Mark McIntosh's Blog, page 34
August 14, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "I Believe in You"
Considering the ease of email and texting, writing heartfelt cards and letters to others seems to be a long lost art these days. So it was with great pleasure I gently opened a card from a dear friend. She's been a chief encouragement officer in the Faith, Life and Sports (FLS) Foundation's efforts to raise the necessary money to get a 15-minute daily radio show funded. The program, Pep Talk with Mark McIntosh: A Daily Dose of Faith, Life and Sports, would be the centerpiece of FLS's programs, services and products designed to inspire others to play like champions wherever they roam.
The wonderful friend, mother, grandmother, wife and businesswoman ended the handwritten note with this: "I believe in you." Those words warmed my marrow and took my cranium to a moment earlier in the week when another friend had challenged me with this question, "What's the most important thing you could say to your girlfriend?" Two options came immediately to mind: "You are always right" and "I love you dearly." I chose the latter and uttered it with conviction.
Not surprisingly, I was, at least in the mind of the questioner, incorrect. "Nope," cracked the long-time football coach and leader of men, the most important thing you could ever say to your girlfriend, or anybody else for that matter, is: "I believe in you."
Hummm. In less than 48 hours, two people I greatly respect had either written, or spoken, those words to me. I am now inspired to share them with you. Four words; a short, yet very powerful, phrase that can motivate others, despite obstacles, to never give up on dreams. I think most of us can recall times in our lives where somebody - parent, coach, friend, teacher, spouse or others - encouraged our efforts with that quality quartet, right?
Shannon Sharpe, for 14 years one of the best tight ends in NFL history, was just inducted into pro football's Hall of Fame. The three-time Super Bowl champion thanked many in an almost 25-minute acceptance speech but saved a majority of it for his devoted grandmother. She raised the Savannah State University graduate and his siblings on faith and hope in poverty-stricken rural Georgia. Materially, she had little but spiritually she possessed a lot and constantly told Sharpe, "I believe in you." Her encouragement was the initial fuel that powered the athlete's rise to football immortality.
I'd like to challenge you this week to think about somebody who could benefit from hearing those powerful words. Who might it be? A child, co-worker, teammate, spouse or estranged friend? Who needs to hear "I believe in you" - from you? For any reading this Pep Talk who might need someone to recite that fabulous foursome of prose to YOU, please know the FLS is here to help. Just email us at info@flsfoundation.org and make a prayer request.
The knowledge others believe in us and support our healthy and productive pursuit of dreams is, at least in my opinion, a foundational aspect to achievement and success.
"I believe in you." Try to say it at least once a day - perhaps to self - this week and see how it may transform the mindset of the recipient, and you.
The wonderful friend, mother, grandmother, wife and businesswoman ended the handwritten note with this: "I believe in you." Those words warmed my marrow and took my cranium to a moment earlier in the week when another friend had challenged me with this question, "What's the most important thing you could say to your girlfriend?" Two options came immediately to mind: "You are always right" and "I love you dearly." I chose the latter and uttered it with conviction.
Not surprisingly, I was, at least in the mind of the questioner, incorrect. "Nope," cracked the long-time football coach and leader of men, the most important thing you could ever say to your girlfriend, or anybody else for that matter, is: "I believe in you."
Hummm. In less than 48 hours, two people I greatly respect had either written, or spoken, those words to me. I am now inspired to share them with you. Four words; a short, yet very powerful, phrase that can motivate others, despite obstacles, to never give up on dreams. I think most of us can recall times in our lives where somebody - parent, coach, friend, teacher, spouse or others - encouraged our efforts with that quality quartet, right?
Shannon Sharpe, for 14 years one of the best tight ends in NFL history, was just inducted into pro football's Hall of Fame. The three-time Super Bowl champion thanked many in an almost 25-minute acceptance speech but saved a majority of it for his devoted grandmother. She raised the Savannah State University graduate and his siblings on faith and hope in poverty-stricken rural Georgia. Materially, she had little but spiritually she possessed a lot and constantly told Sharpe, "I believe in you." Her encouragement was the initial fuel that powered the athlete's rise to football immortality.
I'd like to challenge you this week to think about somebody who could benefit from hearing those powerful words. Who might it be? A child, co-worker, teammate, spouse or estranged friend? Who needs to hear "I believe in you" - from you? For any reading this Pep Talk who might need someone to recite that fabulous foursome of prose to YOU, please know the FLS is here to help. Just email us at info@flsfoundation.org and make a prayer request.
The knowledge others believe in us and support our healthy and productive pursuit of dreams is, at least in my opinion, a foundational aspect to achievement and success.
"I believe in you." Try to say it at least once a day - perhaps to self - this week and see how it may transform the mindset of the recipient, and you.
August 7, 2011
"A Better Way"
A good portion of the 212th day of 2011 was spent on Poor Man's Porch reading. I love to read and learn new stuff. Reading and learning, at least for me, generates ideas. That passion for reading, learning and then generating ideas can be a blessing and a curse. I have some who, lovingly but curiously, wonder, "So Mac, what are you up to these days?"
The roof of this backyard sanctuary echoes the voices of two great kids and their buddies who used to play inside a playhouse transformed into my writing base. The structure, long ago useful until my children outgrew it, had become blighted. But with the help of a neighbor buddy and some ingenuity, the space has been transformed into something incredibly special: it's where I pour my heart out and hope it inspires you, and others, to play like champions wherever you roam.
I'm reading and listening to the Rockies' radio pre-game show from San Diego. It's the first post-Ubaldo trade day for a team dealing with underachievement that was the focus of last week's Pep Talk. General Manager Dan O'Dowd offers: "In baseball there are three types of players," the long-time Rockies' leader suggested, "Those who are survivors, contributors and winners. We've had too many not moving up the ladder from survivor to contributor to, ultimately, winner."
Honest and accurate if you ask me.
