Friday, January 24, 2014

Oil Painting "Large Bouquet" by Artist, NORA KASTEN


"LARGE BOUQUET"
Painting #1169   Oil on Canvas    (48"x36")    Painted in June, 2012
(This painting was largely painted over with black gloss paint in September, 2013)

Friday, January 24, 2014
FAITH
I step out with faith and achieve my highest potential.
In order to live life to its fullest, I must be willing to occasionally embrace the unknown. This requires courage, pressing on even when fearful. Yet I have more than just courage; I have faith. Faith is steady, grounded, and filled with assurance.
I cultivate my faith in the fertile soil of Spirit. Infinite Substance is the source of all creation. Thoughts of faith fill my mind, and I use the creative power of words and actions to manifest my good.
I may not foresee the precise form in which new circumstances will be birthed. Yet I am assured that my highest good will be established. In faith, I step forward with joyful expectation into the next phase of my unfolding life.
Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.—1 Corinthians 16:13

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Oil Painting, "Lady With Letter" by Artist, NORA KASTEN


"LADY WITH LETTER"
Painting #238   Oil on Linen   (30"x24")       Painted in August, 1995

Sunday, January 19, 2014
DIVINE ORDER
Here, where grace abounds, all is in divine order.
When life seems messy or muddled, hearing the words “all is in divine order” might be frustrating. Yet when clouds block the sun, the sun continues to shine just as brilliantly. Similarly, divine order does not cease when my world seems upside down.
I take a moment to turn my awareness away from the challenge and into the presence and power of God within. I breathe deeply to clear my mind and release any stress. As I continue to breathe in God, unsettling thoughts dissipate and disappear.
I am open and focused in this God-centered moment. Grace abounds and all is indeed in divine order.
Run at once to meet her, and say to her, “Are you all right?” … She answered, “It is all right.”—2 Kings 4:26

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

"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

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Watermelon Oil Painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"WATERMELON FOR SNACKS"



HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014


"It was a very short message that I received today but I want to share it with you."
"Nora, take your pen and write.  The LOVE of God never fails."

FROM THE DAILY WORD

Wednesday, January 1, 2014
CELEBRATE
I celebrate life!
New beginnings are cause for celebration. Like the rising sun shining bright in the eastern sky, a fresh start is reason to rejoice. As we celebrate, we let go of the past and embrace the present. We discover a new opportunity to awaken to the power of Spirit within.
Some celebrations are filled with cheers, songs, and shouts of encouragement; while others are quiet, like the blossoming of a flower. I celebrate life as a continuous learning experience, a gift of growth and expansion from a loving God.
I acknowledge and revere life’s varied celebrations. Joyous in the eternal power and love of God, I celebrate all of life!
I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever.—Psalm 45:17

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

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

Monday, December 23, 2013

"Spring Tulips" at Christmas Time by Artist, NORA KASTEN


"Spring Tulips"



FROM "THE DAILY WORD"

Monday, December 23, 2013
PRAISE
I praise God. All is good.
We create our life experiences through our thinking, and praise expands our experience of good. Unity cofounder Charles Fillmore wrote: “We increase whatever we praise. The whole creation responds to praise and is glad.” When I hold positive thoughts, I pave the way for positive results.
I live in a world of infinite possibility. As I praise what is good and true, my awareness of the abundance of the Universe expands. As I praise the goodness in me and others, I unleash a plethora of blessings.
The Universe supports my thinking and supplies my needs. Powerful, positive thoughts lead to powerful, positive outcomes. I praise God for my life, and all is well.

Now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name.—1 Chronicles 29:13

Friday, December 20, 2013

"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


Thursday, December 19, 2013

Photo of "Snowman On Naples Beach" by Artist, NORA KASTEN


 SNOWMAN ON NAPLES, FL BEACH / Dec. 18, 2013

A PERFECT DAY

"Yesterday morning it was 56 degrees here in Naples, FL.  Yesterday afternoon, the temperature reached 79 degrees.

Early morning I sat by the fire (I have a wonderful fireplace in my beautiful living room), snuggled up with an afghan, meditated and wrote the "Morning Pages".  In the afternoon, wearing a swimsuit, I took a one hour walk on the beach and then just sat in the beach chair for another hour, enjoying the gentle breeze while basking in the warm sunshine.  My Blessings are too numerous to count!  May you all realize your own abundant Blessings.  

With great LOVE, "MERRY CHRISTMAS " and "HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL.  
Remember  . . . . . we are all in this together.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

"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."  



Thursday, November 7, 2013

Abstract painting by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"GOLD & EMERALD"

Acrylic painting on canvas   (8"x8")        /       Painted January 25, 2010

"I am finally settled into my new, much larger home here in Grasmere At Wyndemere in Naples, FL.   My happiness is far beyond words available to express.  Thankfulness and LOVE abounds!"


FROM "THE DAILY WORD"
Thursday, November 7, 2013
LET GO, LET GOD
I welcome abundant good as I let go and let God.
I am grateful for my tenacity, for it serves me well. Pushing myself to cross the finish line or complete a project on time can help me succeed. However, divine wisdom tells me there is also a time to let go.
Some races are not mine to run. Some projects are better accomplished by slowing down. Some answers come when I wait for inspiration, rather than force a solution. I pray to know what is mine to do—when to push and when to allow.
When I let go, I make room for God. I open myself to divine wisdom, guidance, and ideas—for success, insights, and inner peace. I make way for unlimited good to come through unexpected channels. I welcome abundant good as I let go and let God.

Agree with God, and be at peace; in this way good will come to you.—Job 22:21