Christine's Story

I was raised Methodist at the Grace United Methodist Church here in Lincoln, Nebraska. I was a member of the choir and the Youth Program. I have fond memories of a trip to Kansas City in a redesigned school bus, used for camping, and serving at the spaghetti dinners at the church. In my teenage years I was a member of the Youth Temperance Union, the youth organization assoicated with the Women's Temperance Councel Union, because of my Grandmother Blue. I believe, because of the education of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, I only drink alcoholic beverages rarely. I went to Kearney State College from 1970-1973, majoring in Business Education. While there I met two women who were Catholic. I did go to Mass with them once in awhile, which was my first taste of Catholism.

In 1978, I was living in a 2 bedroom apartment alone. I took on a roommate for the summer, she was attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She as a Catholic and myself a Methodist had very interesting religious discussions. As time progressed into the future and our friendship blossomed, she suggested that I become Catholic. My first reponse was I do not think,so. Her suggestion was to prayfully consider the possiblity of conversion. I asked God to give me a sign if this was his will. I know I would meet resistance with my Mother and husband. The sign came a few weeks later when I was driving to work. As I was driving I was only conscience of the car in front of me for a good 10 blocks. I missed seeing St. Mary's Church, the Capitol Building, and any other landmarks along the way. All of a sudden, while stopped at a stop light I became aware of my surroundings. I contacted St. Mary's and to my amazement Father Witt was conducting a R.I.C.A. class at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays, for another couple that was having trouble getting to the instruction class in the evening. Being a second shift worker this was prefect for me. I was confirmed on Holy Saturday 1999 and in attendance was my Mother!! I did attend a Parish Retreat in July of 1998 and became a SINE member. I have given The Pentecostal Talk three times over the years at the Parish Retreat and have been a shepard, also. SINE is now called The Light of the World. Meeting with my Faith Sharing group, which is like a Bible Study, has enriched my faith.

I have traveled to West Bend Iowa to see the Grotto of the Redemption, which Father Doberstien built using gem stones. The first grotto he built was a tribute to Mary. I have also, been to Our Lady of the Snows, in Bellville Illionis, just across from St. Louis, MO, The Shrine of the Black Madonna, in Eureka MO, The Fatima Shrine at the Catholic Church in Aprahoe, NE, the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Dwight, NE, where you will find the smallest chapel ever built, and Trinity Heights in Souix City, Iowa, where you will find a 30 foot statue of Mary as Queen of Peace and a statue of Jesus 33 feet tall. In Logan Iowa there is a Religious Museum.

I enjoy knitting, crocheting, needle point, and counted cross stitch. I learned to knit from my mother when I was 14. She was taking a knitting class, which I took interest in, so she taught me and it will not surprise those of you that have taken a knitting class know that my first project was a pair of slippers. Through the years I have met people who have crocheted and did counted cross stitch and taught me how. I did go to a Counted Cross Stitch Convention in Des Moines Iowa the first year it was offered and took classes, so my cross stitch would look professional. One of my Catholic friends, who is a computer buff, introduced me to the Lewis and Company web site. He was excited about it, because he had ordered their introduction kit, which gives you two Rosaries to make. With his encouragement I ordered one, too. Mine sat in storage until another Catholic, who has been making and repairing Rosaries for many a year, volunteered to teach me. In January I took her up on her offer. In one afternoon I had my practice Rosary done and was excited to start and finish the other one I had. She encouraged me to start making Rosaries. I took the first two Rosaries I had made to work and to my surprise one of my co-workers said that their mother had lost their Rosary and that Mother's Day was coming. She choose the Rosary made with glass beads in the color of tanzinite. That was my first sale. In a conversation with my Step Father about the sale of the Rosary he suggested using the internet to sell more. As they say the rest is history. I contacted Quick Connect, a local computer company, who stepped up to the plate to make the internet happen. The next thing I know I am auctioning one of the Rosaries on e-bay. I enjoyed seeing how many people had looked at my rosaries and how many people had bid on it. I prayfully put the Rosaries together and say The Hail Mary. Saying the Rosary and making the Rosaries brings joy to my heart.