But that phrase, "survivors, contributors and winners" sunk into cranium like humidity seeps into skin: In looking at our lives, are we surviving, contributing or winning - home, work or elsewhere? Sometimes surviving is the best we can accomplish and should be celebrated but apparently, at least with the Rockies baseball team, it seems some team members were physically okay but mentally fried and not performing to expectations. Barely surviving, not contributing and thoughts of winning, considering their performance, fleeting.
It's a yucky spot to find ourselves in, ain't it? It might be challenges on the home front with significant other or kids, struggles paying the bills or illness threatening self or loved ones - whatever. There are many paths to quicksand. Initially, it's smart to survive but then, as quickly as possible, we have to muster the will to lift ourselves from the muck.
In those crazy times of life, where we're wondering, "What the heck is going on here?" might it be - I'm just a simple dude from The Show Me State writing on a Centennial State backyard porch, beneficial to embrace the following: become a student, not victim of the experience; realize we're not alone and rally with others of like mind; encourage one another to put fear aside and allow wonderment to win and promise each other to executive this game plan in ways that honor, nurture and add value to the communities we serve. I call that strategy the "Faithful Foursome" considering its foundation is four Bible verses. We'll save that for another day.
LIfe is often tough. Maybe it's a good description of your journey right now. O'Dowd's words might be worth embracing: Whether surviving, contributing or winning, the key factor, wherever we roam, is striving for improvement. Simple, not easy. Becoming superior to our former selves is rarely a bad idea, right?
We learn a better way. Try it. You might succeed, you might not. Prayers for the former this week!
The roof of this backyard sanctuary echoes the voices of two great kids and their buddies who used to play inside a playhouse transformed into my writing base. The structure, long ago useful until my children outgrew it, had become blighted. But with the help of a neighbor buddy and some ingenuity, the space has been transformed into something incredibly special: it's where I pour my heart out and hope it inspires you, and others, to play like champions wherever you roam.
I'm reading and listening to the Rockies' radio pre-game show from San Diego. It's the first post-Ubaldo trade day for a team dealing with underachievement that was the focus of last week's Pep Talk. General Manager Dan O'Dowd offers: "In baseball there are three types of players," the long-time Rockies' leader suggested, "Those who are survivors, contributors and winners. We've had too many not moving up the ladder from survivor to contributor to, ultimately, winner."
Honest and accurate if you ask me.
But that phrase, "survivors, contributors and winners" sunk into cranium like humidity seeps into skin: In looking at our lives, are we surviving, contributing or winning - home, work or elsewhere? Sometimes surviving is the best we can accomplish and should be celebrated but apparently, at least with the Rockies baseball team, it seems some team members were physically okay but mentally fried and not performing to expectations. Barely surviving, not contributing and thoughts of winning, considering their performance, fleeting.
It's a yucky spot to find ourselves in, ain't it? It might be challenges on the home front with significant other or kids, struggles paying the bills or illness threatening self or loved ones - whatever. There are many paths to quicksand. Initially, it's smart to survive but then, as quickly as possible, we have to muster the will to lift ourselves from the muck.
In those crazy times of life, where we're wondering, "What the heck is going on here?" might it be - I'm just a simple dude from The Show Me State writing on a Centennial State backyard porch, beneficial to embrace the following: become a student, not victim of the experience; realize we're not alone and rally with others of like mind; encourage one another to put fear aside and allow wonderment to win and promise each other to executive this game plan in ways that honor, nurture and add value to the communities we serve. I call that strategy the "Faithful Foursome" considering its foundation is four Bible verses. We'll save that for another day.
LIfe is often tough. Maybe it's a good description of your journey right now. O'Dowd's words might be worth embracing: Whether surviving, contributing or winning, the key factor, wherever we roam, is striving for improvement. Simple, not easy. Becoming superior to our former selves is rarely a bad idea, right?
We learn a better way. Try it. You might succeed, you might not. Prayers for the former this week!
July 31, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "Refined, Resolute & Fearless"
It's a Sunday afternoon, the music is Oldies, the temperature is hot and the mood, mixed. A quick conversation with wonderful Los Angeles based-son about his sister's pending visit is good, the breeze on Poor Man's Porch is cooling but there's sobering news to report: The local baseball team, the Colorado Rockies, are dead in the water and drifting away from land and the coveted island that is the baseball playoffs at season's end.
They just lost 7-0 to the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was the club's 14th-straight Sunday loss of the season. What? The Rockies' best pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez, since traded, was erratic, the hitters couldn't solve a guy making his first start in two months and the will, to bounce back from a prior night's shellacking, apparently on the disabled list and unavailable.
To put it another way. The 2011 version of the Jim Tracy-led Rockies have underachieved big time. Underachieving, wherever we roam, is a lousy place to dwell, ain't it? You want to quickly shower the stench away, don't ya? We all have been there at points in life, right? Where, despite best intentions, it's a train wreck leaving us dazed and confused. What's the saying, "Life gets in the way of our best laid plans?" The Rockies didn't expect to be buried in a double-digit deficit to the world-champion San Francisco Giants; I didn't expect to be divorced twice and you didn't expect - fill in the blank. Life rarely goes as planned.
The question, when mired in underachievement, "What the heck are we doing to do about it?" We do have a choice, right? I'm just a simple dude from Missouri sitting here writing you from my backyard, but I think it's this simple: We have to decide whether we're going to be victims of underachievement or students of it. I believe that's true whether talking baseball, love or whatever. We have to, when faced with the reality of underachievement, look inward and ask, "What could be done better to become superior to our former selves - home, work or elsewhere?"
But here's where it get tricky. Accepting the truth of underachievement takes courage. First, to admit it and then, to explore a new path encouraging a better way. Simple, not easy. I think it starts with forgiving ourselves. I can only speak for myself, but it seems we're usually our worst critics. In the Bible, in Colossians, it talks about "being gentle, forgiving and never holding a grudge against others." I think it starts self.
