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🤔What do confessions and bookkeeping have in common?
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⚔️What do confessions and bookkeeping have in common…the 28th edition of The Consequential Chronicles. Check out this week’s details below. Here is what we will be covering:
Men of Consequence-Past: Stephen the Martyr
Lead By Faith: The Power of Confession, Making Things Right
Lead Your Family: Honoring Your Father
Own Your Health: Insulin Spikes and Weight Loss
Lead Your Business: Avoid the Temptation…Doing Your Own Books
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Alex Mont-Ros
Editor-in-Chief, The Consequential Chronicles Newsletter

Men of Consequence - Past

Stephen the Martyr: X-36 AD
Stephen the Martyr was one of the first deacons of the Christian Church and the first recorded martyr of Christianity. His story is primarily found in the Book of Acts, chapters 6 and 7. Stephen was known for his deep faith, wisdom, and ability to perform great wonders and signs among the people. As the early Christian community grew, Stephen was chosen as one of the seven deacons to help with the daily distribution of food to the widows and the needy.
Stephen's preaching and miracles drew the attention of certain members of the Jewish community, leading to his arrest. He was brought before the Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council) and falsely accused of blasphemy against Moses and God. In his defense, Stephen delivered a powerful speech recounting the history of Israel and condemning the religious leaders for their resistance to God's message. His bold proclamation enraged the council, leading them to drag him out of the city and stone him to death. As he was being stoned, Stephen prayed for his persecutors and committed his spirit to Jesus, echoing the words of Christ on the cross.
Five Interesting Facts about Stephen the Martyr:
First Christian Martyr: Stephen holds the title of the first Christian martyr, which means he was the first to die for his faith in Jesus Christ. His martyrdom set a powerful example for other believers and marked the beginning of widespread persecution of Christians.
Vision of Heaven: Before his death, Stephen experienced a divine vision where he saw the heavens open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This vision is significant because it affirmed his faith and demonstrated his close relationship with Christ.
Role as a Deacon: Stephen was one of the seven deacons chosen by the apostles to assist in the administration of the early Church, particularly in ensuring fair distribution of food to widows and the needy. This role highlighted the importance of service within the Christian community.
Connection to Saul (Paul): The young Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, was present at Stephen's stoning and approved of his execution. Stephen's martyrdom had a profound impact on Saul, who later converted to Christianity and became one of its greatest apostles.
Feast Day: Stephen is honored as a saint in many Christian traditions, and his feast day is celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas. This timing reflects the early Church's desire to remember those who sacrificed their lives for their faith, immediately following the celebration of Christ's birth.

Lead By Faith
⚡The Power of Confession…Make Things Right
Confession to those you've wronged is a powerful act that releases you from bondage and paves the way for reconciliation because it embodies humility, accountability, and the pursuit of genuine relationships. Here's why this is so impactful:
Acknowledgment of Responsibility: Confession is an acknowledgment that you've made a mistake and hurt someone, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This act of taking responsibility is the first step in breaking free from the guilt and shame that can weigh you down. It shifts you from a place of denial or avoidance to one of honesty and self-awareness.
Humility and Surrender: Confessing your wrongs requires humility. It means admitting that you’re not perfect and that you've fallen short in your actions. This humility is crucial because it allows you to surrender your pride and opens your heart to change and growth. In doing so, you free yourself from the bondage of ego and self-justification.
Healing and Reconciliation: When you confess to someone you've wronged, you open the door for healing and reconciliation. It shows the other person that you value the relationship enough to make amends. This can lead to forgiveness, which is a powerful force for healing both parties. Reconciliation not only mends the broken relationship but also restores a sense of peace and wholeness.
Release from Guilt: Guilt is a heavy burden that can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors. By confessing your wrongs, you release yourself from this burden. It's an act of unburdening your soul, which can bring a deep sense of relief and freedom. Confession allows you to move forward without the weight of past mistakes holding you back.
Spiritual and Emotional Freedom: From a spiritual perspective, confession is a form of repentance, which is key to spiritual growth and freedom. It aligns you with values of integrity and righteousness, freeing you from the internal conflict that comes from living in opposition to those values. Emotionally, it clears the air, allowing you to experience the peace that comes with living truthfully and openly.
In essence, confession is a transformative act that frees you from the chains of guilt and wrongdoing. It creates a pathway to forgiveness and reconciliation, not only with others but also within yourself, allowing you to live in greater harmony and peace.

Lead Your Family
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Honoring Your Father
Writing a letter to your father to acknowledge all he's done right, using the method outlined in The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson, is a profound and transformative act. I did this exercise about 2 years ago where I wrote to my dad, now 83, an imperfect man who made many mistakes in his journey as a father, a letter honoring him for all that he did get right. This was a very powerful healing process and a gift to honor him. Here are some benefits to this process:
Affirming Positive Legacy: In Jon Tyson's framework, a significant emphasis is placed on recognizing and affirming the positive aspects of a father's legacy. Writing a letter allows you to articulate and solidify the positive influences, values, and lessons your father has imparted. This not only honors him but also reinforces the positive impact he's had on your life.
Building and Strengthening Connection: The process of writing this letter can deepen the emotional bond between you and your father. It opens a channel for genuine appreciation and communication, often leading to a more profound relationship. Acknowledging his efforts and sacrifices creates a bridge that can mend and strengthen your connection.
Healing and Reconciliation: Tyson’s method often involves confronting both the good and the challenging aspects of a father-son relationship. By focusing on what your father has done right, you can initiate a healing process, both for yourself and for him. This approach fosters reconciliation and can heal old wounds, making space for a healthier and more supportive relationship moving forward.
Empowerment and Blessing: In The Intentional Father, Tyson talks about the power of blessing and empowerment that a father can give to his son. By writing this letter, you not only acknowledge the ways your father has blessed you but also empower him by affirming his role in your life. This act can be deeply encouraging for a father, knowing that his efforts have been recognized and valued.
Personal Growth and Reflection: Writing this letter also serves as a powerful exercise in personal growth. It requires you to reflect deeply on your life and identify the positive attributes and lessons that have shaped who you are. This self-awareness contributes to your development as a man and as a father figure if you are one yourself.
In short, writing this letter is an intentional act that aligns with the principles of gratitude, honor, and reconciliation. It's a way to affirm your father's impact on your life, strengthen your relationship, and contribute to your own personal growth, all while following a path laid out by Jon Tyson’s method for becoming an intentional man.

