You shouldn't feel guilty for wanting nice things, as long as they don't control your life and your thoughts. When I think of what I'd do with my jackpot, the first thing would be to breathe a sigh of relief, let go of the past and move on. (Wish I could do that without money.) This would, of course, include the ability to purchase a nice home (not necessarily a luxurious Toll Brothers house) and have enough to cover all my bills and medical expenses.

Many people on this board want huge homes and expensive cars, so you're not alone. Some of them probably already have these things and desire much more. There's nothing wrong with that too. Personally, I'd be very content with a comfortable, debt free life, which I would already have if it weren't for some unfortunate circumstances. Then I hope I'd be grateful enough to spend the rest of my time volunteering. I think after you get the big house, the new SUV, all the new furniture, the clothes and jewelry, you might start to get bored if you don't do something positive with your good fortune. (just look at the Hollywood brats!)

No, I don't think God chooses lottery winners. There's too much suffering in this world. Right this minute a child is dying of hunger, and probably somebody's son or daugher just lost his/her life in Iraq as I was typing this.

Who "deserves" to win the lottery? The ticket holder who is lucky enough to match all six numbers will walk off with the big check. Unfortunately, a lottery drawing is not based on merit but, if it were, most of the people who have won jackpots would be required to give their fortunes back, in my opinion; they simply don't possess the ability to manage their money properly.

   A very good friend of mine has no doubt that a lottery jackpot is in his future. A psychic told him, ten years ago, that he was destined to be fabulously wealthy within seven years. He refuses to believe his psychic was wrong; rather, he clutches to the hope that she was just off by a few years. My friend has already decided how he'll spend his fortune; he dreams of going to the casino and playing a $500 slot machine. His vision is one of presenting the image of being a high roller, in order to impress a few fellow gamblers whom he doesn't even know. Further, he has engineered his own financial ruin, possibly years before the lucky event actually takes place.

   Such is the mentality of the average lottery player. You won't find a lot of that here on the forum, however, because our members comprise a community of hopeful but realistic players who realize how much trouble a jackpot win can cause. Consequently, we seek advice and guidance from each other, and we can count on our fellow members to keep us grounded while we all pursue the same jackpot prizes.

   I don't feel guilty for wanting to win a jackpot; I want a better life just like everyone else does. I also have serious doubts that God makes time every Tuesday and Friday, every Wednesday and Saturday, to decide who, of the millions of people who bought tickets, is most deserving of the jackpot. If you've watched the programs on A&E (Curse of the Lottery and ... there's another one, too, but I can't remember it right now), it should be obvious that He couldn't care less who wins.

   The simple fact is, Money Is Everything. While I realize that this is contrary to everything we've been told since we were children, it's true. If you don't have any money in the bank, you will ALWAYS be at the mercy of those who do. How many times have we had to walk into a bank or a relative's house and ask for money while looking at the floor? I remember, many years ago, having to go to my brother-in-law to ask for three hundred dollars to get my car out of impound. He made me do everything but dance a jig before he gave me the check, and I hated him for it. However, looking back, he actually did me a favor. Following that incident, I began, for the first time in my life, to seriously build a bank account. I had made up my mind that I would never let someone make me feel so inadequate again. Now, twenty-some years later, I get solicitations in the mail from various entities that want to loan me money. I like to believe that's because they know I have a healthy bank account, and that they'd like to get their hands on it. (I'm not rich, by any means, but I could pay cash for my next house, if I wanted to). I'm unwilling to part with that money, though, because it's the only insulation I have against poverty. As a result, I don't wear designer clothes, buy gold jewelry or drive a Lexus. Such indulgences are the first invitation to trouble. If it's important to you that those around you know you're rich, then you shouldn't complain when someone accepts your invitation to rob you.

   Personally, I would rather have the security of having millions available to me; I don't need to look for ways to get rid of my fortune, should I be lucky enough to win a jackpot. One thing's for sure; I'll never again go with my hat in my hand to anyone to ask for money. My family currently donates to a few select charities, and these donations would, of course, increase should I be lucky enough to match all six numbers someday. Since money is an invention of man, it should be used to benefit mankind. However, if that money is under your control, it's up to you to decide how best to accomplish that. Your first obligation is to yourself and to your family. Once their futures are financially secure, you'll want to support those organizations whose causes are important to you.

Seeing who wins it's definitely not those who deserves to win who wins all the time. Obviously no god is involved in picking the winners. Don't feel guilty for wanting to live an economically comfortable life. We all deserves that. If you win a million dollar prize, don't give money to charities because of guilt, but because it's the right thing to do.

My nick is MillionsWanted and for a reason. I'm not rich, I feel I deserves to win like any other lottery player. But I've already won a second division and it will be tough to improve on that result.

You know, I say I want all those nice (expensive) things, but I'd be happy with the second-tier prize. It would definitely knock out all of my debt, minus the mortgage. I could buy a more affordable car than a range rover. My car is 7 years old, so anything current would be an improvement. LOL.   

I will continue to play because I know one day my jackpot will come. :-) You heard it here first.