When underachievement arrives at the most undesirable time, we have to muster the courage to dust ourselves off and move forward. Wiser from the experience, optimistic about the future and courageous despite the past. Refined, resolute and fearless from lessons learned in our quest to turn life's lemons - heck with lemonade - into sweet and savory margaritas and play like champions down the road.
They just lost 7-0 to the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was the club's 14th-straight Sunday loss of the season. What? The Rockies' best pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez, since traded, was erratic, the hitters couldn't solve a guy making his first start in two months and the will, to bounce back from a prior night's shellacking, apparently on the disabled list and unavailable.
To put it another way. The 2011 version of the Jim Tracy-led Rockies have underachieved big time. Underachieving, wherever we roam, is a lousy place to dwell, ain't it? You want to quickly shower the stench away, don't ya? We all have been there at points in life, right? Where, despite best intentions, it's a train wreck leaving us dazed and confused. What's the saying, "Life gets in the way of our best laid plans?" The Rockies didn't expect to be buried in a double-digit deficit to the world-champion San Francisco Giants; I didn't expect to be divorced twice and you didn't expect - fill in the blank. Life rarely goes as planned.
The question, when mired in underachievement, "What the heck are we doing to do about it?" We do have a choice, right? I'm just a simple dude from Missouri sitting here writing you from my backyard, but I think it's this simple: We have to decide whether we're going to be victims of underachievement or students of it. I believe that's true whether talking baseball, love or whatever. We have to, when faced with the reality of underachievement, look inward and ask, "What could be done better to become superior to our former selves - home, work or elsewhere?"
But here's where it get tricky. Accepting the truth of underachievement takes courage. First, to admit it and then, to explore a new path encouraging a better way. Simple, not easy. I think it starts with forgiving ourselves. I can only speak for myself, but it seems we're usually our worst critics. In the Bible, in Colossians, it talks about "being gentle, forgiving and never holding a grudge against others." I think it starts self.
When underachievement arrives at the most undesirable time, we have to muster the courage to dust ourselves off and move forward. Wiser from the experience, optimistic about the future and courageous despite the past. Refined, resolute and fearless from lessons learned in our quest to turn life's lemons - heck with lemonade - into sweet and savory margaritas and play like champions down the road.
July 24, 2011
"Thanks Zap"
I don't think it's being unreasonable to believe each of us has moments that brand our bones: those moments where elation or disappointment reign are snapshots from the journey defining our lives.
For me one of those moments was late in 1983. I was living in Denver, Colorado and drifting like a ship without sail or rudder. I didn't like myself much that day while plopped on the couch of a modest apartment and watching rookie John Elway lead the Broncos to a thrilling win over the Baltimore Colts. A team that had drafted, but been spurned by Elway, being the first victim of the rifle-armed quarterback's come-from-behind magic that is one of many attributes of his Hall-of-Fame career.
On that fateful day, I was on the couch watching a Denver sports anchor, after the rally, reporting live from a joyous Broncos' locker room. I liked his style, passion and knowledge. I had an epiphany: "I wanna do what he's doing. I wanna be a sportscaster like Ron Zappolo."
That thought inspired me to take the necessary steps to return to my alma mater, Mizzou, for a master's degree in journalism. The goal: become a sportscaster and return to my athletic roots.
More than a quarter century later, that goal, inspired by someone else's example, is something remembered like yesterday. It takes my brain to this: how beautiful and beneficial it is to remember others who inspire us to be our best? To, as I like to say whenever blessed to encourage others with a Pep Talk, be "joyful for the blessings."
Imagine - home, work and elsewhere – marinating in the physical, emotional and spiritual ingredients comprising those who inspire us to play like champions? Just me, and I know I'm just a simple dude from Missouri, but I like our odds of living a life that honors, nurtures and adds value wherever we roam.
The Boston native had that type of influence of my life. Occasionally I mention this to the man who set the standard for Denver sportscasters before transforming into an equally talented news anchor in the Mile High City. He smiles, shrugs and suggests, "Ah Mac, you're too kind."
No Zap, few in life have given me a greater gift than the encouragement that branded my bones that late-in-the-year 1983 date and changed my life, for the better. This week let's, in thoughts, words and actions: "Be what Zap was for Mac." Our example may help another become superior to their former self. Is there a greater honor?
Thanks, Zap.
For me one of those moments was late in 1983. I was living in Denver, Colorado and drifting like a ship without sail or rudder. I didn't like myself much that day while plopped on the couch of a modest apartment and watching rookie John Elway lead the Broncos to a thrilling win over the Baltimore Colts. A team that had drafted, but been spurned by Elway, being the first victim of the rifle-armed quarterback's come-from-behind magic that is one of many attributes of his Hall-of-Fame career.
On that fateful day, I was on the couch watching a Denver sports anchor, after the rally, reporting live from a joyous Broncos' locker room. I liked his style, passion and knowledge. I had an epiphany: "I wanna do what he's doing. I wanna be a sportscaster like Ron Zappolo."
That thought inspired me to take the necessary steps to return to my alma mater, Mizzou, for a master's degree in journalism. The goal: become a sportscaster and return to my athletic roots.
More than a quarter century later, that goal, inspired by someone else's example, is something remembered like yesterday. It takes my brain to this: how beautiful and beneficial it is to remember others who inspire us to be our best? To, as I like to say whenever blessed to encourage others with a Pep Talk, be "joyful for the blessings."
Imagine - home, work and elsewhere – marinating in the physical, emotional and spiritual ingredients comprising those who inspire us to play like champions? Just me, and I know I'm just a simple dude from Missouri, but I like our odds of living a life that honors, nurtures and adds value wherever we roam.
The Boston native had that type of influence of my life. Occasionally I mention this to the man who set the standard for Denver sportscasters before transforming into an equally talented news anchor in the Mile High City. He smiles, shrugs and suggests, "Ah Mac, you're too kind."
