January 25, 2009
Dear Friends,
Last week I wrote about the true source of prosperity, and how the divine flow can prosper you in ways that are—to say the least—surprising. That’s not to say, of course, that abundance can’t also flow to you through channels that you expect.
Often you may experience prosperity in a completely predictable manner. But even in those ordinary circumstances, you can still sense the divine flow at work. My lovely partner, Carol, recently experienced that very thing.
For the last two years, Carol has been serving as a part-time innkeeper at a beautiful Bed & Breakfast Lodge here in Sedona. Although she was happy in her work, a full-time position—with benefits—would have been preferable.
Well, at the beginning of the year, Carol’s hours were cut almost in half (due, in large part, to the country’s economic downturn). At that moment, Carol got a very strong feeling that it was simply time for her to move on, and she began to affirm for a better position—one that would not only offer her a full-time salary with benefits, but also a regular schedule, a harmonious environment, and work that was perfectly suited to her talents and interests.
Lo and behold, the very first time she looked in the Help Wanted Section of the local newspaper, there it was: an ad for an organization that needed an administrative assistant to replace someone who was retiring. It was a full-time position, with regular hours, plus benefits. Sounds pretty standard so far, right? Read on.
You see, there was one requirement for this job that was unique. The particular organization that was running this ad was a Metaphysical University, and every applicant was required to have a background in metaphysical studies—the kind of principles that are taught in New Thought churches such as Unity and Religious Science. Carol has been a New Thought student since the age of eight!
She quickly emailed her resume to the school (how easy is that), and they called her the very next day to set up an interview. When Carol arrived for the interview, she was surprised to discover that the person she would be replacing is someone she already knew from the Unity Church of Sedona! This lovely lady had noticed Carol’s resume among the others, and had already encouraged the president of the university to interview her for the position.
When Carol returned home from the interview she was beaming with joy. Not only had the interview gone well, but she absolutely loved the heart-based, spiritually oriented environment in which she might be working. To Carol, it felt like a match made in Heaven. And it appears to be just that, because two days later Carol was offered the job!
Now, on the surface, this story may seem somewhat unremarkable: Carol wanted a new job. She looked in the paper. She found one that looked good. She interviewed for the job. And she happened to get it. But when you consider the synchronicity of the timing, the coincidence of the particular person who was retiring, and the perfect match to Carol’s talents, interests, and background, it is easy to see the divine flow at work.
Friends, is there a particular desire—like Carol’s—that you are pursuing right now? Then make sure that you don’t miss your miracle by ignoring some of the more traditional paths that life may offer you. Be open to the extraordinary in the ordinary. When you are consistently graced with effortless ease, and are constantly blessed by feelings of peace and joy, you can be certain that the path you are on is no accident, but one that has been divinely orchestrated for your highest good.
Steven
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
What Is Your Source?
January 18, 2009
NOTE: Soon after the economies of the U.S. and the world took a tumble last September, I wrote the following message. Although I rarely repeat messages, and only do so after a great deal of time has passed, continuing challenges on the financial front motivate me to send out this message once more. It is certainly a message that I need to hear again, and I am sure that many of you will also benefit from its reprise.
Dear Friends,
With the dramatic downturn in the U.S. economy—and in the economy of the world in general—it may be quite a challenge for you to maintain any kind of positive outlook right now . . . just as it is a challenge for me.
So how can we feel secure in such uncertain times? I, for one, make a conscious effort to remember the following: The true origin of my prosperity is not the income I receive from my work. It is not the money I have in the bank. And it is certainly not the investments I have in the stock market. I remember that the ultimate origin of my prosperity is that Infinite Field of Supply that some call Source, and others (including me) call God.
I do believe that we live in an infinitely abundant universe—a universe that is continually responding to our needs through an unlimited number of channels. And those channels are not limited to the financial avenues we are used to.
I’ll never forget a time when I needed an additional $2,500 to pay some unexpected bills. One day, my car was slightly damaged in a shower of cement fragments that fell off an office building that I was parked next to. The damage was very minor—just a few nicks and dings here and there. But because the damage was spread across several panels of the car, the cost of repairs was much more than one would expect. The owner of the building, though, was happy to write me a check for that expense . . . a check that I used to pay my bills instead of repair the car . . . a check for exactly $2,500.
