What would you do with more money than you could possibly spend in your lifetime? Even if you didn't want the money for yourself, what would you do for others if you had the means? Would you buy houses and other assets for your parents and siblings? Maybe you would donate money toward finding a cure for cancer or feeding hungry children around the globe. Naturally, you would take care of your own debts and expenses, but after that, would you try to help others? Some people say they don't need millions of dollars, but consider this: The New York Times reported that Bill Gates has contributed $25 million toward an AIDS vaccine, $50 million to fight malaria and $1 billion toward scholarships for minority students¹. Living a lifestyle of thanksgiving will position you to receive the same kind of abundance.

Having an excess of money and resources is particularly convenient when disaster strikes. After Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast in August, for example, Oprah Winfrey immediately launched a Web site featuring a gift registry, where millions of people purchased furniture, made donations and even bought houses for Katrina victims.

In addition, Oprah wrote a personal check for $10 million² . Not everyone will be a media mogul, but all people have the potential to maximize their gifts and achieve some degree of success and wealth. Would you prefer to remain average, only considering your own goals and dreams, or become extraordinary—the kind of person who touches lives at every opportunity?

Your happiness, health and wealth are important to God. Think about your life for a minute. What would you change? What, if anything, is missing? Is it peace of mind? Maybe you haven't been truly happy in quite some time. Do you desire love and companionship? Are there certain health challenges that you wish didn't exist? Prosperity is God's promise to solve every problem in your life. That's how much He loves you. Now that's something to be thankful for!

When someone says, "God loves you," it's not an exaggeration or a cliché. He cares about everything—even the smallest details of your life. He has a plan to make sure you receive more than enough of everything you need and desire so that you'll be satisfied and able to help others. As we give thanks this holiday season, many of us are believing God for the overflow in every area of our lives, especially in our finances. But if we don't praise God for what we have, we shouldn't expect to receive more!

Your attitude determines your progress. Be thankful for all the ways God has blessed you. Once you show gratitude for what you already have, God gives more! There is a specific path that leads to your abundance, and your assignment in life is to discover that path and stay on it. You must choose between living a mediocre life that is marked by constant struggles and inadequacy, and a lavish life with more than enough health, happiness, joy, success, fulfillment and yes, even money.

Close your eyes and picture your future. If you see yourself lonely, sick or slaving over work that you hate while barely making ends meet, then your life is headed in the wrong direction. Your vision for the future should match God's plan for you—He's already made preparations for your complete satisfaction and fulfillment. Today, you can begin to pursue the love, wealth, enjoyment and empowerment you deserve by adjusting your attitude and embracing God's promises on prosperity. Your future is worth the effort it takes to change the way you think. This Thanksgiving—and all year long—begin to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. God will reward you for it!

^{1Jean Strouse. New York Times, April 16, 2004. Bill Gates’ Money.
2http://www.oprah.com/about/press/releases}