Preparing For The ‘Future’ [v286]

DECEMBER 2022

Everyone is ‘concerned’ about the FUTURE with everything happening these days. All of us just want to have health, peace, safety, happiness, purpose, and love. Then, after we pass, we want to be remembered—hopefully, for ‘living out’ those things. So then, one should PLAN and ‘PREPARE’ for these to be so!

INTRODUCTION
In October 2022, Statista Research did a survey of U.S. adults asking them, “What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?” The results were:

– High cost of living/Inflation (20%)
– Economy in general (18%)
– Dissatisfaction with government/Poor leadership (14%)
– Immigration (8%)
– Unifying the country (4%)
– Environment/Pollution/Climate change (4%)
– Elections/Election reform/Democracy (4%)
– Crime/Violence (4%)
– Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness (4%)
– Abortion (3%)
– No opinion (3%)
– Race relations/Racism (2%)
– Federal budget deficit/Federal debt (2%)
– Other non-economic (2%)
– Ethics/moral/religious/family decline (2%)
– Guns/Gun control (2%)
– Fuel/Oil prices (2%)
– Energy/Lack of energy sources (2%)
– Unemployment/Jobs (2%)
– Judicial system/Courts/Laws (2%)
– Education (2%)
– Gap between rich and poor (2%)
– Taxes (1%)
– Healthcare (1%)
– Welfare (1%)
– Foreign policy/Foreign aid/Focus overseas (1%)
– Diseases/coronavirus (1%)
– The media (1%)
– Wars/War (nonspecific)/Fear of war (1%)
– Lack of respect for each other (1%)
– Wage issues (1%)
– Situation with Russia (1%)
– Lack of money (1%)
– Drugs (1%)

[ NOTE: Statista did a survey of the most important problems facing the WORLD as of September 2022. The results were:

– Inflation (40%)
– Poverty/Social Inequity (31%)
– Unemployment (26%)
– Crime/Violence (26%)
– Financial/Political Corruption (26%)
– Healthcare (19%)
– Climate Change (18%)
– Taxes (16%)
– Education 14%)
– COVID-19 (12%)
– Immigration Control (11%)
– Moral Decline (10%)
– Threats Against the Environment (9%)
– Military Conflict Between Nations (8%)
– Rise of Extremism (7%)
– Terrorism (7%)
– Maintaining Social Programs (7%)
– Access to Credit (2%) ]

[ VIDEO: “Americans Are Angry and Worried About U.S. Future” ]

According to a recent survey conducted by “The Harris Poll,” (“Stress In America 2022”) only 38% agreed with the statement, “our children are going to inherit a better world than we did,” and only 37% agreed with the statement, “I feel our country is on the path to being stronger than ever.”

More than three-quarters of adults (76%) said that the future of our nation is a significant source of stress in their lives, while 68% said this is the lowest point in our nation’s history that they can remember. Two in three adults (66%) said the current political climate is a significant source of stress in their lives. Further, three in five adults (60%) said that the current social divisiveness in the nation causes them stress. Slightly more than three in five adults (62%) reported that the racial climate in the U.S. is a significant source of stress in their lives. A majority of U.S. adults agree that the nation’s future “looks bleak.”

The major aspects of this survey cited the following:

– Inflation leads to increased tension
– Concerns over violence, crime, and safety leave most feeling unprotected
– Pessimistic views on government and civil liberties pervade
– The racial climate is a significant source of stress

The impact of stress on daily functioning and productivity. Nearly two in five adults (37%) reported that when they are stressed, they can’t bring themselves to do anything. Around a fifth of adults also reported experiencing forgetfulness (21%), an inability to concentrate (20%), and difficulty making decisions (17%) in the last month due to stress. Adults with a higher average stress level were more likely than those with a lower average stress level to report experiencing forgetfulness (39% vs. 7%), the inability to concentrate (38% vs. 6%), and difficulty making decisions (31% vs. 5%).

Around a third of adults (34%) reported that stress is completely overwhelming most days. Some groups were even more likely to report feeling this way. For example, adults ages 18 to 34 and 35 to 44 were more likely than their older counterparts to report feeling this way (56% and 48% vs. 24% of those 45 to 64 and 9% of those 65+). In addition, younger women (ages 18 to 34) were more likely to report feeling this way than women ages 35 to 44, 45 to 64, and 65+ (62% vs. 48%, 27%, and 9%, respectively). Younger men also were more likely than older men to report feeling this way (51% of ages 18 to 34 and 48% of ages 35 to 44 vs. 21% of ages 45 to 64 and 8% of ages 65+). Black men were more likely than White men to report feeling this way (42% vs. 28%).

Stress and the consequences for American health. Around three-quarters of adults (76%) said they have experienced health impacts due to stress in the prior month, including headache (38%), fatigue (35%), feeling nervous or anxious (34%), and/or feeling depressed or sad (33%).

Adults with a higher average stress level were more likely than those with a lower average stress level to report experiencing headache (59% vs. 20%), fatigue (57% vs. 15%), feeling nervous or anxious (56% vs. 12%), and feeling depressed or sad (57% vs. 10%) due to stress in the past month.

Around seven in 10 adults (72%) have experienced additional health impacts due to stress, including feeling overwhelmed (33%), experiencing changes in sleeping habits (32%), and/or worrying constantly (30%). And more than one in 10 said they have been using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax (15%). Adults with a higher average stress level were more likely than those with a lower average stress level to report experiencing feeling overwhelmed (57% vs. 11%), changes in sleeping habits (53% vs. 12%), constant worrying (53% vs. 9%), and using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax (30% vs. 5%).

Meanwhile, a majority of adults (70%) said that health care is a significant source of stress in their lives. Adults at or below the poverty level were more likely than those above the poverty level to say that health care is a significant source of stress in their lives (75% vs. 68%). Black, Latino/a, and Asian adults were more likely than White adults to agree that health care is a significant source of stress in their lives (74%, 77%, and 74% vs. 67%).

People react differently to uncertainty, but you can take some simple steps to build your resilience in uncertain times. Accepting that there will be uncertainty can free us to focus on what IS in our control.

<<< SUMMARY >>>

The following is a collection of ‘snippets’ from the post that aims to give you the overall ‘jest’ of this post.
[ 10-15 Minute Read ].

‘CONCERNS’ ABOUT THE FUTURE
In 1935, Gallup first asked Americans what they thought was the most important problem facing the United States. In the midst of the Great Depression, over 60% mentioned concerns related to the economy. Fast forward nearly 100 years, and as financial expert James Carville said, in 1992, “It’s the economy, stupid!”

A new survey, conducted by “The Harris Poll,” (“Stress in America 2022: Concerned for the Future, Beset by Inflation”), shows a battered American psyche, facing a barrage of external stressors that are mostly out of personal control. The survey found a majority of adults are disheartened by government and political divisiveness, daunted by historic inflation levels, and dismayed by widespread violence.

The report summarizes findings on currently reported stress levels, sources, and consequences:

– Pessimistic views on government and civil liberties pervade
– Majority of U.S. adults agree the nation’s future looks bleak
– Inflation leads to increased tension
– Concerns over violence, crime, and safety leave most feeling unprotected
– The impact of stress on daily functioning and productivity
– Stress and the consequences for American health
[ more… ]

HOW TO ‘PREPARE’ FOR THE FUTURE
So, why is it so important to plan for the future? Well, primarily, EVERY decision you make make ‘impacts’ your life tomorrow! However, for some people, preparing for the future means planning for different stages of their lives. For others, it means being ready to handle something unexpected.

Much about life is not only counter-intuitive but often overlooked as we rush to act or respond to events. This has an unintended consequence: the fact that many of our problems and missed opportunities are caused by an emphasis on immediacy and short-term thinking, at the expense of reflection, preparation, and longer-term thinking. Perhaps two popular proverbs can help illustrate this.

First, an African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” I get that we are often working in isolation, and we need to work fast. But we do also need to work together, and that means setting and achieving longer-term goals.

Secondly, the classic Chinese proverb: “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” Don’t be daunted. Life is all about the journey. Some journeys, like life, benefit from planning, sustained commitment, reflection, and time.

So then, consider this simple question. Is 67 years a long time? Well, in one way it does if I reflect on ALL the things I did on my life (I just turned 67). However, in another way of thinking, it seems to have gone by really quickly.

Consider the time it took from the first powered flight (December 17, 1903) until arguably the most famous ‘powered flight’ when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon (July 20, 1969). That was just a bit over 65 years!

So then, consider asking yourself these questions:

– What are your long-term goals?
– What goals matter to you most, and why?
– What do you want to achieve in the next ten years?
– What skills and mindset shifts do you need to get there?
– What will lasting, long-term progress and success look like to you?
[ more… ]

THE ‘BREVITY’ OF LIFE
So then, why should one be ‘concerned’ about getting PREPARED? Well, because, as every ‘old’ person—like me—life is short and one should actively seek out things that matter to them.

When I was a kid, I used to wonder about this. Is life actually short, or are we really complaining about its ‘finiteness’? Would we be just as likely to feel life was short if we lived 10 times longer?

Well, since there didn’t seem any way to answer this question back then, I stopped wondering about it. Then I had kids—which ‘presented’ me an answer to that question: YES! Life is REALLY ‘SHORT’! [ My ‘little’ daughter, Arielle, has been married for 10 years now, and Tyler is a world traveler (having visited over 20 countries!) ].

Having kids showed me how to convert a continuous quantity of time into ‘discrete’ quantities. Since the ‘wonder’ of Christmas lasts from say ages 3 to 10, the parents only get to watch their children experience it eight times. Eight is not a lot of anything. (If you had a handful of 8 peanuts, or a shelf of 8 books to choose from, the quantity would definitely seem limited, no matter what your lifespan was.)

Okay then, so life is ‘short’. Does it make any difference to know that?

———

[ FYI: For more details on life being short—and what to do about it—view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/a-sense-of-urgency-v269/ ].
[ more… ]

‘ACCEPTING’ DEATH
Most of us like to think we’re in control of our life. We’re able to make choices and decisions and take responsibility for them. We will all die one day, but receiving a terminal prognosis forces you to face your mortality ‘head on’. This results in a mix of powerful emotions, including feeling out of control, powerless, and unable to accept your death.

– Stages Of Reaction When Facing Death
These emotions are often similar to those of the grieving process. You’re going to feel shock, denial, guilt, anger and bargaining, depression, reconstruction, and maybe even acceptance.

– Coming To Terms With Death
So many of us live as if we are immortal (especially 20-somethings), which can mean we leave important things undone and unsaid. So, if you prepare for your own death in advance, it means you can relieve the decision-making burden of those you love and create opportunities for an end of life filled with peace.

WHAT HAPPENS ‘AFTER’ DEATH?
We will ALL experience the grief of losing a loved one during our lifetime, and for many, these periods of loss cause them to question what exactly takes place after death. For others, watching parents age or experience a near-death accident can bring up such thoughts.

Regardless of the religion with which you identify, or what your personal experience has been with death, it may be useful to learn about the Christian viewpoint about the afterlife, as it is widely accepted in many parts of the world—by multiple billions of people!

The idea of an afterlife—particularly one that is dictated by how a person’s life was lived on earth—is widely disputed among atheists. Many believe there is nothing after death, and that life simply ends when our earthly bodies die. This view is predicated on the idea that human existence only takes place on this ‘physical’ plane—and not on a ‘spiritual’ one.

Other skeptics take issue with the concepts of Heaven and Hell or of an afterlife that is dependent upon the actions people take during their lifetime. They argue that living with integrity on earth should not be a matter of receiving a reward after death, but simply a moral choice. So, let me present a bit of what the Bible says about what happens after death.

———

[ FYI: For more details about a Christian’s “hope,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/blessed-hope-v245/ ].

So, ask yourself, “What would happen if you embraced the possibility that the God of the Bible really did create the world and really does care for you?”

As human beings, we’re all born with an innate need to know others and to be known. Having healthy relationships is essential to having a full and satisfying life, but not everyone has the kind of positive, supportive, and meaningful relationships they need. Many people are even uncomfortable with the process of meeting new people and making new friends. The Bible says that life is better lived in an authentic community of people who appreciate the connection to others (Hebrews 10:24-25).

In the seventeenth century, a famous philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal, encouraged people to make a wager when it came to belief in God. If a person chose to believe in God and God did exist, that person would gain everything (eternal life). If a person chose to believe in God and God did not exist, that person would lose nothing. On the other hand, if a person chose not to believe in God and he was right, he would lose nothing. But if that person did not believe in God and he was wrong—he would lose everything (lose eternal life).

[ CHART: “Pascal’s Wager” ]

This wager can be said another way: Based on this logic, Pascal suggested the rational person would choose to believe in God as believing offers a person everything (eternal life) while losing nothing. Wherever you are in your faith journey, would you consider taking Pascal’s wager? If the good God of the Bible exists, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by believing in Him today.

So then, are you going to ‘wager’ your eternal life?

‘PREPARE’ FOR YOUR DEATH
Most people would rather not think about dying. We spend countless hours planning trips, social gatherings and investments, but we don’t prepare for death—the one ‘certainty’ in life.

Whether death comes suddenly or after a long battle with illness, there are certain things that need to be taken care of in order to make the process as smooth as possible for both you and your loved ones.

Death is an unavoidable part of the cycle of life, yet so many of us do everything we can to avoid thinking about how to cope with death. Preparing for death means you can make things a lot easier for yourself, and to ensure there is as little stress as possible—especially for your family.

It has been more than 200 years since Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of the United States, penned the phrase, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” So, based on what he said, I’m thinking that most of us do some tax planning, with some getting into a bit more detail than others.

However, for all of the information and apps we have available these days, most people don’t prepare for death at all! In fact, recent studies show that fewer than 50% of adults have any sort of will in place. Even worse, nearly 75% of adults don’t have anything ready if something tragic were to happen.

SO, I am STRONGLY suggesting that anyone reading this post starts to at least think about pulling together some of the things I will mention below—BUT, finish reading the post before you start actually doing something!

———

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_vPZUTNWnA&t=179s
[ “Preparing For The Future” ]

‘ESTATE PLANNING’
Estate planning is putting your affairs in order so that your loved ones can take over if you die or are incapacitated. A will lists of your assets and obligations, with details of all open accounts. (Make sure you record your beneficiaries on your retirement and investment accounts so there’s no delay in carrying out your wishes.)

Estate planning goes beyond just drafting a will. Thorough planning means accounting for all of your assets and ensuring they transfer as smoothly as possible to the people or entities you wish to receive them. The following will help you to be sure that you have covered most, if not all, of your ‘bases’.

Knowing your time on this Earth is coming to an end is a hard reality to grasp. But helping your family and loved ones accept and anticipate your passing in advance can be a blessing to them—and to you. There are two ways to prepare them: ‘Emotionally’ and ‘Practically’.

PREPARE YOUR LOVED ONES ‘EMOTIONALLY’
Experts suggest that the following are the primary ‘emotional’ items that need be addressed for most people.

– Acknowledge The People Who Count Most
– Review Your Life
– Create An ‘Ethical Will’
– Apologize To Those You Regret Hurting
– Forgive Those Who Have Hurt You
– Take Time To Say Goodbye

———

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODtWpz0Uzyg
[ Example of a video ‘letter’ ]

PREPARE YOUR LOVED ONES ‘PRACTICALLY’
This is a bit more complex, since there are many more ‘moving parts’ involved. Experts suggest that the following are the primary ‘practical’ items that need to be addressed for most people.

– Define Your ‘Goals’
– ‘Compile’ Documents
– List ‘Physical’ Assets
– List ‘Non-physical’ Assets
– ‘Valuation’
– List ‘Debt’/‘Obligations’
– ‘Simplify’ Your Finances
– Develop An Estate ’Strategy’
– Create An ‘Estate Plan’
– Select ‘Executor’/‘Guardian’
– Create A ‘Living Will’
– Appoint A ‘Power Of Attorney’
– Choose/Update ‘Beneficiaries’
– Buy/Update ‘Life Insurance’
– Create A ‘Living Trust’
– Create A ‘Will’
– Pre-plan Your ‘Funeral’ Arrangements

[ NOTE: I am planning a “Follow Me” event that will be a bit unique. It will feature my favorite musical band, ApologetiX, to perform a ‘concert’, and will also have a giveaway that will have all the ‘things’ I have done in my life that might just help someone interested in finding out how they can ‘follow me’ to Heaven. ]

– Create A ‘Digital’ Estate Plan
– Create A List of ‘Contacts’
– Review Your ‘Bucket List’

VIDEO: https://www.topgear.com/car-news/big-reads/transfagarasan-highway-worlds-best-road
[ BBC’s “Top Gear” car show names the “Transfagarasan Highway” as the “world’s best road” ]

So, pick one or two of your most realistic dreams and prioritize your time so you can achieve them!

[ I want to visit Israel and especially Jerusalem. Here’s a great movie trailer showing it ]
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbjrRvFkYm

– Assemble a ‘Facts Book’
So, think of the ‘things’ you use, the ‘people’ who you interact with, and the ‘services’ you access on a daily/weekly basis. Now, imagine if you suddenly were no longer here, would your family and fiduciaries know who to contact and how to gain access to accounts, records and electronic information? If not, creating a “facts book” containing important information will help your family members administer your estate and ‘wind up’ your affairs.

———

[ NOTE: The company “Ever Loved” has a great free download entitled “What To Do When Someone Dies: A Checklist.” It highlights what to do ASAP, within a few days, leading up to the funeral, and then within the first few weeks.
https://everloved.com/static/planning-checklist.36f7307f8434.pdf ].

– Get ’Started’, Now!
Procrastination is the biggest ‘enemy’ of many things, but especially estate planning. While none of us likes to think about dying, improper or no planning can lead to family disputes, assets getting into the wrong hands, long court litigation, and excess money paid in estate taxes.

So, GET STARTED! To quote Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
[ more… ]

PREPARING FOR DEATH AS A ‘BELIEVER’
Death and dying are uncomfortable subjects for most people, particularly when it comes to one’s own death. Many of us make our way through life never giving a thought to our mortality until a serious illness, the loss of a loved one, or some other jarring occasion confronts us with the inescapable reality that one day we will die. However, King Solomon—considered to be the wisest person ever to live—said, “Death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart” [ Ecclesiastes 7:2 ]. So then, do you take your own death ‘to heart’? If so, are you be prepared to die?

Scripture calls death an ‘enemy’ (1 Corinthians 15:26). Because of death’s finality and because so much about it is unknown, it’s not unusual for us to feel anxious about death and afraid of dying. But the Bible teaches that Jesus has ‘destroyed’ the enemy of death once and for all: “Now with the coming of our Savior Christ Jesus, he has… destroyed death, and through the Good News he has brought eternal life into full view” [ 2 Timothy 1:10 ]. So, for those who have trusted Jesus for their salvation they need not fear death, but can have full assurance and confidence in facing the grave.

However, after death comes ‘judgment’ (Hebrews 9:27), and most people are not ready to “meet their Maker.” The first and foremost way to prepare for death is to be sure we are in a ‘right’ relationship with God. (Having a right relationship with God starts with acknowledging our sin before Him through confession and repentance. It means placing our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” – Romans 10:9). Salvation is God’s gift to us (Ephesians 2:8). We only need to ‘receive’ it by faith.

[ FYI: For more details about salvation, view these previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” posts:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/developing-ones-character-v283/
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/being-thankful-v285/ ].
[ more… ]

‘SPIRITUAL’ PREPARATION FOR HEAVEN
Personal spiritual preparation involves our own assurance regarding one’s salvation. This involves a sincere evaluation of our own spiritual condition.

[ FYI: For more details about determining your own spiritual ‘condition’, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/knowing-assurance-v243/ ]

Salvation is not based on what I am doing, or where I am, but on what Jesus did. ‘Possession’ is different from ‘profession’.

———

Have you made a ‘decision’ FOR Christ? This is your own spiritual ‘preparation’ for Heaven. Have you ‘PREPARED’ YOURSELF after your salvation?

[ FYI: For more details on salvation, view these previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” posts:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/being-thankful-v285/
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/developing-ones-character-v283/ ]

HOW TO PREPARE FOR ‘TOMORROW’
The future begins now. Every journey begins with preparation. Adequate preparation will always receive glorious manifestations. To prepare is to be ready. It is to plan with facts. To prepare is to have the necessary information. It is to strategize. There is tremendous ‘power’ in preparation!

So, to be ‘prepared’ for death and assured of Heaven when you die, one must:
[ more… ]

PREPARE TO GO TO ‘HEAVEN’
Most of us want to do our best and, therefore, plan ahead for the ‘things’ of life—some of which will, gratefully, never come to pass. We prepare for catastrophic problems by buying all kinds of insurance. We prepare for retirement by investing in stocks, funds, and a 401K. We even prepare for death by buying “life” insurance. But how many people prepare for what’s ‘beyond’ death?

Some say that there’s nothing beyond death and that they’ll take their chances. Then why prepare for anything in life? Why not just take your chances? Because, more often than not, it pays to prepare.

Whether preparing for retirement that lasts maybe 20 years, or for a career that lasts 40-50 years, it ‘pays’ to be prepared. (A college grad, on average, will make about a million dollars more in income during their career than the high school grad). Without any preparation at all, one would lead a miserable existence. So what type of existence will one lead if one does not PREPARE for his or her ETERNITY? Life lasts maybe 80 years, but “eternity” lasts much, much longer.

“Be ready!” is a repeated theme in Scripture (In fact, one of the major teachings of Jesus). So, what does one need to do to get ready?

———

Jesus closed the parable with these words: Watch, therefore, “for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:1-13)

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mFaOHn55PM&t=60s
[ “Where’s Ten Girls” – ApologetiX ]

———

Heaven is worth more than anything we might attain on this earth and we must be willing to give up all for it, even our mortal life itself if necessary. Jesus gave all to save us and we must be willing to deny ourselves and give all that we have to gain eternal life (Matthew 13:44).

[ FYI: For more details about the ‘cost’ of flooring Jesus, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/it-will-cost-you-v233/ ].

———

The Bible teaches that God has placed eternity in our hearts; we are made to live forever, and we instinctively know that there is more life than our threescore and 10 here on earth. How wonderful to study the subject of heaven in the Bible, and learn more about the eternal home for gods children. Revelation 21 and 22 is a virtual travel guide for the new heavens, the new earth, and the new Jerusalem.

Our passport, however, is all-important—the key to obtaining one is knowing Jesus as the Lord and Savior. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” [ John 11:25-26 ].

So, do ‘YOU’ BELIEVE THIS? Do you believe that Jesus is the ‘ONLY’ way to get to Heaven? He said He was: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This IS ‘CRUCIAL’ to believe if you want to get to Heaven.

Now, many say that this is ‘arrogant’. How could God be so ‘restrictive’? Well, the Apostle Paul answered that question by saying: “But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?” [ Romans 9:20-21 ].

If God is the Creator of everything, how can we—His creation—tell Him what He should do? HOWEVER, God IS merciful and desires EVERYONE to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:23; Matthew 23:37).

SO, GET ‘PREPARED’ to go the Heaven! It IS ‘ASSURED’ for the believer!

PREPARE FOR THE ‘RAPTURE’
Many prophecy experts say that the current events that we are all witnessing these days signify that we are at the period of the ‘End Times’—they call it “Convergence”)—which, in their interpretation (and mine) signifies the Rapture of the believer can happen at ANY ‘MOMENT’! So, I’m thinking that everyone needs to take this seriously—and determine for themselves—whether these prophecy experts are correct.

[ FYI: For more details about the coming “Rapture” of the Church, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/blessed-hope-v245/ ].

———

When Jesus told His disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you” [ John 14:2 ], that was not only an encouragement for His disciples who were in the room at the time, but it is also an encouragement for ANY ‘BELIEVER’! This means that the believer will see Him one day either when He returns at the Rapture or when they die, whichever comes first. Either way, they know their future—if they believe in Him, they have eternal life and they spend eternity with Him. For me, those are ENCOURAGING words!

The Rapture is for believers. The Rapture IS coming, and EVERY believer NEEDS to make sure that they are ‘READY’ FOR IT!

So, the ‘UNSAVED’ are NOT ‘READY’ for the Rapture! In fact, that day of the Lord (which begins with the rapture) will come upon the unsaved “like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Those who are left behind in the rapture will be those who will go through the “Tribulation”

[ FYI: For more details about the final “Tribulation,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/final-tribulation-v246/ ].

The thing is, the only way you will be left behind in the rapture is if you have not received Christ as your Savior. If you are not saved, then today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). DO NOY ‘DELAY’ another moment! Trust Jesus NOW!

