Author Archives: Scott Shaum

5 Themes: Theme #2 Total Exhaustion

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Scott Shaum

Weariness Weariness is what I am seeing in so many colleagues. A chronic weariness. As we serve others, we will certainly tire . But is chronic weariness a proper, Christ-like way to live and serve? We know better than to … Continue reading →

Posted in Living Wisely, Personal Vitality, Shepherding Well, Spiritual Vitality, The Shepherd's Health, Thinking Well | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

5 Themes: Addressing Spiritual Thinness

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Scott Shaum

(This is one of a five part serious on responding to thematic issues affecting member care provider’s and cross-cultural worker’s health and effectiveness. You can read the intro.) This much is true in creation: Input must exceed output. Consider a farmer’s … Continue reading →

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Revisiting 5 Themes of Ill Health Amongst Global Workers

Posted on January 9, 2017 by Scott Shaum

A couple of years ago I posted five entries on five themes I saw consistently amongst global workers that cause or lead to ill health and ineffectiveness. Some of these entries are the most read on this sight. Below is the list of … Continue reading →

Posted in Shepherding Well | 10 Comments

2016 Reads List

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Scott Shaum

Annually I write up a brief review of books I have read. Attached is this year’s version. I have also included a “top-five” of the most influential titles in my life from recent years. I would love to hear from … Continue reading →

Posted in Shepherding Well | 4 Comments

What I would Tell My Younger Self

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Scott Shaum

Hindsight is  a wonderful gift.  I have reflected on what I would have done differently in my younger years. Actually, it is not so much what I would have done, but more how I would have lived. Here’s my list: … Continue reading →

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A Waiting Posture

Posted on November 26, 2016 by Scott Shaum

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him”  Psalm 37:7 One of the more uncomfortable postures in life is that of waiting. Waiting for a follow-up phone call on a job interview. Waiting for the doctor to call with the test results. … Continue reading →

Posted in Living Wisely, Personal Vitality, Spiritual Vitality, The Shepherd's Health, Thinking Well | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Forgive, For We all Mess Up

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Scott Shaum

One of the marks of resiliency in any environment is the willingness to be gracious and forgive. In other words, lack of forgiveness is a major cause of attrition.  I often say that it is not a matter of if I will … Continue reading →

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Acting on Humility: Casting Practice

Posted on October 17, 2016 by Scott Shaum

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humility is the awareness of who we are in juxtaposition to who God … Continue reading →

Posted in Shepherding Well | 4 Comments