Blog - Are You Grateful Now? - Andy Andrews - Inspirational Author & Speaker

Are You Grateful Now?

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

I am in the Tampa airport and just met a guy who had just read The Traveler's Gift. Among other things, he remarked to me, "I just don't have a lot to be grateful for right now." I mentioned a couple of things that came to my mind, but he didn't really see the point. This video blog is for him, but you can watch, too. In fact, I insist.

Are you grateful now?

PS- Monday, I was on "Studio B" and "FOX Report" with Shepard Smith. You can watch the video here:

Your friend,
Andy

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Posted in Uncategorized | Make a Comment (40) |

1. robert patrick - February 11, 2009 @ 2:03 PM

"Andy,
I have shared your video program on Choices with several people and with no exception, they are all truly touched and blessed. I have purchased several copies of the CD for gifts and everyone tells how great they are and how they have made them view their own lives in an improved way. God has blessed you with a gift and I thank Him for it."

2. Donna Belk - February 11, 2009 @ 2:34 PM

"What an inspiration Nick Vujicic is! Thank you for bringing him to our attention. I think its normal sometimes in life to feel overwhelmed and down -- a little lost -- but always, as Nick says, we must get back up and persevere. A very timely message. Thanks again and God bless you."

3. Henry Neff - February 11, 2009 @ 2:49 PM

"If that does not make one grateful nothing will. In fact I will go so far as to say - you may not be wired right. Thank you for sharing this - it made my day!"

4. Jon Braddock - February 11, 2009 @ 2:54 PM

"WOW, what an inspiration. Thanks for sharing, you have changed my day!"

5. Bob Maiocco - February 11, 2009 @ 3:05 PM

"Andy, thank you for sharing that great video. I run into a lot of real estate agents, home sellers and past clients in and around Denver who are having very difficult times. I remember a commitment to gratefulness you infused me with in the Mountains west of Denver and everyday I wake up and realize how much there is to be thankful for. This video refreshes that commitment and will help me teach other people how much greatness is in their everyday life as well. Thank you again and again. You are doing valuable work.

-Bob Maiocco"

6. Bob Maiocco - February 11, 2009 @ 3:07 PM

7. Colin Long - February 11, 2009 @ 3:19 PM

"Hi Andy,
We met in Bahamas in October where I attended a conference and since that time you have made a huge impact on my life snd made me realise just how fantastic I am and also how much I have to be grateful for. Amazing how we take things for granted so easily,things like arms and legs and free speech. Andy we are all very blessed but we are the ones who fail to see this. Thanks for the video, I have seen it many times in the last few weeks and every time I am even more grateful for what I have but also for seeing it. You realise that if a guy with no arms and no legs can be so happy and inspiring, there is so much more for the rest of us too. We just need to see that and take notice. Andy you are also an inspiration. Many thanks"

8. Dave Paul - February 11, 2009 @ 3:46 PM

"My daughter (age 5), asked me after watching this, "Dad, how come God forgot his arms and legs?" all I could say was God gave that man lots and lots of hope (instead of arms and legs) so he can share lots of hope with others......I, to, believe there is hope each day to some how have some kind of positive impact and I pray that the man in the airport can see the truth, that his life can have meaning, and that gratitude can become a habit. Andy, it is truly important to surround ourselves with others who help us strive for a higher level of living. Thanks"

9. Greg - February 11, 2009 @ 4:27 PM

"What a touching and yet powerful message. Thank-you for sharing what we all require; a message of strength, hope and desire - all as the result of our being grateful..."

10. Janie Andrews - February 11, 2009 @ 4:32 PM

"Andy, I was never a "BIG READER" but your books have changed that for me. That is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Thank you for all you are and all you do for others. I will see you in Ft Worth for Advocare Success School on 2/21 will you sign my books?"

11. Bill Burkhart - February 11, 2009 @ 4:53 PM

"Andy,
I was just sitting here in a nice warm house, fire in the fire place, feeling like i really dont want to go to the gym and work out..but know i should. I decided to check my mail, and i got the this one! Awsome how things pop into your life when you need to hear them. Keep up the good work, I am now on my way to the gym and more appreciative and aware of the things that I have.