Jesus will come “like a thief in the night” and no one can predict the date (Matthew 24:36). Those who are ‘left behind’ in this world after the Rapture will, unfortunately, live at the mercy of Satan (‘through’ the “Antichrist”), who will rule the world at the time and will make it REALLY ‘BAD’ for ALL those on earth at the time of the “Tribulation.”

[ FYI: For more details about the Antichrist, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/heed-the-warning-v251/ ].

WRAP-UP
We live in a world where the future seems less and less certain with each crisis and tragedy that happens. Gas prices could soar even higher. The economy could collapse. Social Security could fail. Terrorists could carry out a nuclear attack on the U.S. The bad news just goes on and on—and I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of potential woes!

On top of that, we have numerous personal problems that could ‘blow up’ in our faces at any time. Something bad might happen to one of our family members. Our marriage might fall apart. Our past might ‘catch up’ with us. We might lose everything we have been working toward.

So, how does one prepare themselves for what seems like an uncertain future? Go into hiding or seclusion? Prepare bomb shelters and keep an emergency stock of food and water? Tuck away enough cash to get them through a tough time? Make yourself as independent as possible from electricity, water, and other things that might be disrupted by a natural disaster or other calamity? (Now, some of these things are not bad ideas. In fact, there are some practical ways to prepare for future catastrophes that just make good sense.)

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE ‘FUTURE’
Then, HOW does one prepare for the future? Well, first off, there are a variety of reasons WHY one should get prepared. A few are:
[ more… ]

PREPARE YOUR ‘ESTATE PLAN’
Now, the brevity of life seems to ’sneak’ up on all of us—especially if we are ‘enjoying’ life—and we really need to start planning for the ‘distribution’ of our success. That usually means we need to start developing a ‘strategy’ for our estate.

So, one needs to start to ‘compile’ documents, list ‘assets’, ‘debts’, and ‘obligations’, and do ‘valuations’ so they can create an ‘estate plan’. They then need to select an ‘executor’ and some ‘power of attorneys’ to execute their wishes. Buying (or updating) some ‘life insurance’ and choosing some ‘beneficiaries’ are next in line to be accomplished.

To make sure one’s desires are executed when one no longer can make decisions for themselves, a ‘living will’ and/or ‘living trust’ needs to be created. After all this, one then has enough information—and has thought through a lot of ‘things’—they can create their ‘will’. After that, if they would like, they can pre-plan their ‘funeral’, instruct what should be done with their ‘digital’ assets, and review their ‘bucket list’ for things they would like to accomplish before passing. All this then should be put into a ‘facts book’ that will organize everything into a single ‘source’ to help their family members administer their estate and ‘wind up’ their affairs as easily and efficiently as possible.

So then, after all that effort—since life changes—it is advisable to keep the estate planning documents up to date, confirming that the appropriate ‘fiduciaries’ have been appointed to carry out your intentions.

When REVIEWING estate planning documents, consider the following questions:

———

[ FYI: For more details on how to leave a ‘legacy’, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/leaving-a-legacy-v242/ ].

LIFE IS ‘BRIEF’
So, in light of our brevity and even ‘frailty’, how should the ‘believer’ in Jesus think about their death? Well, the Apostle James not only calls out our ‘presumptuous’ thinking and planning, he also supplies the ‘antidote’. Very simply, the believer needs to learn to make plans with humility, recognizing their COMPLETE ‘DEPENDENCE’ upon God’s ‘provisional’ care. Nothing in the entire universe—including us—can continue to exist for one fraction of a second apart from God. As Irish biblical scholar, Alec Motyer wrote, “We receive another day not as a result of natural necessity, nor by mechanical law, nor by write, nor buy that courtesy of nature, but the covenanted mercies of God.”

Tomorrow is not ‘promised’ (Proverbs 27:1). We make ‘plans’ for it, but we may not assume we can ‘control’ it. God’s mercy alone enables us to awaken to each new day. The sin of presumption is exposed as folly when we realize that are very life is ‘grounded’ in God’s sustaining gifts. We cannot ignore our frailty and life’s brevity, but we can allow these realities to change and transform our thinking and our decisions for the sake of God’s glory! (Exodus 15:11; 1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalm 19:1; Psalm 86:12; Psalm 97:1-6; Psalm 145:5; Psalm 115:1; Romans 1:19-20; 1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 4:11).

So, definitely work out your plans for today, for tomorrow, for next year, and for the rest of your life, but ‘place’ them in God’s capable ‘hands’. You cannot control the future, but you do not need to, for you know the One who does control the future—Jesus!
[ more… ]

DEATH IS THE ‘POINT OF NO RETURN’
Actually, death is the ‘conclusion’ of one’s earthly existence. It is the end of their human efforts, the sum total of their earthly endeavors—HOPEFULLY, to be ready to ‘MEET’ GOD. Death is the ‘POINT’ OF NO RETURN. The prophet Samuel wisely advised, “Prepare your hearts unto the Lord” (1 Samuel 7:3). The prophet Amos warned, “Prepare to meet thy God” (v. 4:12).

It will be TOO ‘LATE’ to try to prepare after we are dead! The rich man and Lazarus found that out when they died (Luke 16:19-31). No ‘adjustments’ can be made once we pass from this life to the next. The moment we die, will be the first moment of our future existence in eternity! So, will it be HEAVEN OR HELL for you?

Death is the ‘launching pad’ that sends the believer to Heaven to be with God, OR thrusts the individual into “outer darkness, where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” [ Matthew 22:13 ], eternally separated from God!

One’s ‘destination’ will depend on their ADVANCE ‘PREPARATION’. Oh how important is that readiness! Preparation gives assurance that, “It is well with my soul” [ Psalm 42:7e ].

So then, how does one GET ‘READY’ to die? Well, it is quite clear from Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) that only “they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” Those who were not prepared begged for entrance, but the answer was, “I know you not.” What is required for safe passage to heaven?

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mFaOHn55PM&t=60s
[ “Where’s Ten Girls?” – ApologetiX ]

[ FYI: For more details about the Ten Virgins parable, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/how-to-prepare-to-meet-someone-important-v276/ ].

Well, being ‘ready’ is not self righteous or a philanthropic ‘deed’: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” [ Ephesians 2:8-9 ]. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5).

Nor is it by personal heroics or humanitarian ‘sacrifices’: “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing” [ 1 Corinthians 13:3 ].

It is also not by being a member of a ‘pious’ family or affiliated with a ‘church’. Solomon’s wisdom, his position as King of Israel, or even as a son of King David did not guarantee his readiness to meet God (1 Kings 11:4). Ananias and Sapphira, were church members, but were not ready for the kind of death that greeted them (Acts 5:1-11) [ Because they ‘lied’ to God ]. Demas, an assistant of the Apostle Paul, became grossly negligent in his preparation for eternity (2 Timothy 4:10). Our readiness is not gained by osmosis, from association with family or religion, or just hoping we ‘qualify’ for Heaven!

Readiness to die takes place the instant one receives Jesus as Savior (Luke 23:39-43). The ‘qualification’ for entrance to the Kingdom of God becomes a reality only when the person is “born again” (John 3:3-5).

‘PROCRASTINATION’ IS HAZARDOUS!
Death is no respecter of age or persons, nor does it always give us a ‘warning’. The obituary column daily lists many names, from infancy to people in their 100’s. Procrastinating preparedness for your eternal destiny is ‘hazardous’ to your future! So, why wait? Take care of the matter NOW!

Life passes us by a lot more quickly than we imagine. I vividly remember the birth of my first child—Arielle—and then, all of a sudden, it seemed that she was a teenager only a few ‘weeks’ later. Do you remember when you were a child that the time between December 1st and December 25th ‘stretched out’ for what seemed like years, and now the years ‘race by’ ever more quickly? Suddenly, we wake up older or we hear of the death of someone who was our age, and we realize that life really is very brief. We flourish for a time, but not forever here on earth.

As we age, our physical and mental abilities fade, old friends passed away, familiar customs which have been routine disintegrate, and our long-held ambitions lose their potential or appeal. These realities, though, should not drive us into despair, but rather ‘stimulate’ us. Like grass, we have a limited number of days, but there is opportunity in every one of them! (Psalm 103:15-18).

So, whether you are at the start of your life, are in the prime of your life, or are looking back at life, before the strength in your hands fails you and your teeth, eyes, and ears grow weak, will you choose to ‘go all in’ for Jesus? If you wait until tomorrow, it may not come for you! As Pastor C.T. Stud once put it, there is… “Only one life, ‘twil soon be passed. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

———

Now, a believer’s death might be ‘messy’ here on earth, but not to God above. It will be “precious” to Him. It will be them obeying the One who said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19). He WILL be the One to ‘welcome’ them into Heaven! (2 Corinthians 5:8).

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksu-zTG9HHg&t=6095s
[ VIDEO: The “Pilgrim’s Progress” ]

The Apostle Paul was so eager for his day of ‘release’, he honestly couldn’t decide whether he would rather keep serving Jesus here on earth or die and go be with Jesus in Heaven: “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” [ Philippians 1:22-23 ].

When the believer’s ‘work’ here is finally complete, why would they want to stay one moment longer? The believer’s death will be their happy meeting with all the saints in that world above. To be with Jesus in Heaven will be the ultimate ‘experience’. Heaven will be the ‘communion’ of saints (Romans 12:5).

Think about it: No tears, crying, sorrow, pain, or death! (Revelation 21:4).

HOW TO ‘PREPARE’
So then, how does one face death with a calm confidence? Well, here are some ways the Bible says to prepare:

[ List of items ]

The instant after your last breath in this dark world, you will awaken to that bright world above, where you will be welcomed in and rejoiced over first by Jesus than by the ‘saints’ that went ahead of you (Hebrews 11)—which you will spend an eternity getting to know and enjoy.

If we think about it, life on earth really is all about preparing for our future. It is about accepting God’s gift of Salvation, recruiting others to go with us, and storing up treasures in Heaven. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” [ Matthews 6:21 ].

Even the ‘happiest’ place on earth does not compare to the ULTIMATE ‘PLACE’ of peace, joy, love, and more waiting for all of those who receive God’s gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Again, it seems that the Bible has some foresight about why one should prepare to be in that ‘place’: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” [ 1 Corinthians 2:9 ].

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/6pa-TworQD4?t=11
[ VIDEO: “I’ll Prepare For You” – by ApologetiX ]

‘TRUST’ GOD FOR YOUR FUTURE!
Planning for one’s future is as ‘easy’ as TRUSTING in God’s guidance. If one is a ‘believer’, God’s got this! As I mentioned above, He has ‘prepared everything for them who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). When a believer has ‘confidence’ in God, their worries diminish tremendously!

[ FTI: For more details on ’trusting’ God, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/learning-to-t-r-u-s-t-v263/ ].

Now, this DOES NOT mean one can sit on the couch and eat ‘Bonbons’—since there are other places in the Bible that say that if the person doesn’t work, they don’t eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10)—but it does lessen the anxiety one will experience (Philippians 4:6-7).

So, as one ‘walks’ with Jesus and learn to trust Him with their future, what ‘role’ does He play in preparing them for their future? Well, the following are a few things God ‘says’ about this.
[ more… ]

BE ‘READY’!
Several days before I—and probably most everyone else—go on a trip, I begin to plan and prepare for it (which is usually days or weeks before I leave depending on the longevity of the trip). I also make a ‘checklist’ that I continually reference to be sure I am not forgetting anything. The preparation to leave takes thought, time, and effort.

The Bible teaches that all followers of Jesus are to plan and prepare for a “trip.” The trip is not only undertaken when we move to Heaven following death, but it is also a very unique one that will take place at the end of human history as we have known it. We are told that believers, in the “last generation,” will not experience physical death, but will be caught up in what is called the “Rapture”—the “snatching away”—to meet Jesus in the air and be reunited with all believers who have died in Jesus and have gone before us. It will be the ‘trip’ of a lifetime—a trip that will be ‘out of this world’!

The Apostle Paul said that, “For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” [ 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ].

SO, when this trumpet ‘call’ to leave comes, will you be ready?

Everyone is ‘concerned’ about the FUTURE with everything happening these days. All of us just want to have health, peace, safety, happiness, purpose, and love. Then, after we pass, we want to be remembered—hopefully, for ‘living out’ those things. So then, at least for me, one should PLAN and ‘PREPARE’ for our death and our ‘legacy’—and START TODAY!

Now, of course, no one knows the day or the hour of this ‘leaving’ (Matthew 24:36), so there is still time to increase and excel in each item on your ‘checklist’. So, my strong suggestion is to ask God to HELP YOU ‘PREPARE’ so that you are ‘RAPTURE READY’!

[ NOTE: This is a very ‘reliable’ website for becoming ‘Rapture ready’:
https://www.raptureready.com/ ].

<<< END OF SUMMARY >>>

<<< ALL THE DETAILS >>>

The following is a comprehensive presentation of the topic that follows the ‘headings’ laid out in the Summary.

‘CONCERNS’ ABOUT THE FUTURE

In 1935, Gallup first asked Americans what they thought was the most important problem facing the United States. In the midst of the Great Depression, over 60% mentioned concerns related to the economy. Fast forward nearly 100 years, and as financial expert James Carville said, in 1992, “It’s the economy, stupid!”

The report summarizes findings on currently reported stress levels, sources, and consequences:

“Indicators Of A Society In Distress” Infographic:

Percentage of U.S. adults reporting feelings of uncertainty and concern for the future

– 70% reported they do not think people in the government care about them
– 64% said they feel their rights are under attack
– 45% said they do not feel protected by the laws in the United States
– 38% said the state of the nation has made them consider moving to a different country
– 40% agreed that the political environment in their state has made them consider moving to a different state

[ FYI: All the details of this survey are in the “Articles” section below (“Stress in America 2022”). ]

So then, how can one TAKE ‘ACTION’ about their future during times of uncertainty? Well, despite myriad stressors weighing on adults, 71% of adults reported that they actually feel “hopeful about their future.” In fact, a majority of adults (72%) said they can get things done even when they are feeling stressed, and around half of the adults (51%) have very/fairly often felt confident about their ability to handle personal problems in the last month.

Disrupt negative thinking
Get out of the habit of ruminating on potential consequences. It can make you feel like the worst case is already happening. When we pre-grieve about possibilities, we feel threatened and afraid before it is necessary. Take a breath when you find yourself spiraling into negative thoughts or tragic worst-case scenarios. Instead, try to imagine the best possible scenarios, and figure out a role for you in making those happen.

Do something unexpected
You can train yourself to be more comfortable with uncertainty. Stretching ourselves to try something new or go somewhere unfamiliar or go without a schedule can help us become more comfortable with the unknown and our ability to handle it.

Take control where you can
Research shows taking action over aspects of life that are within one’s personal control can feel empowering and help mitigate stress over things that are out of one’s control. For example, voting, volunteering, and community involvement can help people feel more connected and in control over their own futures. In fact, research has found people who volunteer may live longer than those who don’t.

Don’t judge yourself against others
Some people are better at dealing with uncertainties than others, so don’t beat yourself up if your tolerance for unpredictability is lower than a friend’s. Remind yourself that it might take time for the stressful situation to resolve and be patient with yourself in the meantime.

Take your own advice
Ask yourself: If a friend came to me with this worry, what would I tell them? Imagining your situation from the outside can often provide perspective and fresh ideas.

Don’t look for a rescuer
Asking someone else to solve the problem for you perpetuates the feeling that you are powerless. Rescuers are often actually enablers who keep us from taking responsibility for our own lives. Instead, seek out emotionally supportive friends and family who see you as capable and can help you focus on next steps for addressing your concerns.

In another substantial research endeavor, The “Millenium Project” recently published their “State of the Future v.19.0” (2017) the imagines a world in 2050, where they say the majority of the world could be augmented geniuses inventing their workday, every day, with new people, ideas, and experiences to make life worth living, and civilization could be far better than what we know today. However, without making good decisions, we can all imagine a future far worse than today.

Artificial intelligence will drive the development of quantum computing, and then quantum computing will further drive the development of artificial intelligence. This mutual acceleration could grow beyond human control and understanding. Scientific and technological leaders, advanced research institutes, and foundations are exploring how to anticipate and manage this issue.

Meanwhile, human life expectancy has increased from 46 years at birth in 1950 to 72 years now. Child mortality, poverty, contagious disease, and illiteracy have all decreased. The global nervous system of humanity is on the road to completion: 52% of the world—over 3.8 billion people—are now connected to the Internet, about two-thirds of the world has a mobile phone, and over half have smartphones. The Millennium Project’s State of the Future Index shows the world is expected to continue improving over the next 10 years (see Chapter 2); however, environmental conditions, armed conflicts, terrorism, and organized crime are getting worse.

Although extreme poverty fell from 51% in 1981 to 13% in 2012 and to less than 10% today, the concentration of wealth is increasing, income gaps are widening, jobless economic growth seems the new norm, and return on investment in capital and technology is usually better than labor. As labor costs go up and AI and robot costs go down, manufacturing and service unemployment rates will increase. Hence, new forms of economics seem inevitable if we are to avoid the social disasters of large-scale worldwide structural unemployment that have been forecast by many.

The current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to grow another 2.2 billion in just 33 years (by 2050), putting pressure on food production, environmental management, and financial support systems. Although the world is aging, biological breakthroughs could dramatically extend the lives of healthy, mentally alert people way beyond what is believed today. Future migrations from low-income, high-youth-employment regions to high-income aging societies seem inevitable.

New technologies will make it increasingly easy to move jobs to workers. Recent calls for a “Fourth Industrial Revolution” that uses AI for all elements of production from market research to manufacturing and sales that are all connected in the cloud is expected to extend to everything from transportation and water management to power production and use.

Although over 90% of the world now has access to improved drinking water, water tables are falling on all continents, and nearly half of humanity gets its water from sources controlled by two or more countries. E-waste pollution is growing with poisonous effects on groundwater worldwide. As the developing world expands, its industries, agriculture, population growth, and GDP per capita income all rise and water consumption per capita will increase, making it impossible to avoid serious water crises and migrations unless major changes occur.

Although the vast majority of the world is living in peace and although armed conflicts fell dramatically from 1990 to 2010, conflicts have increased since then, and half the world is potentially unstable. The nature of warfare has morphed into transnational terrorism, international intervention in civil wars, as well as publicly denied cyber and information warfare.

Fake news via bots, videos, and other forms of information warfare are increasingly manipulating perceptions of truth, while the public does not know how to defend itself. Although the Internet has increased participation in governance and exposed corruption, press freedoms have decreased over the past several years, and anti-democratic forces are increasingly using new cyber tools to manipulate democratic processes.

Nuclear proliferation has not stopped, and future lone-wolf terrorists may one day be able to make and deploy a weapon of mass destruction.

Corruption is a major impediment to development in countries that are home to over 5 billion people.

Neuroscience is showing how brain performance can be improved, and AI is being developed to figure out the best ways for you to learn and what you should need and/or want to learn.

The speed of scientific breakthroughs and technological applications to improve the human condition is being accelerated by computational science and engineering, artificial intelligence, and common database protocols.

Collective intelligence systems will make the last 25 years of S&T change seem slow compared to the next 25 years.

Today’s global challenges requires global ethics. Global ethics is emerging around the world through the evolution of ISO standards and international treaties that are defining the norms of civilization.

So, taken all together, how are we doing? Is the future in general getting better or worse?

The 2017 SOFI in Figure 1 shows that the world continues to improve in general, although at a slower pace than over the past 27 years. The rate of global improvement in SOFI for the coming decade will be 1.14%, versus 3.14% for the period 1990 to 2017. This is mostly due to the slow recovery after the 2008 financial crises and world recession in 2009. One of the variables that have a large impact on the 2017 SOFI projection is the number of terrorist attacks, which is very uncertain. If terrorism could be contained, the SOFI would appear considerably better.

So then, consider asking yourself these questions:

Questions are immensely powerful for making progress in all of these areas. In fact, I would argue that they are an indispensable tool for achieving progress. Crucially, they don’t necessarily need an answer, let alone a correct answer. The mere act of questioning can be enough to drive progress.

Well, no matter what being prepared for the future means to you, there are several steps you can take to boost your confidence that you will be ready.

– Ensures That You Are ‘Prepared’
Creating a plan for the future can help you take the necessary steps to manage anything you may encounter, such as financial issues, in the future.

– Allows You To Have And ‘Reach Goals’
Planning for the future can allow you to set goals and take the proper steps to reach them within a specific timeframe.

– Keeps You ‘Motivated’
Knowing you have a set plan for the future can inspire you to keep working hard to reach your goals.

– Allows Financial ‘Stability’
Preparing also helps you have financial stability if you create a budget to adhere to, which can help you can accomplish your goals.

– Helps You ‘Control’ Your Life
Having a set plan you’re following that will benefit your future can allow you to take better control over your life and the steps you take in pursuit of your goals.

One can plan for the future by setting many smaller, easily achievable goals that directly and immediately impact their current life and keep doing so until they ultimately accomplish their larger goals. They can also set larger goals that may take years to accomplish and actively work toward them a little each day. Here are some suggestions on how to plan for the future:

– Consider your ultimate personal life goals
Consider whether what you would like to accomplish in your personal life is something that requires making a plan for the future. Once you have established your ultimate personal life goals, you can determine the smaller steps to take to reach them.

– Set short- and long-term goals
Over time, you may become more mindful and reach your future goal of being a well-rounded and considerate individual.

– Review your career goals
Reviewing your goals also allows you to be comprehensive in what you hope to achieve and can ensure you include every benchmark you want to pass.

– Consider your time frame
Determine time frames for different goals you’d like to accomplish can help you plan your future. Setting dates by which you want to accomplish goals can help you plan certain items and allow you to prepare for them adequately.

– Create a budget
Once you know what you want from your personal and professional life, you can create a budget that can allow you to pursue these things. This can set you up for financial stability in the future.

–Write your goals and plans down
Clearly writing your plans for the future can help solidify them in your mind. This may help you remember them or have someone who can keep you accountable for these plans.

– Actively work toward your goals
Some aspects of your future can’t happen unless you plan for it now, so actively working toward some aspects of it now can have significant benefits.

Leadership and entrepreneurial development expert, Lolly Daskal, suggests that there are 20 habits that will help you prepare for the future:

If there’s a way to do it better—find it.
Start now to increase your commitment to actively and consciously creating your future instead of waiting for good things to happen. Shift some of the energy you put into coping into creating a better reality.
Old ways won’t open new doors.
Just as you have to prioritize saving for long-term financial goals, you have to prioritize your personal development and self-improvement if you want to become the kind of person who can face any challenge.
Make time for self-care.
Whatever your age now, in five years you’ll be…well, five years older. You can make it five years of getting used to the damaging practice of sitting at a desk all day or five years of cultivating the energizing and beneficial habit of regular exercise.
Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.
What could you accomplish with a gift of 900 hours? Save just 30 minutes of wasted time a day, and that’s what you’ll have in five years.
If your life is worth living, it’s worth recording.
The habit of reflective writing, even a short daily passage, can make you more productive. It also helps clear out the cobwebs and gives you a record to look back on.
Keep searching until you find what you want.
It’s easy to settle for what’s in front of you, but the best leaders see opportunities where others see nothing. Begin now to discipline yourself to seek out answers, do research, and look for solutions rather than problems.
Slow down so you can speed up.
Learn now how to slow down your internal pace. It will be a vital skill in a world where things move even faster than they do now.
Trust is earned when actions meet words.
Trust is a fragile thing, Easy to break, easy to lose and one of the hardest things to ever get back, especially when you looking to create partnerships and relationships that will help you succeed.
Reading changes lives.
Avid readers have a wealth of knowledge and experiences. It’s easy to let the reading habit fall off when life gets busy, but you owe it to your future to make the time.
Balance isn’t something you find, it’s something you create.
Priorities tend to become even more challenging as you move through life. Work now to build balance among your competing priorities. Learn what balance feels like and appreciate its gifts so you can maintain it into the future.
Every choice you make has an end result.
If you’re at a point in life where it’s a temptation to switch to autopilot, keep yourself making intentional choices every day based on your life plan and long-term goals. Don’t allow your life to become a clumsy series of unplanned events and outcomes.
Flexibility is the key to stability.
We’ve heard it a million times: The only constant is change. That means the most important skill is the ability to embrace change and adapt.
Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.
The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, the willing to learn will always be up to you, learning can be attained through reading, paying attention, and by deliberate efforts to stay on top of current developments in your field, community, country, and the world. When you are open to learning you are open to growing.
All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind.
Pay attention to what’s going on around you, and if you don’t know or understand something, ask. Always ask.
True humility is staying humble, regardless of how much you already know.
I believe the first test of a truly successful person lies within their humility. Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.
Tough times don’t last, resilient people do.
Learn how to finish what you start and develop the discipline to stick with what you’re doing, even when the excitement and novelty have worn off, even when it’s no longer fun, that is resilience.
Think and be positive, and positive things will happen.
Invest in the future with a spirit of making every day a great day. Don’t give toxic people or negativity the slightest foothold, and commit to staying positive through good times and bad.
Learn to go confidently in the direction of your dreams.
If you have tendencies toward people-pleasing and a need for approval, start now to replace them with confidence. Belief in yourself is a valuable asset to carry into the future.
Gratitude turns what you have into enough.
Wherever you find yourself in five years, you’ll be a happier person if you learn to be thankful for whatever you have. It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy and successful.
The meaning of life is to give life meaning.
Be ready to set new standards, higher than the ones you have today. The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away.

