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The Stewardship Principle: Reframing Your Life
Mortality provides a complex collection of opportunities. We face challenges to both love and learn. And amid struggle and strife, we can choose to live life with greater joy and spirit. But how do we do this? The answer lies in reframing how we see our experiences. Beloved author and speaker Ganel-Lyn Condie introduces a key principle that can guide us through both the miraculous and the messy moments of life: stewardship.
With her token wit and candor, Ganel-Lyn helps readers learn to navigate through a reframing of life’s experiences, shifting them from issues of ownership to assignments of stewardship. Featuring a wealth of scriptural insights, real-life accounts, and practical advice, this insightful volume examines stewardship versus ownership in all aspects of life, from the ebb and flow of relationships to the devastation of loss to the frustration of trying―and failing. Learn to consecrate your efforts to God and discover how this fundamental shift in perspective will make all the difference in the sense of peace and hope that can be yours.
With her token wit and candor, Ganel-Lyn helps readers learn to navigate through a reframing of life’s experiences, shifting them from issues of ownership to assignments of stewardship. Featuring a wealth of scriptural insights, real-life accounts, and practical advice, this insightful volume examines stewardship versus ownership in all aspects of life, from the ebb and flow of relationships to the devastation of loss to the frustration of trying―and failing. Learn to consecrate your efforts to God and discover how this fundamental shift in perspective will make all the difference in the sense of peace and hope that can be yours.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2022
29 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
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August 13, 2022
This is a small book which is deceiving, because it is full of wonderful examples of stewardship versus ownership. The author gives lovely examples of how stewardship of even our hard times can help make us better, and gives us real-life examples, some from her own experiences. I really liked the "Which voice are you listening to?" at the end of each chapter that showed in a simple way the difference between ownership and stewardship thinking. I will definitely have to read this one again to be able to put the principle into action in all areas of my life.
I received a digital copy from the publisher to review. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
I received a digital copy from the publisher to review. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
June 13, 2023
This is a thought-provoking book about stewardship. We don't own anything. It all belongs to God. When we see all that we have and are (even our challenges) as a stewardships, we will use them to build Zion and become more like God. That's why we're here. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"You will not be judged based on the light and knowledge of others, only by what you have been given (p. 1)."
"Knowledge is about knowing something, but wisdom comes from application and experience (p. 1)."
"The idea of seeing everything as a stewardship pulls you out of ownership (p. 5)."
"You own nothing. You are a steward but not an owner. God has created everything and everyone for your growth and development. What you have is a stewardship--a calling to take care of what He has created (p. 5)."
"Once you understand that everything in your life is a stewardship and that you don't really have or own anything, it changes everything (p. 6)."
"Being a steward, and not an owner, isn't about letting anyone off the hook or not taking care of God's creations within your management role... It's about making God your boss (p. 6)."
"As you learn how to consecrate your life as a steward, you will see how to not only let God prevail in difficult circumstances, but also how to discover greater joy through consecration. Ultimately, you'll learn how to build Zion with everything you have been assigned (p. 7)>"
"The law of consecration is 'to dedicate, to make holy, or to become righteous.'... It may seem easy enough to celebrate all the good things in life, but what about all the things you don't love? Can things like chronic illness, depression, or a learning disability also be good for you and for building Zion (p. 7)?"
"'I trusted you to consecrate what I gave you. I trusted you to share it, for in sharing you would have received more. But hiding what you have been given has caused you to lose it' (p. 8)."
"The voice of ownership keeps an addict locked in cycles of secrecy. The voice of stewardship frees an addict by removing shame and revealing opportunities for healing and sobriety. When it comes to addiction, secrecy keeps you sick. But you don't have to suffer in secret. But surrendering to God as a steward of your addiction, you can find freedom, and possibly lead others to their own recovery (p. 8)."
"Try seeing your present situation as a stewardship assignment instead of something you own (p. 9)."
"A stewardship voice urges you to reframe the situation instead of reacting (p. 9)."
"By pondering what God would have you do for His child, you're open to greater inspiration (p. 10)."
"No matter what the stewardship is, God is helping you become as He is--more loving, patient, omniscient, and wise. It is in our stewardship that we practice and develop the divine characteristics that don't always come easily (p. 10)."
