When a Missionary Returns Home Early | A Mother's Perspective

Interview Transcript Available Below To say that Heidi Tucker, found her self in  at a difficult junction in her life, would be an understatment.  She had just turned 50, her 4th child was about to leave home, she was nearing the end to her calling that required her to teach early morning seminary at 4:30 am every morning. She was physically, emotionally and spiritually beat up.  She was on a flight between Phoenix and Salt Lake City, where she had a dream and saw her hands holding her book that she was to write (1:50). Episode Highlights * Heidi tells what she had originally thought when she woke up from the dream (2:45) * She tells about seeking personal revelation after she had allowed herself to forget about the dream. (3:40) * “I showed you that book" There was no getting away from the promptings she received. (4:40) * The book includes personal true stories of how Heidi found hope in trials in addition to gospel principles that helped her and her family through the difficult times. (7:31) * Improving Scripture Study (8:12) * Turning personal prayer into 2 way communication (9:22) * Protect yourself from outside influences (11:30) * Learning and relating to sacrifices other family members have made (Family History) (8:48) * The audience for this book is for anyone, but has gotten a positive response from Relief Society Sisters and other women (12:45) * Know that “Everyone is doing their best, at the level that they are at.”  Gaining a testimony is a process, not an event. (14:35) * Connecting with others by being real and honest. (16:38) * Combining personal experiences combined with gospel principles help make leaders seem real. (17:55) * “Struggle is as much a part of the plan as joy." (18:42)  Instead of saying ‘Why me,” say, “What now” * Experiences with Missionaries coming home early (20:55) * Don’t ask why they returned home. * Don’t ask what they are going to be doing or ask if they are going to be going back out. * Understand there are a lot of unanswered questions. * Understanding as a parent that your child is on their own path to their Heavenly Father (26:00) * Love them, support them and quit trying to fix them. (27:27) * Keeping RM’s involved (32:54) * Be Direct and let people know that you care. (35:36) Links: Finding Hope in the Journey: Recognize His Message Heidi's Blog Interview Transcript Kurt Francom:       03:39           Today we're actually in my childhood home talking with Heidi Tucker.  How are you Heidi? Heidi Tucker:       03:44          Very good to be here. Thank you. Kurt Francom:       03:47          You're from Cave Creek Arizona. Remind me where that is again? Heidi Tucker:       03:52          That is on the north east corner of Phoenix and Scottsdale area. Kurt Francom:       03:55          Nice and you're visiting some grand kids and children here? Heidi Tucker:       04:00          They all went to college in Utah and never came back. Kurt Francom:       04:04          Wow. So you have to come visit? Heidi Tucker:       04:05          I have to be here every opportunity I get.  And so we organized. My parents home was available and here we are in a nice air conditioned home. Are you to record and learn about you so you are the author of "Finding Hope in th...