Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FRESH ROSES"

Painting #1136 of 1182 paintings / Oil on canvas (16"x20")  Completed June 8, 2010

"Leo" is waiting for me to toss this toy so he can run as fast as he can to retrieve it.

"Leo" having fun with his purple toy.

Love Love transforms my world. Tuesday, May 26, 2015 Through the power of my thoughts, I can alter my perception of the world. Where I once may have seen anger, jealousy, or fear, I now can perceive the presence of Love. My outlook changes as I become more aware of God expressing through us all. I intentionally look for examples of love in my world. As I observe people in their daily interactions, I notice strangers holding doors open for one another; parents hugging their children as they get off school buses; store clerks making friendly conversation with customers. As I focus on gestures of kindness, my awareness of the goodness in life grows. My life is transformed by Love. If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.—1 John4:12

Spirit & Art by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES WITH BRASS"

Painting #869 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x36") Completed April 21, 2006   SOLD

LEO, ASKING TO COME UP ON MY LAP

Stillness In the stillness, I find peace and satisfaction. Saturday, May 23, 2015 Today I make time to be still and allow God to speak to the desires of my heart. I let go of any anxious searching or forcing solutions, and open myself to Spirit. I relax and focus on the rhythmic flow of my breath. The chatter in my mind quiets down and I ease into my connection with God. As I let go of all worries, I feel the strength of my steadfast faith. I take another deep breath and follow it further into the chapel of my own heart. Here, I find stillness and rest in the Silence. The love of God fills me with peace and satisfaction. I am calm and serene. All my needs are met and I am complete. In the peace of the stillness, I am deeply satisfied. 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

"MIXED ROSES"

Painting #1129 of 1182 Paintings / Oil on Canvas (15"x30") Created April 25, 2010  ARCHIVED

Positive Attitude I align my thoughts with the truth. Monday, May 11, 2015 My state of mind influences my experience of life. If I feel sad or troubled, I consider how my attitude is affecting my perceptions and interactions with others. Are my thoughts supporting me in my goal to be confident, productive, and positive? Or am I blocking my good? When I am ready for an attitude adjustment, I align my thoughts with the truth: I am an expression of God—capable, loved, and supported. I call upon my spiritual gifts to guide me. As I do, I experience greater wisdom, faith, strength, and understanding. Blessed by Spirit, I maintain a positive attitude and bring love to all I do. With this mindset, I see good everywhere. For it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.—Philippians 2:13

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FIRE & RAIN"

 Painting #1107 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Canvas (10"x10")       Completed Jan. 30, 2010

"PAPER ROSES"

Painting #1104 of 1182 paintings / Oil on Canvas (30"x40")    Completed Jan. 20, 2010

Growth I continue to grow in spiritual awareness. Tuesday, May 5, 2015 As an adult, I have stopped growing physically, yet I have many opportunities to grow emotionally and spiritually. Willingness to consider new ideas is key to my growth now. A plant grows in the right conditions and with proper nourishment. Similarly, I grow as I feed my mind and spirit. I pray and meditate regularly. I read uplifting books and articles. I may take part in classes and workshops to expand my spiritual understanding. As I grow, I broaden my awareness of what is around me and within me. I become mindful of beautiful serendipities in my life. I learn to observe my feelings and thoughts, my actions, reactions, and responses. In all things, I see the presence of God. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom.—Luke 2:40

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.

New Companion / Art & Spirituality by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"LADY IN PINK"

Painting #925 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (36"x24") Completed April 29, 2007

"LEO"

"Leo" has come into my life and he is a much loved, good and faithful companion.  He is a two year old miniature schnauzer that I adopted from The Naples Humane Society and he is considered a rescue dog.  I believe I am the one who was rescued though."

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY UPDATE

"What I have come to refer to as "My Sabbatical" continues.  Taking Tramadol three times a day for pain and still lots of rest is keeping me on an even keel for which I am most thankful."

Love When I center on Spirit, I experience greater love. Monday, April 6, 2015 What I focus on grows. Spirit is the ultimate source of all love, and the more I center on Spirit, the more love is expressed and evident in my life. I regularly practice focusing on God rather than the many distractions of the world. As I do, my awareness of love’s abiding presence expands. In the Silence, I cultivate my ability to perceive love as the very nature and essence of my being. I express love freely from within, rather than seek compulsively from without. In prayer and meditation, I recognize love as the unifying power behind all existence. I experience the fullness of divine love, which sustains and connects us as One.

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"RED GERANIUMS"

Painting # 1001 of 1181 paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x30") Completed Jan. 17, 2008   SOLD

"INTERIOR AT PINE HAVEN"

Painting #26 of 1181 paintings / Watercolor (16"x12")  Completed June, 1991
Note:  I painted very few watercolors through the years.  Oil was my medium of choice.

"Resting most of the day is still the best I can do to manage Peripheral Neuropathy which feels like experiencing the worse toothache pain all over my body. . . . It is nerve pain.  So far my doctor's pain management is not working for me either since my body has an allergic reaction to and cannot tolerate the drugs, Percocet, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Tylenol #3 which has Codine in it.  The nerve block shot in my lower back did not relieve any pain at all.

It appears this is just where I am supposed to be at this time and I am at Peace with it.  I intend to glean only Good from this experience.  If you are new to my blog, I have copied and pasted my earlier message about this below:"

February 9, 2015 
"After many years of controlling the pain of Peripheral Neuropathy, I am once again laid low with it.  Resting most of a 24 hour day is what I do and it helps me.  When trying to do otherwise, the price is too high to pay.  I will recover from this as I did before but please understand why I have not been available and won't be until this greatly subsides."

Awareness I am mindful of my body temple. Monday, February 23, 2015 My body is a holy temple of Spirit. Its true purpose is to fully express and embody Divine Love and Life. I release any behaviors that may deplete my body. I support its vitality through my loving attention to its messages and needs. I honor my body by eating nourishing food and living a healthy lifestyle. I regularly send love and thanksgiving to all parts of my body, energizing them with affirmative words of Truth. My increasing body awareness helps me recognize and release challenging emotions that I may have repressed and stored as physical pain or illness. I honor my needs for rest and recreation. As I devotedly serve my body temple, I create space for the sacred to unfold in my life. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God.—1 Corinthians 6:19

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"BOUGAINVILLEA BOUQUET"

Painting #700 of 1181 paintings / Pastel on sanded paper (24"x20") Completed 4/29/2002 SOLD

"After many years of controlling the pain of Peripheral Neuropathy, I am once again laid low with it.  Resting most of a 24 hour day is what I do and it helps me.  When trying to do otherwise, the price is too high to pay.  I will recover from this as I did before but please understand why I have not been available and won't be until this greatly subsides."

Guidance Divine guidance is always with me. Monday, February 9, 2015 I am a student of life and God is my teacher. My Divine Teacher instructs me in all I need to know at the right time. The course of study is lifelong, sure, and true. I embrace the joy and fulfillment of learning. My Teacher shows me the way and supports me in new situations. When a life lesson comes, I take time in the quiet and listen to my divine guidance. I open my heart to the still, small voice and ask what path to follow, and what I need to learn. As I listen within, I hear the words “This is the way.” I am gently guided to my highest good. As I recognize and understand my lesson, I give thanks for my growth. I am never alone. My Teacher is always with me. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path.—Psalm 27:11