"What I give away I keep. Sharing my struggles can help build Zion. God has a plan for my loved ones. Burdens can be made light (p. 11)."
"Have I made the world better? Am I progressing? What is to come and am I ready for it (p. 13)?"
"What will you do with the time and one talent the Master has entrusted you with? Instead of focusing on what your neighbor will do with her time and three talents, focus on your list of assets (p. 14)."
"I am not saying that every hard day can be turned around by divine connections with strangers at a store. I'm saying that maybe more of the moments you think are messes or missed appointments really are miracles in the making. You may not know until the next life the impact of an unexpected change of plans. So, with some self-compassion for how unproductive you feel at times, reframe a disturbing day by bearing in mind that you did the best you could with the stewardship assignments given, including the time allotted (p. 14)."
"Do the best you can with the time you have been allotted (p. 16)."
"Everyone comes to Earth with talents to develop and discover (p. 16)."
"What if you honestly don't think you have any talents to share? Go to the Lord and ask Him to show you the different talents and gifts He's endowed you with, then be prepared for an expansive view (p. 17)."
"I did the best I could with all the unexpected events of my day... I have gifts and talents. I am learning unique ways to share because my contribution matters (p. 18)."
"Maybe second only to the delicate stewardship of family connections is the tender relationship you have with your body (p. 19)."
"The children of God are at war with the adversary, and that war is often a war between a child of God and their body. Fortunately, developing a stewardship-versus-ownership perspective in relation to your body has the power to stop this war (p. 20)."
"I was being tutored from beyond the veil. I had very limited hours of energy and strength, so I started the practice of waking up and asking God in prayer what I should do with the day ahead (p. 22)."
"God will guide my footsteps (p. 22)."
"I see how I am relying more on the Savior through this adversity. God keeps His promises and is helping me become more like Him (p. 25)."
"When it comes to stewardship assignments, I am not sure there is one more emotionally charged than parenthood... Understanding and applying a stewardship reframe within your parent/child interactions is like unlocking a secret code of love and connection (p. 27)."
"It is within your home that you learn the most powerful lessons surrounding stewardship (p. 28)."
"Sometimes the greatest tests of stewarding arise when the plans you had for your kids don't turn out anything like you thought they would (p. 29)."
"Whatever your situation may be, know that a resurrection story may still be coming (p. 31)."
"There are no perfect parents on the planet. None. God seems to trust all the imperfect parents to raise imperfect children, who grow up to parent imperfectly. And the cycle continues (p. 31)."
"Childhood is certainly scattered with stewardship lessons in forgiveness (p. 31)."
"Showing love and support is priority over having control... Boundaries are loving and enable healthy connections. Forgiveness brings freedom (p. 33)."
"Some stewardship assignments are about not being able to fix what is broken. Sometimes you have to surrender what was or could be for what is right now (p. 37)."
"You may find that the most loving action you can take is to not be a part of someone's life (P. 38)."
"The truth is you can't control what another person will choose, but you can control how you show up or respond in your situations and relationships. You can control how you choose to respond in your friendships. You can control how you choose to show up in your marriage (p. 39)."
"Marriage is rarely about perfect pairings. It may be about a husband who devotes constant care for a wife battling the effects of early Alzheimer's while also running a business and serving as bishop (p. 39)."
"Sometimes our trials are God's mercies in disguise (p. 40)."
"I promise that as you keep your covenants, they will keep you, even when others choose differently. I am not sure how God will make all wrongs right, but in the end, He will (p. 40)."
"Relationships are always growing and changing. What God thinks about me is more important than what the world says about me. Keeping my covenants will bring eternal blessings. Adversity can bring unexpected gifts (p. 40)."
"God knows that the most effective way to learn is with agency and that it comes with lots of trying and failing. He cares more about this process than what you produce. He is more interested in His children emerging as gods someday. And in order to become like God, you will be given stewardships that foster divine characteristics, like a learning disability, ADHD, or a failing business (p. 41)."
"Reframing your layoffs as lessons learned opens you to understanding God's economy. All that was once unfair can be transformed (p. 46)."
"My challenges can help me become more like God. My unique experiences will help build Zion. God measures success differently than the world does. God has a plan for my ultimate happiness (p. 46)."
"This season of loss changed my family for the better. It was a time of tutoring. I learned more about hearing Him and what it means to act in faith. I learned we didn't need money and stuff to be happy (p. 49)."
