What Are Your Sibling Relationships Like?

My VIPs for this week are siblings in general and my siblings in particular. My parents have twelve children, and I am the eighth child – four boys and eight girls. My siblings range from fifteen years older than me to nine years younger. We were good friends as children and youth, and we are still good friends. I love each of my siblings.

Five of my siblings have passed to the next life, so I look forward to the time when we can be together again. As a mother, one of my dearest hopes is that my children will be good friends and will be great support to each other.

One thing that I noticed in my family of origin as well as my family of choice is that two children can grow up in the same house with the same parents and have the same opportunities. Yet, each child will see each experience through their own set of lenses.

While talking with my siblings about different things that happened in our younger years, I am amazed at how they saw events because I saw them in completely diverse ways. It is good to be able to discuss happy as well as difficult experiences with someone who loves us unconditionally.

In her article published at msn.com, Kelsey Borresen shared thirty-five conversation-starting questions that can help to strengthen the bond between siblings. Here are five of those questions.

1. What would you change, if anything, about our experience growing up?
2. What do you admire most about Mom and/or Dad?

3. In what ways did Mom or Dad let you down?

4. What’s something you wish you could have told me when we were kids? Why didn’t you tell me then?

5. How could I have been a better sibling to you when we were growing up?

You can find Borresen’s other questions at this site. 

How Patriotic Are You?

The topic of discussion for this Constitution Monday concerns patriotism. July 4, 2026, marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is the 250^th anniversary of the birth of America. Americans should be celebrating and wearing their red, white, and blue clothing. Yet, polls say that patriotism is declining.

In her article published at the Deseret News, Lauren Irwin shared results of a new Deseret News and the Hinckley Institute of Politics’ surveys of Utahns and voters nationwide, conducted by Morning Consult. Results show that “there are very real partisan, gender and age differences around feelings of patriotism.” 

The survey found that Utahns are more likely than the general American public to say that they are either somewhat or very patriotic, with 75% of Utah respondents choosing those options. Nationally, that number is 69%. [It should be 100%!]

Still, experts say that number is low. Matthew Wilson, an associate professor at Southern Methodist University, said it’s an “unfortunate development” that’s happened relatively recently.

[Republicans More Likely to Say They Are Patriotic Than Democrats]

The finding also found that Republicans are more likely to say they’re patriotic than independent voters or Democrats.

In Utah, 90% of Republican voters ay they’re patriotic and nationally it’s 82%. In Utah, just 49% of Democrats – the lowest of any group in the survey data – say they’re patriotic. That number jumps at the national level to 61% of Democrats.

“Traditionally, we assumed that patriotism, love of and pride in the country, was a constant that cut across party lines, that Republicans and Democrats might have different visions of what America should be and how the country should move forward, but that they were united and consistent in their love for and pride in the country,” Wilson said. “And unfortunately, that is less true than it used to be.”

Wilson noted that when Republicans accuse Democrats of being less patriotic, the data show that they’re “not wrong.” But, patriotism is not solely related to who controls Washington, he argued.

The MAGA and patriotism pipeline

President Donald Trump has not only embraced patriotism in his campaigns and administrations, but has tried to portray patriotism and love of America as “largely synonymous with support for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement,” Wilson said.

To that extent, Trump has seen more support among male voters, which Wilson notes could be why more men in Utah and nationwide say they are patriotic than women. To the extent that women tend to be skeptical or not approve of Trump’s messaging, it “may bleed over” into skepticism about American patriotism generally.

The survey found that among men, 81% in Utah and 75% nationally say they are either somewhat or very patriotic. This drops among women to 70% in Utah and 64% nationally. Hinckley Institute Director Jason Perry noted that the partisan gap, in addition to gender and age differences, shows that “people’s relationship with national identity” is being shaped more by politics than it used to be. He said it was “striking” that the same patterns continued to show up across multiple surveys.

The age gap

The survey found that in both Utah and nationwide, the younger generations are less likely to say they’re patriotic.

In Utah, among respondents ages 18-34, 57% say they are very or somewhat patriotic. Nationally, it’s nearly equal at 56%.

For people ages 35-44, those saying they’re patriotic jumps to 71% in Utah and 61% nationally. For those 45-64, in Utah, 86% say they’re patriotic and 67% of the general population says the same. The oldest generation was the most likely to say they are somewhat or very patriotic with 92% of Utahns and 86% nationwide.

Wilson noted that the decline in patriotism seen among younger generations could be attributed to multiple things. Younger people are more likely to be “disillusioned” with the extreme political polarization they have been raised in, but changes in the country’s education system have also likely impacted the way younger Americans view their country – and their love or disdain for it….

