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

From Unity's "Daily Word"

Saturday, July 23, 2016 The poet Maya Angelou wrote that “the ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” I cherish the people to whom I have consistently been able to turn to for a sense of security and unconditional love. I also appreciate those special places where I feel a greater sense of unity with all life. With profound gratitude, I acknowledge how my spiritual growth has significantly impacted my sense of belonging. The more I abide in God’s love, the more often strangers and foreign places begin to feel like family to me. No matter where I am or whom I am with, I carry with me a sense of unconditional acceptance as a refuge not only for myself but for all whom I encounter. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.—1 John 4:16

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Pale Roses"

Painting #834 of 1183 paintings / Oil on Linen (36"x24") Completed June, 2005

"There is a painting underway now and it is Good to be painting.  I am in a new place now and my easel and painting setup is in the living room.  Good lighting is available throughout the day.  The painting I am working on now is a Still Life and I'm hoping to have it completed by June 28, as we leave Naples for the Summer that day."

Let Go, Let God I release fear and allow God’s blessings to flow into me. Saturday, June 11, 2016 When I want to declutter, I sort through my clothing and other belongings and get rid of any items that I no longer like or use. Letting go of things may be difficult. But I challenge myself to create space. I also take regular inventory of my thoughts, actions, and commitments. They serve specific purposes in my life, so if they are not working for my highest good, I let them go. I spend time in meditation to strengthen my power of discernment and know what is mine to release. I make room for new insights and experiences that usher God’s good into my life. I release what holds me back, and I open myself to future blessings. Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?—Isaiah 43:18-19

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

Leo with purple toy - Summer, 2015

Leo, day of adoption at Humane Society 1-10-2015

Leo on walk-April, 2015

Leo shops with me and rides in cart at Bed Bath & Beyond /  August, 2015

"Leo's name is "Riki" now and I believe he is happy with his new name and living a new life in Toronto.    I was blessed and I am so thankful for the year he spent with me."

Website:  NORAKASTEN.COM

  

Divine Order

I allow divine order to work through me.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Gardeners plant spring bulbs in the fall before the ground freezes. The bulbs require exposure to cold temperatures to flower well when conditions are right. The resulting blossoms announce the arrival of springtime and the fruition of an orderly growth cycle that began underground, beyond my sight.

The desires, goals, and ideas I hold in mind are like these spring bulbs. I hold them close and nurture them with positive thoughts. I believe in my dreams and the indwelling power of God at work to help me achieve them. In time and with each divinely inspired step, they begin to take shape and form. I fulfill my heart’s desires with perseverance and faith by allowing divine order to work through me.

Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.—Psalm 143:10

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"ROSES"

Painting #891 of 1183 / Oil on Linen  (24"x20")  Completed July, 2006     SOLD

FROM UNITY'S DAILY WORD

Friday, March 25, 2016 I am a physical, spiritual, and social being. Within me are hundreds of parts that comprise my whole. My skeleton frames me. My heart circulates blood infused with oxygen courtesy of my lungs. My brain monitors processes. Each part of my body has a specific function and purpose. I am the sum of these parts that allow me to think, breathe, move, and feel. Divine energy flows within me, infusing every cell, tissue, and organ with strength and vitality. There is only one of me, and I am a magnificent creation of God. I give thanks for my body and the amazing way that it works without my even being aware of it. I praise my body for its strength, and I give thanks to God for creating me. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.—Psalm 139:14

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"FRESH CUT ROSES"

Painting #1136 of 1183 / Oil on Linen (16"x 20")   Completed June 8, 2010

Guidance

The Christ within guides me to my good.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Whether I’m consciously aware of it or not, my life is continually guided step-by-step toward my best and highest good.

I begin by stilling my mind then trusting in divine wisdom to see me through any seeming obstacle. Resting in a comfortable position, I close my eyes. With deliberation, I shut out the outside world. Like a fog lifting, my mind clears, and I tune in to God’s message for me. I remain open to divine direction.

With a willingness to listen, I now hear the still, small voice within. This divine whisper of encouragement guides me on my spiritual journey. Through sacred listening, I gain clarity to take inspired action. I am blessed.

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.”—Genesis 12:1

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

"Roses With Brass Pot"

#869 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (24"x36") Completed April 21, 2006     SOLD

"Yesterday's golf lesson was successful but I have yet to hit a golf ball.  We'll see what happens in tomorrow's golf lesson.  The main thing I've learned is  . . . . I have a lot to learn."

Guidance I listen to my inner guidance. Thursday, February 18, 2016 As I sit quietly in prayerful reflection and center myself in my heart space, I discover everything I need to know. Extraneous concerns pass away. My breath moves in and out gently and evenly. Whatever the perceived problem in my life, I know that right now I am in the presence of the spiritual resource that answers every need. This perfect place of rest contains everything necessary for me to proceed with perfect grace and clarity. If a question comes to mind, I ask it and then release it, trusting that the right answer will come forth. My question may be answered in a dream, a book, a word, a quiet knowing. Spirit has infinite ways of communicating, and I am open to them all. O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.—Psalm 43:3

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"Roses For The Table"

#899 of 1183 Paintings / Oil on Linen (30"x24") Completed July 30, 2006

"This will come as a surprise to my golfer friends and family.  Tomorrow, I am having my first golf lesson . . . . . . from a Pro.  It is so exciting!

Faith I am anchored in life, love, and wholeness. Tuesday, February 16, 2016 How much faith is needed to achieve great results? Jesus taught that even a small amount of faith can move mountains: “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.” If I am lacking the faith to pursue big dreams, I start with small ones. Trusting in the presence of God within to guide my way, I steadily advance toward a larger, divinely inspired vision for my life. To build my faith, I use the spiritual tools of prayer, imagination, affirmation, and action. I see divine order in all that unfolds, both large and small. I devote time each day thanking God for perfect results. I am anchored in life, love, and wholeness. I have faith in faith itself. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.—Hebrews 11:1

Art & Spirit by Artist, NORA KASTEN

"A JAR OF ROSES"

Painting #1124 of 1187 Paintings / Oil on Canvas (20"x 12")  Completed 4/9/2009

"Christmas, 2015 was especially meaningful to me and I can never again say, "I don't like Christmas", as I have in the past.  I am most thankful . . . . and happy beginning 2016!  

From Unity's "DAILY WORD"

Faith I am meant to live a great life! Monday, January 4, 2016 As I begin the new year, I step out in faith. I am excited to know that God has given me all I need to have a great life. “It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” I gratefully accept! The energy, life, and love of Spirit move through me easily and effortlessly. I open to divine ideas and discern what is mine to do. I am blessed with unlimited possibilities to experience God. Opportunities to connect with the Divine arrive in new and unexpected ways. I am now conscious of others expressing kindness, joy, and peace. I feel one with all that is. I feel certain that my circumstances will work out favorably, perhaps in unimaginable ways. As I deepen my connection with God, my faith grows ever stronger. I am meant to live a great life! For we walk by faith, not by sight.—2 Corinthians 5:7