Friday, December 23, 2011
A Message from Andy to You
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Well, it's Christmastime and another year has almost passed us by.
I don't know about you, but every year around this time I always get in a reflective mood.
Maybe it's the approaching New Year, the increased amount of family time, or the fact that I'm always forced to eat so much great food that I don't feel like doing anything that involves moving. Ha!
Anyway, I really enjoy taking just a few moments to look back at the year's highlights…and I wanted to let you know that one of the best highlights of EVERY year has been…well, YOU!
I want you to know that I appreciate you and all you are doing. Without you, the things I do would not be possible.
I know, I know…that sounds kind of cliché. But things become clichés for a reason…a lot of times they're true!
So thank you for reading, thank you for listening, and thank you for being a friend. I'm continually amazed by the outpouring of feedback I receive from readers through channels like Facebook, Twitter, my blog, and email.
It's just more evidence that we truly are all in this together…the Butterfly Effect at work.
To close, I also want to share with you a look back at my 2011 through pictures. These are some of my favorites that I haven't had the chance to share with you, until now.
And one more time…thank YOU!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Andy Andrews
Andy and Carver with their Organic Christmas Sandman! His mouth is a pepper from the family garden, his nose is a calamondin from their tree, the eyes are figs from their fig tree, and the buttons are gerbera daisies from their flower pots!
Andy and Polly
The Andrews Family
Adam and Austin - brothers that know how to share!
Andy and his Nashville Team enjoying lunch at Sea-N-Suds.
Andy with Willie from The Noticer, at Sea-N-Suds
Andy and "the monkeys" in Alaska
Austin and Adam enjoy a beautiful sunset on an Alaskan Cruise
Austin and Carver
Go Dolphins!






46 Comments
1. Kevin:
December 23, 2011 @ 12:14 PM
"Ha ha, the sandman is priceless! Merry Christmas to you, Polly and the boys."
2. Marie Wallace:
December 23, 2011 @ 12:15 PM
"Beautiful Family Andy. Thank you for sharing the pics. I wish you and your family the most magical Christmas ever. Thank you for you and all you do and for always staying in touch with your insprirational stories. I always enjoy them. Here's to a wonderful New Year also."
3. mary perry:
December 23, 2011 @ 12:18 PM
"Nice pictures cousin. Please tell Polly hello from her Texas cousins."
4. Dave Kissell:
December 23, 2011 @ 12:35 PM
"Dear Andy,
Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Thank you for your example of kindness
that you share with us in the many ways that you communicate."
5. Susan:
December 23, 2011 @ 12:42 PM
"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours! I so appreciate your frequent posts and emails. I look forward to seeing your words of wisdom as often as you can send them!
I just received 3 copies of 11 Million People and look forward to the read and sharing with others! Blessings!"
6. Pat Simpson:
December 23, 2011 @ 12:50 PM
"Duuuuuuuude!
We've "done" for each other, but mostly you, for me. Thanks to Polly, you and the boys for all you've done for Claudia, Linz, "Lake Shelby", "Hunter Bob" and me. We're proud to call your family, our family.
Merry Christmas and keep the Leg Lamp on for us! See ya tomorrow. Pat"
7. Corrina Woood:
December 23, 2011 @ 12:51 PM
"I only became familiar with you writings this year. I want you to know what a blessing you have been to me and my family. I wish you and your family a very warm and merry Christmas!"
8. Ralph Harrod:
December 23, 2011 @ 12:56 PM
"Thank you Andy for all you do to turn people around in the worst of times. "But for the grace of God there go I." Merry Christmas to you and your family and my you be continually, richly blessed in the coming new year."
9. Bill Browning:
December 23, 2011 @ 12:58 PM
"Thank you Andy from the frigid steppes of Eastern Washington. You are an encouragement to all of us who live in the fly-over states.