Own Your Health
📢Insulin Spikes and Weight Loss
Monitoring your insulin spikes is crucial for weight loss and overall wellness because it provides real-time insights into how your body responds to different foods and lifestyle choices. Here's why you should consider doing it:
The Importance of Monitoring Insulin Spikes:
Understanding Your Body's Response to Food: Insulin is a hormone that plays a key role in how your body uses and stores energy from food. When you eat, especially carbohydrates, your blood sugar levels rise, prompting your body to release insulin. By monitoring these spikes, you can identify which foods cause significant increases in insulin levels and adjust your diet to stabilize blood sugar, reducing fat storage and enhancing energy use.
Preventing Fat Storage and Promoting Fat Burning: Frequent insulin spikes can lead to increased fat storage, particularly around the abdomen, and make it harder for your body to burn fat. By keeping insulin levels stable through monitoring and dietary adjustments, you can optimize your body’s ability to burn fat, making weight loss more effective and sustainable.
Improving Metabolic Health: High and frequent insulin spikes can contribute to insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other health issues. Monitoring these spikes helps you manage your insulin sensitivity, improving your overall metabolic health, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Recommended Devices for Monitoring Insulin Spikes:
Levels Health: Levels offers a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) system that pairs with a smartphone app, allowing you to track your blood sugar levels in real time. The app provides personalized insights and recommendations based on your data, making it easier to understand how different foods and activities affect your insulin levels.
Freestyle Libre: The Freestyle Libre system is another CGM option that provides continuous monitoring of glucose levels through a small sensor worn on the back of the upper arm. It’s known for its ease of use and the ability to check your levels at any time with a quick scan using a handheld reader or smartphone app.
Dexcom G7: The Dexcom G7 is an advanced CGM device that provides real-time glucose data with a simple sensor worn on the skin. It’s designed for ease of use, with a small, discreet sensor and a user-friendly app that offers alerts and data trends to help you manage your insulin levels effectively.
By using one of these devices to monitor your insulin spikes, you can gain greater control over your diet, optimize your weight loss efforts, and improve your overall health and wellness. Always connect with your physician and get professional guidance. Dr. Daniel Berzen’s is Men of Consequence member and if you want to get further guidance, feel free to connect with him at
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.

Lead Your Business
👉Avoid the Temptation…Doing Your Own Books
Avoiding the temptation to do your own bookkeeping and hiring a professional firm instead is a smart move for your business, especially when it comes to the possibility of IRS audits. Here’s why:
1. Accuracy and Expertise:
Bookkeeping is a specialized skill that requires precision and a deep understanding of accounting principles, tax laws, and financial regulations. A professional bookkeeping firm brings expertise and experience that ensures your financial records are accurate and compliant with the latest regulations. This accuracy is crucial in the event of an IRS audit, where even minor errors can lead to significant penalties or red flags.
2. Audit Preparedness:
Hiring a professional firm means that your books are always in order, making you better prepared for an audit. These firms know exactly what the IRS looks for and can help you maintain records that are not only compliant but also easy to understand and navigate. If the IRS comes knocking, having a firm on your side means they can handle the audit process, reducing stress and ensuring that you provide only the necessary information without offering up potential issues.
3. Time and Resource Efficiency:
Running a business demands your focus on growth, strategy, and operations. Doing your own bookkeeping can be a significant drain on your time and resources, pulling you away from the core aspects of your business. By outsourcing your bookkeeping, you free up valuable time and energy to focus on what you do best, knowing that your financials are in expert hands.
4. Reduced Risk of Errors:
Even a small mistake in your bookkeeping can have costly repercussions, from miscalculating taxes to incorrectly categorizing expenses. These errors can not only hurt your bottom line but can also attract unwanted attention from the IRS. A professional firm minimizes these risks by employing trained professionals who are less likely to make errors and are better equipped to catch any discrepancies before they become a problem.
5. Peace of Mind in Case of an Audit:
Perhaps the most compelling reason to hire a bookkeeping firm is the peace of mind it brings. Knowing that your financial records are meticulously maintained by professionals gives you confidence in the integrity of your financials. In the case of an audit, you’ll have a team of experts ready to support you, ensuring that the audit process is as smooth and painless as possible.
In short, hiring a bookkeeping firm is an investment in the financial health and stability of your business. It shields you from the pitfalls of DIY bookkeeping and equips you with the expertise and support needed to confidently navigate the complexities of IRS audits.
If you are looking for a proven bookkeeping firm, David Pittiglio, founder of Streamlined Business Solutions has helped thousands of businesses over the last 15 years. Feel free to reach out at Contact – Streamlined Business Solutions for a free consultation and mention The Consequential Chronicles.
Disclaimer: The information presented here is for general purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Always consult with a tax or legal professional for personalized guidance.

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