(Another childhood memory by local, Cheryl Lynne Lucas).

Jesus spoke to me in a vision when I was 6. This happened when Momma rented an old, little log house in Grants Pass, Oregon. She and we 5 kids struggled for survival in a very small 2-bedroom which boldly displayed an old wood stove in the tiny living room with dreary walls stained in soot and a tattered old couch which glared at us for furniture.

We had no dear pictures on her drab, forsaken walls, and the little log house favored the cold most of the time. A poor and hungry family for sure, but once in awhile, someone gave us boxes of things. One day out of a box of one with canned goods came a bright red toy plastic record player— with one record.

On each side of this Elvis Presley classic was ‘His Hand in Mine’ and ‘Love Me Tender.’

Momma said I could have it, and I cherished it more than life itself!

This gift appeared at the same time I met 2 beautiful ladies in my backyard alley.

There in that backyard cozied up against the back steps, sat an old blue, rusting, crumpled up car. Just off the concrete step, we kids could reach the top of its hood by stepping out onto it. My brothers and I would get on it and jump as hard as we could to make the top pop loudly— against Mother’s wishes and sound advice! I would see those ladies pass by there and go down the alley while we were popping that hood. One of the ladies would pass by on Saturday, while the other walked by on Sunday. They always smiled and waved at us.

One day, I so bravely ran out to meet the Saturday lady and asked her where she was going. She said, ‘To teach children about Jesus. Do you want to come?’

I looked down the long, empty alleyway where she was headed and remembered thinking to myself where these children were because I didn’t see any! The lady said, ‘Ask your momma if you can go next Saturday. I’ll come by and take you to meet the children.’

So, I asked Momma if I could go, she said, ‘Yes, but you have to brush your hair.’ My light yellow hair gave me the nickname ‘Taffy.’ It was long and naturally curly. I hated brushing it or having it brushed! Then, she added I couldn’t go unless I wore a dress! I reluctantly agreed with her rules, and Saturday morning Momma helped me with my ‘punishments.’

Happily running out to meet the lady, I took her hand and off we went down the long, empty alley. We came to some steps at the back of an old building and entered it, meeting 10 smiling children. I attended those meetings for a long time, listening to the beautiful lady teach us about Jesus, other people in the Bible, and angels who God sent to help us.

Then one day, I asked the other lady who went by on Sunday, if she taught children about Jesus—and if they had cookies and milk, and she said, ‘Yes. Ask your momma if you can come with me and I’d come by next Sunday.’

I had to follow the same rules of getting ready.

The lady that Sunday took my hand and led me down the alley to steps right next door to the building I’d gone to on Saturdays. We entered a room filled with happy children. That lady taught us about Jesus, other people in the Bible, and angels, too. So, I went to church Saturday and Sunday for a long time. I learned about God who loves me! I would never be alone again. I asked Jesus into my heart and to be my Savior. At 6, I did this in both churches.

Now, here were the most precious, dear experiences I had during my early years.

I’ve kept this time close to my heart for 65 years. Since it happened to me, God has brought it clearly and continually to me during some of the darkest times of my life. He’s reminded me of that very day, encouraging me of the greatness of His love. Remembering the little red record player, and deciding to just play my record and sing with it, i decided Jesus would like those songs on it. I sang to Jesus and the Father, even though the songs were different than the ones I sang at church. I just knew He would like the words because I related them to Him. So, as loud as I could (off key), and as sweet as I could, looking up at the ceiling, I began to sing.

As I kept singing, the ceiling opened up and disappeared! Heaven, in a glowing cloud now shone above me, and I knew it was Heaven because Jesus was on His throne, smiling down at me. He began laughing, overwhelmed with happiness, and He said to me, ‘I love you my little daughter. Keep singing to me. I’m listening.’

So, in that tiny, old, drab, cold living room, I kept singing until His face and his warm love so overwhelmed me, all I could do was cry! I cried because He cared for me—a poor ragged little girl. And because I learned He was hurt on the cross for me! I cried because He wanted to be with me and celebrate me and because He was going to take me to Heaven to live with Him. I cried because His face was so beautiful!

Serving and knowing God is not a duty, it’s a relationship. God can use any one of us. He’s always available to speak to us. He longs to reach us, just like we are and be involved in everything we do. Remember to praise your King and Savior. Read Psalm 100. God is waiting to hear from you!

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