Thank you
Bill"

12. Art Fisk - February 11, 2009 @ 4:53 PM

"Thank you for sharing Nick and his story. I will be sharing it with others. This is a true example of the Butterfly Effect - Nick has impacted me beyond words. What he is doing matters! I have given many your DVD's as gifts, to folks who felt they didn't have any hope....you inspire them as well..I am grateful for your work. Love Heals."

13. Kevin Hardin - February 11, 2009 @ 4:57 PM

"Andy, met you years ago at a mortgage event where you spoke. You blew my mind then. In 1989 I broke my neck, back, hip, ankle, knee and heart stopped twice from a car accident. It took a year to recover and walk again. Fast forward 1996 I made a million dollars as an originator in the mortgage business going on to own my own company and spoke publicly often of things I learned from you and my own tribulations and how I overcome to get back up. Fast forward 2009. The implosion in the capital markets has cost me my company, absolutely all of my net worth, I am in both personal and business bankruptcy. I have lost my home and I now work as an employee for 10% of my former income. I really did not think I could get back up again. I forgot to be grateful. I have a great wife, two beautiful kids. God bless you for finding me with this video. Where to go from here?"

14. Larry Combs - February 11, 2009 @ 5:16 PM

"Hello Andy, Well, you've done it again. Somehow by the grace of God, you have found yet another way to inspire us and give us hope when everything on the news lately is gloom and doom. I've always been a half glass full kind of person but the human side of me slips in and occasionally makes me feel a tad on the low side. Nick is an amazing person. Nick, if you are out there I love your attitude and how you have adapted to your situation and used it to inspire others. You are AWESOME and YOU ROCK!! Keep on keeping on brother."

15. Maureen - February 11, 2009 @ 5:41 PM

"I have shared your message with several friends already. I felt grateful today, yet this message gave me more encouragement to take on the tasks that I must.
Thank you for uplifting us all & for sharing your message.
Many blessings."

16. Jo-Anne Graham - February 11, 2009 @ 7:37 PM

"Andy,
Your blog was very timely. I came home early today abit despondent as a financial adviser... an attitude of gratitude is always always the answer. Thanks for sharing.

Jo-Anne"

17. Dr. Steve - February 11, 2009 @ 8:24 PM

"Adversity is preparation for greatness! Thanks Andy!"

18. Terri - February 11, 2009 @ 9:05 PM

"I can always count on you Andy!! There are no words that I can use to measure how thankful I am for The Travelers Gift. It gave me a gift that I will forever be grateful to you for."

19. Patti Hannasch - February 12, 2009 @ 12:07 AM

"Andy - thank you for posting Nick's story. I've just posted it to my Facebook profile and hope that it is watched and shared by everyone I know and way beyond. What a reality check! Nick - what an absolute inspiration and I pray that God continues to bless you in every way! You are truly a angel on this earth!"

20. Sharon Murry - February 12, 2009 @ 12:59 AM

"Saw you at a mortgage rally a few years ago and have been a huge fan ever since reading The Traveler's Gift. Love the e-mails. I am looking and looking on all my e-mails but can't find price of Island of Saints, info on shipping, etc. Iwant to read it so that it may become my birthday/anniversary/Christmas gifts this year. Having majored (a million years ago) in public speaking and theatre, I was delighted to be sitting in the front row when yu spoke. Our company is now out of business, and being single and out of work for five months and then sick for one has left me needing inspiration. It has been a tough, tough year."

21. Sharon Murry - February 12, 2009 @ 1:02 AM

"I was typing number 18 and the message flew into cyberspace before I could finish and correct. Anyway, thanks for the continued inspiration."

22. Andy Andrews - February 12, 2009 @ 11:02 AM

Kevin... (#13)

I came in late last night from Minneapolis (brrrr) I am sitting in my office this morning. Took the monkeys to school....did a phone call with a client I will be working with next month...got a cup of coffee and checked the blog.

Just read your note and the question at the end. You already know the answer buddy, but I will say it anyway because sometimes it helps to have a friend do that. So....from me to you, here it is...

Forward.

There is your answer.

Forward.

Take a deep breath. Wipe your eyes. Blow your nose. Take another deep breath....smile.....and move.

You have a great wife and two kids who are learning everyday that their Standard Bearer does not quit. Or whine.

One idea.

You are not lacking money. Or time. Or leadership.

One idea will change everything.

As I press the submit button, my prayer for you and your family goes with this post.