No Zap, few in life have given me a greater gift than the encouragement that branded my bones that late-in-the-year 1983 date and changed my life, for the better. This week let's, in thoughts, words and actions: "Be what Zap was for Mac." Our example may help another become superior to their former self. Is there a greater honor?
Thanks, Zap.
July 17, 2011
"Taste the Fruits"
Who remembers the song from the 1970's named Disco Inferno? I would suspect most, considering our age, reading this Pep Talk can recall that vibrating and gyrating hit made hugely popular in the 1977 film, Saturday Night Fever.
Well, on a recent morning at the gym, the song, inducted into the Dance Hall of Fame a few years back, came blaring over the sound system and, not surprisingly, everyone's energy increased dramatically. From my perch atop a StairMaster machine, I could see others, while putting their bodies through the paces too, moving and grooving to the upbeat rhythm.
There was an obvious surge of energy, sparked by the music, emanating from our bodies and the room. Most of us were singing along and when the lead singer from the Trammps belted out, "Satisfaction came with a chain reaction", I felt like screaming, "Amen brother!"
There was a chain reaction, call it unity of spirit, pulsing through Kinetics Fitness Studio. It was fun to experience and made the "sweat a day keeps the doctor away" workout far more tolerable. The thought "satisfaction came with a chain reaction" stuck with me the rest of the day and led to this musing from Poor Man's Porch.
I kept thinking about how it ties into the mission of the Faith, Life and Sports (FLS) Foundation and our goal to inspire others to play like champions wherever they roam. Through our programs, services and products we're trying to create a chain reaction of satisfaction within others to successfully live in harmony with self and others.
A big part of the philosophy is embracing unity of spirit - a chain reaction - and respecting diversity of belief. What does "embracing unity of spirit" mean? Well, to me, much like what transpired within the gym that morning while listening to the music, unity of spirit is something easy to experience, but perhaps, hard to define. It's like how Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, in 1964, when trying to define pornography, stated, "I know it when I see it."
To be part of a group experiencing, or witnessing, unity of spirit energizes us with hope and confidence. The challenge is to make sure unity of spirit centers on thoughts, words and actions honoring us, nurturing those dependent upon us and adding value to the communities we serve - the terrific trio test, right?
Spirit, when used as a verb means: "to encourage; urge on or stir up, as to action."
Everyone present in the gym that morning was certainly urged on and stirred up by the music that started a chain reaction of spirit.
How could we, perhaps, be part of a spirit chain reaction - home, work or elsewhere? How could we utilize our gifts for the betterment of self and others?
Galatians 5:22-23 suggests there is great benefit to unity of spirit: "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things, there is no law."
Inside that gym, exposed by a great song, unity of spirit - satisfaction with a chain reaction - swept us away to a very good place. Try and allow the same to happen to you this week, wherever you roam.
And remember to taste the nine fruits. They're always in season, readily available and there's no law limiting your indulgence.
Well, on a recent morning at the gym, the song, inducted into the Dance Hall of Fame a few years back, came blaring over the sound system and, not surprisingly, everyone's energy increased dramatically. From my perch atop a StairMaster machine, I could see others, while putting their bodies through the paces too, moving and grooving to the upbeat rhythm.
There was an obvious surge of energy, sparked by the music, emanating from our bodies and the room. Most of us were singing along and when the lead singer from the Trammps belted out, "Satisfaction came with a chain reaction", I felt like screaming, "Amen brother!"
There was a chain reaction, call it unity of spirit, pulsing through Kinetics Fitness Studio. It was fun to experience and made the "sweat a day keeps the doctor away" workout far more tolerable. The thought "satisfaction came with a chain reaction" stuck with me the rest of the day and led to this musing from Poor Man's Porch.
I kept thinking about how it ties into the mission of the Faith, Life and Sports (FLS) Foundation and our goal to inspire others to play like champions wherever they roam. Through our programs, services and products we're trying to create a chain reaction of satisfaction within others to successfully live in harmony with self and others.
A big part of the philosophy is embracing unity of spirit - a chain reaction - and respecting diversity of belief. What does "embracing unity of spirit" mean? Well, to me, much like what transpired within the gym that morning while listening to the music, unity of spirit is something easy to experience, but perhaps, hard to define. It's like how Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, in 1964, when trying to define pornography, stated, "I know it when I see it."
To be part of a group experiencing, or witnessing, unity of spirit energizes us with hope and confidence. The challenge is to make sure unity of spirit centers on thoughts, words and actions honoring us, nurturing those dependent upon us and adding value to the communities we serve - the terrific trio test, right?
Spirit, when used as a verb means: "to encourage; urge on or stir up, as to action."
Everyone present in the gym that morning was certainly urged on and stirred up by the music that started a chain reaction of spirit.
How could we, perhaps, be part of a spirit chain reaction - home, work or elsewhere? How could we utilize our gifts for the betterment of self and others?
Galatians 5:22-23 suggests there is great benefit to unity of spirit: "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things, there is no law."
Inside that gym, exposed by a great song, unity of spirit - satisfaction with a chain reaction - swept us away to a very good place. Try and allow the same to happen to you this week, wherever you roam.
And remember to taste the nine fruits. They're always in season, readily available and there's no law limiting your indulgence.
July 11, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "What Goes Around...."
Beau Jo's Pizza is a Colorado-based establishment that has, for a long time, been near and dear to my heart, for more than its mouth-watering pizza pies and the honey I love to pour onto their crust.
Many years ago, when my son was just a toddler, a dear friend and I were dining there, along with Kyle, when the fellow transplanted Missourian snapped a picture of your humble correspondent and son. It's a cherished photo that still hangs on my bedroom wall, near the closet. Each day when preparing to dress, I see that picture, along with a similar shot of Kyle's younger sister Rachel. The photos remind me of a few things: my love, devotion and responsibility to them and how darn cute they were before becoming teenagers and beyond. Today, I'm just their old man and that's okay.