The thing is, experts say that thinking about one’s future actually makes life more meaningful. Research suggests that thinking about the future—a process known as “prospection”—can help one lead a more generous and fulfilled life.

Yes, thinking about the future can trigger anxiety—but a growing body of research suggests that it can also make our lives more meaningful.

Humans aren’t alone in having some ability to consider the future, a process that scientists call “prospection.” Prospection can ‘cast’ far into the future like our retirement decades from now. We can make predictions about our own futures based on what we’ve learned about other people’s experiences and consider multiple directions our futures might take.

Studies suggest that prospecting about your future can enrich your life in at least four ways.

– Helps Us Make More Prudent Decisions
Thinking about what the future likely holds helps us decide what course to take in the here-and-now and then how it can shape our decision-making about the future.

Researchers have been particularly interested in the psychology that drives our process of deciding between receiving something now versus receiving something of greater value later. In general, people tend to choose smaller but more immediate rewards over larger rewards that they have to wait for, a phenomenon known as “delay discounting.”

However, one experiment found that manipulating how people think about the time until their retirement—in ‘days’ rather than years—caused them to plan to start saving for retirement sooner, because the shift in time perspective made the participants feel more connected to their future selves. A 2014 study found that viewing realistic computer-generated images of what they may look like in the future decreased their discounting of future rewards and led them to contribute more to a hypothetical retirement account.

– Motivates Us To Achieve Our Goals (If we do it right)
Prospection has another important application: It motivates us to achieve our goals. But the relationship here is not a simple one because it depends on how we think about the future.

“Mental contrasting,” particularly when used in conjunction with “implementation intentions”—making plans to help move past potential barriers—has been shown to help people reach their goals. The acronym WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) has created studies that show that ‘interventions’ have helped people break a bad snacking habit, get more exercise, and improve academic performance.

Thus, research suggests that thinking about the future can motivate us to take the steps necessary to reach our goals—but only if we take obstacles into account.

– Improves Psychological Well-being
Besides helping us make decisions and reach our goals, there is evidence that prospection may improve psychological health more generally. (It has been said that it actually helps people who are struggling with depression and those recovering from trauma. People with depression imagine possible futures that are more negative than people without depression.)

There’s another technique that may help anyone improve their psychological health called “anticipatory savoring.” Taking time to simulate and enjoy a positive experience in advance—whether it be an upcoming meal, visit with friends, or vacation—can allow you to derive benefits from the experience twice. Taking the opportunity to savor an upcoming experience actually heightened people’s enjoyment both during the unfolding of the experience and when remembering it later.

One way to engage in anticipatory savoring is to modify the “three good things” gratitude exercise. Instead of writing three good things that happened today, you can write three good things you anticipate happening tomorrow and what you can do to make it more likely that those things actually happen.

– Makes Us More Kind And Generous
How we think about the future doesn’t just influence our own lives. It can also influence how we treat other people. In particular, picturing yourself helping someone in the future may make you more likely to actually do so. People who were asked to imagine the helping scenario more vividly—by picturing the event occurring in a familiar location—were even more willing to help.

When people think more broadly about the future consequences that could come from helping others, they feel inspired to behave in more ‘prosocial’ ways.

To the extent that people avoid or cease prosocial actions because of ‘concrete’ costs, inviting people to construe those actions abstractly could help them persist at prosocial actions that have enduring personal and social benefits.

If prospection seems to help people to live a more generous, happier, and more meaningful life.

Okay then, so life is ‘short’. Does it make any difference to know that?

Well, it has for me. It has got me thinking that I should be spending most of my time on ‘important’ things, not non-essential things like pointless disputes, ‘postering’, and addictive but unrewarding pastimes.

Things that lure you into wasting your time have to be really good at ‘tricking’ you. An example that will be familiar to a lot of people is arguing online. When someone contradicts you, they’re in a sense attacking you. Sometimes pretty overtly. Your instinct when attacked is to defend yourself. But like a lot of instincts, this one wasn’t designed for the world we now live in. Counterintuitive as it feels, it is better most of the time not to defend yourself. (Otherwise, these people are literally ‘stealing’ a part of your life, but with your approval!)

Arguing online is only incidentally addictive. There are more dangerous things than that—like Social Media in general, video games, and _______________ (fill in the blank with yours).

As well as avoiding non-essential things, one should actively seek out things that matter. A few are lucky enough, early on in life, to figure out how to spend a lot of time doing so during their lives. However, most people start out with a life that is a mix of things that matter and things that don’t, and only gradually learn to distinguish between them as they mature in life.

One heuristic for distinguishing stuff that matters is to ask yourself whether you’ll care about it in the future. The things that matter are not necessarily the ones people would call “important.” Having ‘coffee’ with a family member or friend matters. You will not feel later like that was a waste of time.

One should expect life’s shortness to take them by surprise—and that is just what tends to happen. They take things for granted, and then they are gone. They think they can always write that book, climb that ‘mountain’, or whatever, and then they realize the ‘window’ has closed. (Sometimes the saddest ‘windows’ close when other people die.)

The usual way to avoid being taken by surprise by something is to be consciously aware of it. So, cultivate a habit of ‘impatience’ about the things you most want to do. Don’t wait before writing that book, climbing that mountain, or visiting the ‘special’ person. Just don’t wait!

The thing is, doctors and psychologists tell us that ‘how’ one lives affects how long one lives. So, relentlessly prune the non-essentials, don’t wait to do things that matter, and savor the time you have!

[ FYI: For more details on life being short—and what to do about it—view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/a-sense-of-urgency-v269/ ].

Now, death is an unavoidable part of the cycle of life, yet many of us do everything we can to avoid accepting our mortality. However, coming to terms with the inevitability of death can help teach us to live more fully in the here and now. In fact, consciousness of our mortality can enable us to cherish every moment of the life we have.

Coming to terms with our mortality is a challenge faced by us all. But, accepting death can be hugely problematic. We each have to find our own way to ‘process’ the reality of dying. Both practicality and faith can help.

For example, accepting that life has a finite span focuses our attention, enabling us to take stock of our lives and think about the possibilities still ahead. We may ask ourselves searching questions, such as what ‘impact’ do we want to make on the world, and what do we want our ‘legacy’ to be?

Death is a subject most of us avoid discussing but talking about it can help reposition how we feel about our mortality. We all want a ‘good’ death, to ‘die well’, but what does that actually mean?

Perhaps it’s taking the time to consider what would be the best possible death experience for you. For example, who would you like to be with you? What might be your last wishes? (Make the most of now to give full consideration to these questions.)

Beyond the practical, there is emotional and spiritual work to be done to come to terms with the inevitability of death. Thinking about your life ending can be anxiety-provoking, so make time for periods of calm, contemplative ‘reflection’. This time should help you to see things more clearly, making it easier to take the necessary steps toward living the best version of your life.

Accepting your mortality can also be ‘freeing’, as one of the consequences can be making more conscious choices in the present. Indeed if we can strive to control how anxiety about death impacts us, we can avoid potentially negative or destructive behavior and focus positively on the time we have.

To remind himself of the shortness of life, the Italian priest Charles Borromeo kept a human skull on a little table in his house. Now, that might be a bit too much for many of us today, and yet, the reality is that death can happen at ANY MOMENT!

The more comfortable one can become with the reality of death, and the less one denies it, the more positively attuned one can be to their mortality.

[ FYI: For more details on death, view these two previous “Life’s Deep thoughts” posts:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/jan-06-v83/
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/saved-from-death-v219/ ].

The fact is, an awareness of our mortality can lead us to behave differently in the present. In the Middle Ages, the Black Death claimed the lives of about 30% of the entire population of Europe. As a result, the catchphrase “memento mori” (remember death) became very well-known and deeply shaped the way people lived their lives.

The thing is, because of medical advances, death is that for the majority, death is no longer something that touches our day-to-day lives. Just 100 years ago, death was everywhere. About 10% of people died in childhood. Life expectancy was just 46 for men and 50 for women. People also tended to die at home—with their families—rather than in a hospital. We rarely stare death in the ‘face’ anymore.

There is, however, a more fundamental reason that we might have trouble coming to terms with death. Within the Christian tradition, death is not considered to be part of God’s original plan. Rather, death is a result of sin. Seen from this perspective, it’s not surprising that we might have such issues with death. If we were designed for immortality, then it’s only natural for us to fear death—and to have a strong will to live on, since it will shatter every dream, sever every relationship, and end our ‘journey’ on earth.

However, there IS a powerful ‘instinct’ within us that tells us that our lives do not end with death. The 18th-century priest, Alphonsus Liguori, wrote a whole book about preparing for death (“Preparation for Death, or Considerations on the Eternal Maxims”). He said:

“It is certain that we shall die; but the time of death is uncertain. God has already fixed the year, the month, the day, the hour, and the moment when you and I are to leave this earth and go into eternity; but the time is unknown to us. All know that they must die: but the misfortune is, that many view death at such a distance, that they lose sight of it.”

There are many ‘sayings’ that depict the brevity of life. A few examples are: “Life is like the blink of an eye,” “Life is here today and gone tomorrow,” “Life is gone in a flash,” “Life is like grass,” and “Life is like a torrential flood.” However, sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn these. In the Old Testament of the Bible, Moses tells us to ask, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” [ Psalm 90:12 ].

These days, we count what we value: money, sports scores, and calories. So why not count our days? Probably because we all avoid our own mortality. Just as someone who overestimates their financial capital can be ‘fiscally’ irresponsible, someone who overestimates their lifespan can be ‘finitely’ irresponsible! There is immense wisdom in treating tomorrow as a gift rather than taking it for granted!

It is understandable why we order our lives and society around what cultural anthropologist, Ernest Becker called “the denial of death.” The shortness of life can be an existential nightmare. It creates what philosophers and psychologists call “angst.” Angst is a foreboding dread at the futility of everything since we will all die and be forgotten—or as the author of Ecclesiastes put it (probably King Solomon), “For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will be forgotten” [ Ecclesiastes 2:16 ].

Don’t believe this? Well, what is your great, great grandfather’s name? That’s only a few generations removed in your own family and they’ve already been forgotten—and so will you and I!

In light of this, some respond, “Then, why bother?” Well, this is a ‘SERIOUS’ QUESTION. I am suggesting that the question must be wrestled with as if your life depended on it—because it does! Futility is deadly! Given our finitude, we are easily overcome by futility.

So then, how do we brave the brevity of life? Well, Psalm 90 is brutally realistic. No cliches. No optimism. Yet, it is profoundly hopeful.

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn people back to dust,
saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”
A thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.
Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—
they are like the new grass of the morning:
In the morning it springs up new,
but by evening it is dry and withered.

We are consumed by your anger
and terrified by your indignation.
You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
All our days pass away under your wrath;
we finish our years with a moan.
Our days may come to seventy years,
or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
If only we knew the power of your anger!
Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.”

So then, why not consider your ‘trajectory’, your ‘destination’? Into what ‘horizon’ are you heading? What are you living for?

The Bible says, DON’T WAIT! Do it now. Life is short. Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

[ FYI: For more details about one’s ‘salvation’, view last month’s “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/being-thankful-v285/ ].

However, before you plan how to face death, you first have to ACCEPT the reality of your mortality. It is essential to find your own way to process the reality of facing your own death. We all deal with the news in different ways. But once you’ve accepted the reality, it allows you to take stock of your life, think about the possibilities still ahead, and learn how to cope with the fear of death.

Death is something everyone should talk about because it can help reposition how we feel about our mortality. We all want to experience a ‘good’ death, but what does that mean for you? Take time to consider what your ideal experience would be, where to be, and who should be there with you.

As well as the practical side of dying, there’s also the emotional and spiritual side to consider. Give yourself plenty of time for a calm, contemplative reflection. Such moments should help you see things more clearly, making it easier to take the necessary steps.

One of the foundational principles of Christianity is the belief that Jesus, the Son of God, died and was resurrected into eternal life. The Bible promises that all those who believe in Him will also experience a life after death. Eternal life is clearly present in the scriptures, though the specific details remain a mystery to those of us believers still living.

The Apostle Paul declares that those who die knowing Christ will also be raised with Him after their death (1 Thessalonians 4:14). He also, describes our earthly bodies being shed upon death, and new, immortal and imperishable bodies being given to us. This begs the question of where these new “spiritual” bodies are going for the rest of eternity (1 Corinthians 15:51-55).

Paul then discusses his desire to live on earth and his simultaneous desire to die, or depart the earth, to “be with Christ” (Philippians 1:23). From this, we can glean that life after death means spending eternity with Christ, which is the Biblical concept of Heaven. Scriptures assure Christians over and over that they’ll “be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17.)

Jesus said that, “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” [ John 14:2-3 ]. When He was hanging on the Cross moments before His own death, Jesus turned to one of the thieves being crucified next to Him and said, “Today you will be with me in paradise” [ Luke 23:43 ].

This “paradise” that Christians are promised as their souls’ eternal resting place is a bit of a mystery. We can’t say where it is or in what dimension, what it looks like, who’s there, or what we do there once we’ve arrived. What the Bible tells us is that if we believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, we’ll be with Him in Heaven after our life here on earth. For many, this idea brings with it great solace. They can’t be certain of where they go, but knowing that they will be reunited with God is enough!

[ FYI: For more details about a Christian’s “hope,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/blessed-hope-v245/ ].

So, ask yourself, “What would happen if you embraced the possibility that the God of the Bible really did create the world and really does care for you?”

So then, are you going to ‘wager’ your eternal life?

However, with all of the information and apps we have available these days, most people don’t prepare for death at all! In fact, recent studies show that fewer than 50% of adults have any sort of will in place. Even worse, nearly 75% of adults don’t have anything ready if something tragic were to happen.

When you create an end-of-life plan filled with information about your wishes, preferences, and desires, you are helping your loved ones by reducing their stress and anxiety about what to do after you are gone. You are giving them the ‘gift’ of grieving your passing, instead of them worrying about how they are going to tie up all your ‘loose ends’.

Also, depending upon the state of someone’s life affairs when they pass away, it can take well over 500 HOURS to wrap up all of the after-death details! That is precious time people should spend with their families and feelings, not on the phone with banks, credit card companies, and governmental agencies.

Planning for your death is actually two different things. First, it is for what happens if you are ill and unable to handle decisions yourself. Secondly, it is for what happens after you pass away.

Much has been written about providing financial security for your loved ones following a death. Often neglected in the PREPARATION, however, are practical considerations to assist your family and fiduciaries in the time immediately before and immediately following death.

Thoughtful, organized preparation can provide your family with information and much-needed guidance during a stressful time, allowing for your desires to be followed with a reduced possibility for conflict among family members.

The other benefit of having a ‘death plan’ is that it will enable you to discuss your end of life openly and honestly with your closest loved ones, your carers, your GP and medical specialists, and a ‘minister’. Death is a part of life, and we all deserve a good death, and to be treated with respect, honesty, and love.

Death preparation is vital to ensure that your final wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. But death preparation goes beyond just making a will or planning a funeral. There are a number of things you should do to get your affairs in order before you die. Generally, these tasks are considered “estate planning” and are great steps to follow to ensure you and your loved ones are prepared when the time comes.

By not preparing an estate plan, you will make the task of settling your affairs more complicated for your survivors. While your estate may not be as large or complex as famous people, it is still important to have a plan in place in the event of your death.

The thing is, there is MUCH more to estate planning than simply writing a will. Accounting for all of your assets and wishes will ensure your plan is executed smoothly after your death.

By designating beneficiaries on retirement accounts and completing the transfer on death designations on other accounts, you can keep those assets from passing under the will and going through probate.

If you want to have a ‘good’ death—one that honors your wishes and doesn’t burden your loved ones—it helps to make a plan.

Steps you will take towards death preparation can vary depending on a number of factors, including whether death is anticipated or not, your age, your financial situation, your relationship status, and whether you have children. However, there are some KEY ’STEPS’ everyone should take to prepare for their death, no matter their individual circumstance.

So, I’m going to try to alleviate the confusion over the sudden loss of a loved one—or even yourself—who did not prepare properly. The following are a few tips for how to prepare for illness and death, regardless of your age, financial situation, or health status.

[ VIDEO: “Preparing For The Future” ]

‘ESTATE PLANNING’
Estate planning is putting your affairs in order so that your loved ones can take over if you die or are incapacitated. A will lists your assets and obligations, with details of all open accounts. (Make sure you record your beneficiaries on your retirement and investment accounts so there’s no delay in carrying out your wishes.)

PREPARE YOUR LOVED ONES ‘EMOTIONALLY’
Experts suggest that the following are the primary ‘emotional’ items that need be addressed for most people.

– Acknowledge The People Who Count Most
Re-affirm your love and gratitude with them now. Share memories together that are special to both of you. This is a gift to leave them when you’re gone.

– Review Your Life
Look back at your achievements, failures, treasured moments, regrets, and choices. Discuss them with loved ones. Look at your life’s events now with new ‘eyes’ to see how each step navigated you through life and what you learned along the way. This can help you find fulfillment and peace as you prepare for death.

– Create An ‘Ethical Will’
An ethical will is a letter that outlines your legacy for those you leave behind. It can include your dreams, goals, key memories, life lessons, and shared wisdom you’ve acquired throughout your life to pass on to loved ones.

– Apologize To Those You Regret Hurting
This can be an important part of the healing process in your end journey. It can also help others heal who’ve been hurt by you. This is another gift to leave behind for those you care about.

– Forgive Those Who Have Hurt You
Letting go of the ‘hurt’ can help you find peace. Share with them how they hurt you and why you are willing to let it go now. They may also be regretful and seek forgiveness themselves.

At the end of life, the most meaningful discussions and regrets aren’t about careers or finances, but about relationships. Sometimes baggage is carried into the last ‘mile’ of the journey, such as reconciliation with loved ones. So, make sure you say these four things to the people closest to you: “Forgive me;” “I forgive you;” “Thank you;” “I love you.” These sentiments are ideally expressed as part of daily life, but they become especially important as things come to an end.

– Take Time To Say Goodbye
Having time with our loved ones before we pass on is truly a blessing. Those who die unexpectedly don’t have this luxury of time. So, take the moment to say goodbye to those you care about. It will help you—and them—move on without regrets.

Even when facing your final days, you have the opportunity to set an ‘example’ for your family. Through the dying process, you can be a ‘teacher’ to show loved ones it is possible to die without causing so much family friction that everyone will be afraid of their own death. Just tell them, “Everyone will eventually die; this is my time, and I’m going to try to do this with love and grace.”

For many people, an ‘ideal’ death means having the chance to say goodbye to loved ones, making sure to let them know what they’ve meant to you. But, of course, no one can plan when or how they’re going to die, so this communication doesn’t always happen.

So, to make sure that your friends and loved ones know how much they meant to you when the time comes. Dr. V.J. Periyakoil, director of the Stanford Palliative Care Education and Training Program, believes she has developed a solution: A “Friends and Family letter”―a ‘template’ of seven questions meant to help prompt the kind of poignant goodbye that makes death feel a little bit easier.

The seven ‘prompts’ are:

– Acknowledge the important people in your life
– Remember treasured moments from your life
– Apologize to those you love if you hurt them
– Forgive those who love you if they have hurt you
– Express your gratitude for all the love and care you have received
– Tell your friends and family how much you love them
– Take a moment to say “goodbye”

The letter is available in eight different languages to help people express their feelings in the language most comfortable for them.

The thing is, writing this letter is a good idea for ALL, not just the sick or dying

Writing the letter while young and in good health may actually spur positive changes in a person’s life.

Sometimes these letters open frank conversations leading to barriers being broken, and it can be a blessing to currently ‘strained’ relationships.

[ Example of a video ‘letter’ ]

The process of writing the letter can be difficult and may require those who attempt it, to go through several versions before settling on the one that best reflects your thoughts and feelings. But while it’s not simple, it is ‘important’—to let the people close to you know how much you love and care for them.

[ Link to Letter web page: https://med.stanford.edu/letter/friendsandfamily.html ]

– Define Your Goals
– Compile Documents
– List Physical Assets
– List Non-physical Assets
– Valuation
– List Debts/Tax Obligations
– Simplify Your Finances
– Develop An Estate ’Strategy’
– Create An Estate Plan
– Select Executor/Guardian
– Create A “Living Will”
– Appoint A Power Of Attorney
– Choose/Update Beneficiaries
– Buy/Update Life Insurance
– Create A Living Trust
– Create A Will
– Pre-plan Your Funeral Arrangements
– Create A ‘Digital’ Estate Plan
– Create A List of Contacts
– Review your “Bucket List”
– Assemble a ‘Facts Book’
– Final ‘Thoughts’

So, let me look at each one of these in a bit more detail. [ Even more ‘in-depth’ details are available in the “Articles” section below. ]

DEFINE YOUR ‘GOALS’
Like any ‘project’ you want to develop, one must first determine what they want. For organizations, one of the popular planning ‘guides’ has the acronym “S.M.A.R.T.”, which stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Organizations that express goals in this way stay aligned with their mission. [ FYI: More details about “SMART” is in the “Articles” section below. ]

So, applying this concept to estate planning, one will want to:

– Be ‘specific’ about how one’s assets are distributed (Family; friends; charities, etc.) A will and beneficiaries/additional signers on financial accounts help speed to distributions and keep items out of the probate process—which sometimes takes years to complete.

– Be properly ‘measured’ in distributions to try to keep family ‘harmony’ and select a power of attorney and executor that will be sensitive to your wishes.

– Be sure the plan is actually ‘achievable’ in regard to asset values, ease of disposal, taxes, and realistic in your desires.

– Make the distributions ‘relevant’ especially to your family members—specifically gifting them things they would like/desire—as well as for acquaintances who have helped/‘partnered’ with you through life (like a business partner/employees or close friends and neighbors).

– Sometimes distributions need to be ‘time-bound’, especially for minor children, where trusts may need to be created. Also try to have things ‘arranged’ so that the distribution process will not extend over a long period of time, not allowing family to finish properly grieve emotionally without having to worry about ‘physical’ things so much.

Of course, the S.M.A.R.T concept is not an ‘end-all’ and there are other things to consider—which I will address below—but this will give a ‘framework to start from, which will make the estate planning process a bit more manageable.

‘COMPILE’ DOCUMENTS
Having all of this information in one place will make it much easier for your loved ones to deal with your death, as they will know exactly where to find everything they need. This documentation should include things like such as your birth certificate, insurance policies, mortgage, employer contact(s), bank accounts, safe combination/safety deposit box key, Social Security card, passport, will, trusts, financial statements, and any other legal documents.

Once you have gathered these death preparation documents, properly label and store them in a safe place. You may want to consider keeping them in a fireproof and waterproof safe, safety deposit box at a bank, or you may opt to give them to a trusted friend or family member to keep for you. Just be sure that whoever will be responsible for handling your affairs after you pass knows where they are and how to access them.

To make the process easier on your family when you pass away, it is also a good idea to gather together all your debts (especially big ones like your mortgage, car loans, or credit cards) in one place so your heirs can pay your bills for you while they figure everything else out. To make the process even easier—and skip over any conflicts with power of attorney—you can add a family member to at least one of your bank accounts so they always have access to some of your funds (especially to pay for things during the first few weeks/months after your death, before the proper paperwork/account transfers can be made).

If you have a lot of sources of income, it is a good idea to meet with a financial advisor to get everything organized. [ FYI: You can find one through The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors ].