It was that experience, and many others just as amazing, that have repeatedly confirmed for me how incredibly inventive our universe is . . . and how the divine flow can guide us to our good in totally unexpected ways.
In these challenging days, I invite you to regain your sense of peace by letting go of your need to figure everything out by yourself. In your daily time of prayer and meditation, include a moment to affirm the true source of your financial blessings, and open yourself up to divine direction.
Remember that as a beloved child of God you have a divine right to an abundant life. Remember that abundance is not always about money. And remember that the Mind of the Divine can prosper you in ways that you simply can’t predict . . . or even imagine.
Steven
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
NOTE: Soon after the economies of the U.S. and the world took a tumble last September, I wrote the following message. Although I rarely repeat messages, and only do so after a great deal of time has passed, continuing challenges on the financial front motivate me to send out this message once more. It is certainly a message that I need to hear again, and I am sure that many of you will also benefit from its reprise.
Dear Friends,
With the dramatic downturn in the U.S. economy—and in the economy of the world in general—it may be quite a challenge for you to maintain any kind of positive outlook right now . . . just as it is a challenge for me.
So how can we feel secure in such uncertain times? I, for one, make a conscious effort to remember the following: The true origin of my prosperity is not the income I receive from my work. It is not the money I have in the bank. And it is certainly not the investments I have in the stock market. I remember that the ultimate origin of my prosperity is that Infinite Field of Supply that some call Source, and others (including me) call God.
I do believe that we live in an infinitely abundant universe—a universe that is continually responding to our needs through an unlimited number of channels. And those channels are not limited to the financial avenues we are used to.
I’ll never forget a time when I needed an additional $2,500 to pay some unexpected bills. One day, my car was slightly damaged in a shower of cement fragments that fell off an office building that I was parked next to. The damage was very minor—just a few nicks and dings here and there. But because the damage was spread across several panels of the car, the cost of repairs was much more than one would expect. The owner of the building, though, was happy to write me a check for that expense . . . a check that I used to pay my bills instead of repair the car . . . a check for exactly $2,500.
It was that experience, and many others just as amazing, that have repeatedly confirmed for me how incredibly inventive our universe is . . . and how the divine flow can guide us to our good in totally unexpected ways.
In these challenging days, I invite you to regain your sense of peace by letting go of your need to figure everything out by yourself. In your daily time of prayer and meditation, include a moment to affirm the true source of your financial blessings, and open yourself up to divine direction.
Remember that as a beloved child of God you have a divine right to an abundant life. Remember that abundance is not always about money. And remember that the Mind of the Divine can prosper you in ways that you simply can’t predict . . . or even imagine.
Steven
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Now And Then
January 11, 2009
Dear Friends,
Last week I wrote about being present in the now moment, and the important part that plays in the manifestation process. I have written about this subject before, and a while back I received a question from a reader who wanted me to clarify one particular aspect about this principle.
At the risk of somewhat repeating last week’s message, this week I would like to share that reader’s question with you, and my answer. Perhaps it will clear up any confusion that you may also be experiencing.
And I hope my answer was helpful to you, too, friends.
Steven
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Dear Friends,
Last week I wrote about being present in the now moment, and the important part that plays in the manifestation process. I have written about this subject before, and a while back I received a question from a reader who wanted me to clarify one particular aspect about this principle.
At the risk of somewhat repeating last week’s message, this week I would like to share that reader’s question with you, and my answer. Perhaps it will clear up any confusion that you may also be experiencing.
Dear Steven,
I love to dream, think, and fantasize about where I’d like to be in life, and that seems to be a necessary part of the manifestation process. But doing that takes me out of the present moment. How do I reconcile my need to imagine where I want to be, with the constant injunction by you—and others—to stay in the now? I feel like I am crossing myself up.
Dear Reader,
There is nothing wrong with spending time visualizing what you want to have, do, or be in life. And you are right, it is quite necessary. The trick is to avoid dwelling on it incessantly.