Anyway, back to Beau Jo's Pizza, www.beaujos.com. It was started 38 years ago in the small mountain town of Idaho Springs, nestled in the early stages of the Rocky Mountains just west of Denver. Recently, the famous apres ski hangout has returned to my life in a significant way because of its director of marketing Pam Friedentag. Earlier this year, while reading The Denver Business Journal, I happened across a story about Beau Jo's partnership with the Autism Society of Colorado, www.autismcolorado.org. The first Wednesday of each month, the restaurant hosts families afflicted with autism.
In reading the article I was struck by the empathy the company has toward autistic families often reluctant to dine out because of fear of the unknown - will my lovely child have a tough moment, perhaps act out and make things uncomfortable? Well, Beau Jo's has taken an attitude, "Who cares!" The maker of delicious mountain pizza pies understands the value of connecting with like-minded people and drawing strength and encouragement from one another for our unique challenges - in this case, the journey autism brings into families' lives.
We all have our challenges, right? Well, this story, and accompanying picture - especially Friedentag's eyes - inspired me to call and arrange a meeting with her and Betty Lehman, executive director of the non profit. I wanted to discuss ways the sports radio show I co-host, Drive Time with Mac and Doog, www.macanddoog.com, could help raise awareness of this wonderful partnership. I've been called a lot of things in life, smart never being one of them, but this was a smart call.
For it was from Beau Jo's Arvada, Colorado location that I experienced a wonderful example of what we're encouraged to remember in Galatians 6:9: "Never growing weary of doing good, for at the proper time you'll reap the harvest if you just don't give up."
The store's manager offered Doog and I, during our three-hour broadcast on the day Beau Jo's was hosting the autism families, a complimentary pizza. Well, I was in the middle of a three-week dietary "cleanse" and pizza was taboo.
However, the manager quickly agreed to offering a Mac and Doog listener a free pizza if they came into the restaurant that evening. The phone lines lit up, the prize was given away and the winners, a lovely wife and husband, appeared before I departed later that evening.
Something I could not use - pizza because of a temporary diet - was offered to someone else who readily accepted and then, here's where it became magical. The beautiful couple, upon completion of dinner, approached, gave thanks and offered, "Mark, we want to make a donation to the Autism Society of Colorado."
Folks, the ol' law of circulation was in effect that evening wasn't it? A restaurant, a talk show host, a couple, guided by a belief of never growing weary of doing good things for each other. It really does work!
What goes around comes around. This week, let's embrace that truth and most important, live it.
Many years ago, when my son was just a toddler, a dear friend and I were dining there, along with Kyle, when the fellow transplanted Missourian snapped a picture of your humble correspondent and son. It's a cherished photo that still hangs on my bedroom wall, near the closet. Each day when preparing to dress, I see that picture, along with a similar shot of Kyle's younger sister Rachel. The photos remind me of a few things: my love, devotion and responsibility to them and how darn cute they were before becoming teenagers and beyond. Today, I'm just their old man and that's okay.
Anyway, back to Beau Jo's Pizza, www.beaujos.com. It was started 38 years ago in the small mountain town of Idaho Springs, nestled in the early stages of the Rocky Mountains just west of Denver. Recently, the famous apres ski hangout has returned to my life in a significant way because of its director of marketing Pam Friedentag. Earlier this year, while reading The Denver Business Journal, I happened across a story about Beau Jo's partnership with the Autism Society of Colorado, www.autismcolorado.org. The first Wednesday of each month, the restaurant hosts families afflicted with autism.
In reading the article I was struck by the empathy the company has toward autistic families often reluctant to dine out because of fear of the unknown - will my lovely child have a tough moment, perhaps act out and make things uncomfortable? Well, Beau Jo's has taken an attitude, "Who cares!" The maker of delicious mountain pizza pies understands the value of connecting with like-minded people and drawing strength and encouragement from one another for our unique challenges - in this case, the journey autism brings into families' lives.
We all have our challenges, right? Well, this story, and accompanying picture - especially Friedentag's eyes - inspired me to call and arrange a meeting with her and Betty Lehman, executive director of the non profit. I wanted to discuss ways the sports radio show I co-host, Drive Time with Mac and Doog, www.macanddoog.com, could help raise awareness of this wonderful partnership. I've been called a lot of things in life, smart never being one of them, but this was a smart call.
For it was from Beau Jo's Arvada, Colorado location that I experienced a wonderful example of what we're encouraged to remember in Galatians 6:9: "Never growing weary of doing good, for at the proper time you'll reap the harvest if you just don't give up."
The store's manager offered Doog and I, during our three-hour broadcast on the day Beau Jo's was hosting the autism families, a complimentary pizza. Well, I was in the middle of a three-week dietary "cleanse" and pizza was taboo.
However, the manager quickly agreed to offering a Mac and Doog listener a free pizza if they came into the restaurant that evening. The phone lines lit up, the prize was given away and the winners, a lovely wife and husband, appeared before I departed later that evening.
Something I could not use - pizza because of a temporary diet - was offered to someone else who readily accepted and then, here's where it became magical. The beautiful couple, upon completion of dinner, approached, gave thanks and offered, "Mark, we want to make a donation to the Autism Society of Colorado."
Folks, the ol' law of circulation was in effect that evening wasn't it? A restaurant, a talk show host, a couple, guided by a belief of never growing weary of doing good things for each other. It really does work!
What goes around comes around. This week, let's embrace that truth and most important, live it.
July 3, 2011
Pep Talk: "The Power of Purpose"
The pre-dawn atmosphere on Poor Man's Porch was peaceful. I heard sounds of a service truck backing up, that "beep, beep, beep" sound; the birds were chirping away and my cranium was focused on two things: First, Patsy Sue Perry's 76th birthday. This firecracker female gave me life, nurtured my dreams and supports my endeavors, including the Faith, Life and Sports (FLS) Foundation - thanks Ma. Second, the Daily Dose of encouragement, offered to others the day before, occupied the mind: "A person without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder."