Latter-day Saints’ unique relationship with patriotism

Wilson highlighted the unique relationship between patriotism and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The survey found that 88% of Utah Latter-day Saints considered themselves patriotic.

Leaders in the church teach that America’s founding documents are divinely inspired, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

The spiritual significance of Independence Day

Church President Joseph Smith in 1839 said that Constitution is a “glorious standard” and was “founded in the wisdom of God.” He said that the love of liberty inspired him and civil and religious liberty were “diffused into my soul by my grandfathers.”

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has spoken about how his faith informs his public service. He said the country needs to look beyond politics to solve the nation’s problems and believes there needs to be a “religious revival.”

Wilson said that for members of the church, the founding of America was not just historical, but theological. Church leaders and the Book of Mormon teach that God would raise up a free nation where his church could be restored. It’s why religious freedom and patriotism are core tenets of the faith, he said.

“There’s a kind of core LDS belief in the divinely guided nature of the American founding and so patriotism is kind of woven, in some ways, into Mormon religious DNA,” he said. “More than any other religion, it is completely interwoven with American patriotism.”

Perry agreed. Utahns are more likely than the rest of the country to say they’re patriotic and faith plays an “important role” in that.

“It speaks to Utah’s strong traditions of service, volunteerism, and community life,” Perry said.

Patriotic acts past and present

The survey asked individuals about how they have expressed patriotism, including by voting, standing for the national anthem, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, flying an American flag, protesting and more…..

Perry argued that an “encouraging” finding from the data shows that Americans still broadly agree on what patriotic behavior is.

“Voting, military service, and civic participation continue to receive strong support across political lines,” he said. “Even when people disagree about the meaning of patriotism, there is still considerable agreement around the civic values behind it.”

 

Is there a fix to falling levels of patriotism?

Wilson highlighted how over the last several decades, Americans have changed the way they identify with political parties. The polarization seen in the nation today is part of a phenomenon that is fueling the decline of patriotism.

“There are partisan gaps opening up in almost everything,” he said. “This deep division between people on the left and people on the right shows up in things from what television shows they watch, what cars they buy, what fast food or coffee places they patronize and it has shown up in whether and how they express their affection for and pride in the country.

Wilson said he thinks the decline in Americans who say they are patriotic is a “symptom of broader social polarization.”

So, is there anything that can be done? Wilson said there’s not an easy or quick fix.

“I do think that some correction of the highly critical America narratives that have pervaded education, that’s a part of restoring this balance, but a general decrease in social and political polarization would help as well….

 

Are You Rebelling against the Lord?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Numbers 11-14; 20-24; 27 in a lesson titled “Rebel Not Ye against the Lord, Neither Fear.” The lesson was introduced by the following information. 

Even on foot, it wouldn’t take 40 years to travel from the wilderness of Sinai to the promised land in Canaan. But that’s how long the children of Israel needed – not to cover the geographical distance but to cover the spiritual distance: the distance between who they were and who they could become as God’s covenant people.

The book of Numbers describes some of what happened during those 40 years, including lessons the children of Israel needed to learn before entering the promised land. They learned about being faithful to the Lord’s servants (see Numbers 12). They learned about trusting the Lord’s power, even when the future seems hopeless (see Numbers 13-14). And they learned that being faithless brings spiritual harm, but they could repent and look to the Savior for healing (see Numbers 21:4-9).

We’re all like the Israelites in some ways. We know what it’s like to be in a spiritual wilderness, and the lessons they learned can help us prepare to enter our promised land: eternal life with our Heavenly Father.

Some principles taught in this scripture block are: (1) Revelation is available to everyone, but God guides His Church through His prophet (Numbers 11:11-17, 24-29; 12); (2) “Moses was very meek” (Numbers 12:3); (3) With faith in the Lord, I can have hope for the future (Numbers 13-14; (4) If I look to Jesus Christ in faith, He can heal me spiritually (Numbers 21:4-9), and

(5) I can follow God’s will, even if others try to persuade me not to (Numbers 22-24).

This essay will discuss principle #3, faith in Jesus Christ can lead to hope for the future. As you read Numbers 13-14, I hope that you try to put yourself in the place of the Israelites. This is a good principle for all scripture study, trying to put oneself into the situation of the people in the story. We will study some relevant verses as follows.

Numbers 13 tells us that Moses sent twelve spies – one man from each of the twelve tribes – to search the land of Canaan. Ten of the twelve men brought an evil report and told Moses only of the strengthen of the inhabitants. Their report caused the children of Israel to fear. The ten men were not allowed to enter the promised land. Two of the twelve – Joshua and Caleb – brought good reports, were praised by the Lord, and became leaders of the people.