I recommend that no more than once a day, in a time of contemplation or meditation, you go ahead and picture what it is you think you want. For the remainder of the day, though, you should focus on being in the now moment, so you will notice any divine signs that might tell you what your next right step toward realizing that dream is.
If you occasionally slip into a daydream about your desired future, that's okay. After you realize you are daydreaming, just gently return your focus once more to the present moment.
It’s true, you cannot completely stay in the now moment, and simultaneously dream about a desire you want to have fulfilled. My suggestion is simply to shift your attention back and forth. It is important, though, to remember that the Universe “heard” you the first time, and to keep most of your attention focused in the now . . . eagerly anticipating divine guidance . . . and being willing to move in a direction that may be different from what you "think" is best.
Thank you for your question. I hope my answer clarifies this apparent contradiction.
And I hope my answer was helpful to you, too, friends.
Steven
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy "Now" Year!
January 1, 2009
Happy Now Year, Friends!
Yes, you read that right. I wrote Happy "Now" Year instead of Happy "New" Year. It’s not a typo. It's just my way of reminding you about the important part that the present moment plays in the manifestation process.
Remember that fulfilling your heart’s desires effortlessly depends upon your ability to recognize and follow divine guidance. But that guidance only comes to you in “the now.”
That doesn't mean that you should refrain from visualizing and affirming what you want to have, do, or be in the coming year. It just means that it is not productive for you to keep your attention continually focused there. And focusing continually on your desires is not even necessary. I have had many manifestations occur in my life after thinking about a desire for only one short moment, and then never giving it another thought.
The challenge is not making sure that this intelligent universe we live in “hears” you. The universe has great “ears,” and it hears you the first time. The challenge is making sure that you are completely open and receptive to the response that you will invariably receive. And since that response always occurs in the present, you must always keep your awareness centered in the now moment so you are able to see, hear, or sense that response.
To live life in the divine flow, you must let go of your reflections on the past and your projections into the future, so you can recognize and go through the doors that are being divinely opened for you right here, and right now.
And above all, always remember that you never have to fulfill a desire to be happy; you never have to accomplish a goal to be happy; and you never have to realize a dream to be happy. Remember that real happiness—true, long-lasting happiness—only comes from accepting and appreciating the now moment for whatever it is offering you . . . and from opening up your heart and being the love that you are in that moment. That, my friends, is the real key to having a happy new year.
So, here’s to the Here and Now!
Here’s to the Year and Now!
Happy Now Year, my friends!
Steven
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Happy Now Year, Friends!
Yes, you read that right. I wrote Happy "Now" Year instead of Happy "New" Year. It’s not a typo. It's just my way of reminding you about the important part that the present moment plays in the manifestation process.
Remember that fulfilling your heart’s desires effortlessly depends upon your ability to recognize and follow divine guidance. But that guidance only comes to you in “the now.”
That doesn't mean that you should refrain from visualizing and affirming what you want to have, do, or be in the coming year. It just means that it is not productive for you to keep your attention continually focused there. And focusing continually on your desires is not even necessary. I have had many manifestations occur in my life after thinking about a desire for only one short moment, and then never giving it another thought.
The challenge is not making sure that this intelligent universe we live in “hears” you. The universe has great “ears,” and it hears you the first time. The challenge is making sure that you are completely open and receptive to the response that you will invariably receive. And since that response always occurs in the present, you must always keep your awareness centered in the now moment so you are able to see, hear, or sense that response.
To live life in the divine flow, you must let go of your reflections on the past and your projections into the future, so you can recognize and go through the doors that are being divinely opened for you right here, and right now.
And above all, always remember that you never have to fulfill a desire to be happy; you never have to accomplish a goal to be happy; and you never have to realize a dream to be happy. Remember that real happiness—true, long-lasting happiness—only comes from accepting and appreciating the now moment for whatever it is offering you . . . and from opening up your heart and being the love that you are in that moment. That, my friends, is the real key to having a happy new year.
So, here’s to the Here and Now!
Here’s to the Year and Now!
Happy Now Year, my friends!