"Even with all the preparations in place, surrendering and relying on God was the only way we all can truly survive (p. 50)."
"It is easy to celebrate life when you get a raise or a promotion. But what do you feel when you see your empty bank account? Can you consecrate your empty pockets and your bonuses? I testify that God can prevail as you reframe the good and the bad tasks at hand (p. 50)."
"Developing a stewardship mindset is more about practice and patience than it is about perfection and prescription. God will keep giving you unique and personalized opportunities to learn how to shift from owner to steward (p. 52)."
"People matter more than stuff. God can take care of me through other people. What I consecrate for good can be made into more. The more I give, the more I receive (p. 52)."
"Please keep a journal so you don't forget what you are learning and have learned (p. 54)."
"Start. Don't wait to figure out what the perfect plan is (p. 54)."
"Sometimes the greatest missions you will serve will be in the quiet corners of a home, the humble room of a Primary class, or in the loving comment left on a social media post (p. 54)."
"The Spirit loves simplicity (p. 55)."
"Being an angel is less about the outcome and more about our offering (p. 58)."
"The ownership lens quickly leads to burnout and pessimism. But when you begin to see that everything is a stewardship, none of your efforts are lost, no matter what happens (p. 59)."
"No matter your mission, purpose, or cause, you are called to follow Christ. In all your doing, working, and serving, you can become more like Him. What greater success could there be (p. 59)?"
"'What is my role as a steward?... What is my stewardship responsibility?' (p. 62)"
"Stewardship leads to a newfound freedom from fear (p. 62)."
"A stewardship voice sounds more patient, hopeful, and inspired (p. 63)."
"Writing on paper is a great way to process the story you are telling yourself (p. 63)."
"I can't emphasize enough the importance of regular communication with heaven when it comes to staying in the steward's way (p. 63)."
"As a steward over your body and health, you may be required to do things differently (p. 64)."
"Stewardships help you live a consecrated life (p. 66)."
"God knows His children learn best line upon line (p. 66)."
"Practice living a law of sacrifice and consecration simply by reframing all that you face, all that you have, and all that you love, as stewardship assignments. Zion will need you and all you have to offer--your struggles and your successes (p. 66)."
"Include God in everything, because He is in everything and everything is His, and He desires to give you everything in return (p. 67)."
"You will not be judged based on the light and knowledge of others, only by what you have been given (p. 1)."
"Knowledge is about knowing something, but wisdom comes from application and experience (p. 1)."
"The idea of seeing everything as a stewardship pulls you out of ownership (p. 5)."
"You own nothing. You are a steward but not an owner. God has created everything and everyone for your growth and development. What you have is a stewardship--a calling to take care of what He has created (p. 5)."
"Once you understand that everything in your life is a stewardship and that you don't really have or own anything, it changes everything (p. 6)."
"Being a steward, and not an owner, isn't about letting anyone off the hook or not taking care of God's creations within your management role... It's about making God your boss (p. 6)."
"As you learn how to consecrate your life as a steward, you will see how to not only let God prevail in difficult circumstances, but also how to discover greater joy through consecration. Ultimately, you'll learn how to build Zion with everything you have been assigned (p. 7)>"
"The law of consecration is 'to dedicate, to make holy, or to become righteous.'... It may seem easy enough to celebrate all the good things in life, but what about all the things you don't love? Can things like chronic illness, depression, or a learning disability also be good for you and for building Zion (p. 7)?"
"'I trusted you to consecrate what I gave you. I trusted you to share it, for in sharing you would have received more. But hiding what you have been given has caused you to lose it' (p. 8)."
"The voice of ownership keeps an addict locked in cycles of secrecy. The voice of stewardship frees an addict by removing shame and revealing opportunities for healing and sobriety. When it comes to addiction, secrecy keeps you sick. But you don't have to suffer in secret. But surrendering to God as a steward of your addiction, you can find freedom, and possibly lead others to their own recovery (p. 8)."
"Try seeing your present situation as a stewardship assignment instead of something you own (p. 9)."
"A stewardship voice urges you to reframe the situation instead of reacting (p. 9)."
"By pondering what God would have you do for His child, you're open to greater inspiration (p. 10)."
