Cabin on Diamond Lake by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FRESH ROSES"

 Painting #1136 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Canvas  (16"x 20")  Completed June 8, 2010

Karl's cabin on Diamond Lake in Cable, Wisconsin / Friday, October 3, 2014

"Back home last night from my trip to Minneapolis, MN and Cable, Wisconsin.  The Mall of America is not my "cup of tea" but the whole day on Friday is now one of my very most treasured memories to last forever.

It was on Friday that I drove almost four hours from Minneapolis to Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin.  Thirty years have gone by since Karl and I were there and I really didn't know the way.  Thanks to the new Cadillac Budget rental car with GPS and the good people at the grocery store in Cable, I found the cabin about 4:30 in the afternoon. 

As I drove into the lane and up to the cabin, I suddenly realized that I was in the middle of a beautiful, misty wonderland, just like in a fairytale.  It had begun to snow very hard but not sticking on the ground yet.  The temperature was 36 degrees and fog was hanging heavy over the lake.  In all of this splendor, there was even more . . .  . this Fall's beautiful, foliage colors were still peeping out from everywhere, creating and beckoning me into what seemed like a glorious, live painting.  My treasures greatly increased that day and I am Blessed beyond measure."

Kindness I am kind and loving to myself and others.

Monday, October 6, 2014 Kindness is a choice. It costs nothing, yet it is wonderfully fulfilling. When I treat others with kindness, I feel better about myself. Every act of kindness—large or small—produces joy, peace, and happiness. Any person I meet may carry a burden inside. A simple, heartfelt smile may bring them hope. Opening a door, saying hello, and offering a helping hand may make a major difference in someone’s day. I also remember to be kind to myself. If I criticize my looks, actions, or thoughts, I stop and find one aspect of myself that I like. Being kind to myself is the first step toward being kind, patient, and loving to others. Kindness is a choice. As I choose kindness, I am rewarded with love, peace, patience, and joy. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.—1 Corinthians 13:4-5

"KARL" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"KARL, on the Porch"

Painting #344  Oil on linen on board  (24"x 36")   Painted October, 1996         Archived

(This painting really isn't as bad as it looks here but my photography skills were very limited in those days.)

"Karl had retired about six months before this painting and it was GOOD to have him home with me.  That day was a beautiful Fall day there on Lamb Lake, Indiana and Karl was enjoying sitting out on the upper porch studying his financial reports.  I Am Blessed with such Loving memories.  Thank you, Karl."

Joy

I am one with Spirit, one with joy.

FROM UNITY'S "DAILY WORD"        Sunday, June 29, 2014

Nothing surpasses the joy of Spirit; nothing is stronger than the indwelling Divine Presence.

Joy is always available, regardless of outer conditions, other people, or adverse circumstances. If I ever lose touch with inner joy, if I ever feel discouraged that life does not seem to be going my way, I simply bring myself back to center. I look within to find that joy has never left me. I am loved. I am strong. I am one with God in every way. My sense of joy returns as I allow my consciousness to rise to an awareness of Spirit’s unmovable presence and power.

Joy is as natural to me as breathing and smiling, because Spirit is with and within me at all times.

God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness.—Hebrews 1:9

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

Self Portrait Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"DANGLING EARRINGS"

Painting #1151 / Oil on linen on board  (20"x16")  Painted in March, 2011   DESTROYED

FROM "THE DAILY WORD"                                                  Sunday, March 2, 2014

RELEASE

I am ready to create a new day!

At any time, I can release hurt or disappointment from the past. Although I cannot change what happened yesterday, I can create a new today. I turn within to pray, and I connect with the Christ of my being—the inner light that guides me. I am ready to forgive, ready to release what was or could have been, and accept what is.

I do not restrict the blessings that are unfolding in my life by harboring grudges or resentment. I recognize and accept the blessings that are mine to experience. I open myself to a new day and a new way of being.

The Christ within shows me the way to a new and beautiful life, which I am ready and willing to receive.

If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.—John 14:3

NORA KASTEN WEBSITE

"MORE" by Artist, NORA KASTEN

TODAY'S SAND ART ON NAPLES, FL BEACH  12/20/2013

FROM "THE DAILY WORD"

Friday, December 20, 2013

TREASURED

Times spent with loved ones are deeply treasured gifts.

Some people treasure jewels and gold, but my greatest gems are connection and companionship with my loved ones. Jesus told of a man who buried his treasure in a field, then sold everything to buy that field. As I know the value of togetherness, I gladly invest in happy moments with those I love.

Whether I am planning to be with loved ones in the coming days or simply enjoying cherished memories, our times together are deeply valuable to my soul. Whether I spend time with family, longtime friends, neighbors, or colleagues, I cherish the love, companionship, and joy we share. I appreciate our moments of connection. I treasure the special people who enrich my life.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.—Luke 12:34

 NORA KASTEN WEBSITE