Steven
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, December 27, 2008
A Heartfelt Thanks
December 28, 2008
Dear Friends,
As 2008 draws to a close, I would like to end this year with an expression of gratitude . . . and a small gift.
First, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who have emailed me with your kind comments over the past 12 months. I am thrilled that my weekly messages continue to be a source of inspiration for you, and that you took the time to tell me so.
Also, I want to offer a special thank you to everyone who has supported this labor of love with your donations and tithes. I am honored that many of you consider my work to be a true ministry—a cherished source of spiritual nourishment. It is your generous gifts and offerings that make this ongoing endeavor possible.
And now for my gift to you: As many of you know, I have been teaching the principles for living life in the divine flow since 1995. In 1998—a good three years before I began to write my book—I wrote a lyrical poem about the divine flow that I titled, “River of Life.”
Even though ten years have passed since then, I have never publicly published or posted this poem anywhere. As a small token of my appreciation, I offer it to you today as a bookmark that you can download and print out.
Naturally, this bookmark will work much better if you are able to print it out on heavyweight stock. And it will look much better if you use a photo-quality print setting.
To view and download your bookmark now, simply click on this link: www.rowrowrow.com/Bookmark.pdf.
If your computer cannot open a PDF file, you will also find my poem below.
Again, friends, I greatly appreciate your loving and enthusiastic support of my work. I am touched. I am blessed. And I look forward to serving you equally well in 2009.
Gratefully,
Steven
RIVER OF LIFE
Traveling down,
Turning corners round,
You're rowing down the river of life.
Gliding along,
Hear the river’s song,
You're rowing down the river of life.
Let go and feel the flow.
Make your plans, then let them go.
What you want is round the bend.
Use your oars, but let God lend
A helping hand.
Moving ahead,
No fear, no dread,
You're rowing down the river of life.
Now fast, now still,
Feel the flow of God's will,
You're rowing down the river of life.
Let go and feel the flow.
Do what you can, then let it go.
What you want is round the bend.
Use your oars, but let God lend
A helping hand.
Rowing downstream,
Heading toward your dream,
You're rowing down the river of life.
You're rowing down the river of your life.
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Dear Friends,
As 2008 draws to a close, I would like to end this year with an expression of gratitude . . . and a small gift.
First, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who have emailed me with your kind comments over the past 12 months. I am thrilled that my weekly messages continue to be a source of inspiration for you, and that you took the time to tell me so.
Also, I want to offer a special thank you to everyone who has supported this labor of love with your donations and tithes. I am honored that many of you consider my work to be a true ministry—a cherished source of spiritual nourishment. It is your generous gifts and offerings that make this ongoing endeavor possible.
And now for my gift to you: As many of you know, I have been teaching the principles for living life in the divine flow since 1995. In 1998—a good three years before I began to write my book—I wrote a lyrical poem about the divine flow that I titled, “River of Life.”
Even though ten years have passed since then, I have never publicly published or posted this poem anywhere. As a small token of my appreciation, I offer it to you today as a bookmark that you can download and print out.
Naturally, this bookmark will work much better if you are able to print it out on heavyweight stock. And it will look much better if you use a photo-quality print setting.
To view and download your bookmark now, simply click on this link: www.rowrowrow.com/Bookmark.pdf.
If your computer cannot open a PDF file, you will also find my poem below.
Again, friends, I greatly appreciate your loving and enthusiastic support of my work. I am touched. I am blessed. And I look forward to serving you equally well in 2009.
Gratefully,
Steven
RIVER OF LIFE
Traveling down,
Turning corners round,
You're rowing down the river of life.
Gliding along,
Hear the river’s song,
You're rowing down the river of life.
Let go and feel the flow.
Make your plans, then let them go.
What you want is round the bend.
Use your oars, but let God lend
A helping hand.
Moving ahead,
No fear, no dread,
You're rowing down the river of life.
Now fast, now still,
Feel the flow of God's will,
You're rowing down the river of life.
Let go and feel the flow.
Do what you can, then let it go.
What you want is round the bend.
Use your oars, but let God lend
A helping hand.
Rowing downstream,
Heading toward your dream,
You're rowing down the river of life.
