Every month, I need to pay the rent for our house. This is not a just drop-it-off type of deal. The owners of the house are in their early 70's. They are "old fashion". When it comes to paying the rent you have to spend 30 minutes talking about a variety of topics before you get down to paying the rent. Yesterday was just like every other month. Only this time, it was just the wife. They have a shrine set up in their front patio for the lady of Guadalupe (virgin Mary). It was a typical shrine set up to honor Mary adorned with Christmas lights, as well as flowers and candles. You can see the photo I took (click on it to make it bigger). I asked if I could take a picture of it. She said of course. She then told me of the stars that are located on her clothing. There are 46. She said that each one represents the days leading up to Dia de Guadalupe which is on December 12. Each day, there is a small mass in each home that wants to, to have a rosary done. So the days leading up to December 12, they meet in front of their little "alter" for time of prayer for the families. What a tradition. To see a people so dedicated to their way of life and how they are fulfilling their duty to the "Mother of God" in order to pay her respect. This lady also told me about the actual painting that it was done by one of the aunts of our landlord who lived with her two sisters in our house. They are so blinded to the truth of God's word. Oh that God use me to open the eyes of the bind. I did not want to disrespect her and the traditions they have. The are people trying to earn grace. Little by little, I have had chances to tell them some of the differences we as Christians believe according to scripture. Having an opportunity to see this first hand only makes me more aware of the people who are all around us leading their lives according to what they have been told and the traditions they have. Many have never actually studied the bible. When you talk to someone about grace, they don't refrence scriptures. They reference to what feel. Pray that God would open hearts