– Birth certificates
– Marriage certificates
– Citizenship papers
– Divorce/separation papers
– Adoption papers
– Social security numbers/cards
– Passports (numbers and expiration dates)
– Driver’s licenses (number, expiration dates)
– Military records
– Medications (dosages, name of prescribing physicians, pharmacy, address/telephone
– Address and phone numbers of hospitals of choice
– Medicare numbers
– Medicaid numbers (caseworker numbers, address/telephone)
– Social worker or caseworker names and contact information

LIST ‘PHYSICAL’ ASSETS
Any planning for what happens to your property has to begin with a list of that property so you can decide what to distribute and to whom. The primary physical assets many people have is a home, vehicle(s), household furnishings, clothing, and jewelry (List property address(es), location of deed(s), form of ownership, and current value if you know them). Other items include art, antiques, computers, high-end TVs and sound systems, boats, precious gems, collectibles, heirloom household items, high-end woodworking, lawn equipment, power tools, and hidden valuables/items in storage. The list will probably be a good deal longer than you may have expected.

[ Note: Document where the safety-deposit box location(s) are and where the key(s) is! ]

LIST ‘NON-PHYSICAL’ ASSETS
List financial assets such as things you own on paper or other ‘entitlements’ that are predicated on your death. These include items like bank accounts, brokerage accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, money market funds, retirement and pension plans, IRAs, long-term care, homeowners, auto, disability, annuities, and life insurance policies (with institution names, account numbers, address/telephone, form of ownership, and current value)

Then list income sources like retirement plans such as workplace 401(k) plans, individual retirement, disability benefits, Social Security, health saving accounts, and ownership in a business.

Other assets can include (location of items/titles/documents/form of ownership, current value) including inheritances and loans to family members/friends.

Make a list of bills with due dates and amounts. Note how statements are received and payments are made. Identify which bills are ongoing and which have an end date.

‘VALUATION’
Once you inventory your tangible and intangible assets, you need to estimate their value. For some assets, like your home, outside appraisals can be of help. (When you don’t have an outside valuation, value the items based on how you expect your heirs will value them. This can help ensure your possessions are distributed equitably among the people you love.)

For financial accounts, recent statements will be sufficient

LIST ‘DEBTS’/‘OBLIGATIONS’
Then, make a separate list of all of your debts (i.e. open credit cards and other obligations you may have). This should include items such as auto loans, mortgages, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), personal loans, notes, IOUs, and any other debts you might owe. Again, add account numbers, the location of signed agreements, and the contact information of the companies holding the debt. [ Try then to estimate your entire debt at that date. ]

Then list any federal and/or state tax obligations that you have.

‘SIMPLIFY’ YOUR FINANCES
If you’ve changed jobs over the years, it’s quite likely that you have several different 401(k) retirement plans still open with past employers or maybe even several different IRA accounts. You may want to consider consolidating these accounts into one individual IRA. Consolidating of accounts allows for better investment choices, lower costs, a larger selection of investments, less paperwork, and easier management.

Memory lapses can lead to missed payments, late fees and credit score damage, which can in turn drive up the cost of borrowing and insurance. You can set up regular recurring payments in your bank’s bill payment system, have other bills charged to a credit card and set up an automatic payment so the card balance is paid in full each month. Head off bounced-transaction fees with true overdraft protection, which taps a line of credit or a savings account to pay over-limit transactions.

Then, ‘prune’ your credit cards. Financial planners usually recommend that people keep just two credit cards: one for everyday purchases and another for automatic bill payments. (Note: Closing accounts can hurt credit scores, though, so wait until you’re reasonably sure you won’t need to apply for a loan before you start dramatically pruning. If you are not carrying balances or heavily using any of your cards, you can close several at a time. Otherwise, close them gradually over several months or even years to minimize the credit score impact, and consider keeping your highest-limit cards.)

DEVELOP AN ESTATE ‘STRATEGY’
One should determine if their estate will be taxed. Most states in the U.S. follow the federally mandated exemption of $12.06 million for an individual estate and $24.12 million for married couples.

Now, that sounds like a lot, but bear in mind that an estate encompasses ALL your assets. If you have a business to bequeath, a six-figure life insurance policy, or long-term held property (that has appreciated a lot), your taxable estate could well hit that $5-10 million.

The thing is, 12 states and the District of Columbia do not have an exemption, and impose an estate tax on all of the value of the estate. Six states also impose an inheritance tax (which directly taxes heirs rather than the estate). So it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the estate or inheritance tax laws and exemptions in any state where you live or own property. [ So, some people should consider establishing trusts and lifetime gifts to avoid or diminish estate taxes. ]

Another method to take advantage of to avoid the estate tax when you die is the “annual gift tax exemption”—which is to give away money while you are living.

For 2022, the annual gift tax exclusion allows you to give up to $16,000 per person per year without reporting the gift on your taxes. Married couples can give $16,000 each, meaning together they can give a total of $32,000 per person per year.

If you give more than that amount, you don’t necessarily have to pay taxes on those gifts, but you do have to file a federal gift tax return. Also, those gifts count toward your lifetime estate exemption limit. (For example, if you give someone a $32,000 gift, your lifetime exemption amount would be $16,000 lower because that’s how much of your gift exceeds the annual exclusion.)

If you want to make a bigger gift, you can contribute up to $80,000 (in 2022) to a 529 college savings plan in one year and elect to treat it as if you made it over five years.

Other ways you can give money to loved ones without triggering the gift tax include ‘gifts’ to your spouse, tuition payments made directly to the educational institution, and medical expenses paid directly to the medical facility.

Life insurance through an estate plan can be an efficient way to transfer your wealth to your beneficiaries. There are two types of life insurance: temporary life insurance (such as term life) and permanent life insurance (such as whole life or universal life). Term life insurance enables you to protect your dependents for a specific period of time in the event of your premature death by providing resources to cover debt obligations and your lost income. Permanent life insurance covers you for your lifetime.

Some assets, like a business, have some unique implications and is a bit more complex—which may include creating a succession plan. A few of the popular ‘methods’ are:

– Entity Selection: Partnerships, LLCs, and LLPs
– Corporate Governance
– Business Succession Planning
– Buy-Sell Agreements
– Cross-Purchase Agreements
– Key Man Insurance

So, if you have a variety of ‘unique’ assets, the best way to treat each one can be complex and working closely with an attorney or tax advisor is recommended.

CREATE AN ‘ESTATE PLAN’
In order to have an effective last will and testament, you need to make some preparation before you meet with an attorney. You should make firm decisions about the following aspects of your estate:

– Executor: Who will take care of the terms of your last will and testament
– Assets: The details of your home, property, auto, etc.
– Debts, expenses, taxes, etc.: What you owe and anything else that counts against your estate
– Life Insurance: The terms of monetary remuneration upon your passing
– Social Security: Any and all government benefits and payments
– Beneficiaries: Who receives anything contained in your will or from your life insurance
– Trusts: Any special arrangements you make for minor dependents to receive money, goods, or property upon reaching a certain age or accomplishment

Your attorney will be able to ‘prepare’ any and all relevant documents about this information, but it is up to you to decide ‘what’ happens.

SELECT ‘EXECUTOR’/‘GUARDIAN’
When it comes to choosing an ‘executor’, or manager of your estate, it is important to pick someone you trust. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the stipulations in your will are carried out according to your wishes.

Look for people close to you who you believe to be:

– Responsible, so they can use good judgment to carry out your wishes
– Financially stable, so they’re not seen as a risk to your estate
– Mentally fit, so the responsibilities of executorship will be within their grasp

It is also a good idea to name at least one successor executor, ideally someone younger than your first choice. If for any reason your executor cannot carry out their duties, you will need to have a backup appointment. If not, the court may decide who becomes the executor of your will.

Then, name a ‘guardian’ for your children—and a backup guardian, just in case—when you write your will. This can help sidestep costly family court fights that could drain your estate’s assets.

Document your wishes for your children’s care. Do not presume that certain family members will be there or that they share your child-rearing ideas and goals. Also, do not assume that a judge will abide by your wishes if the issue goes to court.

So, appointing executors, trustees, and fiduciaries to:

– Manage Estate Assets
– Handle Debts and Expenses
– Fund the Bequests
– Settle the Estate
– Administer Trusts

CREATE A ‘LIVING WILL’
A living will (or an “Advanced Directive”) is a legal document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment in the event that you are unable to communicate them yourself. This document can be incredibly important, as it ensures that your loved ones and medical team know exactly what you want (and do not want) in terms of life-saving measures and other medical treatments.

In your advanced directive, you should include things like whether you want to be placed on life support, what kind of pain management you are comfortable with, and any other medical treatment preferences you have. It is important to be as specific as possible in your advanced directive so that there is no confusion about your wishes.

Make your advanced directive specific. Address a variety of different scenarios, e.g. in what situation you would want to receive morphine, when would you not want to be intubated, etc. It should include at least the following important details:

– The type of care you want, especially whether you want home, hospice, or palliative care
– The types of treatments you approve to keep you alive, such as breathing tubes, surgery, feeding tubes, etc.
– Quality of life, AKA whether you want to be kept alive long-term by machines
– The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) tells healthcare providers that people have specific access to their medical information.
– Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) tells health care professionals that you do not want to receive CPR to save your life
– Physician/Medical Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST/MOLST) informs healthcare providers what specific treatments you want
– Whether or not you want to be an organ donor. (Usually, you just select being an organ donor on your driver’s license.)
– How you want your body to be cared for and treated after you die

A ‘possible comprehensive tool for creating an end-of-life care plan is from “The Mayo Clinic” ( https://mydirectives.com/ ). [ Editor (Mark) – FYI: I only did a CURSORY preview of the website or the sample document ( https://mydirectives.com/static/files/Blank%20ADVault,%20Inc.%20Universal%20Advance%20Digital%20Directive%20(SAMPLE%20Watermark%20-%20December%202020).pdf ) ].

A living will is made up of two parts. An “Advance Statement,” which is not legally binding, and the “Advance Decision” which is. An Advance Statement is a written statement that sets down your preferences, wishes, beliefs, and values in case you later become unwell and need care or medical treatment. An Advance Decision only covers refusals of medical treatment, whereas an Advance State can include any information that you feel is important concerning your health or care.

Now, you don’t need to write a living will down unless you are refusing potentially life-sustaining treatment. However, it is good practice to write it down and give a copy to your loved ones and all involved in your care. You should review it regularly and can change it at any time.

Creating an advanced directive is relatively simple and can usually be done without the help of a lawyer. However, it is important to make sure that your advanced directive is properly witnessed and notarized so that it will be considered legal.

If you have specific wishes for what should happen to your body after death (such as cremation or burial), you can include those instructions in your advanced directive as well. Advanced directives are useful for anyone, whether you’re dealing with a chronic illness or not. You never know what can happen and want to be as prepared as possible in the event of an accident or an illness that worsens. Preparing an advanced directive can give you some peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be followed when the time comes.

Be sure your healthcare/end-of-life documents permit your ‘agents’ to enter into agreements with service providers. By having expansive powers of attorney (both financial and healthcare), your agents can ensure you receive appropriate care, including hospice care, even if you are unable to communicate your desires. It is strongly recommended that before your agents enter into any contract with a care facility, they consult with an attorney, as executing a contract in the wrong fashion can subject a family member to personal liability as guarantor for the cost of your care.

It is never too early to think about what you would like to happen if you are in an accident or diagnosed with a serious illness. Do you want to be in a hospital receiving every treatment available? If you are diagnosed with an incurable illness, do you still wish to pursue every possible treatment? Would you want to die peacefully at home?

Most people want to die at home. Hospice provides in-home care to those who are terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less, yet only about half of people receive this type of care. It is important to think about your preferences so you can advocate for your wishes when the time comes.

Once you have created your advanced directive, be sure to give copies to your loved ones, your doctor, and your intended executor of the estate. You may also want to keep a copy in your important documents file.

APPOINT A ‘POWER OF ATTORNEY’
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone else the authority to make decisions on your behalf. You can appoint a POA for both financial matters and healthcare decisions. This can be incredibly useful if you become incapacitated and are unable to make decisions for yourself!

When choosing a power of attorney, it is important to appoint someone you trust implicitly. This person will have a lot of responsibility, so you want to be sure that they are up for the task. You should also choose someone who lives close by, as they may need to act quickly on your behalf. Finally, be sure to appoint an alternate POA in case your first choice is unavailable or unable to serve (or has passed away).

You have a lot of choices for different types of power of attorney, but experts typically recommend is a “Durable Power of Attorney.” This type of power of attorney goes into effect immediately after you sign the documents and lasts until you die. Essentially, when you sign it your power of attorney will have immediate access to your finances and legal matters the second you’re declared incompetent or incapacitated.

The form to designate a power of attorney varies by state, but if you want to do it yourself you can get a document from the same services where you did your will (SmartLegalForms, LegalZoom, or RocketLawyer). If you are giving one person complete control over everything you can likely manage to fill this out yourself, but if you want to limit what they can do it’s likely best to consult with a lawyer.

Then there is a Health/Medical Care Power of Attorney (also known as an agent, attorney-in-fact, health care proxy, or health care surrogate depending on where you live). In short, this document details exactly who can make decisions for you about the details outlined in your living will if you are unable to do so.

This person can make medical choices for you if they are not included in your living will, or if you give them the power to override your previous choices if the circumstance warrants it. Additionally, they can also get the right to see your medical records (which is helpful if you choose anyone other than direct family), apply for Medicare on your behalf, and make choices about any medical procedures when you cannot do so.

In addition to these, there is also a Financial Power of Attorney. This person can handle your financial or legal affairs if you get sick or cannot manage them on your own.

Note that any “power of attorney” rights expire when you die. If you have a different person assigned as executor of your will, the executor then takes control of your finances after your death.

Be sure your powers of attorney confer the necessary powers on your ‘agents’. Do not simply rely on a “form” document. Some state laws require special acknowledgment of important powers, such as the power to make gifts, change retirement plan beneficiary designations or create trusts. Be sure that your power of attorney gives your agent the powers you intend your agent to have. An attorney who specializes in estate planning can make sure you have an appropriate power of attorney. To ‘corrupt’ an old maxim, “It is better to have the power and not need it, than to need the power and not have it.”

Once you have completed the appropriate legal paperwork, give copies to your POA, your spouse, and any other trusted family members or friends. You should keep a copy in your important documents file (mentioned in step one).

It is a good idea to review your power of attorney periodically, as your relationship with your POA may change over time. Additionally, it’s important to note that there are two types of POAs: durable and non-durable. Note that a “durable” POA remains in effect even if you become incapacitated, while a “non-durable” POA only applies when you are able to make decisions for yourself, which is generally less helpful for estate planning as a result.

CHOOSE/UPDATE ‘BENEFICIARIES’
Your beneficiaries are the people (or organizations) who will inherit your assets when you die. You can name primary and contingent beneficiaries, and you can change your beneficiaries at any time. When choosing your beneficiaries, it is important to consider your family dynamics and personal relationships. You may also want to consider naming a charity as a beneficiary, as this can offer tax benefits to your estate.

Include any other charitable organizations that you support. It is also a good idea to let your beneficiaries know which charitable organizations or causes are close to your heart and to which you might like donations to go in your memory.

Once you have chosen your beneficiaries, you will need to update your life insurance policy, retirement accounts, and investment accounts. You should also update your will to reflect your new beneficiaries.

Accounts and policies that have designated beneficiaries will pass directly to those people or entities upon your death. It does not matter how you direct that these accounts or policies be distributed in your will or trust. The beneficiary designations associated with the retirement account will take precedence.

Contact your employer’s customer service team or plan administrator for a current listing of your beneficiary selection for each account. Review each of these accounts to make sure the beneficiaries are current and listed exactly as you like. This is especially important if you have divorced and remarried.

As with all the other documents, it is a good idea to review your beneficiaries periodically, as your relationship with them may change over time. You may also want to consider naming a contingent beneficiary, as this can offer protection in case your primary beneficiary is unable or unwilling to serve (or has passed away).

BUY/UPDATE ‘LIFE INSURANCE’
Especially if you have dependents, it is a good idea to purchase enough insurance to take care of any expenses after your passing such as a mortgage, unpaid bills, vehicle loans, credit cards, funeral costs, any final expenses, and any future education or living costs of your beneficiaries. If you are employed, check to see if you are eligible to receive any life insurance benefits your employer may offer.

As with retirement accounts, life insurance and annuities will pass directly to beneficiaries. It is important to contact all life insurance companies where you maintain policies to ensure that your beneficiaries are up-to-date and listed correctly.

If you belong to any organizations such as a veteran’s association, a professional accreditation association, or a college alumni group, make a list of them. In some cases, these organizations may have accidental life insurance benefits (at no cost) on their members, and your beneficiaries may be eligible to collect.

One way to incorporate “permanent life” insurance into your estate plan is through a properly established irrevocable life insurance ‘trust’ that allows for the proceeds to transfer to your beneficiaries upon your death without estate taxes. Under current law, both temporary and permanent life insurance proceeds are transferred income tax-free to your beneficiaries.

Permanent life insurance with an irrevocable life insurance trust can be an efficient and effective way to transfer your wealth and leave a legacy to your heirs, while term life insurance can be used to replace lost income in your working years in the event of your premature death.

Like everything else, document any life insurance policies and beneficiaries, including information on funeral insurance or pre-paid burial plot, if applicable.

CREATE A ‘LIVING TRUST’
A living trust is a legal document that allows you to transfer your assets to your beneficiaries without going through probate. Probate is a lengthy and expensive process, so a living trust can be a helpful way to avoid it.

– Revocable Trust
A revocable trust, aka a living trust, can be altered or canceled at any time. When you put your assets in a revocable trust, you get to keep any income they earn, and control over them. After your death, assets transfer directly to the beneficiaries you name in the trust — they won’t have to go through probate, as they would if bequeathed in a will. They will count as part of your taxable estate, however.

– Irrevocable Trust
An irrevocable trust works the same as a revocable one, but it can’t be modified or terminated without the permission of your beneficiaries. After transferring assets into the trust, they are no longer part of your estate, so they won’t be subject to estate tax.

– Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT)
If you own stock that you expect to increase in value, you can put it in a grantor-retained annuity trust. This gives you the right to receive an annuity over the trust’s term, typically two to five years. After that, the stocks in the trust are distributed tax-free to your beneficiaries. However, if you die during the GRAT term, the assets are still included in your estate.

– Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
You fund an ILIT with a life insurance policy, and the trust is both the owner and beneficiary of the policy. When you die, the trust collects the policy’s death benefit and pays it out to your beneficiaries. Life insurance benefits are always free of income tax; putting them in a trust also effectively frees them from counting towards estate taxes as well.

– Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)
A charitable remainder trust allows you to get a partial tax deduction for contributions to the trust. While you’re living, you can receive income from the trust. At the end of the trust’s term, any remaining trust assets are distributed to one or more charities or non-profit organizations that you name.

– Prepaid Contract Trust Funds (PCTF)
It may be possible to set aside funds to pay for your funeral before you pass away by creating a prepaid funeral trust. According to the Internal Revenue Service, a funeral trust is an arrangement between the grantor and funeral home [or] cemetery to allow for the prepayment of funeral expenses. The funeral trust is a ‘pooled income fund’ set up by a funeral home [or] cemetery to which a person transfers property to cover future funeral and burial costs. Some of these arrangements can allow you to “lock in” the cost of the funeral services that you have purchased and that will apply when you ultimately pass away. It is important to select a reputable funeral service provider before creating such a trust. Also, be sure that the trust can be transferred to another provider should the original funeral service provider go out of business.

Now, before entering into any trust arrangement, particularly an irrevocable trust, you should consult an attorney. This is especially important as these arrangements can impact Medicaid planning. After careful consideration, you may find that arranging for your funeral in advance and setting aside the funds necessary to pay for it in a funeral trust can relieve your family of the stress attendant upon making those arrangements while they are grieving your loss.

However, there are really two ‘main’ types of living trusts: “Revocable” and “Irrevocable.” A revocable trust can be changed at any time, while an irrevocable trust cannot be changed once it’s been created. Learning the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts can help you strengthen your estate plans.

The biggest difference between revocable trusts and irrevocable trusts is that a revocable trust’s terms and stipulations can be modified at any time, whereas an irrevocable trust’s terms can’t be changed after set up unless all beneficiaries agree.

A revocable trust is also known as a living trust, revocable living trust or inter vivos trust. It’s an amendable legal document that creates a separate legal entity and allows the creator—or grantor—to retitle assets in the name of that entity, or the trust. The grantor selects a successor trustee to manage those assets on behalf of the grantor and their named beneficiaries.

An irrevocable trust is a trust that the grantor cannot change or revoke. Only under limited circumstances can exemptions can be made, but it’s very difficult—all beneficiaries need to agree, or there must be a court decree. The grantor appoints a third party to be the trustee and manage the trust.

Once assets are transferred into the irrevocable trust, the grantor gives up ownership of those assets, which are removed from their taxable estate. Irrevocable trusts are often used as a vehicle to facilitate advanced tax planning and gifting for one’s estate.

If you are considering starting a living trust, it is important to consult with an attorney. This is because the process can be complex, and you’ll want to make sure that everything is done correctly.

Once you have decided to start a living trust, you will need to transfer your assets into the trust. This can be done by retitling your property or changing the ownership of your accounts. You should also update your will to reflect your new trusts every few years or when something ’substantial’ has happened.

CREATE A ‘WILL’
A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your belongings to be distributed after you die. Without a will, the state will determine how your assets will be divided, which may not be in line with your wishes.

There are many different kinds of wills. Some of the most common are:

– Reciprocal/Mutual: Reciprocal wills are often used by married couples or life partners as a simple means of securing the transfer of property to the other spouse/partner upon death. Reciprocal wills between spouses are basically mirror images of one another. In a reciprocal will, each spouse/partner leaves all or the majority of their estate to the other.

– Mystic: A will that remains sealed until the person’s death

– Unsolemn: A will in which the executor remains unknown or unnamed

– Holographic: A handwritten will that must be signed by hand and have all material terms written by the testator

– Serviceman’s: The will of a person engaged in active-duty military service

Now, as a reminder, when writing your will, you will need to designate an executor, who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes. You will also need to list all of your assets and how you want them to be distributed. If you have children, you will need to designate a guardian for them in your will, as well.

For parents of young children appointing ‘guardians’ is the most important function of a will. A will states your wishes about dividing your property and becomes even more important when ‘ordinary’ family dynamics now include divorce, second marriages, step-children, and lifelong partnerships that won’t be recognized by law. [ NOTE: You may also need to appoint a ‘guardian’ for your pets. ]

Now, many people MISTAKENLY ASSUME that the law will automatically distribute assets in a way that makes sense e.g. a second spouse could inherit the whole estate and has no obligation to share that legacy with the children from your first marriage.

Remember, too, that the law only recognizes “life partnerships” formalized via marriage or civil partnership. This means that your partner will not be entitled to any of your assets after your death.

Assets bequeathed in a will often go through probate, as do assets if someone dies intestate. This process, in which your assets are distributed per court instruction, can be costly and time-consuming.

However, many accounts, such as bank savings, CD accounts, and individual brokerage accounts, are unnecessarily probated every day. If you hold these accounts, they can be set up—or amended—to have a “Transfer On Death” (TOD) designation, which lets beneficiaries receive assets without going through the probate process. [ NOTE: Contact your custodian or bank to set this up on your accounts. ]

Now, it is possible to draft up a simple will on your own, but it comes with its own set of pros and cons. These include problems with outdated information, specific state-related tax issues, and how they handle specific trusts. As USNews notes, online wills are a one-size fits all solution, that cannot always account for the complicated situations of real life. However, if you only need a very basic will SmartLegalForms, LegalZoom, or RocketLawyer all provide a simple template for doing so for about a couple hundred dollars. These laws and requirements change often, and if you do not do it right you might unintentionally give someone more power over your estate than you want. Most simple wills have just a few sections where you can say what happens to your assets, and designate who gets any property you own.

[ NOTE: Each state has its own forms (some states combine them into one document), and you can get a copy yourself by going to sites like the NHPCO’s “Caring Info” website, selecting your state, and downloading the file.

Another alternative is logging onto “Aging With Dignity” to purchase a copy of the “Five Wishes” document, which uses a more conversational tone to explain end-of-life planning and helps you express additional wishes, such as whether you want music played or a massage.

[ Note: More details about both of these are in the “Articles” section below. ]

If you have a lot of assets that you want to designate to multiple people, or to make sure your will is legally sound, you should speak with a lawyer about getting a more advanced will written up. Things start getting really tricky when finances are involved, and if you have a lot of assets it is worth at least consulting with a lawyer.

Remember too, that the biggest disputes can arise over small things that have little or no financial value but have huge emotional meaning. If you want the best chance of family harmony once you’re gone make sure you have clearly stated who should get what!

