From Love to Service
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Rev. Diana Johnson, IM, RScM, with Sherri Dotter, RScP, and Chris Johnson, RScP.
Video Chapter Index
0:00 | Taizé | Clicking on a chapter link will play the segment in a new YouTube tab. Your link to this page will remain open in this tab, but the video will play in the new window. Clicking on the Play arrow in the video screen above will play both Taizé and the Conscious Conversation on this page. To make the picture bigger, you may click the full screen icon in the lower right corner: ![]() ![]() ![]() |
19:25 | Guided Meditation | |
47:35 | Conscious Conversation |
Taizé
Rev. Diana Invites the Bell – Three Bells
Sherri – Opening Prayer
Rev. Diana – Good morning, and welcome…if you’re new with us here this morning… my name is Rev. Diana Johnson. We begin our Taizé Journey in musical prayer.
Rev. Diana & Chris – Taizé Chants
- Welcome Home to Your Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
- Within Me, by Chris Johnson
Rev. Diana – The Power of Creation is within me, and within each one of us. I breathe in the grounding Truth of Who and Whose I Am…I feel the Presence moving in me and all around me. I Am relaxed…at Peace…content to simply be.
I bring my awareness to my connection with all of Life. I see, with my Inner Eye, a web of Light, encircling our beautiful planet, and infusing everything on it. I use my power of imaging to see that I Am, each one of us is a point of Light in that web…and although it is an image, I know that it points to Truth. Every human being…all creatures, big and small…every plant, the rocks, sand, and water …all that exists is an intricate and irreplaceable part of the One Life. The planet that sustains us is Spirit expressing, as is everything that exists beyond our beautiful Mother. We are One Light…One Life…literally and absolutely. There is no way that I can ever be separated from Life, no way that I can be apart from Spirit. And neither can you. Take a moment to see, feel, and know that deep sense of connection…breathe it in, breathe it out.
As human expressions, we are given the priceless gift of self-reflection and choice. In gratitude, I accept the responsibility of taking this gift seriously… of caring for my brothers and sisters, human and otherwise…caring for my surroundings…making an honorable and noble contribution to Life, walking lightly on the earth…and leaving the world a more little more beautiful than I found it.
There is a great transformation underway in our world. And I know that I Am, by every thought, intention, word, and action, making a positive contribution to that change. And I Am grateful for the privilege of being alive at this time in our history.
We are always viewing our lives Through the Lens of our own Story… our lives are the stories we are writing through our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. We are reminded this month of The Power of Creation and the immense power it gives each of us in our own lives to move From Love to Service.
This may not, at first glance, seem like an obvious leap. Let’s be reminded of the New Thought/Ancient Wisdom definition of Love. At the Spiritual Level, Love is the Self-Expression of the Divine into form and experience…God forever giving of Itself as all of creation. And so, made in the image and likeness of the Creator, we too, experience Love…the desire to give of ourselves to other beings, and to our world. When seen through this lens, it becomes clear that Love must in time lead to Service.
Think about the people in our lives, those who are very special to us. Is there not an urge to give of ourselves in Service to these Beloveds? And what about our pets? And the communities we live in…those we engage with…is there not a desire to contribute to their lives, to something beyond our own individual lives? This is how we leave a little piece of ourselves behind. And if we are doing so consciously, we leave the world a more beautiful place than we found it.
In Buddhist teachings, service to others is a central tenet. It encourages us to give generously without any selfish motive and without regret. It tells us that in the giving, we are given a great gift…but that this gift should never be the reason for our charity.
His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, suggests that as he looks at this generation’s character and values, he sees three principles that are important to them: ethics, service to others, and a meaningful life. He calls this a sense of universal responsibility — that we are responsible for all others, and for the far-reaching ramifications of everything we do. This is awareness and commitment in action, demanding but vital to our future.
Ethics ensures we do no harm. Service is the very Practice of helping and protecting other people, society, and the earth, reducing suffering to whatever degree we are able. Ultimately, ethics and service are about leading a meaningful life. This is what we all, young and old, aspire to.
In the Christian Faith, through the teachings and example of Jesus we can see a central theme of Service. In the stories, he came to Earth not to be served but to serve others, demonstrating humility and love through acts like healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and even washing his disciples’ feet, essentially embodying the concept of servant leadership.