You are the M A N.

Get after it. I am proud to be in the battle beside you!

AA

23. Chrysty in Nashville - February 12, 2009 @ 9:20 PM

"OK...I was moping...felt deflated by work, family, stress...my Facebook status today was from/for Andy..."I will find a way where there is no way." Thanks! C."

24. Kaz - February 13, 2009 @ 2:39 AM

"This is truly a beautiful and heart touching story. We all have talents and gifts that God has given us, we may not have all our parts of our body but boy we can still be used for the good. Bring it on!"

25. Tom McLeod - February 13, 2009 @ 2:54 PM

"Andy,

Honestly, when this email arrived and Outlook showed me a preview of your Blog, I saw your words, "Are You Grateful Now". I immediately thought of Nick. I was only slightly surprised when my wife later clicked on the video and up came Nick in a YouTube window. I saw two years ago and was amazed by his story and his faith. I count myself blessed to live on the same planet with such a man. I got the family together and some popcorn and we all sat at the computer and watched everything we could find on Nick and his life. He is how we all could be… independently dependent and amazingly grateful. Thank you for reminding us to remind ourselves that no circumstances can rob us of our joy...unless we agree to be robbed."

26. Angie Keiser - February 13, 2009 @ 4:50 PM

"Thanks Andy - Inspiring as usual and don't we all need a little kick in the pants to remind us how truly blessed we all are ... even when we're having what WE consider to be a tough day. PS - I'm REALLY looking forward to The Noticer - can't wait til April!"

27. Renee Badertscher - February 14, 2009 @ 1:22 PM

"One of the things I felt so strongly emminating from this young man was love. It occurred to me the incredible amount of love that he has been surrounded by in his life to survive, thrive, enjoy life, endure, and spread his message. The love that he sends out is also obvious in his expression, his words, and just the fact that he chooses to use what could be seen as "just a terrible handicap" as a gift to reach and inspire millions. He is truly "gifted".
Renee"

28. Renee Badertscher - February 14, 2009 @ 1:24 PM

"P.S. from Renee
ILOVE it when you "insist". I know it's going to be good!"

29. vicki toney - February 16, 2009 @ 4:13 PM

"I TRULY GOT SOMETHING FROM THIS EMAIL. TO BE TRULY GRATEFUL FOR WHAT I HAVE. BECAUSE SO MANY HAVE LESS. I SHED A TEAR AND HAD A LAUGH NOT AT THIS BRAVE YOUNG MAN BUT WITH HIM. THANK YOU!"

30. Kim in NC - February 17, 2009 @ 12:44 PM

"Andy: My husband called me a few hours ago from Ceridian's off-site in Orlando. He was so excited after hearing you storytell for his sales group. He said, "you gotta look up Andy Andrews right NOW and I'm bringing home his book!" So I looked you up right then and I'm perusing the blogs. This one was timely too. I've just lost my job from a Big Bank. Making ends meet for our family is a constant worry and it's easy for me to just be paralyzed with fear and weakness. This little reminder is a big reminder to just...keep...moving...forward. I'm so grateful when I count my many blessings. Thank you for bringing those reminders to us....through others like Nick and from yourself."

31. Larry McGarr - February 18, 2009 @ 3:49 PM

"The Internet Nazis at work won't allow me to watch the video; however, I'm certain that Andy communicated truth.

Personally, I love Andy's story of Col. Chamberlain and how one man's decision saved a nation and the world. Awesome stuff!"

32. Dan Neal - February 20, 2009 @ 2:56 PM

"I am curious if you are still on a news fast? Ever since I read your post, I have been telling everyone to stop watching, reading and listening to the news. I tell them you know it is going to be bad, so just enjoy your blessings and move on.

I recently gave my copy of The Travelers Gift to a friend. He read it, loved it and has passed it on.

Thank you for a great book."

