Of all the things and lessons I hope to have taught or passed down to my daughters, none compare to the talks about making sure we are prepared for heaven.

If my last day on this earth is today and I could leave my final words to my daughters, they would be these…....BE THERE! On that day when our time on earth is over and ‘real life’ begins…. BE THERE!

Family togetherness is held in high regard for the White family. It doesn’t seem to matter what we are doing; just being together anywhere, anytime, we enjoy each other’s company. We have made and have plenty more planned, precious memories. We are blessed with the goodness and faithfulness of God and His undeniable mercy and grace in this life. But of all the memories you have of me, I pray the most vivid ones include those with my Bible opened in the early morning hours or me knelt down beside the couch in prayer, and the places we have traveled together serving in ministry. I pray that Dad & I taught by example – serving the Lord wherever you are and in whatever capacity needed is what matters.

We are pleased with your accomplishments in school, college, and careers. As parents, our prayers were answered by the good, godly men you have chosen as husbands. These are very important decisions and you chose wisely. Dad & I are grateful. Nevertheless, none of these compare to being in Heaven on ‘that’ day.

Remember our family mission statement we penned together and signed each of our names to back in 2006? The White Family Mission Statement “We want to be a family that loves God first, each other second and supports one another at all times. We want to grow together and become a household of faith built upon God’s word. Ultimately, we want to stand side by side in Heaven, rejoicing together that we helped one another reach this destination.” This mission statement hung on our refrigerator for many years and is now framed and sitting on our bookshelf. I believe we have lived by this and will soon see the last sentence fulfilled. Now that you each have your own family, I encourage you to write a mission statement for your families as well.

This world is rapidly spinning out of control. No matter how crazy and chaotic this culture becomes, keep your focus on Heaven! Do not let things and situations that have no lasting value distract you or weigh you down. Social media posts and most news outlets these days share often false or misleading news. Pictures of an ideal life, impeccable clean home, the perfect hair and clothing, foolproof diet plan, or the complete model way to raise a family, the list is never-ending; and is ninety-nine percent fake news. Anyone can arrange the most nutritious breakfast, set a beautiful table, buy ideal props and take a flawless filtered picture for a moment in time. But it is just that, a moment for the photo shoot. No one has everything in place and always makes the right choices that produces the most amazing life shown in the post.

The truth is, you can have real peace and lasting joy by starting each morning by asking Jesus to order your day! With His gentle guidance, you will have an abundance of wonderful days that will balance the rough ones. The word of God will sustain us through anything life throws our way. There is nothing too big or small. God cares about the details of our lives. Talk to Him about anything and everything. Hold onto your faith and continue to walk in truth. Heaven is real and is on the horizon.

Earth is not our final home- Heaven is. Someone said recently, “All of my life I have heard that Jesus is coming back soon – and He still hasn’t come yet.” I reminded them. He is only coming back one time, in reference to the rapture. But He comes for someone every day and at that moment eternity begins. It is not a matter of if, but when. So we must be ready whether by trumpet or grave.

We are not home yet, we are still on this journey but we are closer than ever before. Keep on going until ‘that’ day when we appear at the greatest and most important roll call of all time, and be there! Just BE THERE! While sharing these words, I am reminded of the song written and sung by Bob Carlisle, I want to see Heaven where the faithful carry on, I want to see Heaven where the pain of sin is gone. I often get impatient as father time keeps dragging on, I’ve wandered through the darkness, and now I’m ready for the dawn. So, I’m living every moment as if this day was my last, put my treasures where my heart is and forget about the past. And if Jesus comes tomorrow I’ll be ready to depart, as He leads me to my mansion I’ll be following my heart.

BE THERE.