Numbers 14:3

3 And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?

Why do you think that they wanted to “return to Egypt”? They were afraid that they would die by the sword – something that did not concern them while living in Egypt. They were slaves, but they had a certain amount of security as well as plenty of food to eat. They did not remember all the miracles performed in Egypt as well as the way that the Lord provided food and water for them to eat and drink.

Numbers 14:24

24 But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

How would you describe the other “spirit” Caleb had? What impresses you about the faith of Caleb and Joshua, and how might you apply their examples to situations you face? Joshua and Caleb had similar experiences to those of the other ten spies. They also saw similar sights. However, they had faith that the Lord would bless them and help them to conquer the inhabitants of the land.

We each face an enemy and/or evil. If we have faith in the Lord and His power, we know that we will not fail. We know that if the Lord is on our side, no evil or power can overcome us.

Have You Expressed Love and Appreciation to Your Mother Recently?

Families are stronger when individuals recognize the good done by mothers, and strong families strengthen communities, states, and nations. In a luncheon for mothers in a celebration of Mother’s Day held in the Rose Garden at the White on Friday, President Donald Trump said, “I want to thank every single mother here this afternoon and across our nation for your work every single day. America’s moms are raising, really, raising the future of our country. In her article published in the Deseret News, Emily Walker reported that “Angel” and “Gold Star” moms were present at the luncheon. 

“Angel” moms are women who have lost children at the hands of people who entered the country illegally.

Trump addressed these women, saying, “Among those with us this afternoon are a number of the angel moms who saw their precious children stolen from them by the open border policies of the radical left,” then adding, “I call them stupid borders, not opened.”

After thanking the angel moms for coming, Trump said, “The angel moms have not been treated properly, but this president treats you properly. I can’t speak for others, but this one treats you properly.”

Trump then addressed “Gold Star” moms, women whose children were killed while serving in the U.S. military. “These mothers raised up children, so selfless, and so devoted that they volunteered to wear the uniform of our nation, and laid down their lives for all of us,” he said. Trump spoke to several mothers specifically, including Janice Chance, who lost her son Jesse Melton during his service as a Marine captain. “Janice, I want to say, America is a strong and free nation today because of people like your great son, and we want to thank you for being here,” he said. He also complimented her hat.

“This Mother’s Day, we’re thinking of all of those incredible moms, and we’re doing everything in our power to support them, and millions of other mothers all across America,” Trump said. He listed actions by his administration that he said support American families and mothers, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which expanded the child tax credit and school choice opportunities.

He specifically mentioned Trump Accounts, which gives every American born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, $1,000 from the U.S. Treasury.

Other initiatives mentioned include lowering the price of IVF and cutting drug prices.

Trump ended his address by expressing gratitude to Gold Star and Angel moms, both in attendance and throughout the nation.

“For those mothers that lost their child, many of whom are with us today, the Angel moms and others, Gold Star moms, we love you especially. We love you  maybe even the most,” he said.

Just as President Trump thanked the Gold Star and Angel moms and expressed gratitude for them, we should all thank our own mothers for their love, sacrifices, and teachings. Some of our moms are no longer living, but we can still express gratitude to them and to God for their mothering efforts.

Why Do We Celebrate National Day of Prayer?

The liberty principle for this Freedom Friday is to worship the God of this land, even Jesus Christ. Today is the 75^th National Day of Prayer – which President Ronald Reagan signed into law in 1988. 

Today Congress celebrated in the U.S. Capitol in celebration of America’s 250 years of liberty as well as “all that God has blessed her with.” Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner opened the celebration, according to Virginia Grace McKinnon at The Daily Signal.

“Our Founders did their best to set up our nation in accordance with his guidelines and principles. And my friends, that is why God has blessed America for 250 years,” Johnson told the crowd gathered in Statuary Hall. “He is the one that has endowed us with our inalienable rights, among those of the rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.”

The theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer comes from 1 Chronicles 16:24, “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the people.”

“The theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer is not rhetorical,” Johnson continued. “God calls us to be faithful and to proclaim his good deeds and on this anniversary, particularly, we have a great opportunity.”

“We should use the entire year as a teachable moment to pass along to the next generation of Americans, who we are, what we’re about, and why we are in this great country,” Johnson suggested.

The speaker offered a prayer over the crowd: “Let’s also pray that we may have the strength, just as our founders did, to hand the faith and freedom on to the next generation that follows us, a generation that cherishes liberty and proclaims proudly what is right and good and true.”

HUD Secretary Scott Turner [is]a former NFL player [who] also served as an associate pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. He shared the glory of God through his own personal testimony.

