I hope your Christmas was filled with joy and His presence. The challenge has always been to keep the real focus of the celebration of Christmas in balance with all the busy December dates and events, shopping, budgeting, food preparations and anticipating family and all they bring to your table. Our McFamily Thanksgiving and Christmas were strange because our youngest daughter has been away on a year’s mission adventure. Usually at the holiday table we ask that no cell phones be on, but this year for the McWilliams is different. A cell phone is the connection to have our missionary daughter at our table as we talk by speakerphone. Unfortunately, she is the only one who has lost weight during our holiday gatherings.

I know most everyone has had to be creative for their holiday spending due to recession, high taxes and so many looking for work. Our own Christmas was lean, yet compared to our daughter’s reports from Liberia, Africa, all of us have riches and wealth beyond our wildest imaginations. Riches are relative and wealth is about much more than you can bank, spend or put under your tree. Ponder…

What is your definition of wealth?

*What do you think must be added for you to consider yourself wealthy?

*How much is enough?

*What will you do with your wealth?

*Who will benefit from your wealth?

*Who has more wealth than you and why?

If the above questions keep you only thinking of money, you may need to redefine wealth again. I know many rich people who are not wealthy. Consider these as you wind down an old year and begin a new one.

*Life is a priceless gift.

*Vision and purpose make each day a gold mine.

*Being effective is more than accumulating things and money.

*Being forgiven is extravagant.

*Health is to be prized above diamonds.

*Friends are treasures.

*Opportunities are surprise gifts waiting to be unwrapped.

*Kind words of encouragement are silver pieces of rare value.

Share the wealth this new season as you take stock in all that has been invested in you. Cash in on each new day and see its dividends multiply. AND, if you still struggle with your current status and portfolio in life, click here to read the following update from our daughter, Lydia and her Christmas blessing to you.  It may open your eyes to how others live around the world. If you continue to live blinded to the wealth you have been given you will overlook the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow—your own life and its strategic position in history.

Go ahead, live rich as you explore your wealth today.