So, designate meaningful items to be given away to specific people. Consider doing so now, rather than spelling it out in your will. Consider reading “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” by Margareta Magnusson, to give yourself some guidance on how to slowly distribute important things to your loved ones.

You may want to dispose of any items you own that you would not want your heirs to find, or include instructions about disposing of ‘sensitive’ items (e.g. previous marriages, high school diaries, etc.) to a trusted friend or family member.

Also, identify the location of any cash you have stored for emergencies and provide instructions on how to use it.

You might what to consider how to ‘maximize’ your retirement benefits (IRA, Roth IRA, and 401(K) plan). Some considerations include:

– Understanding Income Taxation of Qualified Plans and IRAs
– Distribution of Plan Assets to the Participant

– Distribution of Plan Assets After the Participant’s Death
– Estate Tax Considerations
– Planning Considerations

Then, you may want to consider how your charitable giving options could also help maximize your legacy and reduce any tax obligations. This can include the following:

– Outright Gifting
– Donor Advised Fund
– Charitable Lead Trust
– Charitable Gift Annuity
– Charitable Remainder Trust
– Private Foundation

A few other ‘instruments’ that can be used to transition your wealth to you family members include:

– Outright Gift
– Leveraged Gifts
– Intra-family Loan
– Estate Reduction Trust
– Medical/Education Exclusion Gifts
– Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT)
– Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT)
– Installment Sale to a Grantor Trust
– Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs)
– Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

It is important to keep your will up to date, as your assets (and your wishes for them) may change over time. You should review your will every few years and make changes as needed. You should also update your will if you have any major life changes, such as getting married, having children, or buying a new home.

Writing a will can seem like a daunting task, but there are many resources available to help you. You can easily start a will online or hire a lawyer to assist you. If all of that seems like too much, simply writing your wishes down on a piece of paper is a great ‘start’ when considering how to prepare for your own death. (Just be sure to have it properly witnessed and notarized.)

Once your will is complete, be sure to give copies to your executor, your spouse, and any other trusted family members or friends. You may also want to keep a copy in your important documents file.

Having a will is an excellent step to take when thinking of how to prepare your family for your death, as it offers them a guide when the time comes.

Finally, to make the will legally binding, you will usually need to get signatures from at least two witnesses (who are not beneficiaries listed somewhere on the will), and it is advisable to get it notarized by a “Notary Public.” (You can usually find a notary public at your bank, and they act something like an official witness for legal forms.)

NOTE: If the funds go unclaimed, the State will be the beneficiary! (According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property, around $32.9 billion of assets are currently unclaimed because the state took hold of them instead of the family.)

PRE-PLAN YOUR ‘FUNERAL’ ARRANGEMENTS
If you do not want your family to have to plan your funeral while they are grieving, consider the gift of planning it in advance. Making the funeral arrangements ahead of time eases the pressure on your loved ones. It also ensures that your funeral will be a proper reflection of your personality, relationships, and beliefs. Sure, no one really wants to think about what happens after they die, but you know best how you want to be remembered.

Here are a few questions to consider:

– End of Life Wishes:
Choose between burial, cremation, or donating to science (If you want a burial, consider buying a plot at a cemetery in advance.)

– Ceremony:
Select the type of event, whether religious, funeral, wake, memorial, or something of your own design. (Mention anything ‘specific’ you want to happen at your memorial service or wake.)

– Music:
Determine the songs (if any) you want to have played

– Pallbearers:
The people tasked with carrying your casket as it leaves the funeral home

– Guests:
The people you definitely want to attend (and even possibly those you don not want to attend to keep the ‘tensions’ down)

In the immediate hours and days following your passing, your family will be wracked with grief and consoling each other. Planning the details of your own funeral lifts an immense psychological burden off of them. So, maybe write down some specifics and share your ‘vision’ for the memorial. [ You can even write your own obituary. Doing so will give you control over how you are publicly remembered. ]

You may also want to create a ‘message’ for loved ones—a letter, a video, or whatever you think will be most meaningful for the people who matter most.

Taking out a “funeral plan” has many benefits, including freezing the costs at today’s prices which can save a lot of money, plus making your wishes clear (do check exactly what is covered in the plan). A good plan provider will be able to tell you exactly how they ensure that a prepaid funeral plan is safe and will pay for your funeral even many years from now.

Another option is to take out a life insurance policy that pays out a cash lump sum on death. This can be used to pay debts, pay off a mortgage, leave a legacy, and pay funeral expenses.

[ NOTE: There are various types of insurance with different levels of premium and payout so you will need to do some research. ]

I remember reading an epitaph that appeared in a European monastery. It has been oft-copied and rewritten. The following are a few variations I found:

“My good people as you pass by
as you are now so once was I.
As I am now you soon will be,
prepare yourself to follow me.”

“Reader, Behold! As you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I,
As I am now, so you must be,
Prepare for death and follow me.”

So, I have also seen a ‘response’ to the inscription that said:

“I won’t be content
until I know which way you went.” ;^D

Well, I would like to give you my version:

“Where I am, I want you to be.
However, before you leave where I once was,
you need to be ‘reconciled’ to God
to be able to follow me to Heaven.”

CREATE A ‘DIGITAL’ ESTATE PLAN
These days, unless you are an absolute hermit, there is a ‘record’ of you online. This means that you will need help administrating your digital ‘presence’ after you pass away. The following are a few of the digital assets people have:

– Social Media Accounts
– Online Banking and Financial Accounts
– Investment Accounts
– E-mail Accounts
– Photos and Other Files Stored Online (In the “Cloud”)
– Other Online Accounts
– Websites
– Domain Names

The ‘basic’ information you should provide for most of these are the login details (username and password). You then can provide specifics about what should happen to your various ‘profiles’ and accounts.

One needs to think about their online ‘persona’ after they are gone. Some people want their Facebook page up as a memorial and others want it taken down. Such digital estate planning could be done by the person you designate or, for example, “Everplans” helps store digital info to be accessed by a loved one at the appropriate time.

[ Of course, certain Social Media platforms can be used to announce one’s passing, and maybe even post an ‘invite’ to a memorial. ]

So, when you are putting together your list of usernames and passwords, including instructions for how you want those accounts handled, including if you want them to do anything specific with your home computer. It might seem a little weird, but if you want a little control over how your digital life is handled after you die, this is the only option. If you are using a password manager like “Lastpass” or “1Password” then you can just look in your password vault for a full list of all your accounts and passwords. It only takes a couple of minutes to copy the ones that really matter.

[ NOTE: It is WAY easier to provide login details than requiring your heirs to have to contact the online company to provide the executor’s “Letter of Administration” and the death certificate, then to wait for them to “certify” it—which can be weeks to months! ]

In short, if you have ever set up any sort of ‘profile’ online for any sort of service, you need to provide specific instructions on what you want to be done with that account. It would help if these instructions are written down and notarized in case one of those online companies gives your family trouble about closing it.

CREATE A LIST OF ‘CONTACTS’
Put together a list of close friends and family and their contact information for your loved ones to contact upon your passing. This can be a gentler way for them to find out rather than seeing it posted on social media.

When your lists are completed, you should date and sign them and make at least three copies. The original should be given to your estate administrator (more on that person later). The second copy should be given to your spouse (if you’re married) and placed in a safe deposit box. Keep the last copy for yourself in a safe place.

REVIEW YOUR ‘BUCKET LIST’
A terminal diagnosis is an opportunity to think about what really matters to you and how best to spend the time you have left. If the things that bring you joy are your friends and family, then this is the time to bring them near and make sure they know they are loved.

The thing is, many people have a “Bucket List” that specifies some things that they wish to do before they pass away—whether it is a cruise, visiting a dream destination, riding in a hot air balloon, skydiving, or going REALLY FAST in a “supercar” on one of the ‘driving’ roads of the world. (Yep, the “Nurburgring” in Germany, the “Transfagarasan Highway” in Romania, and the “Pike’s Peak Hill Climb” are all on my Bucket List to drive in a Porsche 911 GT3 RS or the new mid-engine Corvette Z06).

[ BBC’s “Top Gear” car show names the “Transfagarasan Highway” as the “world’s best road” ]

So, pick one or two of your most realistic dreams and prioritize your time so you can achieve them!

[ I want to visit Israel and especially Jerusalem. Here’s a great movie trailer showing it ]:

Now, your plans do not need to be particularly adventurous. Time outdoors immersed in nature can be very restorative. You don’t even have to go far—a garden close to your house can be a real oasis. You can even spend more time curled up with a good book. What is important is to do whatever suits your desires! (Many people can get just as much joy from the ‘little things’ of life.)

ASSEMBLE A ‘FACTS BOOK’
So, think of the ‘things’ you use, the ‘people’ who you interact with, and the ‘services’ you access on a daily/weekly basis. Now, imagine if you suddenly were no longer here, would your family and fiduciaries know who to contact and how to gain access to accounts, records, and electronic information? If not, creating a “facts book” containing important information will help your family members administer your estate and ‘wind up’ your affairs.

Now, each facts book will be different depending upon the life of the individual. No matter how simple or complex your affairs may be, following your death, it becomes much harder to adequately settle your affairs without accurate information. Therefore, consider ‘memorializing’ the following information for your family in your Facts Book.

– Provide the names and contact information for all of your advisors, including your attorney, accountant, banker, other financial advisors (insurance professional with a list of carriers and policy numbers), your spiritual advisor, funeral director (with information regarding any prepaid funeral trusts), cemetery director (with plot information, and the location of the deed), and other important people who should be notified (such as business partners, managers, or subordinates).

– Provide information regarding the location of your original documents, such as your will, any trusts, insurance, and annuity contracts, buy-sell agreements, business documents, and any other documents that would be relevant to your particular estate.

– Provide information regarding your financial accounts, including the name and contact information for the financial advisor who maintains each account. It may be important to provide information regarding how and when an asset was acquired.

– Provide information regarding your online presence, such as account names and even passwords. The use of this information is subject to each online account provider’s service agreement (which varies greatly from provider to provider). If the provider’s service agreement allows you to designate a successor user for an account, do so in compliance with the service agreement and list that person in the fact book. Remember, in some jurisdictions, it may be against the law (subject to criminal penalties) to use someone else’s passwords. Be sure to consult an attorney before attempting to access a decedent’s online or social media accounts.

– Provide information regarding the location of previously filed tax returns (or actual copies). It is especially important for your fiduciaries to have copies of your previously filed gift tax returns, as copies must be filed with your estate tax return.

It is important to provide your family and ‘fiduciaries’ with important instructions, such as your desires regarding the disposition of your bodily remains. In some jurisdictions, it can take time to probate your will. While including your burial instructions in your will may be useful, a delay in probate can render them moot. Consider providing specific instructions in a separate document that is witnessed (and, perhaps, even notarized). In this way, your family will know how to handle your funeral without having to wait for probate.

As we age, we create structures and ask (or formally appoint) people to assist us. We name agents under powers of attorney, create and fund revocable trusts and engage other service providers to help us with things we are less able (or no longer desire) to do.

It is REALLY ‘IMPORTANT’ TO REMEMBER that many relationships ‘EXPIRE’ when you do! For example, your power of attorney is no longer valid after your death and its use after you have died could expose your agent to personal liability. If you are relying on the agent under your power of attorney to help you with financial decisions and transactions, that person’s ability to do so ends with your death.

[ NOTE: You may also wish to have plans in place to ensure that funds are available to your family for the period of time between your death and when your executor gains access to your financial accounts. ]

It is also a good idea is to purchase a fireproof home safe and a USB thumb drive to store your Fact Book. Then, make copies of the Facts Book’s contents and leave them with a family member/trusted friend and your executor.

Then draft a “Where To Find” document identifying the location of important things your heirs might need immediately after your death: The safety deposit/fire safe key, the Facts Book, the house keys, the keys to your vehicle(s) and the title(s), your Social Security and insurance cards, any ‘hidden’ cash, your birth certificate, the deed to your house.

GET ‘STARTED’, NOW!
Procrastination is the biggest ‘enemy’ of many things, but especially estate planning. While none of us likes to think about dying, improper or no planning can lead to family disputes, assets getting into the wrong hands, long court litigation, and excess money paid in estate taxes.

So, GET STARTED! To quote Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Even the best-laid plans will not help unless you relay them to family and healthcare providers. (A Living Will that is locked in a safe deposit box without the key will not do your heirs any good!) So, discuss these plans with loved ones, and medical professionals.

If you have multiple grown children, delegating responsibilities according to their professions and interests could help them avoid conflict and work together to deal with your loss. For example, one child could be put in charge of healthcare stuff, another could be in charge of financial stuff, and another could be in charge of the spiritual arrangements.

Additionally, legal documents only capture so much. Many people think they can denote to their estate lawyers exactly which family member gets a certain family heirloom, but those types of specifics are never detailed in a legal document like a last will and testament. That is why it is essential that you create handwritten instructions to loved ones that GO ‘BEYOND’ the “legally important assets.”

With all the logistics in place, some people plan ‘excursions’ such as “Honor Flights” for veterans wanting to see a Washington D.C. memorial, their pet being brought into a hospice for the last goodbye, an informal wedding celebrated at a patient’s bedside, or even being taken on a stretcher for a final ‘walk’ through a mountain range because the person loved the outdoors so much—whatever was an important part of one’s life. The ideas are endless!

You might also want to do your part for the ‘family tree’ by making sure the next generations know who past generations were. One simple step is labeling family photos. It is equally important to collect remembrances and stories. There is a ‘program’ called “Have the Talk of a Lifetime,” which includes a deck of 50 conversation cards that prompt people to share their most significant memories. It is important to really know your family and pass those stories along otherwise once that generation is gone the second and third generations may not even know their great-granddaddy’s first name. Professional ancestry trackers can also help doing this.

Finally, an “estate plan” allows you to relieve the burden of decision-making from the shoulders of those you love, create the opportunity for a peaceful end of your life, a way to continue ‘affecting’ those you love, and a way to leave a ‘legacy’ for others to be ‘blessed’ by.

Now, a right relationship with God’—through’ Jesus—frees us from the penalty of sin (1 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 8:1–2; Hebrews 9:15) and from death itself (1 Corinthians 15:22-23; Romans 5:12-17; 7:24). It also ‘liberates’ us from the fear of dying: “Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—Jesus also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the Devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could He set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying” [ Hebrews 2:14-15 ].

The ‘sting’ of death is removed for true Christians because we know ‘where’ we are going when we die. Our perishing bodies will be transformed into immortal ones that will live forever with Christ in God’s eternal Kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:42-58). In reality, we are never truly ready to live until we are prepared to die.

After one has placed their faith in Jesus for salvation, they can further prepare for death by staying in right relationship with the people in their lives. We ought to consider our relationships with family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Are there any relationships that need to be reconciled? Is there someone we need to forgive or someone who needs our forgiveness? Are there words that need to be said?

Scripture teaches us to live with an awareness of our death and an eternal perspective. This means investing our time, talents, and resources in things that have everlasting value. Jesus described this eternal mindset as daily dying for Him: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it” [ Luke 9:23-24 ]. Believers live their lives with the hope of heaven and a readiness to lay down their lives until they get there.

Death for the believer is the beginning of a new, eternal phase of life. When their days on earth come to an end, they will ‘transition’ to the beginning of a heavenly life. Heaven is their true home where God waits to welcome them into His ‘arms’. In His eternal Kingdom, all heartache, pain, and death will cease (Revelation 21:4). They will enjoy intimate fellowship with God and their loved ones. No matter how spectacular we imagine Heaven will be, the Bible promises it will be even better: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love Him” [ 1 Corinthians 2:9 ].

So, we all must ‘PREPARE’ for death. But how? Well, Jesus faced death. How did He prepare for it?

Well, Jesus was a human being in every respect we are, except He was without sin. Being sinless, He did not have to suffer death as the punishment for sin. Eternal life and glory were His in Heaven. But before He entered the blessedness of heaven, His heavenly Father had a mission for Him to do for our benefit—to suffer the torments of Hell and to give His life into death as the sacrifice for the sins of us all. However, to do his Father’s will, Jesus would have to submit himself in humble obedience to suffering the tortures of hell and the agony of death, not for any sins he had committed but for OUR SINS.

In Gethsemane Jesus, our substitute, faced death and damnation and agonized over the torments that He would suffer for all our sins. I can’t even imagine what He went through physically, mentally, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. We were the ‘criminal’ guilty of the wrongdoing and He was the innocent ‘Lamb’ about to suffer OUR punishment—to pay for our sins to reconcile us to God the Father. Even though this caused Him intense agony, He went through with it so we would be forgiven sinners who would not have to even sip that ‘cup’ of damnation that He drank fully for His believers!

Yet, because we all are sinners, we must die. Death is what our sins have earned (Romans 6:23). When we face death, we can expect the Devil to conjure up our every wrongdoing and heap guilt on our consciences to terrorize us. We can expect him to even make the good, righteous acts of kindness and service we have done by faith look like the worst evil, selfish deeds. The devil and our conscience will both try to trouble us with the painful knowledge of our past sins and stir up agonizing feelings of guilt, which will make us afraid of death and being damned to Hell.

[ The Devil tries to stop the protagonist Christian in “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” from getting into Heaven. ]

However, thanks be to Jesus, He assumed the guilt of us all and suffered our punishment. The believer’s signs have been forgiven and they SHOULD NOT be ‘troubled’ by them ever again!

To prevent this from happening to the believer, they must be prepared for the ‘attacks’ of the Devil and their conscience. One needs to “fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” [ Hebrews 12:2 ]. So, the believer must prepare for death by fixing their ‘mind’ on Jesus, the Author and Source of their salvation.

When Jesus was facing death and damnation for us, He concentrated on the joys awaiting Him at the right hand of God in heaven. He focused on His resurrection and His ascension and all the blessedness He would enjoy in Heaven, which enabled Him to endure the death and damnation He suffered on the Cross for the believer.

As soon as the Devil and our conscience attack us with the knowledge of our past sins and stir up the fires of Hell before our eyes, let us be prepared to tell them, “In Jesus my sins are forgiven! You cannot charge me with what God has already forgiven. You cannot charge that I am a sinner when God has declared me righteous. Be gone! Heaven is open to me. As soon as I die my guardian angels will carry me in the palms of their hands and on their wings to the everlasting life and glory Jesus has prepared for me. On the last day my body will rise to live eternally. In this confidence I will die and you will not shake it.”

Let us also learn from Jesus to prepare for death through prayer when He was facing the agony of death and damnation in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-56). The believer can also pray for God’s help and strength as well. “The prayer of a righteous person is able to do much when it is at work… And this is the cheerful confidence that we have face to face with him in prayer, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we had asked from him” [ James 5:16; 1 John 5:14,15 ]. God WILL answer the believer’s prayers for the spiritual strength they need to pass through death into life.

So, when the believer prays—as Jesus did—they can be ASSURED and confident that their prayers WILL be answered. Then they will be ready to die when our time comes as Jesus was when He said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” [ Luke 23:46b ].

Again, let us learn from Jesus how to prepare for death. He is our source of eternal salvation. So what do we have to fear? Like Jesus, our Father’s will is that we should pass through death to enter eternal life. Since this is his will for the believer, when their time comes, let them obey it as Jesus did. Believing in his loving Father’s divine care and protection, he put his soul into his Father’s hands and let go of his bodily life on earth, knowing his Father would take his soul to himself in heaven.

By faith, knowing Jesus is the source of our salvation and eternal life, when the time comes let us follow him into death. Then when we let go, the next moment we will be carried on an angel’s wings to heaven and on the last day our body will wake from the sleep of death to live eternally! Let this comfort the believer through their life and prepare them for death.

The Christian life as a whole is a ‘preparation’ for death. The attitude of every believer should be that of the Apostle Paul in prison: “It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20). Believers should face death realistically and with hope.

Good preparation involves two major things. We prepare for what we know is going to happen, and we prepare for what we anticipate is going to happen. As we go through this series, it is my goal to give us biblical information in both of these areas, and in doing this, help prepare us for eternity.

‘SPIRITUAL’ PREPARATION FOR HEAVEN
Personal spiritual preparation involves our own assurance regarding one’s salvation. This involves a sincere evaluation of our own spiritual condition.

[ FYI: For more details about determining your own spiritual ‘condition’, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:

https://markbesh.wordpress.com/knowing-assurance-v243/ ]

Salvation is not based on what I am doing, or where I am, but on what Jesus did. ‘Possession’ is different from ‘profession’.

The Apostle Peter urges the readers to evaluate their personal standing before God. It is certainly possible to be a ‘professing’ believer but not a ‘possessing’ believer. James talks about a belief that is mere assent to intellectual knowledge rather than a realization of one’s utter sinfulness and in faith calling upon God for mercy. “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder” [ James 2:19 ]. Such faith does not save, for James earlier declares it to be of no profit (v.14). Even Jesus warned that: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” [ Matthew 7:22-23 ].

The Apostle John recaps the five marks of a true believer (in 1 John 5): Love for the children of God (v.2); Ability to gain victory over worldliness and sin (v.4); A “witness” of the Spirit within (v.10); Answered prayers (v.15); and a clean pattern of life (v.18).

One ‘possesses’ salvation when they trust Jesus to get them to Heaven, and not by what they do’. Their salvation is not based on their actions, but is based on what Jesus did for them.

The MOST IMPORTANT ‘THING’ in regard to one’s own salvation is that if they have been ‘SAVED’.

So, are you ready? ARE YOU SAVED? Are you prepared personally for the ‘return’ of Jesus? (“Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. – 1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Have you made a ‘decision’ FOR Christ? This is your own spiritual ‘preparation’ for Heaven. Have you ‘PREPARED’ YOURSELF after your salvation?

So, to be ‘prepared’ for death and assured of Heaven when you die, one must:

– Repent Of All Sins That Are Detrimental To Your Tomorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10)
The Greek word for repentance means “a change of mind or thinking.” Repentance is a deep sorrow for wrongdoing. It is to forsake our wrongdoings. Repentance is ‘turning around’ to meet God.

– Work On Goals That Will Enhance Your Prospects Tomorrow (Luke 14:28)

– Improve On Yesterday’s Victories (Philippians 4:13)
Refuse to live on past glory. Strive for new conquests. Aspire for new success. To succeed is to be better tomorrow than you were yesterday. Success means exceeding the achievements of the past.

– Soak Your Tomorrow In Prayer (James 5:16)
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

– Don’t Procrastinate (Proverbs 6:4)Procrastination wastes opportunities. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. Stop making excuses. Establish a planned schedule. Whatever it is, put it on your calendar.

– Be Focused (Philippians 3:15-16)
Distractions are side attractions wanting to get your attention. Fix your eyes on the goal you intend to achieve and understand that distractions are only temporal. Refuse to be distracted.

– Be Persistent (Matthew 24:13)
Have a never-give-up attitude.

– Have Faith In God (Hebrews 11:6)
Release your faith through confession.

– Pay The Price (Luke 9:23)
You must pay the price to obtain the ‘prize’.

– Be Expectant (Proverbs 23:18)
The believer has a future hope that will not be cut off.

– Live One Day At A Time (Matthew 6:34)
Decide to make the most of each moment of your life.

– Rejoice In Being ‘Found’ By God (Luke 15)

Today is the ‘bridge’ that connects you to tomorrow. Whatever you are today, thank God, however, the best is yet to come. As long as you remain ‘involved’ with Jesus on a daily basis, your tomorrow will be better than today!

“Be ready!” is a repeated theme in Scripture (In fact, one of the major teachings of Jesus). So, what does one need to do to get ready?

For example, Jesus told the story of ten virgins who were part of a wedding ceremony. Back then marriages were more elaborate than the ones we have today. Part of the ceremony required the bridegroom would parade through city by night and fetch his bride from her father’s house and take her to the wedding party at his parent’s home. Part of that wedding procession included the virgins Jesus spoke of (they were kind of like bridesmaids).

Jesus explained that, as these virgins were waiting for the bridegroom to arrive, 5 of them were very foolish—they had no EXTRA oil for their lamps. But the other five were wise because they’d brought along extra oil—just in case. It was a good thing too, because the bridegroom was delayed, and by the time people shouted that he was coming the 5 foolish virgins were nearly out of oil for their lamps.

While they were gone the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward, the foolish virgins came and asked the bridegroom to let them in, “But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

Jesus closed the parable with these words: Watch, therefore, “for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:1-13)

[ “Where’s Ten Girls” – ApologetiX ]

Again and again, Jesus warned us … BE READY!

Peter tells us that very same message. He says: “The day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness” [ 2 Peter 3:10-11 ].