“I still remember being a little boy sitting and feeling and sensing the presence of God Almighty. Jeremiah 29:11 says, ‘He knows the plans that He has for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.’”

“I know that that same Providence has washed over the United States of America for the past 250 years,” the secretary said.

“Look at how many storms God has led us over the last two and a half centuries,” he continued. “We survived and thrived despite all these trials, because of the grace of our sovereign God and the same sovereign God that our founding fathers believed in.”

“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States,” he said, referencing George Washington’s inaugural address. “Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agents.”

Who Won the Redistricting Fight in Indiana?

Last December, the Indiana Senate refused to redistrict the state, so President Donald Trump went to war with them and endorsed their opponents. According to Virginia Grace McKinnon at The Daily Signal, “Six of the seven candidates Trump endorsed against incumbent state senators won by a landslide.” 

“Indiana is Trump country, and it showed again last night,” Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., who won his primary for reelection to the U.S House, told The Daily Signal Wednesday morning.

“We tried to tell these state senators that were opposing redistricting that this was not a fight they should be fighting,” Stutzman continued. “It’s not a biblical issue, it’s not a moral issue, it’s a partisan issue, and they paid the price last night, and it wouldn’t have needed to happen.”

Newly elected Trump-endorsed candidates who defeated their anti-redistricting opponents include James “Jay” Starkey, Dr. Brian Schmutzler, Michelle Davis, Tracey Powell, Trevor De Vries, and Blake Fiechter. Paula Copenhaver, another Trump-endorsed candidate, is still waiting to see if she defeated her anti-redistricting opponent. Incumbent Greg Goode was the only candidate to beat his Trump-endorsed opponent.

This election received millions in campaign funding, something a state Senate race rarely, if ever, has seen. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind.; Turning Point Action; Scott Presler; and even Trump’s political arm, MAGA Inc., and its director, James Blair, were involved in the get-out-the-vote effort in the state.

Banks went as far as to pour in $3 million from his 501(c)(4) organization, Hoosier Leadership for America, to support Trump-endorsed primary challengers….

“President Trump showed us how to fight back, and that’s what needs to happen,” Stutzman said. “We need to be utilizing every opportunity that we have to be sure that Republicans are at least competing. We’re too nice sometimes to the Democrats, and they just take advantage of us every time,” he continued. “Every Republican state that has this opportunity, we need to do it so we have a balanced opportunity in the fall elections.”

Redistricting has been a fight for both parties for years; neither can agree on when it started or which side is responsible. The one thing they can now agree on is that they are going to pounce on the opportunity….

 

 

Should Iran Be Allowed to Normalize Control of the Strait of Hormuz?

President Donald Trump told Congress that hostilities in Iran are over. Then Iran started attacking its neighbors like UAE and blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is running out of time because their oil-holding facilities are full, and they cannot get their ships out of their ports.

The United States is also running out of time. Approximately 50 percent of Americans support the war efforts in Iran, including most of the Democrats in Congress and a few Republicans like Lisa Murkowski. However, things may be changing soon.

In her article published in The Daily Signal, Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell discussed Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s call for “other countries to join the United States in taking action against Iran’s blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. 

“Iran cannot be allowed to normalize this control of the strait,” he said. “It’s completely unlawful, illegal. It’s outrageous, and every country in the world should be joining us in condemning it and doing something about it, but the United States has stepped up.”

Rubio briefed the press on Iran Tuesday in the place of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is on maternity leave. He addressed President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States will come to the aid of ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz due to security concerns.

Trump named the operation “Project Freedom.”

“Right now, you have a country who is unlawfully, criminally and illegally taking possession of an international waterway and blowing up commercial vessels and putting mines in the water.”

Rubio said: “I don’t know how people don’t appreciate how outrageous this is, how unacceptable it is that any country would fire and try to sink commercial vessels or put mines in the water.”

Iran has placed an unknown number of mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway through which 20% of the world’s crude oil passes.

Rubio said the U.S. is appealing to the United Nations.

“All we’re asking to do is to condemn it, to call on Iran to stop blowing ships, to remove these mines and to allow humanitarian relief to come through, because there’s humanitarian aid that’s trapped,” he said. “That’s it, it is a very modest request.”

Someone needs to stop Iran from this criminal activity, Rubio said. “And that’s why the United States military is guiding stranded commercial ships safely through the strait and is working to restore freedom of navigation and putting an end to these efforts to blow to hod the global economy hostage.”

After Project Freedom began Monday morning regional time, two U.S. merchant ships have already safely passed through the strait, Rubio said.

“They’re now safely along the way,” he said.