You may be saying to yourself, “But I am no Buddha…I am no Jesus.” I am suggesting that each would say, “Yes, you are. You, too, have the capacity to serve.” “These things and greater shall you do.”
Chris – Guided Meditation
Love is a word that we use to describe many very different concepts… family love… close friendships… romantic love… We also use it to indicate our strong preferences… for foods… sports… movies… And yet, when we hear the phrase God is Love, we realize that Love – in the spiritual sense – is a Power far greater…
In the New Testament, the Greek word most often translated as Love is Agape… meaning benevolence and goodwill, it is also often translated as charity… These days there is a bit of a condescending tone to that word… but charity originally meant kindness and tolerance in our dealings with others …
Agape is what Rev. Diana referred to before as the unconditional self-givingness of Spirit… As a family of spiritual seekers, we have experienced God directly through prayer, meditation, and other practices… But what of those whose life circumstances do not allow leisure time for religious pursuits?… How does Spirit reach them?…
It turns out that God actually does have a heart, hands, feet, and a voice here on earth… in fact, several of them… As expressions of the Living God within us, it is our hearts, hands, feet, and voices that bring agape into the physical world… As we answer the call of Spirit, we find that we are the agents of Divine Mercy on Earth…
Love is a way of being… it is a power that shines forth brightly when we surrender everything within us that blocks its expression… As we share these three minutes of silent meditation this morning, I invite us to think of a time when we felt we wanted to help another… but something stopped us… fear… or embarrassment… maybe we felt powerless to make a difference… Let us contemplate those things within us that impede the flow of Spiritual Love through us… and sacrifice them on God’s altar…
Silence – 3:00
Holy Spirit… Divine Love that permeates all of Creation… thank you for this sacred time of inspiration and illumination… for this deep communion with you and with my Beloved Community… May we always remember that we are your hands and feet in this world… May we never forget that we are your angels of mercy…
St. Paul wrote of faith, hope, and agape… his conclusion was that “the greatest of these is Agape…” Divine Love excludes no one… denies no one… sees every being as a sacred expression of Spirit… Agape reminds us that we are the way mercy enters our world… it is a mandate to relieve suffering in any way we can…
We return now to Rev. Diana’s inspired wisdom… grateful for the encouragement to be who we really are… Instruments of Divine Love… and for the courage to move forward, From Love to Service…
Rev. Diana – Once upon a time an angel was asked, “Please show me Heaven and Hell!”
First the angel presented a room with a large round table and a pot of stew in the middle. It smelled delicious, but the people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They were holding spoons with very long handles, and all could reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handles were longer than their arms, they couldn’t get the spoons back to their mouths. And so they were starving. The angel said, “This is Hell.”
Then the angel presented another room, which also had a large round table and a pot of stew in the middle. The people there had the same long-handled spoons, but they were well-nourished and plump, laughing and talking.
The angel said, “This is Heaven. These people feed each other, while those who insist on doing it all on their own starve.”
We have been raised in this American culture, taught to be independent…‘rugged individuals.’
But the reality is, if you’re living in society, no matter how ‘rugged’ and ‘independent’ you think you are, you still depend entirely on others to survive — to grow your food and make your clothes and almost everything else.
No one is an island. Because we live in society, in an enormous community, we all have ‘long-handled spoons’ with which we feed each other. We can’t survive otherwise. I suggest it is time to acknowledge this Truth and to find ways to Serve. Others are giving to us; it’s time to give back. We may already be doing so. It is our nature, after all, to Love, Serve, and Remember.
Meditation Music – Love, Serve, Remember , John Astin
Rev. Diana – Let’s close in prayer.
(Spontaneous Prayer)
We bring our awareness back to this space, and to our Community. As you feel ready, look around and really see those beautiful souls who are gathered here with you this morning.
Rev. Diana – Love Offering
As we close our Taizé Meditation, we offer the opportunity for you to share your financial good in support of the work we do in the world. If you’re joining us online, you can find a Donate Button and our mailing address at mysticheart.org. We are an independent, self-supporting organization, and your financial gifts are what make it possible for us to do our work and provide this beautiful and safe space to gather.
As we honor the Spiritual Practice of Circulation, I’d like to pay tribute to someone who has given so much to all of us.