"No matter what the stewardship is, God is helping you become as He is--more loving, patient, omniscient, and wise. It is in our stewardship that we practice and develop the divine characteristics that don't always come easily (p. 10)."
"What I give away I keep. Sharing my struggles can help build Zion. God has a plan for my loved ones. Burdens can be made light (p. 11)."
"Have I made the world better? Am I progressing? What is to come and am I ready for it (p. 13)?"
"What will you do with the time and one talent the Master has entrusted you with? Instead of focusing on what your neighbor will do with her time and three talents, focus on your list of assets (p. 14)."
"I am not saying that every hard day can be turned around by divine connections with strangers at a store. I'm saying that maybe more of the moments you think are messes or missed appointments really are miracles in the making. You may not know until the next life the impact of an unexpected change of plans. So, with some self-compassion for how unproductive you feel at times, reframe a disturbing day by bearing in mind that you did the best you could with the stewardship assignments given, including the time allotted (p. 14)."
"Do the best you can with the time you have been allotted (p. 16)."
"Everyone comes to Earth with talents to develop and discover (p. 16)."
"What if you honestly don't think you have any talents to share? Go to the Lord and ask Him to show you the different talents and gifts He's endowed you with, then be prepared for an expansive view (p. 17)."
"I did the best I could with all the unexpected events of my day... I have gifts and talents. I am learning unique ways to share because my contribution matters (p. 18)."
"Maybe second only to the delicate stewardship of family connections is the tender relationship you have with your body (p. 19)."
"The children of God are at war with the adversary, and that war is often a war between a child of God and their body. Fortunately, developing a stewardship-versus-ownership perspective in relation to your body has the power to stop this war (p. 20)."
"I was being tutored from beyond the veil. I had very limited hours of energy and strength, so I started the practice of waking up and asking God in prayer what I should do with the day ahead (p. 22)."
"God will guide my footsteps (p. 22)."
"I see how I am relying more on the Savior through this adversity. God keeps His promises and is helping me become more like Him (p. 25)."
"When it comes to stewardship assignments, I am not sure there is one more emotionally charged than parenthood... Understanding and applying a stewardship reframe within your parent/child interactions is like unlocking a secret code of love and connection (p. 27)."
"It is within your home that you learn the most powerful lessons surrounding stewardship (p. 28)."
"Sometimes the greatest tests of stewarding arise when the plans you had for your kids don't turn out anything like you thought they would (p. 29)."
"Whatever your situation may be, know that a resurrection story may still be coming (p. 31)."
"There are no perfect parents on the planet. None. God seems to trust all the imperfect parents to raise imperfect children, who grow up to parent imperfectly. And the cycle continues (p. 31)."
"Childhood is certainly scattered with stewardship lessons in forgiveness (p. 31)."
"Showing love and support is priority over having control... Boundaries are loving and enable healthy connections. Forgiveness brings freedom (p. 33)."
"Some stewardship assignments are about not being able to fix what is broken. Sometimes you have to surrender what was or could be for what is right now (p. 37)."
"You may find that the most loving action you can take is to not be a part of someone's life (P. 38)."
"The truth is you can't control what another person will choose, but you can control how you show up or respond in your situations and relationships. You can control how you choose to respond in your friendships. You can control how you choose to show up in your marriage (p. 39)."
"Marriage is rarely about perfect pairings. It may be about a husband who devotes constant care for a wife battling the effects of early Alzheimer's while also running a business and serving as bishop (p. 39)."
"Sometimes our trials are God's mercies in disguise (p. 40)."
"I promise that as you keep your covenants, they will keep you, even when others choose differently. I am not sure how God will make all wrongs right, but in the end, He will (p. 40)."
"Relationships are always growing and changing. What God thinks about me is more important than what the world says about me. Keeping my covenants will bring eternal blessings. Adversity can bring unexpected gifts (p. 40)."
"God knows that the most effective way to learn is with agency and that it comes with lots of trying and failing. He cares more about this process than what you produce. He is more interested in His children emerging as gods someday. And in order to become like God, you will be given stewardships that foster divine characteristics, like a learning disability, ADHD, or a failing business (p. 41)."
"Reframing your layoffs as lessons learned opens you to understanding God's economy. All that was once unfair can be transformed (p. 46)."
