"And they were of one heart and one mind..." - Moses 7:18

Happy Tuesday.
Thank goodness for pointless holidays. This was my quote of the day yesterday:

"It's Presidents' Day—that special time when we honor Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln with a big sale on used cars."

My life would be dramatically different if i did not have those days to sit at home and think about catching up on my work. praise allah.
I actually just wanted to point out how amazingly weird and innovative japanese culture is comparatively speaking. As i was browsing the web thinking about everything i have to do today, and what i should have done yesterday, i found these pictures.

Balloon fashion. That's right. If these ladies were to walk too close to the wall, there's a good chance the static electricity would be so strong they would stick to it.


Oh yeah. And if any of those balloons popped..."awkward!"

Upon further web browsing:



You might not know this, but Disney is kind of a big deal in Japan. And so are tricked out rides. What better way to support 2 loves at once.

There will be more fun Japanese culture on later posts.

On a more serious note, i wanted to mention that even though there are so many differences between our cultures, there is common ground found through the gospel of Jesus Christ. I remember going to a japanese ward and not being able to understand anything; but when we started singing the hymns (i took that picture while listening to the talks), i immediately felt comforted knowing that all of us in that room were there for the same purpose, and that was to worship our God, the Father. I believe one of the songs we sang together (us in English, them in Japanese) was "I am a Child of God." (right click to listen!) And even though we have extremely different views on fashion and car decor, we are all children of God, and He loves each of us equally and perfectly.

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."

Elder Russell M. Nelson said this concerning different cultures in the world:

"On every continent and across isles of the sea, the faithful are being gathered into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Differences in cultural background, language, gender, and facial features fade into insignificance as members lose themselves in service to their beloved Savior. Paul’s declaration is being fulfilled: “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.' 14

Only the comprehension of the true Fatherhood of God can bring full appreciation of the true brotherhood of man. That understanding inspires desire to build bridges of cooperation instead of walls of segregation.

Our Creator decreed “that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.” 15

Intolerance seeds contention; tolerance supersedes contention. Tolerance is the key that opens the door to mutual understanding and love."

I love that the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches love and equality for everyone. It just might be the most universal element that signals to every person that it is truth. I loved Japan and every other country I've been to, and have appreciated so much the diversity that is on this earth! I love learning of different cultures, and I can't wait until I can visit more. For now, I shall continue dreaming. :)