You're rowing down the river of your life.
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Making Christmas Merry
December 21, 2008
Dear Friends,
This Thursday is the day that many of us will celebrate the birth into this world of the being we call Jesus. There are many different opinions about the exact nature of this extraordinary man’s mission on this planet. But I do believe there is one aspect to his life that most of us can agree upon: Jesus was the perfect example of living a life of unconditional love. And he made it quite clear that we would all benefit greatly by living our lives in the same loving way.
Fortunately, loving others is one of the most natural things in the world for you to do. For I believe that love is not only in your nature, it is your nature. Love is the divine essence of who you truly are at the core of your being. And you know what? It feels good to express the truth of who you are! It feels good to love!
When you love, you feel happy. When you love, you feel joyful. When you love, you feel downright . . . well . . . merry!
So, do you want to have a truly merry Christmas this year—and every year? Then be true to yourself! Be the love that you are this season, and a merry Christmas will be yours, indeed.
Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily,
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Dear Friends,
This Thursday is the day that many of us will celebrate the birth into this world of the being we call Jesus. There are many different opinions about the exact nature of this extraordinary man’s mission on this planet. But I do believe there is one aspect to his life that most of us can agree upon: Jesus was the perfect example of living a life of unconditional love. And he made it quite clear that we would all benefit greatly by living our lives in the same loving way.
Fortunately, loving others is one of the most natural things in the world for you to do. For I believe that love is not only in your nature, it is your nature. Love is the divine essence of who you truly are at the core of your being. And you know what? It feels good to express the truth of who you are! It feels good to love!
When you love, you feel happy. When you love, you feel joyful. When you love, you feel downright . . . well . . . merry!
So, do you want to have a truly merry Christmas this year—and every year? Then be true to yourself! Be the love that you are this season, and a merry Christmas will be yours, indeed.
Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily,
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, December 13, 2008
A Christmas Present
December 14, 2008
Dear Friends,
One of my favorite sayings is this one:
THE PAST IS HISTORY.
THE FUTURE, A MYSTERY.
BUT THE NOW MOMENT IS A GIFT.
THAT’S WHY IT’S CALLED THE “PRESENT.”
In this season of gift-giving, I invite you to remember that the true gifts of the holidays are always in the now moment. But to receive those “presents” you must first be present yourself. Instead of focusing all your time, attention, and energy on what’s coming next, make a conscious choice to be fully present in the here and now.
Be present for the gift of a child’s laughter,
and for the gift of bright, twinkling lights.
Be present for the gift of fresh-baked cookies,
and for the gift of sweet-smelling evergreens.
Be present for the gift of a soundless snowfall,
and for the touch of a single snowflake on your tongue.
Be present for the gift of friends you may have taken for granted,
and for family members you haven’t seen in ages.
Be present for the gift of unconditional love
that embraces each of us this season.
And be present for the unbounded joy
that this season elicits in us all.
Here’s wishing you one of greatest gifts you could ever hope to receive this season: the gift of a Christmas present.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Dear Friends,
One of my favorite sayings is this one:
THE PAST IS HISTORY.
THE FUTURE, A MYSTERY.
BUT THE NOW MOMENT IS A GIFT.
THAT’S WHY IT’S CALLED THE “PRESENT.”
In this season of gift-giving, I invite you to remember that the true gifts of the holidays are always in the now moment. But to receive those “presents” you must first be present yourself. Instead of focusing all your time, attention, and energy on what’s coming next, make a conscious choice to be fully present in the here and now.
Be present for the gift of a child’s laughter,
and for the gift of bright, twinkling lights.
Be present for the gift of fresh-baked cookies,
and for the gift of sweet-smelling evergreens.
Be present for the gift of a soundless snowfall,
and for the touch of a single snowflake on your tongue.
Be present for the gift of friends you may have taken for granted,
and for family members you haven’t seen in ages.
Be present for the gift of unconditional love
that embraces each of us this season.
And be present for the unbounded joy
that this season elicits in us all.
Here’s wishing you one of greatest gifts you could ever hope to receive this season: the gift of a Christmas present.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
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