Oxford American Dictionary defines purpose as: "An intended result, something for which effort is being made." An intended result, and the effort to accomplish it, is the core of Buffs4Life, www.buffs4life.com, an organization, founded in 2005, dedicated to helping former University of Colorado athletes in challenging times.
Back in the mid 80's, when CU's football fortunes began to turn under the tutelage of head coach Bill McCartney and the talented staff he assembled, Anthony Weatherspoon was a hard-nosed fullback and team leader. Later in life, "Spoon" was stricken with cancer. Medical bills piled up and teammates, including current CU head coach Jon Embree, decided to help. This group had a purpose: care for loved one's in need.
1 Corinthians 14:8 encourages us to remember: "If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who shall prepare for battle." Well, former athletes, coaches, staff and others closely aligned with CU athletics are sounding a clear call: "Once a Buff, always a Buff."
Each year the organization holds a golf tournament to raise money to continue its mission of serving Buffs in need. This year a former female golfer at CU was the designated benefactor. I was honored to play in a group that included McCartney, James, Derek, Mike and John: former coach, pastors and players respectively.
Standing on a tee box waiting to thunder some drives down the fairway, while chatting with the two pastors, I mentioned apprehension about a necessary upcoming chat with my son. James Ryle - watch video of CU's post-game celebration of its national championship win over Notre Dame in the 1991 Orange Bowl and you'll see Ryle right next to McCartney - looks me in the eye and says: "Mac, before you begin to speak about the challenge, ensure your son of three things." I admire this man and could not wait to hear the suggestions. "First, tell him that you love him. Second, tell him that you believe in him; Third, tell him that you are committed to helping him become the best he can be."
Amen brother. Can I encourage you to do the same? Home, work and elsewhere, where there's someone close to you who needs a little encouragement, begin from that terrific trio?
Pre-dawn darkness on Poor Man's Porch had given way to the rising sun. A new day beckoned and my prayer is this Pep Talk encourages us to embrace the power of purpose. This week, make the effort to love, believe and commit to others - home, work and elsewhere. It's a formula for success wherever we roam, with or without Buffaloes.
Oxford American Dictionary defines purpose as: "An intended result, something for which effort is being made." An intended result, and the effort to accomplish it, is the core of Buffs4Life, www.buffs4life.com, an organization, founded in 2005, dedicated to helping former University of Colorado athletes in challenging times.
Back in the mid 80's, when CU's football fortunes began to turn under the tutelage of head coach Bill McCartney and the talented staff he assembled, Anthony Weatherspoon was a hard-nosed fullback and team leader. Later in life, "Spoon" was stricken with cancer. Medical bills piled up and teammates, including current CU head coach Jon Embree, decided to help. This group had a purpose: care for loved one's in need.
1 Corinthians 14:8 encourages us to remember: "If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who shall prepare for battle." Well, former athletes, coaches, staff and others closely aligned with CU athletics are sounding a clear call: "Once a Buff, always a Buff."
Each year the organization holds a golf tournament to raise money to continue its mission of serving Buffs in need. This year a former female golfer at CU was the designated benefactor. I was honored to play in a group that included McCartney, James, Derek, Mike and John: former coach, pastors and players respectively.
Standing on a tee box waiting to thunder some drives down the fairway, while chatting with the two pastors, I mentioned apprehension about a necessary upcoming chat with my son. James Ryle - watch video of CU's post-game celebration of its national championship win over Notre Dame in the 1991 Orange Bowl and you'll see Ryle right next to McCartney - looks me in the eye and says: "Mac, before you begin to speak about the challenge, ensure your son of three things." I admire this man and could not wait to hear the suggestions. "First, tell him that you love him. Second, tell him that you believe in him; Third, tell him that you are committed to helping him become the best he can be."
Amen brother. Can I encourage you to do the same? Home, work and elsewhere, where there's someone close to you who needs a little encouragement, begin from that terrific trio?
Pre-dawn darkness on Poor Man's Porch had given way to the rising sun. A new day beckoned and my prayer is this Pep Talk encourages us to embrace the power of purpose. This week, make the effort to love, believe and commit to others - home, work and elsewhere. It's a formula for success wherever we roam, with or without Buffaloes.
June 26, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "Perseverance, Forgiving and Living"
Like many of you, I enjoy traveling. It's a lot of fun visiting loved ones, exploring new places and, at least for me, slowing down enough to read. I love to read while traveling. Recently travel took me to Chicago, for another celebration of darling girlfriend's 50th birthday - it's a year-long deal folks. Several of Kathy's girlfriend's also made the journey to the Windy City, her hometown. One of her "sisters from another mother" and your correspondent - the designated porter - were browsing for books at Denver International Airport before departure. "Mac, you should read this one" offered the beautiful wife and mother. Boy, was she right.
The Texas native suggested I read Unbroken. It's about a guy, Louis Zamperini, written incredibly well by Laura Hillebrand. I will not spoil the story for you but trust me, it's a riveting tail of perseverance, forgiving and living.
Devoted readers of these weekly musings know I like to write and speak often about the importance, despite life's unexpected twists and turns, of trying to turn life's lemons - heck with lemonade - into sweet and savory margaritas. Life rarely goes as planned, right? We're stuck in situations that leave us wondering, "What the heck is going on around here? Why me?"
Zamperini, a California native now 94-years-old, could certainly have asked that question many times during a harrowing adventure in the Pacific theatre during World War II. Pick up the book, you won't regret it. The former Olympic track athlete survived his ordeal, persevered, and then ultimately, was able to forgive his tormentors and truly begin living, again. Reports of Zamperini's death, like Mark Twain's, were greatly exaggerated.
I think quite often in life when we're in challenging times - job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or others - we become despondent, right? We also want to blame others and seek revenge against our tormentors, real or perceived. I have not spoken directly to Zamperini about this - I do hope to interview him soon - but I would suspect his advice, in terms of seeking revenge or holding a grudge would be, "Don't go there."
Colossians 3:13 states: "Be gentle and forgiving, never hold a grudge, remember the Lord forgave us, we must forgive others." From the time 30 years ago when boredom and a desire for direction led me to read those wise words, that passage has always stuck with me as valuable. Forgiveness. It ultimately set Zamperini free, it has done the same for me through injuries, divorces and job losses and might work for you too.
Thanks Kelly. While writing, in the early morning, on Poor Man's Porch, I recalled her recommendation, "Mac, buy this book" leading me to Unbroken and Louie Zamperini's life story. It's a powerful example to - whatever may ail us right now - persevere, forgive and live. A current best-selling book, history's best seller and this Pep Talk are reminders of that truth. Good luck this week living it.
The Texas native suggested I read Unbroken. It's about a guy, Louis Zamperini, written incredibly well by Laura Hillebrand. I will not spoil the story for you but trust me, it's a riveting tail of perseverance, forgiving and living.
Devoted readers of these weekly musings know I like to write and speak often about the importance, despite life's unexpected twists and turns, of trying to turn life's lemons - heck with lemonade - into sweet and savory margaritas. Life rarely goes as planned, right? We're stuck in situations that leave us wondering, "What the heck is going on around here? Why me?"
Zamperini, a California native now 94-years-old, could certainly have asked that question many times during a harrowing adventure in the Pacific theatre during World War II. Pick up the book, you won't regret it. The former Olympic track athlete survived his ordeal, persevered, and then ultimately, was able to forgive his tormentors and truly begin living, again. Reports of Zamperini's death, like Mark Twain's, were greatly exaggerated.
I think quite often in life when we're in challenging times - job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or others - we become despondent, right? We also want to blame others and seek revenge against our tormentors, real or perceived. I have not spoken directly to Zamperini about this - I do hope to interview him soon - but I would suspect his advice, in terms of seeking revenge or holding a grudge would be, "Don't go there."
Colossians 3:13 states: "Be gentle and forgiving, never hold a grudge, remember the Lord forgave us, we must forgive others." From the time 30 years ago when boredom and a desire for direction led me to read those wise words, that passage has always stuck with me as valuable. Forgiveness. It ultimately set Zamperini free, it has done the same for me through injuries, divorces and job losses and might work for you too.
Thanks Kelly. While writing, in the early morning, on Poor Man's Porch, I recalled her recommendation, "Mac, buy this book" leading me to Unbroken and Louie Zamperini's life story. It's a powerful example to - whatever may ail us right now - persevere, forgive and live. A current best-selling book, history's best seller and this Pep Talk are reminders of that truth. Good luck this week living it.
June 20, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "Be a Good Man"
Father's Day 2011. I have sired two wonderful children allowing membership into the fatherhood fraternity. The oldest, son Kyle, is 21 and lives and works full-time in Los Angeles. We were on the phone recently talking about life and family. He asked about his youngest sister Rachel, 14-years-old and devoted to volleyball, and other family members.
Then the conversation switched to two men, one middle-aged, the other young, and the importance of, while having fun, trying like heck to make healthy and productive decisions about life - home, work and elsewhere. The conversation centered on a young man's social life. Many of us - at least I do - know from personal experience it involves many late nights and an occasional overindulgence of drinking and other activities that have us, often the next day, wondering: "What the heck was I thinking?"
Father and son were chuckling about a Facebook profile picture Kyle had posted, briefly, showing him, after an especially productive day at work, celebrating with cigar and a drink. I asked him, "What are you drinking?" His response, "Scotch", made me think of his grandpa, my father, Marvin Walter McIntosh, Jr.
My old man loved Scotch too. I have never taken a liking to it preferring beer, wine and margaritas. We hear often that some traits "skip a generation" within families, right? Well, apparently a fondness for Scotch permeates the genes of my son like it permeated the genes of my father. After my son offered testimony concerning enjoyment of an occasional Scotch, I recounted a story about his Grandpa that brought a smile to my heart and laughter to his soul.
My father used to organize, from his Kansas City, Missouri home, golf trips to Arizona each winter. Many would convene in the warmth of the desert, escaping the cold of Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado for a weekend of golf and fellowship. "Mac" as everybody called him, was always the tournament organizer and, in the end, commissioner. He would handle disputes whenever they might arise between friendly, but very competitive, participants of the "Desert Shootout."
I told my son about Grandpa's celebratory mood one evening after a particularly good day on the golf course. "Hacker Mac" had won a few "skins" and was festive, which meant the Scotch was flowing freely. Many were gathered in the bar area of the golf course, when lo and behold, a man who embraced life to its fullest despite its challenges - emotionally, physically and financially - leaped out onto the dance floor and started tap dancing, in golf spikes. Well, it made quite the clatter, inspired others to join in and left an imprint, certainly on the dance floor floor, but also within my soul concerning how much my father, who passed in 2007, loved life, golf and hanging with his buddies.
I hope someday my son has similar fond memories of the time we spend together. Marvin, Mark and Kyle McIntosh, three generations of McIntosh men. Each bonded by genes, two by Scotch and the one in the middle blessed to recall a great father who inspires him daily to play like a champion in the game of fatherhood.
Thanks Dad, you showed me the way and it is good. I love you, think of you daily and hear, especially when it comes to how I conduct my life, you whispering to my soul: "Be a good man."
On this Father's Day 2011, Dad wherever you are, I hope you don't mind me sharing this story with others, especially fathers. I hope it encourages them like you encourage me.
Then the conversation switched to two men, one middle-aged, the other young, and the importance of, while having fun, trying like heck to make healthy and productive decisions about life - home, work and elsewhere. The conversation centered on a young man's social life. Many of us - at least I do - know from personal experience it involves many late nights and an occasional overindulgence of drinking and other activities that have us, often the next day, wondering: "What the heck was I thinking?"