"My challenges can help me become more like God. My unique experiences will help build Zion. God measures success differently than the world does. God has a plan for my ultimate happiness (p. 46)."
"This season of loss changed my family for the better. It was a time of tutoring. I learned more about hearing Him and what it means to act in faith. I learned we didn't need money and stuff to be happy (p. 49)."
"Even with all the preparations in place, surrendering and relying on God was the only way we all can truly survive (p. 50)."
"It is easy to celebrate life when you get a raise or a promotion. But what do you feel when you see your empty bank account? Can you consecrate your empty pockets and your bonuses? I testify that God can prevail as you reframe the good and the bad tasks at hand (p. 50)."
"Developing a stewardship mindset is more about practice and patience than it is about perfection and prescription. God will keep giving you unique and personalized opportunities to learn how to shift from owner to steward (p. 52)."
"People matter more than stuff. God can take care of me through other people. What I consecrate for good can be made into more. The more I give, the more I receive (p. 52)."
"Please keep a journal so you don't forget what you are learning and have learned (p. 54)."
"Start. Don't wait to figure out what the perfect plan is (p. 54)."
"Sometimes the greatest missions you will serve will be in the quiet corners of a home, the humble room of a Primary class, or in the loving comment left on a social media post (p. 54)."
"The Spirit loves simplicity (p. 55)."
"Being an angel is less about the outcome and more about our offering (p. 58)."
"The ownership lens quickly leads to burnout and pessimism. But when you begin to see that everything is a stewardship, none of your efforts are lost, no matter what happens (p. 59)."
"No matter your mission, purpose, or cause, you are called to follow Christ. In all your doing, working, and serving, you can become more like Him. What greater success could there be (p. 59)?"
"'What is my role as a steward?... What is my stewardship responsibility?' (p. 62)"
"Stewardship leads to a newfound freedom from fear (p. 62)."
"A stewardship voice sounds more patient, hopeful, and inspired (p. 63)."
"Writing on paper is a great way to process the story you are telling yourself (p. 63)."
"I can't emphasize enough the importance of regular communication with heaven when it comes to staying in the steward's way (p. 63)."
"As a steward over your body and health, you may be required to do things differently (p. 64)."
"Stewardships help you live a consecrated life (p. 66)."
"God knows His children learn best line upon line (p. 66)."
"Practice living a law of sacrifice and consecration simply by reframing all that you face, all that you have, and all that you love, as stewardship assignments. Zion will need you and all you have to offer--your struggles and your successes (p. 66)."
"Include God in everything, because He is in everything and everything is His, and He desires to give you everything in return (p. 67)."
May 19, 2022
This book is a beautiful and simple reminder that God loves us and utilizes the struggles in our lives to make us better. The author does an amazing job explaining stewardship and how it can help us live meaningful and joyful lives. When we give God everything, He blesses us with everything He has!
May 9, 2022
Short easy read that really taught me to change the way I look at things in my life… relationships especially! With life experiences and stories Ganel Lyn has really taught me this principle and I hope to be like her someday!
May 10, 2022
This little book looks into what stewardship is and what it is not. The author shares personal stories, that apply to stewardship.
February 10, 2023
Wow I started this in July and even though it’s only 68 pages it took me seven months to read it. It was peddled on the leading saints podcast.
The theme is stewardship and I probably couldn’t articulate what that means STILL unless I read you from the mini lists in the book. It was very uplifting and inspiring though.
NOTES:
ADHD is a gift for her son in his mission. He has the ability to switch his focus and easily pivot directions and it’s insulated him from challenges faced in Africa. She wonders what if ADHD is omniscience in embryonic form. What if it’s a taste of God’s OmniFocus.? it’s perceived to be an obstacle but actually the beginning development of divinity. Let’s hope! For my boys’ sake .
“Stewarding
means you are in charge of something, responsible to manage it, or entrusted
for watchcare. When you begin to have this outlook on life, it changes how
you feel about your children's choices, your credit scores, the death of a loved
one, or divorce from a spouse. Being a steward, and not an owner, isn't about
letting anyone off the hook or not taking care of God's creations within your
management role. It isn't about blatant disconnection in relationships of
neglecting the family pet. It's about making God your boss. It's about
consecrating all your efforts to God instead of getting discouraged by outcomes
It's about achieving and experiencing greater holiness and satisfaction in life.”