33. Brenda and Larry Carlton - February 25, 2009 @ 12:46 PM

"It was a pleasure to have you at our AdvoCare Success School this past week-end. This was our 3rd time to get to see you in person. Your insight is greatly appreciated. The Canary and the dog comparison hit both my wife and my-self right between the eyes.
(That is the serious stuff, now for the fun stuff) We had a couple of really sweet people there and this was probably the first time they had ever been to anything like an AdvoCare school and to have this funny, witty guy running around on stage truly produced "the deer in the headlights look." When we came in and sat on the front row they were saying "are you sure this is where we want to be, ON THE FRONT ROW?" I assured them that it was fine and there was NOTHING to worry about. So when you started talking about the characteristics of a cat and came down into the audience, guess who you scratched and rubbed up against with your demonstration.........that's right our very shy friends........It was so funny, all I could think about was our statement "don't worry NOTHING is going to happen."
They laughed about it all the way home. You made their exposure to AdvoCare a very memorial one.
Once again we thank you for making our AdvoCare family that much better through your teachings and insight. Brenda and Larry"

34. Reggie Byrum - March 2, 2009 @ 8:32 AM

"Absolutely amazing. I'm 47 years old and I'm sitting here bawling like a little school girl. Your video Grateful has clearly touched my heart. I was introduced to you for the first time about 10 minutes ago while watching Fox and Friends. The words you spoke convinced me we already have a brotherly bond. I look forward to learning more from you and introducing others to you as well. Thanks for all you do. I sincerely hope that we meet one day."

35. Donna Renee - March 3, 2009 @ 5:58 PM

"Andy, Andy, Andy...
Feb 21, mid-morning, and my mind exploded again with the thought that I wasn't insane. You walked across, down & up that stage but I connected with your 51 rejection letters and not asking the wrong questions. I'd been asking the wrong questions and remembered what the right questions should be. My gosh. THANK YOU! I read The Traveler's Gift in my living room; 1/2 of it standing up! I finished the book that day with a big YEAH!!! I can move through my disappointments and finish the project I started 2+ years ago."

36. Mal Wynveen - March 8, 2009 @ 9:31 PM

"Andy;I meet you in St.Paul last mounth. I don't think of myself as a negitive person but you were a very positive experience. Also the vidio what can I say. Thank-you for being you and keep doing what you are doing I think you are great."

37. Alicia Malka Summers - March 12, 2009 @ 5:12 PM

"Hello Mr Nelson. An awesome message.Seeking Wisdom is my daily prayer in every aspect of my life and recently I been looking at Who do I surround myself with....I am seeking more wisdom and guidance for my business life, financial, love and relationships every where. THANK YOU for your Wisdom and Shalom from West Palm Beach Florida.
PS; I am seeking more financial Miracles for myself and this World we live in.

Blessings,

Alicia Malka"

38. Ann Parks - March 23, 2009 @ 1:24 PM

"Andy, I saw your interview today on Everyday with Lisa and Marcus. When I went to your website and found this page on gratefulness, and how to keep going, I had to send it to my daughter and son-in-law who are nearing the end of his schooling to prepare for a career as a US Army chaplain. A student's budget has some rough places and they are between jobs at the moment. I was so happy to have this page to send them for encouragement to get up and keep going for the cause of Christ. Better days are ahead, kids. Please, don't quit. It will be worth it!"

39. Scott Koehn - March 28, 2009 @ 11:38 AM

"This is my 1st time in doing any thing like this but here it is.
Andy, I finally got to meet you a couple of months ago as you were coming out of Sam's in Orange Beach. Sorry to have been so quick to say hello, it may have startled you but I recongnized you right away and had to meet you.
I'm not a religous man but how i find out about you seems to have had some devine intervention. I won't bore you with the story but it is facsinating to me.
Island of Saints is my favorite too. Maybe, in part, because it is based around the Alabama coast but I couldn't put it down. With "The Travelers Gift" I often think back to the responsibilities of Abraham Linclon, Truman and Chamberlin when I think I've got some tough decisions, it puts my life into perspective.
It's been several years since I discovered your writings and I still am telling people about all the time.
I look forward to your new book. It's been so easy to make sure I've read them all."

40. Scott Koehn - March 29, 2009 @ 11:36 PM

"one more,
i believe in your teachings especially the butterfly effect. How life affects so many others. I also try to live by the idea "If Jesus returned today was my life worth dying for.
i could never acheive that but I can live my life the best that I can, Even if there is no Jesus, the idea of his life and the fact that so many others have died for our lives still makes me ask that question.

"If Jesus returned today was MY life worth him dying for"

I try to live my life by the possibility that an unexpected guest might show up and wonder what I did with the great gift He had given me by taking my place so I could live"