Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"IN MEMORY OF A LADY"

This was painted in Amesbury, MA  7/26, 2016  (20"x16")

From "UNITY'S DAILY WORD"

Inner Peace I practice peace in this tranquil moment.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 No matter where I am, or what situation I find myself in, peace is always available to me. Peace is a sensation free of conflict or turmoil. It is a knowing of calm, serenity, and tranquility. I acknowledge that in my life there are situations that may leave me feeling unsettled. In times of change or challenge my unchecked thoughts can turn to worry or fear. My actions may become rushed and reflexive. Noticing this frenzied state, I make a conscious effort to calm my thoughts and practice peace in this moment. Taking a few deep breaths, I hit the pause button. I whisper to myself: Peace, be still. I affirm that God is present right where I am, guiding me to the right and perfect outcome. He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.—Mark 4:39

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES IN VIENNA VASE"

Painting #418 of 1183 / Oil on Linen (30"x24) Completed August, 1997   SOLD

"A very good day, today!  My move is completed and I will be sending out Address Change announcements soon."

Good Judgment

With confidence and clarity, I use good judgment.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

I use good judgment when I know how far to pull my car into the garage or how much to pay for an item. But there is a higher judgment I can call on. When I encounter a difficult situation or when I have to make certain choices, I turn within for divine guidance before making any decisions.

When I seem to be making decisions purely by appearances, I remember there may be more to the situation than what I see. If I experience some doubt, I take a moment to breathe and become still. A feeling of “rightness” is a clear sign to move forward. I exercise good judgment. I seek to have my decisions be “win-win” whenever possible.

With confidence and clarity, I use good judgment.

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.—John 7:24

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.

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"RED ROSES IN VIENNA VASE"

Painting #418 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x24") Completed August, 1997 /SOLD

Success I apply my talents and abilities to my work, and I am successful. Wednesday, November 19, 2014 My work is more than a source of supply; it is also a source of fulfillment. My work gives me the opportunity to use the talents and abilities God has given me. When I use my gifts to serve and bring joy to others, I have a sense of accomplishment—I achieve true success. No job needs to be boring or humdrum. If I feel my work does not give me the opportunity to grow, I pray for a change. In the meantime, I do the best I can right where I am and thank God for my job every day. I bring happiness to the people I serve. Today I put my heart into what I do, knowing that true success comes from the inside. I am blessed to be of service in the world! Serve him with single mind and willing heart; for the Lord searches every mind, and understands every plan and thought.—1 Chronicles 28:9

At The Beach by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES & BAVARIAN CUP"

Painting #913 of 1181 Paintings / Oil on Linen  (5"x7")  Completed January 22, 2007

LOWDERMILK PARK, BEACH / NAPLES, FL

"Yesterday, for the first time in four weeks I was at the beach.  It was late afternoon but certainly not as dark as the photo appears.  It was beautiful and I was richly Blessed to be there.  It's raining again today here in Naples but maybe a walk in the rain on the beach is just what I need . . .  . is that an orb in the photo on the lower right hand side?"

Free I am free; I am unlimited.

Monday, September 22, 2014 In autumn, leaves let go of their branches. They catch a breeze, float freely through the air, then gently fall to the ground. Like the leaves, I let go of what I have been holding on to and find new freedom of expression. A whisper of inspiration guides my thoughts and actions as I drift to new experiences, ways of thinking, and patterns of living. I am not tied to one idea, one job, or one habit. I have freedom of choice. Just as the leaf has no fear as it falls from the tree, I have no fear of change. I am one with God, imbued with unlimited potential. I look forward to new growth and adventures, new freedom to express who I am. I am free. I am unlimited. I am ready for new horizons. As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil.—1 Peter 2:16

Destroyed Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"SUNDAY MORNING TREAT"

Painting #1035  Oil on Linen  (36"x 24")  Completed May 25, 2009 Destroyed

"TABLE CENTERPIECE"

Painting # 1056  Oil on Linen  (36"x 24")  Completed Sept. 3, 2009 Destroyed

"These two paintings (same linen canvas) ended up in the trash.  Painting over another painting never really worked out for me.  With hindsight, maybe I should have just left the first one alone, facing the wall and let the good fairies work on it."

Approval  / Monday, August 18, 2014

“I am whole and complete just as I am.

We all want to be appreciated and loved by others, but a need for approval can be a stumbling block. On my spiritual path, I learn that my priority is to be true to myself. I am an expression of God—in this form, body, and mind. I am all I need to be. By being true to myself, I may or may not garner the admiration or approval of others, but ultimately I will gain much more.

I pray to fully love myself as I am, to accept the love of God, to appreciate my gifts and the unique desires of my heart. I am here to live the life I have been given. As I learn to love myself more, my need for admiration and outside approval diminishes. I am whole and complete, just as I am.”

Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? … If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ.—Galatians 1:10

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Painting #620 by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FLORAL IN BRASS POT"

Painting #620 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen/ (30"x 24") September, 2000  SOLD

"This is the first painting up this morning as I'm scanning them now from old photos.  I Am so glad that I photographed right from the beginning (1987) of my years of painting.  I did not know how to use a computer yet. . . . . or a camera very well."  Karl and I were living in our beautiful home in Key Colony Beach, Florida when I did this painting.  My memories are so very good of that time in life and I'm truly them.   This summer of 2014 is especially good for me and I wish that to be also for everyone of you."

Below is from Unity's  "Daily Word"        

Camaraderie               Saturday, July 26, 2014

The love of God is expressed through my friends.