“Ownership says:
I am stupid.
There is only one way to learn.
I am a failure.
Success is based on position and advancement.
Stewardship says:
My challenges can help me become more like God.
My unique experiences will help build Zion.
God measures success differently than the world does.
God has a plan for my ultimate happiness.”
So anyway a whole book defining and describing stewardship with lots of anecdotes. I would be better off reading it several times. It makes me want to be a better person, more in tune.
The theme is stewardship and I probably couldn’t articulate what that means STILL unless I read you from the mini lists in the book. It was very uplifting and inspiring though.
NOTES:
ADHD is a gift for her son in his mission. He has the ability to switch his focus and easily pivot directions and it’s insulated him from challenges faced in Africa. She wonders what if ADHD is omniscience in embryonic form. What if it’s a taste of God’s OmniFocus.? it’s perceived to be an obstacle but actually the beginning development of divinity. Let’s hope! For my boys’ sake .
“Stewarding
means you are in charge of something, responsible to manage it, or entrusted
for watchcare. When you begin to have this outlook on life, it changes how
you feel about your children's choices, your credit scores, the death of a loved
one, or divorce from a spouse. Being a steward, and not an owner, isn't about
letting anyone off the hook or not taking care of God's creations within your
management role. It isn't about blatant disconnection in relationships of
neglecting the family pet. It's about making God your boss. It's about
consecrating all your efforts to God instead of getting discouraged by outcomes
It's about achieving and experiencing greater holiness and satisfaction in life.”
“Ownership says:
I am stupid.
There is only one way to learn.
I am a failure.
Success is based on position and advancement.
Stewardship says:
My challenges can help me become more like God.
My unique experiences will help build Zion.
God measures success differently than the world does.
God has a plan for my ultimate happiness.”
So anyway a whole book defining and describing stewardship with lots of anecdotes. I would be better off reading it several times. It makes me want to be a better person, more in tune.
September 3, 2025
great book and interesting way to look at everything in your life as a stewardship. nothing in this life is yours, you are just a steward of it all. when things happen, the important part is how you will respond to it for your learning.
this has given me a good deal to think about to reframe my thinking.
this has given me a good deal to think about to reframe my thinking.
July 26, 2022
My husband and I read this book together, and enjoyed learning some ideas for changing one’s mindset to a stewardship way of thinking rather than an ownership way of thinking.
The author hosts “Real Talk” which we enjoy and she has some very solid ideas she shares in the book to help reframe the way we look at our challenges, trials and blessings.
I think this is a book I’ll need to review again. I do feel like the principles she teaches have helped me already as I try to incorporate them into my thought processes.
Definitely a worthy read. Short and simple, but filled with wisdom.
The author hosts “Real Talk” which we enjoy and she has some very solid ideas she shares in the book to help reframe the way we look at our challenges, trials and blessings.
I think this is a book I’ll need to review again. I do feel like the principles she teaches have helped me already as I try to incorporate them into my thought processes.
Definitely a worthy read. Short and simple, but filled with wisdom.
July 22, 2022
Ganel-Lyn Condie’s insights and advice on navigating through life and improving your spirituality are showcased in this short but powerful book. By changing your perspective from ownership of life’s experiences to stewardship assignments, you can gain more joy and satisfaction from life. Using personal and real-life examples, Condie shows how this shift in perspective can help bring more peace. I appreciate her candid thoughts and helpful advice on how to implement this thought process in your life. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own.
March 6, 2025
I had to stop listening to this book. I got so frustrated by a couple things that she said.
To be fair, the stewardship book is a wonderful idea, she has the right message of not owning people and owning responsibilities, but taking care and nurturing and helping in our responsibilities, I love that
But, I'm about halfway through the book and she has said a couple things that are either flat out wrong or not direct enough to be clear of what she's saying.
First, she talks about service and self-care and I think she's trying to say it's not bad at times to take care of yourself over others. But she does talk about flat out choosing to serve yourself over serving others. And I don't know if there's ever a time. I've seen the Savior ever choose someone else over himself. He took time for himself, but not and never at the expense of others. So no, that is completely incorrect. It's not that we can't come first at times, but we can't come first at the expense of others in distress.