Bill Browning"
10. Sage Hale:
December 23, 2011 @ 1:32 PM
"Thanks Andy for all of your inspiration, advice and for just being you! I am a middle school math teacher and I share alot of your work with my students (mostly from youtube). My students love your videos! They keep telling me that I HAVE to bring you to our school. May have to check into that someday! I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season! I am really looking forward to your new book release and future books:))
P.S. My daughter, Josie (6yrs), loves your "sandman.""
11. Gerald Wick:
December 23, 2011 @ 1:42 PM
"Andy, It has been quite some time since we met, at the time we were in the Amway business. I have read several of your books and enjoyed them immensely. I remember having a tape of yours ( which I lent to someone and never came back) about your funniest sayings. I would like to get another if still available. Today I received your new book, 11million people.
Vickie and I want to wish you, Polly, and the boys a Merry Christmas and very prosperous New Year."
12. Danny:
December 23, 2011 @ 1:45 PM
"Merry Christmas to you and your family, Andy. Good lookin' boys you have there. Hope you have some more books in the works; I'm getting quite a collection of Andy Andrews books on my shelf. Enjoy the warm weather there. It is decent here in KS for this time of year!"
13. Darlene Hopkins:
December 23, 2011 @ 2:11 PM
"Andy, Thank you for the inspiration you are to all of us with your writings and appearances.what a beautiful family you have .
I will be wanting your newest book after the expense of the Holidays has settled down."
14. Sandy Ward:
December 23, 2011 @ 2:45 PM
"What a sweet family and beautiful as well Merry Christmas to you and your family."
15. Shelley Hess:
December 23, 2011 @ 2:50 PM
"Merry, BLESSED Christmas Andy, Polly, Austin and Adam!
You're the greater blessing to us, Andy (and your family, as they are an integral part of YOU), than the reverse, and we love your heart!
It's a joy to share you with others as we gift your books CDs and DVDs.
We love the way you put Christ's principles to work in your life and your writing, that many may know!
With Our Love, in Christ,
The Hess Family"
16. Robert Wolfe:
December 23, 2011 @ 2:57 PM
"Andy,
Those are some great pictures!
My wife and I wish you and your family a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You have ment a lot to the cchange in our life, thanks so much. GOD BLESS, Our Prayers are with YA'LL!!!!!!!!!
Robert & Linda Wolfe"
17. Gerald Wick:
December 23, 2011 @ 3:23 PM
"Andy,
I just completed reading the 11 million. Excellent, well done. We need to spread the word about the book and do what needs to be done in this great country before it is too late.
Thanks again."
18. Mary Herzberg:
December 23, 2011 @ 4:04 PM
"Andy,
What wonderful pictures. Life is truly about the moments - and those all looked like special moments. I'm so grateful for you in my life. A very very Merry Christmas to all of you.
Mary"
19. Rep. Harry Shiver:
December 23, 2011 @ 4:09 PM
"Andy, You have a lovely family and staff. What great pictures of your family. I will never forget your speech to the Alabama State Legislature. Thank you again for your time. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and family."
20. Laura:
December 23, 2011 @ 4:22 PM
"Andy, thank you for sharing your family with us. It can't be easy for them, but since you're always sharing your life with the world, your family is part of the package. May you all have a blessed Christmas and spiritually prosperous new year. My life was broadened by your book The Noticer, and it is easily my favorite book after the Bible, of course. Never knew I was one till I read your book. Love your energy, love your stories and most of all, love your love for mankind. I have a lot of growing to do, even though I'm 51, but I make a decision to be happy every day. Most days it even sticks! And one final thank you, Thank you for being part of the Woman of Faith, where I heard and met you."
21. Jamie Michaels:
December 23, 2011 @ 4:50 PM
"Andy and Polly,
Most of the time we are unaware of the waves we make in other peoples lives. When you and Polly visited me (twice ! ) in my exotic furniture store in Scottsdale Az. you made such a long lasting impression on me it is with me to this day. My prayers are with you and your family for all that you do over the year. TY Jamie
Merry Christmas !"
