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B.B Warfield, long slow dinner, and why peace isn't a luxury
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Alex Mont-Ros
December 05, 2024
The Consequential Chronicles: 44th Edition
⚔️ This Week's Highlights
The Consequential Chronicles, 44th edition. The content below is short and to the point to help you better lead and thrive as a man of consequence.
Check out this week’s content below:
Men of Consequence-Past: Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield (B.B. Warfield)
Practical Leadership: The long slow dinner
Wellness Frontline: Peace isn’t a luxury
Consequential Facts: Did You Know…
Lead Your Business: The Power of Family Systems: Building a Foundation for Success in Life and Business
Resource of The Week and Quote to Ponder
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Alex Mont-Ros
Founder-The Consequential Chronicles Newsletter
🏛️ Men of Consequence: Past
Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield 1851-1921
Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield was a prominent American theologian and professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, known for his staunch defense of Reformed theology and biblical inerrancy. A key figure in conservative Presbyterianism, Warfield's work heavily influenced the doctrines of Calvinism and evangelical scholarship in the 19th and early 20th centuries. He emphasized the intellectual defense of Christianity, combining rigorous academic scholarship with a deep commitment to the authority of Scripture. Warfield's theological writings remain foundational in discussions of apologetics, inspiration, and the sovereignty of God.
📢Five Interesting Facts about BB Warfield
Champion of Biblical Inerrancy
Warfield was a leading advocate for the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, emphasizing that the Bible, in its original manuscripts, is without error. His work, often alongside A.A. Hodge, helped shape the modern evangelical understanding of scriptural authority.Married Life and Personal Tragedy
Warfield’s wife, Annie, suffered from a chronic illness after a lightning storm during their honeymoon in Europe. Warfield cared for her devotedly throughout their marriage, balancing his academic work with his role as a caregiver.Prolific Scholar and Writer
Over his career, Warfield authored countless theological essays, articles, and books. Notably, his essays on the doctrine of the Trinity and the person and work of Christ are considered among the most detailed and comprehensive treatments of the subjects.Opponent of Liberal Theology
Warfield was a staunch opponent of the theological liberalism that began to take root in seminaries during his time. He defended orthodox Christian doctrines against the rising tide of higher criticism and liberal interpretations of Scripture.Legacy in Reformed Theology
Warfield’s influence extends far beyond his lifetime. His systematic approach to theology and apologetics continues to be a key reference for theologians and students of Reformed thought, ensuring his lasting impact on evangelical Christianity.
🛠️ Practical Leadership
👨🏻👩👧👦The Long Slow Dinner
A long, slow dinner is a fantastic way to deepen communication with your wife and children, fostering connection, understanding, and a sense of togetherness. Here's a guide to making it intentional and meaningful:
1. Plan Ahead
Choose the Right Night: Pick an evening where everyone’s schedule allows for unhurried time together. Avoid days packed with activities.
Set the Atmosphere: Create a warm and inviting environment—dim lighting, candles, and soft background music can set a relaxed tone.
Involve the Family: Let everyone contribute. Plan the menu together, have the kids help cook or set the table, and make it a collective effort.
2. Create an Intentional Agenda
This isn't just about eating; it's about meaningful interaction. Here’s how:
Start with Gratitude: Begin the meal by having everyone share something they’re grateful for. This sets a positive tone and helps everyone reflect on their blessings.
Use Open-Ended Questions: Ask engaging questions like:
"What’s something you’re excited about right now?"
"What’s been challenging for you this week?"
"If you could spend a day doing anything, what would it be?"
Focus on Active Listening: Don’t interrupt or judge. Validate their feelings and show genuine curiosity.
3. Make it Interactive
Games or Activities: Incorporate activities like "Two Truths and a Lie," "Highs and Lows," or storytelling prompts (e.g., “Tell us about your favorite childhood memory”).
Themes: Occasionally, make dinners thematic—Italian night, picnic-style, or dress-up themes—to add variety and excitement.
4. Encourage Meaningful Sharing
Lead by Example: Share your thoughts, challenges, or hopes openly. Your vulnerability can inspire others to open up.
Discuss Family Goals: Use this time to dream as a family—talk about vacations, goals, or ways to support each other better.
Highlight Strengths: Take turns pointing out one thing you appreciate about each family member.
5. Focus on Togetherness
Eliminate Distractions: No phones, tablets, or TV at the table. Make this a sacred space for connection.
Take Your Time: Encourage slow eating and savoring the meal. There’s no rush—let the conversation flow naturally.
Stay Engaged Post-Dinner: Extend the time with dessert, or sitting together to continue the conversation.
6. Create a Tradition
Frequency: Make this a regular event—weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Consistency strengthens bonds.
Pass the Baton: Rotate responsibilities so each family member gets a chance to plan the meal or lead the conversation.
Sample Conversation Starters
For Kids:
“What’s the funniest thing that happened to you this week?”
“If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?”
For Your Spouse:
“What’s one thing you’ve been thinking about lately that we haven’t talked about?”
“What’s a dream or goal you have that we can support as a family?”
For Everyone:
“If we could redo today, what would we do differently?”
“What’s one thing you love about our family?”
Why It Works
Quality Time: Slowing down creates space for deeper connection.