Second, she talks about about how you can't be an influence in your kids life unless you're there. And give several examples where kids are making immoral, bad choices, not in line with God.'S commandments, but still need to do things to stay in their life. Of course, ideally we can hopefully be a good influence on our kids, but there are some paths we cannot follow. If our children or people we love, cross a certain threshold, we may not always be able to follow. If my kid is a drug addict can't show up at family functions without being high as a kite, it is not your obligation to put everybody in danger, set a bad example, and potentially taint other children in the family. With this kid's example. Between you and the spirit/ you and the Lord you need to decide what is best for the family. One child's actions cannot hijack the rest of the family. Also, if we're going to follow Christ's example, we know there are times that we cannot be around that, which is evil. I'm not saying a child's mistakes are evil, but if they're going to bring evil into our home, we have to sometimes question that. That. But she very directly says that we always need to keep them around so we can have an influence.
I have seen families who have had to to take a step back from problematic members, and it has been good at times. When done. With love, when done with the spirit, it can be good. The prodigal son couldn't return unless he left. He hit rock bottom and then came home. So we cannot act like the scripture support what she is saying.
To be fair, the stewardship book is a wonderful idea, she has the right message of not owning people and owning responsibilities, but taking care and nurturing and helping in our responsibilities, I love that
But, I'm about halfway through the book and she has said a couple things that are either flat out wrong or not direct enough to be clear of what she's saying.
First, she talks about service and self-care and I think she's trying to say it's not bad at times to take care of yourself over others. But she does talk about flat out choosing to serve yourself over serving others. And I don't know if there's ever a time. I've seen the Savior ever choose someone else over himself. He took time for himself, but not and never at the expense of others. So no, that is completely incorrect. It's not that we can't come first at times, but we can't come first at the expense of others in distress.
Second, she talks about about how you can't be an influence in your kids life unless you're there. And give several examples where kids are making immoral, bad choices, not in line with God.'S commandments, but still need to do things to stay in their life. Of course, ideally we can hopefully be a good influence on our kids, but there are some paths we cannot follow. If our children or people we love, cross a certain threshold, we may not always be able to follow. If my kid is a drug addict can't show up at family functions without being high as a kite, it is not your obligation to put everybody in danger, set a bad example, and potentially taint other children in the family. With this kid's example. Between you and the spirit/ you and the Lord you need to decide what is best for the family. One child's actions cannot hijack the rest of the family. Also, if we're going to follow Christ's example, we know there are times that we cannot be around that, which is evil. I'm not saying a child's mistakes are evil, but if they're going to bring evil into our home, we have to sometimes question that. That. But she very directly says that we always need to keep them around so we can have an influence.
I have seen families who have had to to take a step back from problematic members, and it has been good at times. When done. With love, when done with the spirit, it can be good. The prodigal son couldn't return unless he left. He hit rock bottom and then came home. So we cannot act like the scripture support what she is saying.
January 19, 2023
Principles I’ve known—but appreciate anew as I strive to adapt to my stewardship of having and fostering positive relationships with adult children. Thanks to the author, (my one time next door neighbor twenty-some years ago), for articulating these principles in a concise, pragmatic way and for helping the reader to reframe their perspective and behavior to align with these stewardship principles.
P.S. Mardi, Ganel-Lyn’s mother-in-law, was also my next door neighbor and what Ganel writes about her is absolutely true. We were the recipients of many of Mardi’s gifts and love including her sewing our adopted daughter’s blessing gown, a sweet white blanket from the same fabric with temple embroidered on it, and a bonnet for to wear for that special occasion. Reading this chapter in the book brought tears to my eyes when reading about the kindnesses given to those abused and neglected children. It reminded me of my own mother and father who provided a home to over 50 infants, children, teenagers, and young adults who needed a loving place to stay whether it be for a few days or a number of years over their lifetime.
P.S. Mardi, Ganel-Lyn’s mother-in-law, was also my next door neighbor and what Ganel writes about her is absolutely true. We were the recipients of many of Mardi’s gifts and love including her sewing our adopted daughter’s blessing gown, a sweet white blanket from the same fabric with temple embroidered on it, and a bonnet for to wear for that special occasion. Reading this chapter in the book brought tears to my eyes when reading about the kindnesses given to those abused and neglected children. It reminded me of my own mother and father who provided a home to over 50 infants, children, teenagers, and young adults who needed a loving place to stay whether it be for a few days or a number of years over their lifetime.