22. Steve Barkley:
December 23, 2011 @ 5:03 PM
"Andy,
"Mastering the Seven Decisions" changed my life this year. I had the pleasure of seeing you at SPUR Leadership in Austin. I listen to your podcasts while I workout, and will be giving "The Final Summit" to my 6 boys this Christmas (last year I gave them all "The Traveler's Gift"). Looking forward great things in 2012. Thanks for noticing. Merry Christmas!"
23. Kevin and Kim Cogle:
December 23, 2011 @ 6:09 PM
"Merry Christmas to a special guy and a very special family. It is a blessing to know you. Thanks for all the inspiration you give and share with us."
24. Donna Kleinert:
December 23, 2011 @ 7:31 PM
"Andy, thank you for sharing your family photos with us! What a beautiful family! Love the organic sandman! It is nice to see that you take your boys with you to meetings!
"Thank you" seems so inadequate to describe my gratitude to you, Andy, for writing The Final Summit - it has literally changed my life! You helped me identify what fear really is and how I had allowed it to become so much more than the vapor it really is! And you revealed to me the wisdom I had been praying for. Your other books are now in my "must read now" stack, and I am weaving my way thru all of them.
We gave your books to our "children" and grandchildren this Christmas.
May God richly bless you, Polly and your boys during this Christmas season and in 2012.
With our love, Joe and Donna Kleinert"
25. pat bice:
December 23, 2011 @ 9:07 PM
"What a lovely family you have!!!And the neat sand snowman!!! I am a gardener too, loved the warm weather we are having, my pepper plants are still green on Lake Martin Alexander City, Al. Just found about you and your wonderful books in the last few months. Love reading your works. We have spent a lot of time through the years in your area and now I will be looking for you when we are there. We just spent a long weekend on Ono Island this past Fall. Keep producing your great books and maybe we will have a chance to hear you speak some time. Merry Christmas!!!!Pat & Robert Bice"
26. Peter De Snoo:
December 23, 2011 @ 10:48 PM
"Andy, thank you for all of the messages you have shared. I have learned much about perspective mine and others, having this knowledge and my job gives me the ability to share out with others. Merry Christmas and thank you"
27. Robin Wood:
December 23, 2011 @ 11:41 PM
"Hi Andy,
I hope your family has a blessed Christmas season . I really wish you would come to Shades Mt. Baptist again - My family fell in love with you and we have read, listened and given as gifts all your books.
Robin"
28. Greg Gilbert:
December 24, 2011 @ 12:50 AM
"Thanks for the inspiration and the podcasts this year. I'm really thankful for our new tradition with the Birthday cake for Jesus on my blog www.LowerBunk.com I watch your Seven Decisions DVD twice a year. Merry Christmas."
29. Charla A:
December 24, 2011 @ 1:00 AM
"Thanks Andy!! Merry Christmas & blessed New Year to the Andrews family!! Love the "Organic" Snowman, cute...cute...cute!!
Charla Hess Andrade"
30. Bridget Wenman:
December 24, 2011 @ 7:34 AM
"A great thing about looking back at our favorite moments is the reminder that they ALL include the people we love. Why is it we work so hard reaching that next goal when what is most important to us is usually very much within our reach? Thanks for reaching because without that we would have never met you! Have a beautiful Christmas and an awesome 2012!"
31. Rhonda Donaldson:
December 24, 2011 @ 8:03 AM
"My thoughts on 2011: I read the most inspiring book I have ever read in my entire life. Thank you for letting God use you to inspire me, Andy Andrews! Merry Christmas to you and your precious family."
32. Rich Lovegrove:
December 24, 2011 @ 9:28 AM
"Merry Christmas to you, Polly, and the boys!! Thank you for "David Ponder", who was an inspiration while on a recent deployment."
33. Karen Zinke:
December 24, 2011 @ 10:00 AM
"Thanks to you, too, Andy! It's been such a pleasure to read your books and share them with others. Your messages truly are "spot on." Merry Christmas to you, Polly & the boys. May you find continued blessings in the year ahead! Love the "snowman" too!"