Intentional Questions: Thoughtful prompts open doors to meaningful conversations.
Environment: A relaxed, no-pressure setting fosters honesty and trust.
By prioritizing intentionality, you’ll not only strengthen communication but also build a tradition your family will cherish for years to come.
🏋️Wellness Frontline🧠
Why Peace Isn’t a Luxury
In our high-performance culture, peace is often dismissed as optional, something you can "get to later." But without it, your ability to focus, create, and sustain your drive suffers. Peace isn’t about escaping your responsibilities—it’s about equipping yourself to handle them with excellence.
Think of it as Maintenance: Just like your body needs proper nutrition and rest to function, your mind needs peace to stay sharp, resilient, and effective.
Reframing Peace: It’s not weakness or indulgence; it’s strength. It’s the secret weapon that allows you to show up at your best.
Practical Ways to Protect Your Peace
Morning Routine: Start your day with practices that center you, such as prayer, meditation, journaling, or exercise.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to things that drain your energy or don’t align with your goals.
Digital Detox: Limit screen time and create moments of stillness throughout your day.
Gratitude Practice: Focus on the positive to shift your mindset and reduce stress.
Regular Check-ins: Reflect on your progress and recalibrate as needed.
Final Thought
Peace is the soil where focus, creativity, and drive take root. Without it, even the best strategies or intentions will falter. Protecting your mental peace isn’t selfish—it’s stewardship of the mind God gave you to achieve your purpose. When you cultivate peace, you’re creating space for your best self to thrive.
Disclaimer: The information presented here is for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
📊Consequential Facts
DID YOU KNOW: 1 in 3 men admits to being addicted to their smartphone, impacting sleep quality, productivity, and relationships.
Source: American Psychological Association
📈Lead Your Business
The Power of Family Systems: Building a Foundation for Success in Life and Business
Family systems are the backbone of a thriving household, just as business systems are the foundation of a successful enterprise. When you create intentional family systems—routines, communication structures, and shared responsibilities—you bring clarity, purpose, and alignment to your home. This intentionality allows you to lead your family with the same focus and efficiency you apply in your business.
Without family systems, chaos and miscommunication seep in, draining energy that could be poured into your business goals. But with the right structure in place, you ensure your family runs smoothly, fostering trust, accountability, and connection. In turn, this stability fuels your ability to focus and perform at your best professionally.
Thriving families and businesses both require clear systems, shared values, and intentional leadership. By aligning both spheres, you can create a legacy that thrives in every area of your life.
Here are some family systems that can seamlessly double as business systems, helping you create structure, accountability, and efficiency in both areas:
1. Weekly Planning Meetings
Family: A weekly family meeting to review schedules, set goals, discuss challenges, and plan for upcoming events. This builds alignment and clarity.
Business: Hold a weekly team meeting to assess progress, set priorities, address concerns, and plan tasks. It ensures everyone is on the same page.
2. Task Delegation System
Family: Assign household responsibilities (e.g., chores, meal prep) with clear ownership and deadlines. Use charts or apps to track progress.
Business: Delegate tasks among team members based on strengths and priorities. Tools like Trello or Asana help monitor accountability and completion.
3. Morning Check-ins
Family: Start each day with a quick check-in to align expectations, discuss plans, and reinforce shared goals.
Business: Daily stand-up meetings or check-ins help teams clarify their focus, address blockers, and stay on track.
4. Goal Setting and Tracking
Family: Create family goals (e.g., saving for a vacation, improving communication) and track progress through visuals like charts or journals.
Business: Set quarterly objectives (OKRs) or KPIs for the team and review regularly to measure progress toward business growth.
5. Clear Communication Channels
Family: Use tools like a shared family calendar or group chat to coordinate schedules and updates efficiently.
Business: Utilize project management platforms or internal communication tools like Slack to ensure smooth collaboration.
6. Accountability Partners
Family: Pair up family members as accountability partners for specific goals, such as fitness challenges or school projects.
Business: Foster accountability by assigning partners or mentors to team members, encouraging mutual support and progress tracking.
7. Budgeting and Financial Review
Family: Conduct monthly reviews of the family budget, align on savings goals, and track expenses.
Business: Regular financial reviews of revenue, expenses, and profitability help ensure the business stays on target.
8. Conflict Resolution Process
Family: Implement a process for resolving disagreements respectfully, such as a “cooling off” period followed by structured discussion.
Business: Use conflict resolution frameworks, such as mediation or structured feedback sessions, to maintain team harmony.
9. End-of-Day Reflections
Family: Gather at the end of the day to share wins, challenges, and gratitude. This strengthens relationships and fosters growth.
Business: End workdays with a team wrap-up or personal journaling to reflect on achievements, identify lessons, and plan for tomorrow.
10. Seasonal Evaluations
Family: Review systems, routines, and goals every quarter to make adjustments as life changes.
Business: Conduct quarterly business reviews to assess strategies, performance, and market conditions, making data-driven adjustments.
By implementing these systems in both your family and business life, you can create intentional structures that bring clarity, reduce stress, and foster meaningful growth across all areas of your life.
📚 Resource of the Week and 💬 Quote to Ponder
Thinking Fast and Slow: Daniel Kahneman
“Order your soul, reduce your wants” - Augustine
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