An outgoing message may be generated, at a mobile communication device, based on a received application definition document, which indicates a lifespan for the message. In conjunction with generating a message in accordance with a format provided in the application definition document, a message expiry time may be generated. The message may be stored in a queue for transmission. Additionally, an indication of the expiry time may be stored in the queue in association with the message. The expiry time of the message may periodically be compared to the current time to determine whether the message has expired. Upon expiry, a user of the mobile communication device may be presented with the option to cancel transmission of the message or re-attempt transmission.