings down the perceived wall of separation. Divine love, wisdom, and understanding flow in me. I am open to receiving God’s help. By consciously letting go and letting God, I keep the channel open for answers, guidance, and love, assuring me I am never alone. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.–Matthew 28:20

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

"THE EMERALD RING"

 #932 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (20"x16")  Completed May 25, 2007    SOLD

"NAPLES HOME INTERIOR"

 #940 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x40")  Completed July 13, 2007

"ROSES, ROSES, ROSES"

 #588 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (40"x 30")  Completed March, 2000   SOLD

"HARP & FIDDLE"

#1081 of 1183 Paintings / Acrylic on Canvas (12"x 12")  Completed November 14, 2009

"ROSE MEDLEY"

#747 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x20")  Completed September, 2003   SOLD

Inner Peace I am one with Christ and I am at peace. Monday, August 3, 2015 Spelunkers explore and descend through underground tunnels and vertical shafts to reach the depths of a cave. They find secret places and absolute quiet. They discover the mysteries of the earth. In a similar way, I descend to my core to connect with my Christ Self. I discover pure tranquility. I receive understanding, love, and peace. I find this center of my being through my spiritual practices of prayer, meditation, and silence. I find the way on my own—it is my journey to peace. Once found, I return often. Inner peace comes through regular connection with my inner core of love. I find answers and comfort in knowing God is always there. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds.–Philippians 4:7

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES & QUEEN ANNE'S LACE"

 #596 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x20")  Completed June 15, 2000

"THE BLUE VASE"

#608 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (40"x30") Completed July 24. 2000   SOLD

"PANCAKES"

#875 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (16"x20")  Completed May 22, 2006   ARCHIVED

"EMERALD & GOLD"

#1106 of 1183 Paintings / Acrylic & Gold on Canvas (8"x 8")  Completed January, 2010

"THE BEAUTY OF PEONIES"

#835 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (24"x36")  Completed June 7, 2005

New Beginnings I am free to begin anew. Friday, July 31, 2015 In the legal world, judges are bound by precedent—generally what was decided before dictates the outcome of a present case. Thankfully, the laws of Spirit, not man-made laws, truly govern all of life. As Thomas Troward, a noted British judge, said, “Principle is not bound by precedent.” In Truth, I am not bound by the past—not my own, my family’s, or anyone else’s. I am liberated by spiritual principles of unconditional love, infinite grace, and divine wisdom. I am free to choose a new path of greater love, peace, and joy. I embark on new beginnings with a positive outlook. I expect wholeness, love, and freedom. Uplifted by my consciousness of spiritual Truth, I know all things are possible. For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.—Matthew 19:26

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"RED ROSES"

Painting #1032 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (12"x12")  Completed May 7, 2009  SOLD

Leo, the Miniature Schnauzer         June 9, 2015

"Leo posed for me to take these photos this afternoon after arriving home from Home Depot."

Let Go, Let God I release old habits, and fill my mind with divine ideas. Monday, June 8, 2015 Old beliefs or habits sometimes reappear in my life. They may resurface if I am distracted or stressed. Every time I “wake up” from the actions of the old me, I pause for a deep breath and remember to let go, and let God. Some deeply rooted habits or beliefs may take longer to eliminate from my consciousness. I acknowledge them as habitual energy that has lingered from the past. Yet no mind pattern is stronger than God. In prayer, I affirm my truth: I release old patterns, habits, and beliefs. I am filled with confidence and courage. As I let go, and let God within lead my life, my mind is filled with divine ideas. I am confident, creative, and compassionate. I am one with God. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.—1 Corinthians 13:12

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"LEO"

"Leo is a two year old miniature schnauzer and I have had him for four months.  He certainly is a joy and comfort to me.  Again, I am Blessed abundantly!  This toy animal is his favorite toy (of many).  It has paper inside the body that makes a crackle sound as he plays with it and he's found lots of squeaks in it too.  It's so entertaining to watch Leo play.  Sometimes he will sit on one end of the animal and then try to pull it out and away.  Doesn't he know he's sitting on it.  Watching Leo's attempts at getting this toy up and onto my lap is so funny but that's another story.  He's chewed off most of the ears of this toy and yet he's so sneaky when he does it.  He tries to hide that he's chewing the toy from me even though he's sitting right next to my chair.  Since he loves this toy so much, I have mended it a couple of times for him and it can take a lot more of Leo's "Love"."  

"TWO BROWN EGGS"

Painting #895 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (14"x11") Completed July, 2006  SOLD

Adventure I walk my spiritual path with courage and confidence. Saturday, May 2, 2015 Experiences like moving or changing jobs may bring both excitement and uneasiness. Transitions become easier when I accept plans may change and open myself to new adventures. I give thanks in advance for the lessons I will learn. I may feel the same mix of excitement and unease as I embark on a new spiritual journey. In prayer, I release any worries about outcomes and embrace surprises. Although I cannot anticipate every twist and turn, I know my overall success is assured. I become more attuned to my unique strengths as I deepen my connection with God. This knowledge of myself leads me to walk my spiritual path with courage and confidence. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.—Isaiah 9:2

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"YELLOW ROSES"

Painting #1182 / Oil on Canvas (42"x28") Completed April 7, 2015

"SUNDAY MORNING TREAT"

Painting #1035 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (36"x24")  Completed May 25, 2009  

"CLEMENTINES & IVY"

Painting #1016 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (14"x14") Completed Nov. 21, 2008  SOLD

LEO ON WALK AT WYNDEMERE

SAND CASTLES ON MARCO ISLAND, FL

"Over five months have gone by since I visited the beach and yet that is where I was late yesterday afternoon.  After leaving the Winn Dixie grocery on Marco Island, it seemed like the most natural thing to do and I am so glad I did.  Ten minutes was probably the length of time I was there but with my shoes off, walking on the sand, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of "The Outing". 

Garden Boundless possibilities blossom in the garden of my life. Wednesday, April 29, 2015 My choices determine what thrives in my life’s garden. In preparation for a bountiful harvest, I till the hardened soil. I turn the dirt to bring to light what was below the surface. I choose what I wish to plant and sow seeds of peace, love, and strength. At times, I might feel tempted to dig and see whether the seeds are germinating, but gardening is an act of faith. With proper care, the desired results will blossom. I treat my seeds of consciousness as I would flower seeds. I assure the proper conditions for growth. I weed out unwanted beliefs and sprinkle expressions of gratitude daily. I plant the seeds of desire and gratefully celebrate the fruits of my labor. As a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.—Isaiah 61:11

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.