Author Archives: Scott Shaum

Simple Faithfulness in Troubling Times

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Scott Shaum

Recently life has felt disorienting. I have learned that God takes me into these rather unpleasant seasons for his loving purposes. I still don’t like them. The book of Ruth is a masterfully written story that informs me in these … Continue reading →

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Resource: A Spiritual Life Inventory

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Scott Shaum

Spiritual Life Inventory God’s constant invitation to deep communion with him and the well documented need for life-long learning are two areas that a “busy” life can constrict. It is wise to take a step back and evaluate regularly – … Continue reading →

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Disorientation, A Gift?

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Scott Shaum

Theologian Walter Brueggemann has written much on the Psalms. He places Psalms into three broad categories: Psalms of orientation, disorientation, and reorientation. Brueggemann argues that we cannot and will not move onto new orientation (call it a paradigm shift, growth, … Continue reading →

Posted in Shepherding Well | 2 Comments

Personal, Informal Maintenance Debriefings

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Scott Shaum

Of all the posts I have posted, “Why you need a Debriefing. Yes You” is by far the most viewed post. Apparently this touched a need. I’d like to revisit this topic with some ideas on how to proceed in being debriefed. … Continue reading →

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Helpful Reads on Listening and Rest

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Scott Shaum

Here are two titles I am finding of interest that provide some thoughtful insight. The Listening Life: Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distractions by Adam S. McHugh My initial approach to this book was a bit guarded: how much would … Continue reading →

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Personal Retreat

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Scott Shaum

Retreating I regularly have the honor at speaking at all sorts of gatherings. Some of those gatherings are retreats. Retreats are places where we go to, you know, retreat. We deliberately flee the “normal” life so that we can engage parts … Continue reading →

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Email Principles to Relate By

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Scott Shaum

“I owe you an apology.” Thus began my conversation with a colleague earlier this week. In a single email I had obliterated my three rules of when NOT to write an email. I really blew it. Efficiency is NOT the Greatest Value … Continue reading →

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Healthy Care of Others Increases as A Healthy Identity Deepens

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Scott Shaum

I received an incredibly courageous comment from a reader on the topic of identity in the previous entry on generosity. The gist was that she struggles with the dynamic of affirmation and praise from others as a source of identity … Continue reading →

Posted in Living Wisely, Personal Vitality, Spiritual Vitality, The Shepherd's Health | 3 Comments