One way the love of God expresses is through friendship. I feel valued and valuable as I connect with my friends. They deepen my experience of life, and our camaraderie is mutually supportive.

With encouraging words and supportive actions, we lift one another’s spirits. We share times of joy and adversity, growing together in friendship. We accept each other as we are and hold faith in positive outcomes for one another. We share a love that has no opposition, only respect, kindness, and a sense of ease.

As I encourage, reassure, or console a friend, I am expressing Divine Love and that love is expressed back to me.

All of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.—1 Peter 3:8

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"GOING TO FRANCE" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES ARE RED"

Painting #1117  Oil on textured canvas  (24"x20")  Painted in March, 2010

"I AM GOING TO FRANCE!"

"Wow!  The travel plans are now confirmed.  The tour begins April 21 and ends May 5, 2014.  My 77th birthday is April 23 and this trip is a birthday present to myself.  This is a first time trip to Europe for me during these 77 years and I Am so looking forward to the experience.  The tour is offered through the Florida Gulf Coast University/ Renaissance Academy and I feel most privileged to be part of it.

I used to always say "I will have to wait for my next life to go to Europe".  Now, look. . . . .  that is not so.  We cheat ourselves by putting on limits to the gifts God has for each of us.  Who can say what next wonderful gift is ours?"

FROM "THE DAILY WORD"                                   Wednesday, March 5, 2014

TRANSFORMATION

I am a new creation in Christ.

If I have been preoccupied with improving or transforming my image or outer appearance, I may feel an inner nudge to pay more attention to my spirit and soul. As I turn my attention inward, I remember that I am an expression of the Christ Spirit, which needs no alteration. My Christ Self—the highest expression of God in me—is all I will ever need to be.

As I let this awareness grow in me thought by thought, I begin to fully embrace its truth, and I am transformed from the inside out.

I honor the sacred perfection of the Christ in me. I am continually renewed. I am Spirit-filled!

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

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"PITCHER OF ROSES"

Painting #1057    Oil on Linen    (16"x12")   Painted in Sept. 2009   SOLD

FROM "THE DAILY WORD"                                         Saturday, February 22, 2014

BLESSED

I am blessed by my friends.

My friends and loved ones are gifts from God. We celebrate when our lives are smooth, easy, and filled with joy. And we stand together in challenging times of loss or disappointment.

Regardless of what is happening in our lives, my loved ones are a blessing. Each moment together is a gift we share. Our connection is a manifestation of divine love and harmony. We are here to bring out the best in one another.

The spirit of God permeates my relationships. Whether in times of challenge and crisis, or times of happiness and joy, I open my heart to my friends and we grow together in love. With God in the midst of our friendship, we are truly blessed.

Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.—Proverbs 18:24

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Floral Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"AM I BLUE"

Painting #1088 / Oil on Canvas  (30"x30") / Painted November, 2009 / In Artist's Possession

FROM THE DAILY WORD

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

INVINCIBLE

I am fearless and free!

I am an overcomer. I am bold and fearless. My indomitable inner power comes not from my ego, but from the power of God within me—for God and I are one. All my accomplishments are the result of a team effort. With God as my partner, no one or no thing can defeat me.

As I focus on my spiritual nature, I let go of living small. I release aches and pains, fears and failings. I am more than a physical being. I am a spiritual being—invincible, fearless, strong, and free!

Through the power of God within, I can reach any goal and meet any challenge. I surmount any obstacle on the way to my good. God is with me and within me, and I am invincible.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.—Philippians 4:13

Oil painting "Tangerine" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"TANGERINE"

Painting #1011   Oil on linen on board    (12"x16")   Painted in 2008                 SOLD

From "The Daily Word"

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

BOUNDLESS

I grow boundlessly in Christ Consciousness.

As a spiritual being, I am not bound by the past. Every day is a new beginning. Each new year brings boundless opportunities for growing in Christ Consciousness as I deepen my relationship with God.

I gratefully release the past, appreciating all that contributed to my current spiritual awareness. With expectancy, I turn my thoughts to the riches of the coming year.

I aspire to live a Christ-centered life. Whatever my possessions or social status, my wealth is found in kindness, forgiveness, and wholeness. I seek first the kingdom of God, and I am enfolded in boundless Christ Love. With heart and mind open, I give and receive boundless riches in the coming new year!

This grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ. —Ephesians 3:8

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

The Charismatic Experience / Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Fruit & Dried Flowers"

Painting #506 of 1179 paintings / Oil on linen  (30"x40")  Painted September, 1998   SOLD 

From Unity's "The Daily Word" /  Monday, July 22, 2013

PROTECTED

By the power of Christ in me, I am directed and protected.

A turtle is protected by its shell. A bird is protected by flight. A tree is protected by its deep roots. And I am protected by the power of the Christ within.
Christ within is the essence of my being, imbuing me with love, wisdom, strength, power, and faith. When I think, speak, and act from my spiritual center, I have access to all I need to meet challenges and overcome obstacles.
As I focus on the power of the Christ within me, I release error thoughts of worry or fear. I may not know how circumstances will unfold, but I trust that I am secure, that I will know what is mine to do, and that all is in perfect order.

I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these.—John 14:12

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Art & The Spiritual Quest by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Onions & Cantalope"

Painting #501 of 1179 Paintings   Oil on linen  (24"x30")   Painted September, 

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Sold Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Bavarian Vase"

Oil painting on linen on board  (12"x12")              SOLD

"This Bavarian vase was a favorite of mine for many years, starting back in the early years of my painting journey.  I am so happy this painting is now in the wonderful collection of Rick & Brenda Kelley  of Nashville, IN."

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE