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Elyssa Nalani

My Personal Canon: The Teen Years

the reading life

16 May

Yesterday I started my 3-part personal canon of books that have impacted me through my life. If you haven’t read it yet, you can check out The Childhood Years here,

Let’s move on to my teen years!

(This post contains affiliate links. See disclosure here.)

 

The Bronze Bow

I remember reading this for the first time for school. HOOKED. This book. Oh my goodness. It’s in my canon for a reason. The storyline, set in Jesus’ time, is fantastic. It’s the coming of age story of a boy with a lot of hurt and anger in his heart and his encounter with the Teacher from Nazareth. LOVE IT!!


The Witch of Blackbird Pond

As it often goes, you read one book by an author, you’re interested to see what other books that author might have penned. The second book I read by E. G. Speare was this story of a British girl from the West Indies and her new life in a Puritan Connecticut. FANTASTIC! Suffice it to say, Speare is one of my favorite storytellers.


The Christy Miller Series

My best friend owned this series and I read them one by one after she did. Christy Miller inspired my opinions on purity, devotion to God, life, and love. I haven’t read them in over 10 years but they’ll always hold a special place in my heart.

Series Note: Robin Jones Gunn wrote 12 books in this series, which are collected in 4 volumes. She also wrote The College Years, the Married Years, and the Baby Years.


To Kill a Mockingbird

I’m sure I don’t have to explain this one. I don’t know how anyone who’s read this classic couldn’t love it. And Atticus?? We need more men like Atticus in this world. Pure, literary gold.

Movie Note: Gregory Peck? YAAASSS ;).


Just Ella

What girl doesn’t like a Cinderella story? This, by far, is my favorite retelling. This is a tale sans the fairy godmother, pumpkin, and mice. Yeah. Aaaaaand to top it off, a twist that you didn’t see coming. I have this audiobook and love it!

Series Note: Years after initially reading this book, I found out it was part of a series. Palace of Mirrors follows second, and then Palace of Lies completes the trilogy (which I haven’t read yet).


Hope Was Here

Another coming of age story. The book that inspired the character in the novel I wrote in high school. Joan Bauer is a great coming-of-age storyteller. I love how she tackles difficult situations through the eyes of young people. She does it beautifully here.

Author Note: Bauer’s other books, Rules of the Road, Best Foot Foward, and Peeled are also favorites of mine.


An Old-Fashioned Girl

My second favorite Alcott book. I could relate to Polly Martin. I’ve always been old-fashioned and never really in tune with pop culture – just like Polly. I loved how she stayed true to who she was in the midst fads and fake relationships.


There you have it! Some of my favorite stories from my teen years. These are the books that stick out to me when I think of the junior high and high school me.

Now to work on the final section of my canon – the adult years!

 

 

 

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Previous Post: « My Personal Canon: The Childhood Years
Next Post: The Difference Between Housekeeping and Homemaking »

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Hi, my name is Elyssa!
I’m a Jesus-loving planner girl and I inspire paper-loving women of faith to live well and stay focused on what matters.