February 25, 2023
Life's problems and challenges can be reframed as lessons and opportunities to learn. Author Ganel-Lyn Condie uses stories of challenges from her own life to teach how she learned that changing from an "ownership mindset" to a "stewardship mindset" helps us learn from and grow through challenges. I have read other books by this author which I really liked. For some reason, this little book did not resonate for me the way Condie's other books did. There are some gems of truth in this book, but it really read like a very "churchy" therapy session and I am not sure there is really a doctrinal or scriptural basis for some of Condie's ideas, although I am sure that reframing thoughts in a more positive context can anyone deal with hard things.
November 19, 2022
Wow! The ideas presented in this book can definitely change your life. However, after reading the book, I feel like I need to read it again because I don't fully understand what she is presenting! For me, this is one of those books that needs to be read slowly. Read a chapter. Process and apply. Don't try and plow through the whole book. One of the things I loved most about the book was the short little lists at the end of each chapter that helped you determine if you were listening to the ownership voice or the stewardship voice. And, I also loved the list at the end that combined all the lists from each chapter.
July 4, 2023
3.5 stars. I always have a hard time giving a critical review of a book that is based on good principles but I appreciate honest reviews so I won't sugarcoat it. The book has a little bit of a condescending tone to it and while I did get some good insights from reading it, it felt pretty basic. Also, while she talks a lot about stewardship vs. ownership, I didn't feel like she included very much information on what stewardship looks like other than realizing everything comes from God and avoiding an ownership mindset. Overall, it's a quick book that's probably worth reading but I didn't love it.
October 20, 2022
After a brief discussion of stewardship vs ownership, the majority of the book analyzes various stewardships in our lives such as our careers, children, friends, talents, marriage, etc. and how we can reframe them to have a stewardship perspective. It took until the end of the book for me to really grasp the power behind the concept. I would've appreciated a longer and more in depth discussion on the concept up front. I did enjoy the book and I can feel that the concepts presented will bless my life!
January 7, 2023
4 1/2 stars - a great book to start the year! I first heard Condie speak about this idea in a podcast over the summer, and I got so excited about the idea of stewardship. It felt like a new concept the way she presented it in the podcast, but I also felt like I’d known it before. Thinking of myself as a steward helps relieve my anxiety while also giving me hope and peace.
September 20, 2022
Very helpful for changing my perspective to a stewardship role. I cannot control anyone else’s decisions, beliefs, etc but my own, and therefore shouldn’t allow those decisions to cause great distress in my own life.
March 2, 2023
Ganel-Lyn offers some great insights on how we can look at our relationships and responsibilities as “stewardships” instead of “ownerships”. I feel like the final chapter really tied everything together for me. A good supplement to my February gospel study.
January 9, 2024
I loved this book once I got into it, but I had to try several times. And once I did, it still took me a couple months to plow through even though it’s only 150 pages. My favorite scripture from the book was D&C 123:17
May 13, 2024
I was first introduced to Ganel-Lyn when she was on the Talk of Him podcast( I loved her on the podcast.) So, I thought I would give her book a try. I thought she could have done a better job of explaining concepts in her book. I did enjoy all the stories she shared.
May 2, 2025
I read this book a few years ago and wanted to reread it to help me in my study of consecration. She makes some really good points and helped me to see how I can better see my blessings as stewardships.
September 3, 2022
A solid book with very good insights that feels a tiny bit unrealistic at points. The general principle is excellent though.
October 2, 2022
Wow some books just come along that can change your whole perspective. This is one for me.
October 8, 2022
After I read it, I wanted to share it with all my family. So many good insights.
November 20, 2022
Very powerful and thought-provoking book helping to reframe the way you look at challenges and opportunities in life from ownership to stewardship.
January 10, 2023
Positive, uplifting, full of reminders I needed and a few "aha" moments that shift perspective.
July 13, 2023
Enjoyed this book. Changing our mindset from owner to steward is enabling.
November 21, 2023
Good stuff. I only wish there were a few more stories and examples and a little more depth.
July 14, 2025
Lots of good ideas that need to be chewed in and internalized. I’m not sure how to practice all she talked about, but I’d like to try.
August 10, 2023
Really loved learning about this principle and I felt like the book was the perfect length 👌🏼
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