Father and son were chuckling about a Facebook profile picture Kyle had posted, briefly, showing him, after an especially productive day at work, celebrating with cigar and a drink. I asked him, "What are you drinking?" His response, "Scotch", made me think of his grandpa, my father, Marvin Walter McIntosh, Jr.
My old man loved Scotch too. I have never taken a liking to it preferring beer, wine and margaritas. We hear often that some traits "skip a generation" within families, right? Well, apparently a fondness for Scotch permeates the genes of my son like it permeated the genes of my father. After my son offered testimony concerning enjoyment of an occasional Scotch, I recounted a story about his Grandpa that brought a smile to my heart and laughter to his soul.
My father used to organize, from his Kansas City, Missouri home, golf trips to Arizona each winter. Many would convene in the warmth of the desert, escaping the cold of Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado for a weekend of golf and fellowship. "Mac" as everybody called him, was always the tournament organizer and, in the end, commissioner. He would handle disputes whenever they might arise between friendly, but very competitive, participants of the "Desert Shootout."
I told my son about Grandpa's celebratory mood one evening after a particularly good day on the golf course. "Hacker Mac" had won a few "skins" and was festive, which meant the Scotch was flowing freely. Many were gathered in the bar area of the golf course, when lo and behold, a man who embraced life to its fullest despite its challenges - emotionally, physically and financially - leaped out onto the dance floor and started tap dancing, in golf spikes. Well, it made quite the clatter, inspired others to join in and left an imprint, certainly on the dance floor floor, but also within my soul concerning how much my father, who passed in 2007, loved life, golf and hanging with his buddies.
I hope someday my son has similar fond memories of the time we spend together. Marvin, Mark and Kyle McIntosh, three generations of McIntosh men. Each bonded by genes, two by Scotch and the one in the middle blessed to recall a great father who inspires him daily to play like a champion in the game of fatherhood.
Thanks Dad, you showed me the way and it is good. I love you, think of you daily and hear, especially when it comes to how I conduct my life, you whispering to my soul: "Be a good man."
On this Father's Day 2011, Dad wherever you are, I hope you don't mind me sharing this story with others, especially fathers. I hope it encourages them like you encourage me.
June 12, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "Sacrifice Fears"
I always look forward to Friday mornings and fellowship with some buddies. We unite with a purpose: to challenge one another, through talking about faith, to play like champions - home, work and elsewhere - in ways that honor a higher power, nurture those dependent upon us and add value to the communities we serve.
On this particular morning, almost two dozen men - white, black and brown - focused on where our thoughts take us, especially in challenging and fearful times. When life's unpleasant stuff comes a calling, where do our thoughts go? It's a real challenge for each of us, ain't it? Life rarely goes as planned, right? Would it be fair to suggest having a game plan for handling life's lemons in healthy and productive ways might be smart?
We had a lively discussion about fear and how thoughts play tricks on us. There's a great acronym for fear that really resonates with me and, I hope, with you: Forget Everything And Return. In other words, we try like heck to move forward from past hurts and disappointments in an effort to become, emotionally, spiritually and physically, superior to our former selves. But, we all can relate, the road to improvement can get a bit bumpy. Ever been there? Don't feel bad, we've all visited that lousy lodge. We fall back into the old and unproductive habits that created the consternation in the first place - we forget everything and return, wondering, "Why?"
In these times, my foundation is faith, particularly the wisdom found in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not harm you; to give you hope and a future." Whether it's been moving on from the pain of devastating injury curtailing a promising athletic career; marriages, with children, ending in divorce; jobs in the television industry terminating with disappointment, remembering, and often reciting, those wise words have helped me stay rooted in hope for the future, not pain from the past - be a student, not victim of the experience.
I know, it ain't easy. We also know truly valuable things in life are rarely achieved without sacrifice, right? Well, how about this week we promise one another that, collectively, we're gonna do one thing: we're gonna sacrifice our fears. Shakespeare once suggested: "Our doubts are traitors that make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt."
An introspective prophet more than 2,000 years ago; an English poet and playright four centuries ago; a recent men's fellowship group and now this Pep Talk reminder today - sacrifice fears, not dreams.
It's a truth that transcends time, permeates the soul and fuels, if we allow it, faith.
On this particular morning, almost two dozen men - white, black and brown - focused on where our thoughts take us, especially in challenging and fearful times. When life's unpleasant stuff comes a calling, where do our thoughts go? It's a real challenge for each of us, ain't it? Life rarely goes as planned, right? Would it be fair to suggest having a game plan for handling life's lemons in healthy and productive ways might be smart?
We had a lively discussion about fear and how thoughts play tricks on us. There's a great acronym for fear that really resonates with me and, I hope, with you: Forget Everything And Return. In other words, we try like heck to move forward from past hurts and disappointments in an effort to become, emotionally, spiritually and physically, superior to our former selves. But, we all can relate, the road to improvement can get a bit bumpy. Ever been there? Don't feel bad, we've all visited that lousy lodge. We fall back into the old and unproductive habits that created the consternation in the first place - we forget everything and return, wondering, "Why?"
In these times, my foundation is faith, particularly the wisdom found in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not harm you; to give you hope and a future." Whether it's been moving on from the pain of devastating injury curtailing a promising athletic career; marriages, with children, ending in divorce; jobs in the television industry terminating with disappointment, remembering, and often reciting, those wise words have helped me stay rooted in hope for the future, not pain from the past - be a student, not victim of the experience.
I know, it ain't easy. We also know truly valuable things in life are rarely achieved without sacrifice, right? Well, how about this week we promise one another that, collectively, we're gonna do one thing: we're gonna sacrifice our fears. Shakespeare once suggested: "Our doubts are traitors that make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt."
An introspective prophet more than 2,000 years ago; an English poet and playright four centuries ago; a recent men's fellowship group and now this Pep Talk reminder today - sacrifice fears, not dreams.
It's a truth that transcends time, permeates the soul and fuels, if we allow it, faith.