Maybe an illustration will help here. Let’s say a very wealthy person approaches you and says that he wants to send you on a 2-week trip to someplace you’ve always wanted to go to—all expenses paid. (Would you like that?).

There’s only one catch—because of the paperwork in lining up the trip he can’t tell you exactly when you’ll be leaving. It’s gonna be in the next few months. AND when he calls you may only have a few hours to get down to the Airport and catch your flight.

It is inconvenient, but you really want to go. So how are you gonna prepare for this trip? Well, you might have to clear things down at the office or factory, or wherever you have commitments for the next few weeks. You’ll have to get your passport. You’ll have to get shots. You’ll have to ask someone to take care of your pets and get your mail. Then you’re going to need to pack your suitcase (to be ready at the ‘drop of a hat’).

So then, are you going to start preparing for this free trip? Well, right NOW!!! Not later, because you don’t know when you’ll have to leave and if you want to get on that plane you better prepare now!!! You realize—if you are not ready, you are not going!

That is what Apostle Peter is telling us here. Prepare NOW!!! Because if you are not prepared, you ARE NOT going!

So then, how does one prepare for this ‘trip’ to Heaven? Well, you don’t have to get a passport or shots, and you don’t have to have anyone take care of your pets or your mail. (And the suitcase isn’t going to do you any good (you’re not going to be able to take anything with you anyhow).

Well, Peter does tell us HOW we should prepare. He says we need to be “set apart” from the world) to live for God.

You see, a lot of people struggle with that idea because they love the things of this world more than they love God. One of the saddest statements in the Gospels tells us that: “… many even of the authorities believed in (Jesus), but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God” [ John 12:42-43 ].

It is WHAT you depend upon that says a lot about whether or not you want to be set apart OR if you just want to ‘blend in’ with everyone else.

Jesus said, “Whosoever, therefore, shall confess me before men, he will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” [ Matthew 10:32-33 ].

The Apostle John wrote: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” [ 1 John 2:15 ].

That’s what it means to live a life apart from Jesus!!!

There’s a story that is told of a man who rushed to a railroad train station one morning and, almost breathlessly, asked the ticket agent:

“‘When does the 8:01 train leave?’ ‘At 8:01,’ was the answer. ‘Well,’ the man replied, ‘it is 7:59 by my watch, 7:57 by the town clock, and 8:04 by the station clock. Which am I to go by?’ ‘You can go by any clock you wish, but you cannot go by the 8:01 train—it’s already left.’”

Be ready! Because if you are not ready, you ARE NOT GOING! That is why the Bible stresses the ‘IMMEDIACY’ of making your decision to follow Jesus. As the Apostle Paul said, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” [ 2 Corinthians 6:2 ].

I read this poetic ‘verse’ a while back and it says what I am trying to say much more ‘efficiently’ than I have:

“Longing to know Jesus better,
Trying to show Him our love;
This is the way to get ready
For our great meeting above.”
[ Hess ]

NOW is the time to ‘invest’ in eternity so you can ‘inherit’ eternal life later!!! “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” [ Matthew 13:45-46 ].

Eternal life is referred to as a goodly pearl; it is worth EVERYTHING we have! We must be like Job who said, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” [ Job 23:12 ].

[ FYI: For more details about the ‘cost’ of flooring Jesus, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/it-will-cost-you-v233/ ].

Pastor Marshall Grosboll did a good job expressing this with his poem “Preparing for Home”:

“I’ve been waiting for Jesus to come back again;
I’ve been longing, preparing for home;
I’ve been praying and working for fitness within;
I’ve been longing, preparing for home.

I’ve been watching the final events tell their tale;
I’ve been longing, preparing for home;
I can almost see glory from heaven’s opening vale;
I’ve been longing, preparing for home.

I must join in the final great controversy;
I’ve been longing, preparing for home;
I must follow my Master through Gethsemane;
I’ve been longing, preparing for home.”

So, suppose you were standing before God right now and He asked you, “Why should I let you into heaven?” What would you say? You may not know what to reply. What you need to know is that God loves us and has provided a way that we can know for sure where we will spend eternity. The Bible states it this way: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Do you know for certain that you have eternal life and that you will go to heaven when you die? God wants you to be sure! The Bible says: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).

We have to first understand the problem that is keeping us from Heaven. The problem is this – our sinful nature keeps us from having a relationship with God. We are sinners by nature and by choice. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and we cannot save ourselves. “For by grace are you saved, through faith, and this not of yourselves—it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). We deserve death and Hell. “For the wages of sin is death” [ Romans 6:23 ].

God is holy and just and must punish sin, yet He loves us and has provided forgiveness for our sin. Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus died for us on the Cross: “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus was resurrected from the dead: “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25).

So then, back to the original question. “How can I know for sure that I will go to heaven when I die?” Well, the answer is this—belief in Jesus and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). You can receive eternal life as a FREE ‘gift’. “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). You then can live a full and meaningful life right now. Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10) and then spend eternity with Jesus in heaven, for He promised: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am” (John 14:3).

So you may be thinking, how should I ‘properly’ prepare for my eternity? Well, preparing for Heaven is much like going on a journey. First, we must decide we want to go there. Next, we must prepare for the trip by making things ready, even purchasing a ‘ticket’.

The thing is, Jesus already purchased the ‘ticket’ for us! (His own blood, shed on the Cross for those who will believe).

He now offers us the ticket to Heaven FREE and FULLY ‘PAID’—so, why refuse it? “Let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” [ Revelation 22:17 ].

There is a ‘transaction’ that takes place because this free gift is offered to those who are willing to repent of sin and turn to Jesus (God’s Holy Spirit makes this possible).

So, specifically, there are a few practical ‘steps’ one can take to prepare for their journey to Heaven.

– Again, Make Sure You Have A Valid ‘Passport’
If you travel to a foreign country, you cannot get in without the right documentation. The same thing is true when you enter that new ‘country’ called Heaven. You need a spiritual passport that will allow you to enter Heaven: a heart that is stamped with the word “Forgiven.” Only forgiven people enter Heaven.

– Live With A Destination Mindset
As Christians, we live in two worlds at the same time. We are ‘residents’ of the earth with very real responsibilities that God has given us to fulfill. But we also are ‘citizens’ of Heaven. While we are here, we are to be making preparations for there.

– Prepare For Heaven, Refuse To Allow Your Departure To Paralyze You With Fear
There is no need for Christians to fear death. No Christian dies prematurely. God has a definite time for your departure, and nobody leaves this life one second before God’s appointed time. Death is a necessary ‘transition’ to Heaven. It is a separation of our spirit from our old body so that we can put on our new body designed for this new world.

– Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth
While God has allotted a different number of years for every one of us in this life, Moses said there is an average life span for most people. He said, “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away… So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” [ Psalm 90:10, 12 ].

The older I get, the more I understand what Moses was saying. As ‘humorist’ Andy Rooney put it, “Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.” Have you discovered this, too? [ Moses just said it a little more eloquently. He said, “Teach us to number our days.” ]

Now, most people on this planet, regardless of their religious persuasion, do not think that life on earth ends here. They do not believe that this is all there is. In America, for example, more than 70% of the population believe that Heaven is a real place.

SO, GET ‘PREPARED’ to go the Heaven! It IS ‘ASSURED’ for the believer!

[ FYI: For more details about the coming “Rapture” of the Church, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/blessed-hope-v245/ ].

Jesus promised His disciples (while on earth) that He would ascend to Heaven and return at the later date to transport His believers to Heaven—and only those who have confessed Him as their personal Lord and Savior (“believers”) will be raptured when the time comes. He said:

“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other”
[ Matthew 24:30-31 ].

The thing is, the Rapture is meant for ‘repentant’ people. Jesus will come suddenly when people least expect it. Unfortunately, people who have refused to confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior would be caught unaware. They will not ‘qualify’ for the Rapture.

The “Rapture” refers to the “snatching up” of the believer to meet Jesus “in the air”—before His Second Coming when He actually ‘touches’ the Earth. “The Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” [ 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ].

For me, my first thought about the Rapture is that it is very encouraging. In fact, Paul continues with these words: “Therefore encourage one another with these words” [ 1 Thessalonians 4:18 ]. Just like Jesus ascended into the clouds—when He went back to Heaven, after His resurrection—you will rise to meet Him in the “clouds.” Jesus IS coming back for His believers, and I believe it is going to be REAL SOON!

In fact, the Apostle Paul said that the believer is going to marvel and exult in his glory at that moment: “He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed” [ 2 Thessalonians 1:10 ].

The Rapture is for believers. The Rapture IS coming, and EVERY believer NEEDS to make sure that they are ‘READY’ FOR IT!

[ FYI: For more details about the final “Tribulation,” view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/final-tribulation-v246/ ].

[ FYI: For more details about the Antichrist, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/heed-the-warning-v251/ ].

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE ‘FUTURE’
Then, HOW does one prepare for the future? Well, first off, there are a variety of reasons WHY one should get prepared. A few are:

– It Ensures That You Are Prepared
Creating a plan for the future can help you take the necessary steps to manage anything you may encounter, such as financial issues, in the future.

– It Helps You To Reach Your Goals
Planning for the future can allow you to set goals and take the proper steps to reach them within a specific timeframe.

– It Keeps You Motivated
Knowing you have a set plan for the future can inspire you to keep working hard to reach your goals.

– It Helps You Have Financial Stability
Preparing also helps you have financial stability if you create a budget to adhere to, which can help you can accomplish your goals.

– It Helps You Better Control Your Life
Having a set plan you’re following that will benefit your future can allow you to take better control over your life and the steps you take in pursuit of your goals.

– It Helps You Plan For The Future
You can plan for the future by setting many smaller, easily achievable goals that directly and immediately impact your current life and keep doing so until you ultimately accomplish the larger goals. You can also set larger goals that may take years to accomplish and actively work toward them a little each day.

So, in general, the following is a high-level step-by-step ‘guide’ on HOW to plan for the future:

– Consider your ultimate personal life goals
– Set short- and long-term goals
– Review your career goals
– Consider your time frame
– Create a ‘budget’
– Write your goals and plans down
– Actively work toward your goals

More specifically, career-wise, people are asking what they can do, right now, to prepare themselves for future opportunities. Well, even if one is not working in their dream job or business right now, if they do the following things, opportunities WILL come into their life. (What they do with them after that is up to them.)

– Stay informed about developments in their selected field
– Build their expertise/portfolio
– Make learning a habit
– Establish positive relationships with people in their field
– Determine how they are going to create value
– Place themselves where their ‘heart’ wants to be (“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Mark Twain)

Now, it is said that every journey begins with preparation, and there is definitely tremendous ‘power’ in preparation. So, if you want a ‘better’ future with a happier, more fulfilled, and more satisfying life, you just need to PREPARE (it just won’t just happen or ‘fall out of the sky’). Like everything else in life, it takes desire, dedication, then action to succeed. So, start ‘prepping’ for tomorrow’s success today!

However, when one does become ‘successful’, as they get to a ‘ripe old age’, they need to start planning for something else… death.

Many of us live as if we are immortal (especially 20-somethings), which can mean we leave important things undone and unsaid. So, if you prepare for your own death in advance, it means you can relieve the decision-making burden of those you love and create opportunities for an end of a life filled with peace.

However, before you plan how to face death, you first have to ACCEPT the reality of your mortality. It is essential to find your own way to process the reality of facing your own death. We all deal with the news in different ways. But once you have accepted the reality, it allows you to take stock of your life, think about the possibilities still ahead, and learn how to cope with the ‘fear’ of death.

Death is something everyone should talk about because it can help ‘reposition’ how we feel about our mortality. We all want to experience a ‘good’ death, but that is subjective and depends solely on what that means for you. So, take time to consider what YOUR ‘ideal’ experience would be: WHO you would like there; WHAT you would like to be doing; and WHERE you would like it to be (as much as you can make these happen). [ I’m thinking “When,” “Why,” and “How” would be a lot tougher to accomplish. ;^D ].

In addition to the ‘practical’ side of dying, there is also the ‘emotional’ and ‘spiritual’ side to consider. Give yourself plenty of time for a calm, contemplative reflection. Such moments should help you see things more clearly, making it easier to take the ‘actions’ you decided yourself.

When REVIEWING estate planning documents, consider the following questions:

– Will your beneficiaries receive the property outright, and is that appropriate? For any beneficiary unable to properly manage wealth, consider creating a trust so that your legacy is protected while being made available (per the trust’s terms) for the benefit of your beneficiary.

– Have tax laws changed in a way that would adversely impact your plan? Alternatively, have tax laws changed in way that would allow you to simplify your plan?

– Have you named the right fiduciaries? Perhaps circumstances have changed such that the executors, trustees, and agents named in your current documents are no longer appropriate. For example, has your named fiduciary moved away, had health issues, or has retired? If so, perhaps a new fiduciary is more appropriate.

– Do your beneficiary designations reflect your current plan? Life insurance and retirement plans (and certain other assets) do not pass through your will, but by beneficiary designation. Have you checked all of your beneficiary designations to ensure that they match your current plan?

– Is your will “self-proving”? Many states allow an extra document to be attached to your will so that the witnesses do not have to appear and authenticate your will during the probate process. This extra document should be signed at the time you execute your will. If your will is not self-proving, consider making it so.

– Have you moved since your estate planning documents were last prepared? Laws can vary greatly from state to state. If you have moved since your estate planning documents were prepared, the laws of your new home state may adversely impact your plan. Consider changing your documents to reflect the laws of your new state.

Now, these are not all the questions you should be asking about your estate plan but, hopefully, they will start you off in the right ‘direction’ and you will be reassured that your wishes are going to be properly executed—and you can ‘get cracking’ on checking things off your Bucket List!

All this thinking about our death tends to remind us of life’s ‘brevity’. The fact is that, as the Bible mentions, our lives are just “a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” [ James 4:14 ]. Like in early morning fog that hovers over the grass and is quickly gone at the first touch of the sun’s rays, our lives are transient; eventually, they seemingly vanished, without even a trace left to be seen by future generations. (However, an estate plan can be structured to leave your ‘legacy’ for many years after your passing).

[ FYI: For more details on how to leave a ‘legacy’, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/leaving-a-legacy-v242/ ].

A number of years ago, “The Denial of Death” won the Pulitzer Prize for the best of nonfiction. In it, the author, Dr. Ernest Becker, made this telling comment, confirming what the Bible clearly states: “The idea of death, the fear of it, haunts the human animal like nothing else; it is the mainspring of human activity—activity designed largely to avoid the fatality of death, to overcome it by denying in some way that it is the final destiny for man.” Emphasizing what Becker said, King Solomon said something similar subtly urging his readers to take steps to confront the truth of death’s influence on our overall conduct in life” “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future” [ Ecclesiastes 7:14 ]. This followed the ‘reminder’ Solomon made just a few verses previous: “for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart” [ Ecclesiastes 7:2b ].

Death was set in motion during the Creation Week. The way things now are in this world, it is an almost daily factor in life. It has become the curse of curses, the last ‘enemy’ to be destroyed. As we will see shortly, it ‘dogs’ our existence.

The specter of death is so dominant in some people’s minds that it virtually ‘destroys’ their lives. Their actions are constantly focused on avoiding death and preparing to overcome it by somehow—denying that it is the final destiny for man. These people are really downers in their effect upon others. Conversely, many people, while living, do not prepare for the obvious reality of death and its accompanying sorrows that everyone must deal with. Solomon exhorts us to face in a balanced way what this issue means in terms of God’s truth so we are prepared for its inevitability.

Author Susan Sontag wrote that “Death is the obscene mystery, the ultimate affront, the thing that cannot be controlled. It can only be denied.” Our language of death clearly shows society’s attempts to soften, hide, or even deny it by using euphemisms, such as calling the dead person “the departed” or by saying that he “passed away” or “is not with us anymore.” This is done to avoid saying the words “death” or “dead.”

However, God deals with this in His Word by showing that it is best for us to deal with it directly.

By asking God for help regarding its reality, Moses makes a vital statement about preparing for death: “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). The phrase, “number our days,” suggests that we put our use of time in order. Death and its reality play an important role in Christian life, for God fully intends that it has an overall positive effect on the lives of His ‘children’. Everybody dies—that cannot be avoided—but not everybody ‘PREPARES’ for death.

The Reformer Martin Luther also made an insightful observation on preparing for death: “It is good for us to invite death into our presence when it is still at a distance and not on the move.” The time to learn about rock climbing is not when hanging from the edge of a precipice WELL BEFORE starting up the side of the cliff. It seems, though, that many do most things on the ‘spur of the moment’, a practice that is not advisable, especially concerning something like death that absolutely no one escapes! (Attending one good funeral can shape a person’s worldview more positively than a whole year’s worth of parties!) Proverbs tells us bluntly that “Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death” [ Proverbs 10:2 ]. Just let that ‘sink in’ a bit for a moment right now. [ Selah ].

Sometimes people are ‘scared to death’ to die. In general, there are three reasons why.

– Uncertainty About What Lies Beyond
Well, the thing is, left ‘in’ our sin, NO ONE is “good enough” to get into Heaven. All our righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Even the best among us are not pure enough to deserve eternal life in Heaven after we die (James 2:10). Rather, it is the belief that He who had no sin (Jesus) ‘became’ sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:41) and He paid the complete ‘price’ for all of our sins. That is why the believer knows where they are going when they die because death holds no ‘sting’ for them (1 Corinthians 15:35-58).

HOWEVER, even believers ‘doubt’ on occasion. They are lured into thinking that dead bodies cannot come back to life (Job 19:25-26). BUT, there is NOTHING to fear! Heaven ‘belongs’ to the believer!

– Worry About the Path That Leads to Death
A century ago most people died unexpected and sudden deaths. But, with today’s improved health care and a more educated public, we live longer and often face ‘lingering’ deaths. Sadly, fear of the diminishing nature of the quality of life causes some people to consider shortening their time on earth.

Rather than looking for ways to escape the challenges of aging and dying, believers can see, in the dying process, an opportunity to mend relationships and put their faith into action through acts of love and concern (1 Timothy 5:8; 1 John 3:18).

– Concern for Those Left Behind
Believers sometimes hold out one lingering fear about the prospect of facing their own death: a concern for those left behind—especially if they are not believers.

By far, the most common fear people expressed at the prospect of their own death centers on those they will leave behind. The question becomes, “Who will care for my loved ones?” and, if necessary, “Who will lead my family member(s) to Christ?”

[ NOTE: Many other ‘practical’ things to do are in the “Articles” section below. ]

Most people would rather talk about ANYTHING ELSE than death. The subject for some is ‘morbid’, so why talk about it? Well, the thing is, death is INEVITABLE and is coming to ALL (Hebrews 9:27).

So, are YOU ‘PREPARED’ for your death? People are constantly getting ready for various occasions such as a marriage, meeting an important person, and many other important reasons. But, how many take time to think and to prepare for their departure from this life? Sadly, not many, BUT that is why I am ‘encouraging’ you to do so, starting RIGHT NOW!

One’s ‘destination’ will depend on their ADVANCE ‘PREPARATION’. Oh how important is that readiness! Preparation gives assurance that, “It is well with my soul” [ Psalm 42:7e ].

[ “Where’s Ten Girls?” – ApologetiX ]

[ FYI: For more details about the Ten Virgins parable, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:

https://markbesh.wordpress.com/how-to-prepare-to-meet-someone-important-v276/ ].

Well, being ‘ready’ is not self-righteous or a philanthropic ‘deed’: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” [ Ephesians 2:8-9 ]. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5).

Proper preparation to meet death is positively affected by a close relationship with Jesus, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death; I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me” [ Psalm 23:4 ]. Relationship with Jesus is sustained through reading His Word to know His will (Psalm 119:105), and by fellowshipping with Him through prayer and worship (Matthew 26:41).

The following Scriptures are a few that can help you prepare:

– “For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready” [ Revelation 19:7 ].

– “Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” [ Matthew 24:44 ].

– “Let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober” [ 1 Thessalonians 5:6 ].

– “Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” [ 1 Corinthians 10:12 ].

– “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” [ Colossians 4:2 ].

– “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” [ Ephesians 4:1 ].

As we age, our physical and mental abilities fade, old friends pass away, familiar customs which have been routine disintegrate, and our long-held ambitions lose their potential or appeal. These realities, though, should not drive us into despair, but rather ‘stimulate’ us. Like grass, we have a limited number of days, but there is opportunity in every one of them! (Psalm 103:15-18).

So, whether you are at the start of your life, are in the prime of your life, or are looking back at life, before the strength in your hands fails you and your teeth, eyes, and ears grow weak, will you choose to ‘go all in’ for Jesus? If you wait until tomorrow, it may not come for you! As Pastor C.T. Stud once put it, there is… “Only one life, ‘twil soon be passed. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Therefore, look at your days in this life as the ‘grass’ that they are. Spend them in ‘awe’ of the God who will love you eternally, and spend them not building your own empire out of ‘sand’, but on the work of the only Kingdom that endures forever! Pray that as you do so, God will “establish the work of your hands” [ Psalm 90:17 ], both today and throughout the year that tomorrow will bring.

Now, even though that, in many modern societies, death has been ‘pushed out’ of the sphere of daily life—making the confrontation even worse when suddenly we have to face death (our own or that of someone we love)—it has made society utterly unprepared for it. But that DOES NOT have to be the case for the ‘believer’! Even though they know that they will die one day, the prospect of their death SHOULD NOT be ‘scary’.

So, for this reason, it is good to be prepared for the moment of their death. Although ‘statistically’ one may have years of earthly life ahead, disaster can strike at any moment. What a relief is it then to know that Jesus came to tell the believer: “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die, will live” [ John 11:25 ]. FANTASTIC ‘news’!

[ VIDEO: The “Pilgrim’s Progress” ]

Think about it: No tears, crying, sorrow, pain, or death! (Revelation 21:4).

HOW TO ‘PREPARE’
So then, how does one face death with a calm confidence? Well, here are some ways the Bible says to prepare:

– Receive Jesus Christ As Our Savior
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” [ John 3:16 ].

– Face the reality that you will die, but do so with great hope
Jesus promises a better life that is yet to come. No need to cling on to life unrealistically (Romans 5:5).

– Live Every Day As If It Could Be Your Last
This is not a morbid lifestyle, but a great help in choosing important things like love and goodness, rather than more superficial or selfish things. It helps you live more joyful and thankful, enjoying thoroughly the life received from God.

– Make God Part Of Your Daily Life
Pray regularly, ask for His help, thank Him, and ask for His forgiveness.

– In The Hour Of Your Death, ‘Surrender’ Yourself Fully To God
Like the protagonist, Christian, did in “The Pilgrim’s Progress” allegory:

– Do Not Be Afraid
Because Jesus died for our sins, we do not have to fear death (Hebrews 2:9).

“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory’” [ 1 Corinthians 15:54 ].

– Store Up Treasures In Heaven Rather Than On Earth
Rather than spending our time, energy, and resources storing up earthly treasures, Jesus urges, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” [ Matthew 6:20 ].

Unlike the things we collect in this world, God’s treasures are made to last an eternity. The believer is encouraged us to store up this kind of treasure by doing good, being rich in good deeds, and being generous and willing to share (1 Timothy 6:18).

“In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” [ 1 Timothy 6:19 ].

Whereas treasures in this life are temporary, treasures in Heaven build a strong foundation for our lives to come.

– Recruit As Many People As Possible To Go There, Too
We can’t take any earthly possessions with us when we leave but we certainly can recruit loved ones and others to come with us! [ My life goal is “To take as many people as I can with me to Heaven.” ].

The Bible scholar Derek Kidner wrote that “Death has not yet reached out to us; let it rattle its chains at us and stir us into action.” With the scant ’minutes’ that remain in a believer’s life, Jesus ‘commands’ them to look at the “fields that are ripe for harvest” and ‘guide’ those who do not yet know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, who are not enjoying the steadfast and everlasting love of Jesus. As Jesus said, those fields are already “white for harvest” (John 4:35).

Now, the Bible does not encourage us to ‘wait around’ until we graduate, get married, settle down, ‘sort ourselves out’, or retire before we start to ‘serve’ Jesus. Rather, it calls us to do so TODAY. The wise person knows that we have a limited time and that the best way to spend it is on ‘errands’ for Jesus.

[ “Offer Your Prayer” – by ApologetiX ]

Even the ‘happiest’ place on earth does not compare to the ULTIMATE ‘PLACE’ of peace, joy, love, and more waiting for all of those who receive God’s gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ.

[ VIDEO: “I’ll Prepare For You” – by ApologetiX ]

[ FTI: For more details on ’trusting’ God, view this previous “Life’s Deep Thoughts” post:

https://markbesh.wordpress.com/learning-to-t-r-u-s-t-v263/ ].

