Appendix B
Tying Up Your Loose Ends
Just as Paul attempted to tie up his lose ends in II Timothy and say good-bye to his friends, so must you try to bring closure to your life when the Lord calls your name. We have tried to put together here a checklist of some things that will make it much easier on your family. This is by no means an exhaustive list. But I have consulted some of my friends in the financial and mortuary business for their best advice on dying well from the practical side. Since you already know ahead of time that you are going to die “And as it is appointed to every man once to die (and after that the judgment), (Hebrews 9:27) it is about time that you crystallize your exit strategy. Since no man knows when his scheduled appointment hour will be, your age really doesn’t matter. While you still have life, prudence dictates that you be ready.
___
/_/Check #1-Be Sure to Have an Up to Date Will.
I was shocked to learn that two thirds of all Americans age 50 or older have no will whatsoever. The number of born-again Christian with no wills, no plan, no exit strategy are just about the same as the rest of society, even though we have nothing to fear in death. What are people thinking? Do they expect to live forever? It is interesting that the top two reason for people filing wills are 1.) Fear of flying over a big body of water and 2.) Having witnessed a disaster over the estate of someone they knew . However, the reason why I think most people don’t have a will is because they just keep putting it off. I was like that until I looked death in the eye 18 years ago. After I awoke from being in the valley of the shadow of death, I had a new urgency to have a will. Even with all that it took quite a few more year of dragging my feet to finally do what is needed to actually draw up a will.
Most people think that you need a lawyer and pay hundreds of dollars to get a will. There are many websites with all the forms needed that will walk you through the process to personalize a will which will reflects your Christian beliefs. Once you have finalized your will just get it notarized and then filed at your county court house.
In the event that you have a will that has been effect for several years it would be a good idea to get it out and review it. Over the years many things change and you need to keep your will up-to-date or you may leave your estate to your ex-wife or others who you do not wish to have any part in your estate..
__
/_/ Check $2-Consider a Living Trust
A Living Trust is the easiest, most efficient way to protect your assets from the cost of Probate Court, governmental interference and bureaucratic red tape. It allows your assets to be dispersed according to your wishes. As long as you live you maintain control of every cent of your assets. If you become unable to conduct your affairs, then the person that you designated when you established your living trust takes over your affairs.
At my prompting while Mom was still living, my family set up a Living Trust for my mother. Twenty-one days after my mother went home to be with the Lord, my three brothers and two sisters gathered together to settle Mom’s estate. We distributed her estate in accordance to her will. We left $2,000 in the trust to pay any bills that might come in. About a year later, we settled the remaining money in the trust. Not one penny was paid to attorneys, probate court, or other any government agency. I am convinced if you love your family that you will put all your assets in a Living Trust.
All my assets are safely guarded in my a Living Trust. I can rest assured that no one but my family and designated charities will get my money when the upper-taker comes to claim me for the Lord.
__
/_/Check #3-Gather Your Important Papers Together
You should gather all your important documents together in one secure place. A household safe, bank safety deposit box, or other secure location is desirable. You will want to have your will, Living Trust document, house deed, car titles, funeral plans, obituary, and anything else you think your family will need on the day that you meet the Lord. Then please be sure to tell your spouse and children where they are located, plus any key or combination they will need to retrieve those valuable documents.
__
/_/Check #4-Ask Your Spouse What They Need to Know
One of the best things you can do for your spouse is to ask them what they need to know when you are gone. Once you find out write it down and discuss it with them long before your time is close, if possible. Then have that information is a place that you both agree on for the time when it is needed. I am placing all that kind of information on a floppy disk along with my important papers.
__
/_/ Check #5-Plan Your Own Funeral
Spare your family the grief and pain of planning your funeral. As a pastor, I have seen way too many families burdened with the weight of planning the service. Should you choose a standard funeral, with viewing your body, write down your instructions and place it with your important papers. If you choose to be cremated, think through your service and write down your final “See Ya Later” words to be read by a close family member or friend. I have scripted every detail of my “Home Going Service.” You may or may not want to go that far, but that is my desire. I realize that it is the right of my family to do what ever they deem appropriate.
__
/_/Step #6 Relax and Enjoy Life-Finally, live out the rest of this wonderful life serving the Lord as the Father gives you the ability. Thank the Father for every moment of every day. Rejoice in the knowledge that your future is secure. Make serving the Lord your purpose in life. Don’t become obsessed with death or your own death. After you have all “your ducks in a row”, you can relax and enjoy life as it comes your way, remembering that you have an impact on every one the Lord puts in your path each and every day. I pray that your life will a reflection of the love your Father has given you.