Offertory Video – All My Love (Coldplay)
Rev. Diana – Blessing for the Offering
Rev. Diana & Chris – Taizé Closing Song
A Soul’s Blessing, written by Chris Johnson
Conscious Conversation
Sherri – Opening Prayer
Rev. Diana – Welcome or welcome back and thank you for being here. I know you’ll be glad you came. If you’re new with us here this morning… my name is Rev. Diana Johnson, and I am the Pastor and Spiritual Director of Mystical Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Independent Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality. It is my sincere hope that something you hear this morning will lead you back to the Wisdom and Guidance of your own Mystic Heart.
Let’s get our Conversation started by joining our voices in song and giving our bodies a chance to wake up!
Rev. Diana & Chris – Opening Music
- Welcome to the Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
- One Big Family, written by Robin Hackett & Gary Lynn Floyd
- I’m a Believer, written by Neil Diamond
Rev. Diana
Let’s take a moment to consciously engage the body in the Sacred Practice of Visioning for a Love-Soaked World. Take a deep breath…feeling the Presence of Life moving through…and let it go. One more time…and release.
Feel and know with me a world in which all humans are living from their deepest Wisdom, their most generous and Loving nature…thoughtful of the impact their thoughts, words, and actions have on one another, on the community, and on the planet…remembering that every thought, word, and action does have an impact…does leave an imprint…
This is a world where all needs are met gracefully and easily because we have learned to live according to our generous nature…where all beings have plenty of nourishing food…warm, comfortable, and affordable housing…a sense of safety and belonging……where mental/physical health, education, and healthy relationships are ensured by social systems grounded in Integrity and Wholeness…where honesty rules the day…
This is a world in which all beings work and play at what feeds their soul and are well compensated for their Service…are valued and respected for their inherent Goodness…where authenticity and vulnerability are welcomed and celebrated…where the Peace we cultivate within ourselves shows up as a world free of hatred or violence.
Feel and know with me now, a world without greed, where generosity is the norm…where every being receives all that is needed for a full and contented life.
By the Power of our collective intention, powerful imagining, and inspired action we are writing a new story…we are creating a world that works for all beings. We grant no importance or power to appearances, knowing that transformation is underway here and now. Whatever it may look like, we know that all is always being turned to Good. And so we walk in gratitude, respect, reverence, and humility, acknowledging the sacred in everyone and everything…planting seeds of Peace.
It is through our hands, feet, hearts, and voices that positive change is happening as we align our actions with our Vision, living these changes in our own lives, with our families, friends, and neighbors. This Community stands as an open and welcoming place for all who seek support, belonging, and a sense of Family…it redefines Church as a place of Self-Discovery, Authenticity, Kindness, and Love, as we are Guided to the Truth that lies within every heart.
By the Creative Power of our deep Knowing, clear Vision, and inspired Action, that this prayer is acted upon, even as it is spoken.
In full acceptance of its Reality, and with the deepest gratitude, we release our Word to the One, letting it go, and letting it be…And so it is!…Amen!
Let’s take a moment to bask in that creative and powerful energy…look around to say good morning to your Spiritual Family.
What is our theme for 2025? Through the Lens of Story.
Who has noticed the monthly theme for February? The Power of Creation’
And what has our topic for reflection been this morning? From Love to Service
If you were here with us in Taizé, how did we define Love?
At the Spiritual Level, Love is the Self-Expression of the Divine into form and experience…God forever giving of Itself as all of creation. And so, made in the image and likeness of the Creator, we too, experience Love…the desire to give of ourselves to other beings, and to our world.
And we said that when seen through this lens, it becomes clear that Love must in time lead to Service. We reflected on those we love…friends, families, partners, pets, communities, and said that by giving to our beloveds, we leave a little piece of ourselves behind. We give of ourselves, but not so that we will get something in return…although often we do. And so, true Love automatically leads to Service.
Think for a moment…who are the people in your life, or in our world, that you admire because of their Service?
What are the qualities they display that make them admirable?
Kind; compassionate; awake and aware enough to notice a need and generous enough to help meet the need; patient; courageous; willing.
Is anyone here taking the Shadow and Story class right now?
If you can see and admire these qualities in others, what does that mean about you?
That you have those same qualities, at least in potential, within you. We can’t recognize in others what we don’t already have within us.
Why do some people show forth these qualities and others do not?