34. Sue Damron:
December 25, 2011 @ 8:48 AM
"Thank you, Andy, for your ministry and all you do! The Women of Faith conf 2 years ago in NC was the first time I'd seen you - my goodness, what a blessing, and it hasn't stopped yet! I pray GOD's continued blessings on you and your family in the days and years ahead!! Keep sharing what GOD has placed in your heart to share with us!! GOD is using you in marvelous ways - it's wonderful to see! Thank you again! We love you!"
35. Jacque Geist:
December 26, 2011 @ 2:13 PM
"Andy,
I just heard you for the first time in August of this year at Women of Faith in Omaha, Nebraska. What an inspiration you are to everyone who sees (or hears) you. I have shared various "YouTube" videos with everyone who will listen. And....I gave The Travelers gift to my son and the Junior edition to my grandsons. I just finished reading it myself.
Keep doing what you're doing, because no one does it better. Happy New Year and blessing for a wonderful 2012 to you and your beautiful family."
36. carol:
December 26, 2011 @ 4:34 PM
"Thanks Andy! Ordered 5 copies of 11 Million for my team Book1 in 2012! Can't wait- appreciate you and your gifts of inspiration."
37. Kedo Olson:
December 26, 2011 @ 5:12 PM
"Andy,
I saw your talk you did in Charlotte for ACN. I look forward to seeing you in person as well. Your humor, seemingly "scattered attention" deliverly were very good.
I am reading your books and looking forward to implementing your wisdom, as well as Maxwell's , Peale's , Dr. Schullers etc. I am only 62 year's old and have plently of time to for this old dog to continue to learn new tricks, so to speak.
Bless you and your family, and Peace for you in the New Year."
38. Becky Goshorn:
December 27, 2011 @ 7:46 PM
"Thanks, Andy, for sharing your family pictures, your gift of humor, your experiences, wisdom, and the talent God gave you in writing. What an inspiration you are! Have read all your books at least once, except 11 Million, and that one will be in my mailbox in a couple days.
Thanks for being faithful and obedient to your calling! God's BEST to you and your family in the New Year."
39. Amy Robinette Gamble:
December 27, 2011 @ 8:59 PM
"Loved the pictures!"
40. Jeff Adams:
December 27, 2011 @ 10:25 PM
"I read your new book, in about 15 minutes. Terrifying! Not because it did happen, but because it could, again. Please don't stop telling us the truth, especially when we don't want to hear it. We haven't met; I hope we will. Best wishes for the best year ever."
41. Barbara Barrett:
December 28, 2011 @ 1:45 PM
"Andy THANK YOU! for enriching my life by reading your words and even seeing you on YOUTube. To make my life complete would to actually see you in person. Your latest book is being shared with all my dear friends as a "late" Christmas present. I read it as soon as I received my copies in the mail. Excellent!!!"
42. Tiffany Dawn Pratt:
December 28, 2011 @ 8:50 PM
"I was blessed to see you speak this year with WOF in OKC...I have read The Noticer and have started The Heart Mender and will be able to finish when I pry it away from my husband....just an additional note..I admit I sat in a local book store and cried my way through the first four chapters of The Noticer..it touched my heart so deeply..my own child has floated in and out of homelessness due to several issued but was married to a wonderful Christian woman this year and I gave it to them as a wedding present. You have touched so many lives with your precious precious gift..thank you for sharing. Blessings!!"
43. Terrance Blessing:
December 29, 2011 @ 2:45 PM
"Happy New Year Andy! And YES, Alabama is playing for the championship. This should keep Bear Bryant from stirring in his grave.
Your Nebraska fan,
Terry Blessing"
44. Carolanne Flowers:
December 29, 2011 @ 6:47 PM
"Great photos that show great memories! You and your family are a blessing to many people and I'm thankful for the ministry you have. I hope that 2012 is filled with God's richest blessings for you and your family!!"
45. jose muniz:
December 29, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
"hi andy
you were great at the acn convention in charlotte happy new year to you and your family. your books are making an impact on my families life thank you!
jose muniz"
46. Jon M Dye:
January 26, 2012 @ 11:32 PM
"Andy, your help is needed please please contact jonm.dye@gmail.com"