So, as one ‘walks’ with Jesus and learns to trust Him with their future, what ‘role’ does He play in preparing them for their future? Well, the following are a few things God ‘says’ about this.

– God Often Uses Fellow Believers To Prepare Us For The Future (Acts 21:1-4)

Any of us can ‘hear’ from God—if we are willing to listen. (To do so, just read your Bible. If you want to ‘hear’ God audibly, read your Bible out loud.) Now, sometimes we hear from the Lord, but we aren’t quite sure what to do with it—just like the early Christians mentioned in Acts. They got the basic message right (Paul will have trouble in Jerusalem), but they did not understand—at that time—that the sufferings that were ahead for Paul were ‘approved of’ by God.

The point is, God does use fellow believers to help prepare us for the things that are yet to come.

– God Invented Prayer To Help Prepare Us For The Future (Acts 21:5)
Prayer brings us before God’s ‘throne’ of grace, as the writer of Hebrews said: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” [ Hebrews 4:16 ]. Prayer better prepares the believer for the challenges that lie ahead.

Prayer helps us get to know God. Prayer is what keeps our relationship with God fresh and up-to-date.

– God Raises Up Prophetic Voices To Prepare Us For The Future (Acts 21:6-12)
God will sometimes ‘speak’ to us about the future ‘through’ the Scripture during times of prayer, or He may even use someone else to ‘prompt’ you. This is one way God prepares us for what lies ahead.

As with the Apostle Paul, for example, personal safety is not the most important thing. God may want to do something far bigger than just keeping you safe. There may be some of us who will face a life-or-death situation for the sake of sharing the Good News. There is ultimately only one thing that should determine how we approach they future—the ‘command’ that Jesus left for the believer to do: “Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” [ Matthew 28:19-20 ].

– God Wants His Will To Guide Us Toward Our Future (Acts 21:13-15)
There are times when one can really ‘wrestle’ with finding God’s will for their life.

Now I don’t mean that we shouldn’t ask God for specific direction or greater revelation, but if we live each day in the center of God’s will, then we WILL FIND ourselves in the ‘center’ of His bigger plan for our lives. He will open ‘doors’ and provide opportunities for us at the right times so that we will continue to fulfill His purpose for our lives. It is ALL ABOUT ‘TRUST’! “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” [ Proverbs 3:5-6 ].

It comes down to saying, “Lord, whatever You want. I’m willing.” Sound familiar? That is what Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, before going to the cross: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” [ Matthew 26:39 ]. We might pray something like: “Lord, I am not really sure I want to go through all the problems and pain. Please find another way. Yet, not what I want, but what You want.”

Again, know that as you ‘look’ at an unknown, sometimes unpredictable future, that if you stay ‘connected’ to God, He PROMISES to prepare you for your future. Then, if you include Him in all your future hopes, dreams, and plans, He will ‘lead’ you and ‘guide’ you to the place you NEED to be—at the ‘PROPER’ TIME (usually NOT when you think you should be ’there’!). So, commit yourself to follow God’s plan for your life, no matter where the ‘road’ takes you. It WILL BE the BEST way to go!

SO, when this trumpet ‘call’ to leave comes, will you be ready?

Everyone is ‘concerned’ about the FUTURE with everything happening these days. All of us just want to have health, peace, safety, happiness, purpose, and love. Then, after we pass, we want to be remembered—hopefully, for ‘living out’ those things. So then, at least for me, one should PLAN and ‘PREPARE’ for our death and our ‘legacy’—and START TODAY!

[ NOTE: This is a very ‘reliable’ website for becoming ‘Rapture ready’:
https://www.raptureready.com/ ].

[ Excerpts by: Indeed; Jeremy Kourdi; Funeral and Memorial Information Council (FAMIC); National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA); Goldstein’s Funeral; Ever Loved; EverPlans; PNC Bank; Troy Segal; Paul Graham; Benjamin Kandt; Anna Almendrala; Laurie Brown; Thorin Klosowski; Elizabeth D. Mitchell; John W. Ritenbaugh; The Art of Dying Well; Saad Chaudhry; Ray Ortlund; Jeff Strite; Ruth Grosboll; Herbert Vander Lugt; Got Questions; Billy Graham; Robert Jeffress; Lynette Kittle; Anne Graham Lotz ]

RELATED POSTS:

“‘HOW’ To Prepare To Meet Someone Important”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/how-to-prepare-to-meet-someone-important-v276

“Got Your ‘Attention’ Yet?”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/got-your-attention-yet-v255

“The Only ‘Way’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/the-only-way-v253

“Ready For ‘Battle’?”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/ready-for-battle-v235

“Are You ‘Prepared’?”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/are-you-prepared-v210

“Prepare For ‘Wilderness’”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/prepare-for-the-wilderness-v185

“Are You ‘Ready’?”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/nov-08-v117

“Are You ‘Prepared’?”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/aug-08-v114

“Reflections and Planning”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/jan-07-v95/

“You’re Preparing For What?”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/mar-06-v85

“Preparing For What?”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/sep-04-v67

“Planning Ahead | Trusting”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/aug-02-v42/

“Preparing for Stages in Life”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/sep-00-v19

“Preparing for “Y2K”:
https://markbesh.wordpress.com/jan-00-v11

‘PRAYER’ OF REPENTANCE
In the Bible, there is a parable that Jesus told about a Pharisee and a tax collector praying the Temple. He notes that the tax collector didn’t even dare to lift his eyes toward Heaven as he prayed. Instead he “beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner’”—and Jesus said that the tax collector “went home justified,” he had been “born again” and ‘reconciled’ by God. (Luke 18:9-14).

If you are ‘sensing’ something like that right now, let me strongly encourage you to HUMBLE YOURSELF, CRY OUT to God, and PLEAD for Him to mercifully ‘SAVE’ YOU! None of us have a ‘claim’ on our salvation, nor do we have any ‘works’ that would cause us to deserve it or earn it—it is purely a gift of Divine grace—and all any of us can do is ask. So, CONFESS YOUR SINS and acknowledge to God that you have no hope for Heaven apart from what He provides through Jesus. [ See Psalm 51 ].

There is no ‘formula’ or certain words for this. So just talk to God, in your own words—He knows your ‘heart’. If you are genuinely sincere, and God does respond to your plea, one will usually have a sense of joy and peace.

Jesus said, “He that comes to Me, I will not cast out” [ John 6:37 ].

[ FYI: This is a great sermon on the “Call to Repentance” by John MacArthur from his book “The Gospel According to Jesus”: https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/90-22/the-call-to-repentance (Transcript: http://www.spiritedesign.com/TheCallToRepentance-JohnMacArthur(Jul-27-2019).pdf) ].

[ NOTE: If you have ‘tasted the kindness of the Lord’, please e-mail me—I would love to CELEBRATE with you, and help you get started on your ‘journey’ with Jesus! ].

<<< RESOURCES >>>

“On Death and Dying: What the Dying Have to Teach Doctors, Nurses, Clergy and Their Own Families”
By: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
View Kindle Edition
Fifty years after its original publication, a commemorative edition with a new introduction and updated resources section of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s beloved, groundbreaking classic on the five stages of grief.

One of the most important psychological studies of the late twentieth century, On Death and Dying grew out of Dr. Kübler-Ross’s famous interdisciplinary seminar on death, life, and transition. In this remarkable book, Dr. Kübler-Ross first explored the now-famous five stages of death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Through sample interviews and conversations, she gives readers a better understanding of how imminent death affects the patient, the professionals who serve that patient, and the patient’s family, bringing hope to all who are involved.

This edition includes an elegant, enlightening introduction by Dr. Ira Byock, a prominent palliative care physician and the author of Dying Well, as well as Congressional testimony given by Dr. Kübler-Ross on death with dignity.

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Dying-Doctors-Nurses-Families/dp/1476775540/

“Preparing for the Future”
By: Jeremy Eaton

27 years is a long time unless you are trying to save the world.

Nick was enjoying a late fall day, happily skipping his English class, when he was interrupted by a little silver ball. A ball that not only spoke but claimed to be an alien artificial intelligence sent to warn humanity that a xenophobic alien race was on its way to wipe out every man, woman, and child on the Earth.

The catch; they would arrive in twenty-seven years.

Can Nick prepare the world for an invasion that no one knows is coming?
Can he gather the people together to do what he can’t?
Can he move the sciences forward a thousand years in just under thirty?

Most importantly, can he finish high school?

After all, when someone asks you to save the world, there is only one right answer. “SURE?…”

https://www.amazon.com/Preparing-Future-Visions-Jeremy-Eaton/dp/B0B2TYM3HV/

“What Matters Most: The Get Your Shit Together Guide to Wills, Money, Insurance, and Life’s ‘What-ifs’’”
By: Chanel Reynolds

Great Experience. Great Value.
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
View Kindle Edition
A practical look at putting your life together written by the founder of the internationally celebrated website Get Your Shit Together and informed by the author’s personal experience after her husband was killed in a biking accident. Part memoir, part hard-working how-to guidebook, What Matters Most inspires readers to get their ‘affairs in order’ before the unthinkable (or inevitable) happens.

On July 17, 2009, Chanel Reynolds’s husband, José, was sideswiped by a van while cycling near their home in Seattle. In the aftermath of her husband’s sudden death, Reynolds quickly realized that she was left bewildered and underprepared for what happens next. What was the password to his phone? Did they sign their wills? How much insurance did they have? Could she afford the house? And what the hell was probate court anyway? Simply put, when life went sideways she didn’t have her shit together.

As it turns out, most of us don’t either. We’re too busy, in denial, overwhelmed, don’t know where to start. We procrastinate or outright avoid having these difficult yet critical conversations.

Reynolds learned the hard way that hoping for the best is not a plan, but you don’t have to. Drawing on her first-hand experience, expert advice, and the unparalleled resources she’s compiled from her popular website and checklists, Reynolds lends her, friendly, human voice to help readers navigate and avoid much of confusion, overwhelm, and uncertainty when ‘something happens’ and learn how to:

– Create a will, living will, and power of attorney documents
– Update (or finally get) the right life insurance policy
– Start or grow an emergency fund and prioritize your spending
– Make a watertight emergency and ‘What-If’ plan

Keep secure, up-to-date records of personal information

Authoritative yet intimate, grounded but irreverent, Reynolds’s voice carries readers through a tough subject with candor and compassion. Weaving personal story with hard-won wisdom, What Matters Most is the approachable, no-nonsense handbook we all need to living a life free of worry and “what ifs.”

https://www.amazon.com/What-Matters-Most-Together-Insurance/dp/0062689444/

“Get Your Shit Together”

Hoping for the best is not a plan. Getting the basic details and documents done that you and your family need – like wills and estate plans, end of life wishes, finances and insurance policies – is easier than you think. Chanel Reynolds has helped millions of people for nearly a decade learn where to start, what’s important, and how to get it done.

[ Chanel Reynolds ]

WEBSITE: https://getyourshittogether.org/

“Lifetime Money: Preparing for the Future”
By: Lee Jae Kwon

Like a player in a casino, you are programmed to inevitably lose your money, assets, time and effort. Despite this pessimistic view, learning the rules of the game and making your own luck is still within your grasp.

Do you feel that you are lacking ‘something’ or have unmet expectations in life? Have you ever wondered if working and earning money is simply a means to an end?

Lee Jae Kwon, author of Design Your Future and Attitude Makes Opportunities, has spent a significant portion of his life contemplating the links between happiness and financial success. Lifetime Money shares the lessons he has learned in the hope that it will help readers to prepare for their future and realize their dreams.

This insightful guide focuses on the concept of Lifetime Money (LTM), a specific amount of money one must calculate that will ensure a comfortable future, post retirement. It delves into the current economic systems that limit the achievement of one’s LTM, discusses how to increase one’s value through self-management, outlines ten working styles, and provides advice on how to achieve LTM through five essential factors.

Although achieving Lifetime Money is an essential factor in the pursuit of happiness, Lee Jae Kwon also reminds us that making money is simply a means to an end and must be considered in the wider context of what you truly value in life.

https://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Money-Lee-Jae-Kwon/dp/1922403539/

“Before All Is Said and Done: Practical Advice on Living and Dying Well”
By: Pat Miles and Suzanne Watson

Additional Details

Small Business
This product is from a small business brand. Support small. Learn moreThis product is from a small business brand. Support small. Learn more
For a culture that finds it difficult to talk about the end of life, Before All Is Said and Done is the roadmap we all need to navigate the practicalities of death while experiencing shock, loss, and grief. –Lee Woodruff, NYT Bestselling author

The notion of planning for one’s death is intrinsically at odds with our human instinct to avoid considering our own mortality. Although we may contemplate the grief that our life’s impermanence would cause to our loved ones, we seldom consider the myriad of emotional and legal issues that can arise afterward.

Before All Is Said and Done begins with the experience of author Pat Miles Zimmerman and her husband, Charles Bucky Zimmerman. Pat and Bucky were fully set for life but, regrettably, not set for death. After Bucky’s death from an abrupt and short illness, Pat found herself with a plate full of unanticipated emotions, decisions, and legal problems.

But, as she spoke with other widows, she learned she was not alone in finding herself adrift after losing a spouse. The shock and grief that erupt from such a loss do not create a state of mind fit for navigating the numerous challenges that follow an unexpected death.

Pat Miles Zimmerman will prepare us for the oft-ignored problems that run in tandem with somber situations:

– The shock of loss and what to expect
– Facing a potential cognitive decline
– Finding support and healthy grieving
– Family disputes and blended family issues
– Caring for yourself after the loss

Although we may initially shirk away from the notion of our life’s transience, it is powerfully beneficial to ready ourselves and our loved ones for every stage of life — and death. Before All Is Said and Done weaves the definitive path on how to be set for both.

https://www.amazon.com/Before-All-Said-Done-Practical/dp/1641467479/

“The Dying Process: Your Essential Guide To Understanding Signs, Symptoms & Changes At The End Of Life”
By: Katie Duncan

Enjoy a great reading experience when you borrow the Kindle edition of this book with your Kindle Unlimited membership. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.

Have you been told someone you love is dying? Are you feeling lost, overwhelmed, anxious, or feeling like you have no idea what to do or what to expect? Are you determined to keep the one you love free from pain and discomfort? Are you desperate for help? Then keep reading…

“As a physician, I am constantly struck by how little guidance the medical community provides around care at the end of life — it is truly one of the greatest gaps in our care of patients. The Dying Process takes a bold step toward beginning to fill that gap by leaning into some of the difficult conversations that arise around the topic of death and dying.” – Lauren Pace, MD

Death is an inescapable part of human life.

Yet, as magnificent as modern medicine has become, it simply does not prepare us for this inevitable reality.

And so, when that time does come…
When we find out someone we love is dying…
We are overcome with shock, sadness, and fear.

As a Nurse Practitioner, educator, and Death Coach, Katie Duncan has been an end-of-life guide for many precious humans and a mentor to their heartbroken families.

Through her years of experience with death and dying, Duncan explains the process as transitional stages beginning months before death.

She will leave caregivers feeling empowered and prepared in what is likely to be the most challenging, vulnerable, and distressing time of their life.

In this guidebook, you will discover…

– Expertise walking you through the last moments of human life.
– Simple yet effective ways to keeping your loved one free from pain and discomfort.
– Forgotten but essential “To-Do’s” before the death of a loved one.
– Surprising ways death and dying are similar to birth.
– Powerful stories that will open your eyes to the unique treasures of death and dying.
– Remarkable ways death and dying lend the opportunity for so much beauty, wonder, and tranquility.
– Crucial self-care techniques to avoid caregiver burnout.
– The most meaningful words to share and the most precious gifts you can give your loved one before they die.

The Dying Process will reframe your fears and uncertainties when caring for someone at the end of life.

Whether you are a family member searching for answers, a caregiver looking for recommendations, or a friend just trying to understand, you will receive invaluable tools and guidance to support your loved one through the last days of their life.

https://www.amazon.com/Dying-Process-Essential-Understanding-Symptoms/dp/1956947000/

“The Great Concern: Preparation for Death”
By: Edward Pearse

Are you prepared to die?
Sadly, too many people are not ready to face the inevitable.

In this book, Edward Pearse delivers ancient wisdom and encourages us to make preparation for death our great concern. Admittedly, it is a hard task that may seem uncomfortable at first. Nevertheless, Pearse faithfully directs us to pursue Christ and all His benefits so that we will be prepared to say farewell to this poor, vain, perishing world and make provision for an eternal state.

Table of Contents:
A Proposition for the More Profitable Improvement of Burials by Giving of Books

Are You Prepared to Die?
An Important and Hard Task
Attaining Victory and Glory
The Finality of Death
The Foolishness of Being Unprepared
Prepare Yourself Now!
Consider Death, Life, Eternity, Delay, and Prayer
Pursue Christ, Assurance, Peace, a Good Conscience, and Purity
Pursue Greater Levels of Grace
Pursue Diligence, Communion, Christ’s Righteousness, and God’s Presence
Death for the Believer

Appendix: A Proposition for the More Profitable Improvement of Burials by Giving of Books

https://www.amazon.com/Great-Concern-Preparation-Death/dp/1601787944/

“The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter”
By: Margareta Magnusson

A charming, practical, and unsentimental approach to putting a home in order while reflecting on the tiny joys that make up a long life.

In Sweden there is a kind of decluttering called döstädning, dö meaning “death” and städning meaning “cleaning.” This surprising and invigorating process of clearing out unnecessary belongings can be undertaken at any age or life stage but should be done sooner than later, before others have to do it for you. In The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, artist Margareta Magnusson, with Scandinavian humor and wisdom, instructs readers to embrace minimalism. Her radical and joyous method for putting things in order helps families broach sensitive conversations, and makes the process uplifting rather than overwhelming.

Margareta suggests which possessions you can easily get rid of (unworn clothes, unwanted presents, more plates than you’d ever use) and which you might want to keep (photographs, love letters, a few of your children’s art projects). Digging into her late husband’s tool shed, and her own secret drawer of vices, Margareta introduces an element of fun to a potentially daunting task. Along the way readers get a glimpse into her life in Sweden, and also become more comfortable with the idea of letting go.

https://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Art-Swedish-Death-Cleaning/dp/1501173243/

“After the Flowers Die”
By: Renee Leonard Kennedy

After the Flowers Die, then what?

There’s a 100% chance you will lose a loved one.

There’s a 100% chance you will inherit. Money isn’t the only thing.

Forbes’ magazine states we are living in the greatest wealth transfer in history. Baby Boomers are leaving upwards of $30 trillion in money and assets to its second and third generations (Forbes, 11.11.2019).

Estate planning is vital, yet critical elements of post-funeral information are missing. After the Flowers Die focuses on the quandaries, frustrations and expectations that occur months after the event.

Once we’re left in the aftermath, we’re not sure how to move forward –– let alone, figure out what to do with our parents’ legacies, their estates, what they’ve left behind. After the Flowers Die focuses on the quandaries, frustrations and expectations that occur months after the event.

Peppered with quotes and questions, After the Flowers Die focuses on the nuts and bolts of losing a loved one while also offering hope and help from someone who’s been there.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637970471/

“Ever Loved”

Celebrate an amazing life

– Easily share information with friends and family
– Raise money in someone’s memory
– Find great funeral providers and products

Focus on family and community, not logistics and costs.

Ever Loved helps you take care of everything in one place. Easily find the best providers, share the details that matter and raise the funds that you need.

Celebrate your loved one with a beautiful, community-oriented memorial website.

Easily share an obituary and funeral events. Plus, collect photos, stories and memorial donations from friends and family.

Example Memorial Website: https://everloved.com/life-of/memorial-website-example/

“Ever Loved” Website: https://everloved.com/

“What To Do When I Die: Guided Pre-Death Planner and Organizer to Record All Essential Information for Your Family Important Information About My … and Wishes”
By: What To Do When I Die Journals

One day you will die. It’s a fact.
And you have no real control over when and how that will happen…
Death planning is one of those uncomfortable, yet crucial topics it’s never too early to start thinking about, especially if you have kids.

Getting your affairs in order can be difficult, but it is an important part of preparing for the future – not just in case you pass away but also if you become disabled due to an accident or illness.

Of course, no one ever plans to be sick or disabled… however, failing to prepare can make an already hard time even harder for your loved ones.

This guided planner covers:

PERSONAL INFORMATION
My Personal Information
My Family (Spouse, Children, Grandchildren)
My Pets

MEDICAL INFORMATION
My Medical Information
In the event that I become incapacitated
My Doctors
My Medical History
Family Medical History
My Children’s Medical History

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Planning My Funeral

CONTACT INFORMATION
Important Contacts
Family Members
Friends
Associates, Colleagues & Acquaintances

DOCUMENTS
Important Documents and IDs

FINANCES
My Estate Custodians
Bank Accounts
Fixed Assets
Investments
Income
Money I am Owed
Debt & Liabilities
Bills

LOOSE ENDS
Where to find my…
Services to Close and Cancel
Special Requests for my belongings

MY SWAN SONG
A note to the beneficiaries listed in my Will
Last Thoughts

https://www.amazon.com/What-When-Die-Information-Organizers/dp/B09NRF27SD/

“The Brevity of Life: How to Make the Most of the Time God Gives You”
By: Philip J Gentlesk

O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? Are you prepared to die? That may strike you as a horrible question. Nobody wants to think about dying, even though we all get around to it sooner or later. But Philip J. Gentlesk has some good news for you: There is no reason to fear death. In fact, if you belong to Jesus, death is nothing more than an instant transition from this life to the next. From this world, with all its flaws and sorrows, to a world full of joy and peace. Writing with clarity and conviction, Gentlesk prevents compelling evidence that Heaven is real, and there is one way you can get there. Like it or not, we’re all going to die someday. That’s why you owe it to yourself to read this book. MEET PHILIP J. GENTLESK Philip J. Gentlesk is a business owner, husband, father, and committed Christian. He and Mary, his wife of 54 years, live in South Carolina, and are the parents of three grown children – Philip Jr., Michael, and Mary. Gentlesk has devoted the last 35 years of his life to sharing the abundant life and salvation that Christ offers.

https://www.amazon.com/Brevity-Life-Make-Most-Gives/dp/1662818378

“Dying and Death: Getting Rightly Prepared for the Inevitable”
By: Joel R Beeke and Christopher W Bogosh

Can any good come from thinking about death? Our natural tendency is to answer that question no! But what if our meditation on death was informed by a theological understanding of death, a recognition of the comfort Jesus’s death affords Christians, and ethical guidance for dealing with death in these complicated days of modern medical developments? Rather than being morbidly unhelpful, authors Joel R. Beeke and Christopher W. Bogosh contend that meditating on dying and death can be profitable, even necessary, for us. Are you prepared to say that your death will be “gain” (Phil. 1:21)?

Table of Contents:

Part One: The Basics

Dying Depicted: Hope in the Old Testament
Dying Demystified: Facts about Death
Dying Defined: The Wages of Sin
Dying Delayed: The Grace of Medicine
Part Two: Jesus’s Dying and Death
Dying Devotion: Jesus in Gethsemane (1)
Dying Devotion: Jesus in Gethsemane (2)
Dying Defeated: Jesus Conquering Death
Dying Destroyed: No More Death
Part Three: Contemporary Issues
Dying Desperately: Pursuing Futile Treatment
Dying Deliberately: Wise Preparation for Death
Dying Demonstrated: Faithful Perseverance until Death
Dying Delightfully: Victorious Death

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601786506/

“Heaven: A Comprehensive Guide to Everything the Bible Says About Our Eternal Home”
By: Randy Alcorn

Have you ever wondered . . . ?
What is Heaven really going to be like?
What will we look like?
What will we do every day?
Won’t Heaven get boring after a while?

We all have questions about what Heaven will be like, and after twenty-five years of extensive research, Dr. Randy Alcorn has the answers.

In the most comprehensive and definitive book on Heaven to date, Randy invites you to picture Heaven the way Scripture describes it―a bright, vibrant, and physical New Earth, free from sin, suffering, and death, and brimming with Christ’s presence, wondrous natural beauty, and the richness of human culture as God intended it.

This is a book about real people with real bodies enjoying close relationships with God and each other, eating, drinking, working, playing, traveling, worshiping, and discovering on a New Earth. Earth as God created it. Earth as he intended it to be.

The next time you hear someone say, “We can’t begin to image what Heaven will be like,” you’ll be able to tell them, “I can.”