Our stories about ourselves get in the way…the things we have been told about ourselves that we adopted as truth.
What gets in the way of our putting forth our best qualities? Fear; playing small; laziness…did I say that? All of the reasons we have for not being our best selves are based in our stories.
We are taking some time to trace some of our least favorite and not-true qualities back to their source. What are we finding out?
That they are not even our stories…we don’t actually believe these things about ourselves…these were someone else’s stories grounded in their own dysfunctional up-bringing, or their own fear of failure, or whatever source of not-enough they might be living with.
What do many people do to lift themselves up?
They put other people down.
But the Truth is that we are all Divine Creations of Spirit. Each of us contains, and is a conduit for, the Power of Spirit…made in the image and likeness of our Source. That’s a big responsibility.
I guess the question is, what are we going to do with this Power that we’ve been given? Learn how it works, use it consciously and wisely.
Author, Carolyn Myss, says that
The darkest part of human nature exists simultaneously with the lightest. The idea that one must completely conquer the dark side in order to reach the light is itself an erroneous way of viewing human nature. Both coexist, with one always working with or through the other. Every choice we make carries profound creative consequences. We are remarkable agents of creation. With that in mind, I want to help you understand …that every choice you make in life sets profound creative consequences in motion.
There are profound shifts that we think are happening out there because they’re happening in here. We are the engines of everything happening around us,” individually and collectively. Every thought you have, every word you say, and every action you initiate in some way influences the world around you. You are more powerful than can be measured. And that power comes from your soul.
What do you think about that?
In the book of John, Jesus says: Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
In other words, believe in the Power that moves through me because you can see what it is capable of.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father.
This is the Truth…he that believes in this Power, in the Power of the Christ Consciousness, will do great works as well.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do.
In other words, whatever you ask, claiming and knowing your Divine Nature, will be done.
How does that feel?
Is there anything else that wants to be spoken right now?
Rev. Diana – Closing Prayer
(Spontaneous Prayer)
Love Offering
Thank you so much for joining me here today. We’re going to bring this part of the morning to a close, but before we do, we’d like to invite you to join in the celebration of the work we are doing in the world by sharing of your financial Good, should you choose to. If you are at home, you can go to mysticheart.org to use our Donate Button or to find our mailing address.
We are an independent, self-supporting organization, and your financial gifts are what make it possible for us to do our work and provide this beautiful and safe space to gather. We thank you in advance for your generous hearts. We acknowledge and give thanks for the Infinite Abundance of Spirit moving through you.
As we engage in the Sacred Practice of Circulation, we’re going to continue to honor the talent of someone who gave so much to the entertainment industry.
Offertory – Step in Time, from Mary Poppins
Sherri – Blessing for the Offering
Sherri – Invitations
- The Mystic Heart Book Club meets every Tuesday from 3-5 We are finishing Conversations With God, Book 2 this week, and will begin book 3 next week.
- Fast Track to Wellness meets every Thursday from noon to 2 pm.
- Metaphysical Bible meets every Thursday from 3-5 pm. We are currently reading The Gospel of Thomas.
Looking Ahead:
- Do you have an hour or two each week to share with our Community? Join Rev. Diana, Lucinda Alton & the Mystic Heart Cleaning Fairies for an Informational Meeting on Saturday, February 15th from 3:30-4:30.
- The Master Gardener Spring Workshops at The Shasta College Farm, Saturdays, February 8th, March 9th and April 26th from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm. Suggested Donation: $5 for the whole morning!
- Write a New Story – In Living Color! Saturday has been moved to March 1st, 1:00 am – 4:00 pm due to illness.
There is more information available in the February Bulletin and on our website.
Information Cards only if new people
Prayer Requests: I am available after service for prayer, in our beautiful Prayer Room or fill out a prayer card and I will get your request to our Prayer Team for daily prayer.
Rev. Diana & Chris – Closing Song
- Love Be With You, written by Lainey Bernstein, RScP & Gary Lynn Floyd
©2025 Mystic Heart Spiritual Center, All Rights Reserved
Permission is granted to duplicate for non-commercial educational use only.
All rights to music performed remain with the copyright owners.
Diana Johnson’s music is © by Barefoot Angel Publishing, ASCAP.
Chris Johnson’s music is © by SeaJay Music & Publishing, ASCAP.