“Other than the Bible itself, this may well be the single most life-changing book you’ll ever read.” ―Stu Weber

“This is the best book on Heaven I’ve ever read.” ―Rick Warren

“Randy Alcorn’s thorough mind and careful pen have produced a treasury about Heaven that will inform my own writing for years to come.” ―Jerry B. Jenkins

“Randy does an awesome job of answering people’s toughest questions about what lies on the other side of death.” ―Joni Eareckson Tada

https://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Randy-Alcorn/dp/0842379428/

“Preparing for Heaven: A Guide for Going Home to God”
By: Steve Swartz

What will heaven really be like? How should we live now, in light of the world to come? In Preparing for Heaven: A Guide for Going Home to God, Steve Swartz answers those questions by looking to the only objective source of information, the Bible.. Living in an age of science fiction novels and reported near-death experiences, Christians must be careful to ground their heavenly hope in biblical reality, not fantasies or fairy tales. Armed with the truth of Scripture, Swartz separates biblical fact from popular myths and misconceptions. In so doing, he invites his readers to embrace the wondrous truth God has revealed about the eternal glories that await His children.

https://www.amazon.com/Preparing-Heaven-Guide-Going-Home/dp/B085R74MP6/

“A Better Country: Preparing for Heaven”
By: Dan Schaeffer

God never meant heaven to be a vague hope, but the passion and purpose of your present life. He wants to prepare you for the better country! In these pages you will discover the thing you’ve always wanted; the world you’ve longed for; the life you were meant to live; the goal you were meant to pursue. “One of the most important reasons for writing this book, to me, was to help Christians who have bought into the ‘you only go around once’ idea that this life is our only chance to accomplish anything significant,” author Dan Schaeffer explains. You’ll explore topics such as: misconceptions about heaven, what the new heavens and new earth will be like, what happens when you die, what life in heaven will be like, and how to prepare for your future in heaven. Many Christians view this life as their only chance to fulfill their ambitions, to be “all they can be.” A healthy understanding of what the Bible teaches about heaven enables you to let go of many earthly ambitions and the regrets that often accompany them.

https://www.amazon.com/Better-Country-Preparing-Heaven-ebook/dp/B00JXU6X2M/

“Preparation for Eternity with God”
By: Rick Streight

Our time is short on this earth. Jesus will soon be returning to take His children home … but are we ready? There are preparations we can make. The book you are holding is a story about fighting the good fight of faith and conquering it with Christ’s help. God’s Word says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6) The Bible also says, “The truth shall make you free … ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:32,36)

Author Rick Streight speaks heart-to-heart with the reader about the realities of the Christian journey and the reward that is waiting for us. He also speaks about the dangers that surround us, the temptations we often struggle with, and how to overcome sin through Christ.

He asks a major question: “Why hasn’t Jesus come yet ?” This book answers that important question.

Are you spiritually homesick? God has made a plan that we may have “… boldness in the day of Judgment.” (1 John 4:17) Jesus depended totally on His Father for wisdom and power. If we depend on Jesus, we can receive that same power to live the Christian life maturely, with no short cuts-that’s God’s way! This book also provides answers as to how we can hasten Jesus’s second coming.

May we all prepare ourselves for “the day of the Lord” through in-depth study of His Word with much prayer. Ask God, “How do I apply these things I am learning to my life?”

https://www.amazon.com/Preparation-Eternity-God-Rick-Streight/dp/1449717934/

“Prepare Yourself For The Rapture: Jesus Is Coming Sooner Than You Think”
By: Sharon Lee Johnson

The Rapture is coming are you ready?Most Christians are not concerned about Jesus’s return. Every generation has said that Jesus would come in their life time. Why should Christians be concerned now?Now, more than ever there are more signs, than ever. We are now living in The Days of Noah. Everyone thought Noah was crazy for building the Ark. People think Christians are crazy for warning others about the last days before the Rapture.1st Corinthians 9-11Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor the drunkards nor slanders nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.We were all sinners before we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The question is: Are you living for God or for the world? Are you right with God. If the Rapture happens in the next thirty seconds, will you be taken up or be left behind? You need to get right with God before the Rapture. Jesus will come in a twinkling of an eye. Are you ready?In this This book explains how to prepare yourself for the Rapture. Are you a Born Again Christian? Are you living a life Jesus called you to live? Do you even know how to live right?Jesus will return sooner than you think. In this book, It lists over 25 ways to live right, in order to be prepared for the Rapture.As In Noah’s Day, explains how the world is living and doing as they lived in Noah’s day.Pray The Prayer of Salvation, so you won’t be left behind.Get Baptized as Jesus did.Why You Need Your Own BibleMemorize ScripturesRest on the SabbathPrayLive a quiet life and whyChristians will be persecutedBe not conformed to this worldSeek The Lord In The MorningGive Thanks to the LordMake Jesus Your SourceWitness to othersDiscover Your PurposeGod’s Will be donePraise and SingMark of The BeastIf you are prepared for Jesus, are your children, spouse, family members? What about your neighbors or co-workers, are they ready for the Rapture or will they get left behind?This book is a book that you will want to refer to often and it will keep you on track with God and when you get off track, you will know how to get back in line with God. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light.Don’t get left behind.This book is based on scriptures that you will memorize and help you be able to witness to others as we are living in the last days before Jesus. Are you prepared for the Return of Jesus? The Rapture will be here sooner than you think!

https://www.amazon.com/Prepare-Yourself-Rapture-Coming-Bible-My/dp/1072647966

“Estate Planning For The Rapture: How Will You Prepare For It?”
By: Tom Bousquet

If you would like to make life easier for those who are left behind in the rapture, and would like to assure yourself that your estate is protected in the event of your rapture, then you should read this book.

This book gives practical advice and includes suggested forms to do estate planning for the coming rapture. Husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, business owners, executors and trustees can benefit from the suggestions in the book. Author Bio: Tom Bousquet is 75 years old and has lived his whole life in Houston, Austin and Brenham, Texas.

He was raised and educated in Catholic schools, as a Catholic, but he found the Lord when he was 51 years old. When he asked the Lord to be his Lord and to come and live in his heart, his life changed dramatically. While at University of Texas including law school, where he was president of the Law Bachelors Drinking Club and thereafter as a divorced man who was chairman of the Houston Martini Society, a member of the Houston Margarita Society and twice president of the Cadre, a men’s social club, he could not find a purpose for his life.

One of the highlights of his life was participating in the Promise Keepers â€œStand in the Gap on the Washington D.C. mall on October 4, 1997. He has now found the Lord’s work as his purpose. He is a contributor to Campus Crusade for Christ, Young Life, International Justice Mission, etc. The Lord placed the burden on him to write “The Rapture, How will you prepare for it?” and Tom believes the Rapture is getting closer each day. This is especially true now that the Great Deceiver (Rev. 13:14) is now on the world scene and the Nation of Israel is under constant attack.

https://www.amazon.com/ESTATE-PLANNING-RAPTURE-Tom-Bousquet/dp/1607917904/

“The Rapture Question”
By: John F. Walvoord

Now completely revised and enlarged, using quotations from the New International Version — John F. Walvoord’s classic work on the Rapture! The Rapture Question examines the four views of the church’s role in the tribulation: Partial Rapturism, Pretribulationism, Midtribulationism, and Posttribulationism, with the revised edition particularly discussing the current debate between pretribulationism and posttribulationism. In updating his work, the author also added treatments on the Rapture in the Gospels, in 1 Thessalonians 4, in 1 Thessalonians 5, in 2 Thessalonians, in 1 Corinthians, and in Revelation. A bibliography of current literature plus general and Scripture indexes are included.

https://www.amazon.com/Rapture-Question-John-F-Walvoord/dp/0310341515/

“Who Will Face the Tribulation?: How to Prepare for the Rapture and Christ’s Return”
By: Tim LaHaye

Unravel One of the Biggest Mysteries of the End Times

Will Christians go through the tribulation? Is there any way for you to know for sure? The battle of beliefs about the timing of the rapture is becoming more intense. But what the Bible says about the future doesn’t need to be confusing.

People have been baffled about the pre-, mid-, and post-tribulation views. Who Will Face the Tribulation? carefully unravels the confusion, offering greatly needed clarity.

With scholarly research, bestselling author Tim LaHaye uses God’s Word to provide helpful and compelling answers to those questions so you can understand when the rapture will occur. In this book, you’ll find

– solid explanations for why the rapture happens before the tribulation
– the keys to interpreting Bible prophecy correctly
– timelines and charts that give a clear picture of the end-times

Get excited about Christ’s return in this highly readable and informative study of the rapture.

https://www.amazon.com/Who-Will-Face-Tribulation-LibraryTM/dp/0736962581/

“The Late Life Archive”
This is a storytelling service developed by SPJ award-winner Tyler Besh. It is designed to preserve the every-day stories of family members. This way, sharing it with current and, especially future loved ones, will be as easy as pressing play!

OVERVIEW:
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKJFiedHiH0

EXAMPLES:

– “Don Farmer | Cigar Box Guitar Craftsman”:
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkiu8eLfXIA

– “Uncle Big | Route 66″:
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi6R3dxmX6

[ Update | April 2020: I’ve been informed by the Sartor family that Don has passed today in Oklahoma. I am grateful and honored to have had the chance to preserve his stories. Rest in peace Big! ].

Preserving family stories for future generations.

LATE LIFE ARCHIVE WEBSITE: http://trustydigitalmedia.com/lla

MAIN WEBSITE: https://trustydigitalmedia.com/

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

SPECIAL ‘GENERAL’ RESOURCE

“ApologetiX Songbook”
(An interactive PDF)

It features the lyrics to every song on every CD and every “download” from 1993-2020

Special features:

indexed by title, original song, original artist, subject, and Bible verse
each song’s page has icons showing what albums it appears on
each song’s page has a commentary from lyricist J. Jackson
each album’s page includes liner notes and track listing
print any pages you like or use for slides in church
photos from ApologetiX’s debut concert in 1992
discography of out-of-print cassettes
downloadable in PDF format

New features in this edition:

all song commentaries from J. Jackson updated and expanded
also indexed by year when original song spoofed was a hit
J.’s original handwritten rough lyrics to 40 ApX classics
scads of photos from ApX 25th-anniversary concerts
list of 40 ApX parodies most likely to be redone
over 200 new parodies and journal entries
list of the first ApX concerts in each state
six new full-length feature articles
DVD discography and synopses
never-before-seen rare photos
lyrics for over 700 parodies
over 1000 pages!

Interactive features:

click on any page number in indexes or TOC to go to that page
click on any album icon to go to its liner notes and track listings
click on any song title on an album page to go to that song

Note: This e-book is a download-only and doesn’t include sheet music.

The songbook is available for a donation of $50 or more. After we receive your donation, we’ll send you a follow-up email with the link.

Get the Songbook for a donation:
http://www.apologetix.com/store/store.php#songbook

Songbook Demo Video: https://rumble.com/vfazhl-apologetix-songbook-2020-demo.html

“THE SEARCH FOR MEANING” WEBSITE

This site presents discussions on the 12 most commonly asked questions about the Christian faith.

The 12 discussions are accessed by the “tabs” at the bottom of the page. The tabs are numbered 1-12. Roll your mouse over them and you will see the question displayed at the right. Click on the number to select that question.

Within each question (i.e. tabs 1-12), there are subtopics (or dialogues) to select that appear as smaller tabs underneath the numbered tabs. Roll your mouse over them and the title of these topics is also displayed to the right. Click on the open rectangle to select that dialogue.

For each question (1-12), a link to related resources and an optional flowchart is provided. To access this material, click on the respective words, “Related Resources” or “Options Flowchart.”

To play a more detailed discussion of the subject, between two people, select the desired dialogue and click on “Play Audio Dialogue.”

In the upper right-hand corner of the page, there is an icon that looks like binoculars looking at a question mark. Click on this icon to return to the homepage.

In the upper right-hand corner of a “Related Resources” page, there is an icon that looks like some books. Click on this icon to get to an “overview” page that has links to all of the resources for all of the questions. There also are additional “appendices” for most of the questions.

In the upper right-hand corner of a “Flowchart” page, there is an icon that looks like an Org chart. Click on this icon to get to an “overview” page that has links to all of the flowcharts.

http://4vis.com/sfm/sfm_pres/sp_q1_d1_1of10.html

[ Content by: Bill Kraftson and Lamar Smith; Website by Mark Besh ]

“FRUITS OF THE BEATITUDES” WEBSITE
(The ATTITUDES of Jesus that produce the CHARACTER of Jesus)

CLICK ON THE LINK to view:
http://fruitsofthebeatitudes.org/

FACEBOOK PAGE:
https://www.facebook.com/FruitsOfTheBeatitudes/

[ Mark Besh ]

[ P.S.: If you would like to investigate further about what is required to ‘qualify’ for heaven, visit the following link:
http://4vis.com/sfm/sfm_pres/sp_q9_d1_1of10.html ].

<<< ARTICLES >>>

“Stress in America 2022”
Concerned for the future, beset by inflation

The U.S. population has experienced an intense range of stressors over the past few years, as the COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, and political divisiveness have dominated news cycles and social media. A new survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of APA, tells a story of uncertainty and dissolution.

Stress in America 2022: Concerned for the Future, Beset by Inflation, shows a battered American psyche, facing a barrage of external stressors that are mostly out of personal control. The survey found a majority of adults are disheartened by government and political divisiveness, daunted by historic inflation levels, and dismayed by widespread violence.

The report summarizes findings on current reported stress levels, sources, and consequences. Our psychologists also offer advice and strategies to help the nation navigate the fear of the unknown and the pervasive threats to the well-being of all Americans. APA is committed to empowering people to find ways to take back control and to find peace and calm in the chaos.

Pessimistic views on government and civil liberties pervade
Seventy percent of adults reported they do not think people in the government care about them and 64% said they feel their rights are under attack. Further, nearly half of adults (45%) said they do not feel protected by the laws in the United States.

Nearly two in five adults (38%) said the state of the nation has made them consider moving to a different country, and a similar proportion of adults (40%) agreed that the political environment in their state has made them consider moving to a different state.

Infographic showing the percentage of adults reporting feelings of uncertainty and concern for the future
View a full-size version with detailed description of the indicators of a society in distress infographic

[ Sophie Bethune ]

ARTICLE: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2022/concerned-future-inflation

“Most Important Problem”

Percentage of Americans Mentioning Economic Issues as the Nation’s Most Important Problem

[ CHART ]

What do you think is the most important problem facing the country today?

[ CHART ]

Which political party do you think can do a better job of handling the problem you think is most important — the Republican Party or the Democratic Party?

[ CHART ]

ARTICLE: https://news.gallup.com/poll/1675/most-important-problem.aspx

“2015 Gallup poll”

The percentage of Americans who worry “a great deal” about the possibility of a terrorist attack has climbed by 12 percentage points since 2014, and has now reached 51 percent, according to a new Gallup Poll released this week.

Gallup says events like the rise of the militant group ISIS and the terrorist attack that killed several employees of a French satirical newspaper in Paris are likely responsible for the rise in concern.

Worries over the economy and the availability and affordability of health care top the list of Americans’ worries, each causing “a great deal” of concern for more than 50 percent of Americans.

Topics that worry Americans a great deal:

54% – The availability and affordability of healthcare
53% – The economy
51% – The possibility of future terrorist attacks in the U.S.
46% – The Social Security system
46% – The size and power of the federal government
46% – The way income and wealth are distributed in the U.S.
43% – Hunger and homelessness
43% – Crime and violence
39% – Illegal immigration
38% – Drug use
37% – Unemployment
34% – The quality of the environment
28% – The availability and affordability of energy
28% – Race relations
25% – Climate change

[ ABC News ]

“2021 Gallup poll”

When asked to consider the major problems facing the country, the affordability of health care and drug addiction top the American public’s list.

Other issues, including illegal immigration and climate change, are seen as less pressing, due in part to stark partisan disagreements over the importance of these issues.

Two-thirds of Americans view the affordability of health care as a very big problem for the country today, while another 26% say it is a moderately big problem. Fewer than one-in-ten say affording health care is a small problem (6%) or not a problem at all (2%).

A comparable majority says drug addiction is a major problem: 64% say it is a very big problem in the country and 28% say it is a moderately big problem.
Narrower majorities say the affordability of a college education (55%) and the federal budget deficit (53%) are very big problems in the country. About half say this about climate change (48%).

Somewhat smaller shares of the public cite other issues as very big problems for the country. For instance, 43% say this about illegal immigration and 39% say this about terrorism.

Sexism and job opportunities rank at the bottom of the public’s list of problems in the country. At a time when the public holds positive views of the economy overall, just 25% say job opportunities for all Americans is a very big problem. About the same share (26%) calls sexism a very big problem.

[ Gallup ]

“Thirty years later, voters are still telling us it’s about the economy stupid!”

President Joe Biden’s recent declaration that the economy is “strong as hell” has many people believing he is out of touch.

It was 30 years ago that Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign manager James Carville got so tired of answering the question “What is this election about?” that he placed a sign on his desk: “It’s the ECONOMY, Stupid!”

Truer words were seldom spoken.

In fall 1992, Americans were in a sour mood about the direction of the economy and their family finances. Clinton rode that voter anger and angst to his historic victory.

Here we are three decades later, and the same political dynamics are in place. Since the beginning of the summer, polls have shown consistently that more than two-thirds of Americans believe the economy is headed in the wrong direction. Unlike in 1992, when Americans were worried about losing their jobs, this time around voters say they are worried about runaway inflation and/or the economy crash-landing into a severe recession.

For most voters, these midterm elections are not primarily about abortion. The elections are not about racism or inequality or climate change or President Donald Trump. They are worried about their paychecks and the money in their wallet.

Ominous inflation signs
Inflation over the past seven months has hovered between 8% and 9%. These are the worst consumer-price-index numbers since the early 1980s. The last time there was an election with inflation this high, Ronald Reagan won a landslide against incumbent Jimmy Carter, and the Republicans won massive gains in Congress.

Former President Bill Clinton with his former strategist James Carville and staff members in New Hampshire on Jan. 19, 1992. AP/Susan Walsh

The country is experiencing the worst consumer-price-index numbers since the early 1980s.
Americans have good reason to worry about runaway prices of groceries, gas at the pump, health insurance and utility bills. The “essentials” that all Americans have to buy every week are up closer to 15% to 30%. Inflation averaged just 2% during Trump’s four years in office and only 1.5% the day Biden entered the Oval Office. The claim by the Biden White House last year that inflation was just a “high-class problem” or was “transitory” today sounds laughable. Even more out of touch was Biden’s recent declaration that the economy is “strong as hell.” Maybe that’s true inside the bubble of recession-proof Washington, DC. But not so much in the rest of the country.

On those rare occasions when Biden at least acknowledges inflation is a problem, he points his finger at the oil and gas drillers, Big Pharma, Russian President Vladimir Putin and local gas-station owners for raising their prices. He even pitifully tries to blame the nation’s economic collapse on Republicans — when the Democrats control every lever of power in Washington. Last week he said for the umpteenth time, “I am doing everything in my power to reduce gas prices,” as he takes away oil and gas permits, cancels pipelines, increases taxes on energy, passes out billions of dollars of subsidies to wind, solar and electric-battery companies while promising to “close down” all domestic oil and gas production over the next 12 years.

Covering for the prez, West doesn’t need to topple Vlad and other commentary
Instinctively, Americans are on to this blame-shifting gambit. It’s not hard to understand what match lit this forest fire of rampaging inflation. Biden came into office and immediately embarked on seizing upon the aftermath of the COVID crisis as an excuse to pass four massive spending bills with a price tag of $4.1 trillion. Nearly every single penny of that is paid for by running up the federal credit card with more debt. And because the Federal Reserve Board has bought most of this debt, the spending has been ultimately paid for by printing money.

Let’s see. Where has this economic strategy been tried before? A few countries leap to mind: Argentina, Bolivia, Greece, Mexico, Venezuela, Zimbabwe. In every instance the result was runaway inflation and a financial crisis. Why is anyone in Washington even surprised that inflation has quadrupled since Biden started spending money like he was playing Monopoly?

I and others on these pages in recent weeks have pointed out that when you have roughly 8.5% inflation and less than 5.5% wage growth, the real take-home pay to workers has shrunk by about $4,000 for the average family in the last year. This is the Biden inflation tax — the cruelest tax of all because it socks the poor and middle class right in the nose. Then on top of that you have the $30,000-plus reduction in the value of average 401(k) plans for tens of millions of Americans because the stock market has fallen in value and inflation is reducing the value of any small gains that Americans may have experienced in the last 20 months.

The stock market is lower today than it was when Biden entered office. Interest rates on the 10-year Treasury bill have risen from 1% to more than 4.25%. The national debt has risen by more than $3 trillion, mortgage rates are at or above 7% — up from 2.85% when Trump left office — housing starts have collapsed, manufacturing is at a near standstill, and Americans are running up record amounts of debt on their credit cards to pay their bills. Since the year’s start, the economy has basically grown by 0%.

Quick. Can you name one thing on the economy that Biden has done right?

Economists and business leaders are almost unanimously saying America is going to drive off the road into an economic ditch of recession. Hello! For most Americans we are already in a recession. The idea that things are expected to get worse is a hair-raising proposition for the half of Americans who live paycheck to paycheck.

Most worrisome of all, Biden and the Democrats who run Congress have no Plan B, after Plan A of saturating the economy with debt, inflation and multi-trillion-dollars in government spending. We have had a grand exercise in “Modern Monetary Theory,” a dingbat idea that America could borrow and spend whatever we wanted to and there would be no cost. Well, America, how do you like it now?

Riding the red wave
Republicans could and should win a historic 1980, 1994 or 2010 red-wave election in November if they understand what Democrats don’t but voters do. This year’s election is about inflation, $4 to $5 a gallon gas prices and a national debt that’s risen to more than $30 trillion.

I’m not under any illusion that Republicans are going to make everything better. (They like to play Santa Claus, too.) But if you have a football coach that goes 0-16 for the season, you start by firing the coach. This isn’t complicated. Carville had it right: It’s the economy, stupid!

[ Stephen Moore ]

“Top 10 world problems and their solutions”

[ Daniil Filipenco ]

Top 10 world problems and their solutions
The last decade was marked by significant progress in various fields such as science, medicine and technology but at the same time, the number of problems in today’s society has steadily grown. In 2020 and 2021, which were undoubtedly some of the most uncertain and difficult years of the last decade, the biggest problems in the world were the COVID-19 pandemic and poverty.

This year began optimistically only to have since become even worse. The recurring COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty, climate impacts, catastrophic humanitarian crises, hunger and the situation in war-torn nations. 2022 will cause us to face a plethora of difficulties that require urgent collaboration at unprecedent levels.

As a platform to address global issues that cannot be resolved by any single country, the United Nations organization is spearheading humanity’s struggle to survive. Its most visible efforts concern resolving conflicts and peacekeeping activities.

In addition, the organization, along with its specialized agencies, is involved in a wide range of actions aimed at improving people’s lives worldwide, ranging from humanitarian assistance to peaceful practices of atomic energy. [more…]

[ Development Aid ]

ARTICLE: https://www.developmentaid.org/news-stream/post/147458/top-10-world-problems-and-their-solutions

“Top 20 Current Global Issues We Must Address”

What are the most pressing issues in the world today? What will demand the most attention in the next 5, 10, and 20+ years? In this article, which frequently refers to the World Economic Forum’s 17th Edition of the Global Risks Report, we’ll highlight 20 current global issues we must address, including issues related to climate change, COVID-19, social rights, and more. While it’s hardly a comprehensive discussion, it’s a solid introduction to the kinds of concerns facing our world today.

[ Human Rights Careers ]

ARTICLE: https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/current-global-issues/

“What are the most pressing world problems?”

Published August 2018 · Last updated September 24th, 2022

We aim to list issues where each additional person can have the most positive impact. So we focus on problems that others neglect, which are solvable, and which are unusually big in scale, often because they could affect many future generations — such as existential risks. This makes our list different from those you might find elsewhere.

It’s also a constant work in progress, doubtless incomplete and mistaken in some ways, and may not align with your worldview — so we also provide a guide to making your own list. To learn why we listed a specific issue and how you can help tackle it, click the profiles below and see our FAQ below.

Our list of the most pressing world problems
These areas are ranked roughly by our guess at the expected impact of an additional person working on them, assuming your ability to contribute to solving each is similar. But there’s a lot of variation within each issue, so it could easily be better to pursue a path that’s a great fit or a great opportunity in one ranked lower down.

Decorative post preview

Risks from artificial intelligence
The development of AI is likely to greatly influence the course we take as a society. We think that if it goes badly, however, it could pose an existential threat.