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elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
January journaling spread 📔 . Memory keeping is January journaling spread 📔
.
Memory keeping is not something I’m naturally good at (for one thing, I don’t take enough photos) but I still reeeeally like creative journaling and I have a whole ton of supplies I need to use. Soooooooo I thought I’d try a different approach. Still formulating the concept but it’s looking like creative journaling + project planning + goal tracking.
.
One thing I know for certain about myself when it comes to projects: I follow through better when I can see it. Why not have a fun space to plan and visualize my projects and goals? 
I’ve been having fun with several spreads and I can’t wait to do a video and share with y’all. I think this is an approach my brain can wrap itself around 😜🧠 Stay tuned! 
.
#creativejournaling #2021journaling #2021journal #makeithappen #cultivatewhatmatters #januaryspread #january #lwsfplaybook #livewellstayfocused #adreamisawishyourheartmakes #beyoubravely #takeyourtime #creativitytakescourage #trystuffout #myabidingjournal
Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠ And I Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠
And I had nothing but shadows⁠
Then one morning you passed⁠
And I brightened at last⁠
Now I greet the day and complete the day⁠
With the sun in my heart⁠
All my worry blew away⁠
When you taught me how to say⁠
⁠
Grab your coat and get your hat⁠
Leave your worry on the doorstep⁠
Just direct your feet⁠
To the sunny side of the street⁠
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?⁠
And that happy tune is your step⁠
Life can be so sweet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
⁠
I used to walk in the shade⁠
With those blues on parade⁠
But I'm not afraid⁠
This Rover crossed over⁠
⁠
If I never have a cent⁠
I'd be rich as Rockefeller⁠
Gold dust at my feet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
Grab your street⁠
⁠
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #sunnysideofthestreet #staypositive #dorothyfields #songlyrics #lifecanbesosweet #spreadlove #spreadjoy
Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband are my favorite 😍. They also force me to straighten out my desk for their presence 😆
.
#justbecause #flowers #ilovemyman #marriage #marriagerocks
#mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart #mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first one was to Pursue Jesus Relentlessly. One of the ways I am making that actionable is to make a list of spiritual disciplines I want to focus on in 2021. Disciplines for the sake of disciplines don’t bring us closer to Jesus but they can, if we let them, position us to be more aware of how God can change our hearts and behaviors.
.
If you’re a goal setter and haven’t considered spiritual disciplines, maybe consider adding some to your 2021 list 😊 There are more than just these 6 to chose from (do a quick Google search and you’ll find a plethora).
.
#2021 #prayer #fasting #generosity #biblestudy #biblereading #scripture 
#spiritualdisciplines
I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not be I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not because I crush every one of them every time (because I most certainly don’t 😜) but because it gives me direction and focus and helps me filter out the things that aren’t important right now in this season of my life.
.
I’ve set 8 goals for the year. I’m still working on definition & action planning but these are the areas of my life that I want to focus on and pursue.
.
Have you set goals for 2021? Drop one (or a few) of them in the comments below! 👇🏽
.
#goalsetter #goalsetting #stayfocused #tendinglist #cultivatewhatmatters #2021goals #selfdevelopment #takecareofyourself #pursuejesus #stewardship
My 2021 word of the year. . Do you have one? Drop My 2021 word of the year.
.
Do you have one? Drop them below 👇🏽 I’d love to read them!
.
#wordoftheyear #wordoftheyear2021 #steadfast #theyearofsteadfast
One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire Bible. In this blog post I share my reading plan and a couple of the tools I’m using to get through the Old & New Testament! If you want to read the whole Bible in 2021, maybe consider 90 days 😊
.
Link in bio 
.
#readthebible #readtheword2021 #readthebiblein90days #readyourbible #90daybiblechallenge #biblereadingplan #readthebible2021
#mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #clu #mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #club119writers
January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need an extra dose of the kind of bravery that comes from God’s strength, provision, & grace? Me too! This scripture writing plan has got it! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting this plan together for our community 😊

I know I’m several days late posting this but it’s not too late to jump in!
.
#januaryscripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #scripturewritingchallenge #club119writers #fearlessheart #womenintheword #womeninthewordtogether
One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, the year of clear vision and the bright beginning of a wonderful new decade. But then 2020 happened and now most of us are feeling battle scarred & weary.
There is no promise for a better year ahead. But God is the same yesterday, today, & forever. We don’t have to know everything because He knows the end from the beginning. So we raise our glasses and we celebrate. Not because January 1 is magical but because God is powerful and He is in control. Happy New Year and may God bless you and keep you 😊❤️ 
.
#happynewyear #celebration #godisincontrol
I love him. So much. That’s all. I love him. So much. That’s all.
How could you wait another minute⁠ A hug is warm How could you wait another minute⁠
A hug is warmer when you're in it⁠
And baby that's a fact⁠
And saying I love you's always better⁠
Seasons, reasons, they don't matter⁠
So don't hold back⁠
⁠
How many people in this world⁠
So needful in this world⁠
How many people are praying for love⁠
⁠
So don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find a way⁠
To give a little love everyday⁠
Don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find your way⁠
'Cause holidays have come and gone⁠
But love lives on⁠
If you give on⁠
Love⁠
⁠
Celine Dion / Ric Wake / Peter Zizzo⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #dontsaveitallforchristmasday #givelove #spreadlove #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas
#mondayverses #startright #christmas #themostwond #mondayverses #startright #christmas  #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #thegreatcommission
As the years went by we learned more about gifts⁠
The giving of ourselves and what that means⁠
On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain⁠
All because of love, all because of love⁠
⁠
Oh and we were the reason that He gave His life⁠
We were the reason that He suffered and died⁠
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give⁠
To show us the reason to live⁠
⁠
I've finally found the reason for living⁠
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him⁠
In all that I do, every word that I say⁠
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him⁠
⁠
 David Meece⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #wearethereason #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas #becauseoflove #thegreatestgift
#mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmassto #mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmasstory  #merrychristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear
It’s Wednesday. I hope your week is going well. It’s Wednesday. 
I hope your week is going well. And if it isn’t, I hope you’re finding joy in the simple & beautiful. I hope you’re both working hard & taking time to care for yourself and your people ☺️ You’re loved and your life is important — just thought you should know 🙂
.
#wednesdaythoughts #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #selfcare
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Goodreads

elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
January journaling spread 📔 . Memory keeping is January journaling spread 📔
.
Memory keeping is not something I’m naturally good at (for one thing, I don’t take enough photos) but I still reeeeally like creative journaling and I have a whole ton of supplies I need to use. Soooooooo I thought I’d try a different approach. Still formulating the concept but it’s looking like creative journaling + project planning + goal tracking.
.
One thing I know for certain about myself when it comes to projects: I follow through better when I can see it. Why not have a fun space to plan and visualize my projects and goals? 
I’ve been having fun with several spreads and I can’t wait to do a video and share with y’all. I think this is an approach my brain can wrap itself around 😜🧠 Stay tuned! 
.
#creativejournaling #2021journaling #2021journal #makeithappen #cultivatewhatmatters #januaryspread #january #lwsfplaybook #livewellstayfocused #adreamisawishyourheartmakes #beyoubravely #takeyourtime #creativitytakescourage #trystuffout #myabidingjournal
Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠ And I Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠
And I had nothing but shadows⁠
Then one morning you passed⁠
And I brightened at last⁠
Now I greet the day and complete the day⁠
With the sun in my heart⁠
All my worry blew away⁠
When you taught me how to say⁠
⁠
Grab your coat and get your hat⁠
Leave your worry on the doorstep⁠
Just direct your feet⁠
To the sunny side of the street⁠
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?⁠
And that happy tune is your step⁠
Life can be so sweet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
⁠
I used to walk in the shade⁠
With those blues on parade⁠
But I'm not afraid⁠
This Rover crossed over⁠
⁠
If I never have a cent⁠
I'd be rich as Rockefeller⁠
Gold dust at my feet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
Grab your street⁠
⁠
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #sunnysideofthestreet #staypositive #dorothyfields #songlyrics #lifecanbesosweet #spreadlove #spreadjoy
Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband are my favorite 😍. They also force me to straighten out my desk for their presence 😆
.
#justbecause #flowers #ilovemyman #marriage #marriagerocks
#mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart #mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first one was to Pursue Jesus Relentlessly. One of the ways I am making that actionable is to make a list of spiritual disciplines I want to focus on in 2021. Disciplines for the sake of disciplines don’t bring us closer to Jesus but they can, if we let them, position us to be more aware of how God can change our hearts and behaviors.
.
If you’re a goal setter and haven’t considered spiritual disciplines, maybe consider adding some to your 2021 list 😊 There are more than just these 6 to chose from (do a quick Google search and you’ll find a plethora).
.
#2021 #prayer #fasting #generosity #biblestudy #biblereading #scripture 
#spiritualdisciplines
I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not be I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not because I crush every one of them every time (because I most certainly don’t 😜) but because it gives me direction and focus and helps me filter out the things that aren’t important right now in this season of my life.
.
I’ve set 8 goals for the year. I’m still working on definition & action planning but these are the areas of my life that I want to focus on and pursue.
.
Have you set goals for 2021? Drop one (or a few) of them in the comments below! 👇🏽
.
#goalsetter #goalsetting #stayfocused #tendinglist #cultivatewhatmatters #2021goals #selfdevelopment #takecareofyourself #pursuejesus #stewardship
My 2021 word of the year. . Do you have one? Drop My 2021 word of the year.
.
Do you have one? Drop them below 👇🏽 I’d love to read them!
.
#wordoftheyear #wordoftheyear2021 #steadfast #theyearofsteadfast
One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire Bible. In this blog post I share my reading plan and a couple of the tools I’m using to get through the Old & New Testament! If you want to read the whole Bible in 2021, maybe consider 90 days 😊
.
Link in bio 
.
#readthebible #readtheword2021 #readthebiblein90days #readyourbible #90daybiblechallenge #biblereadingplan #readthebible2021
#mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #clu #mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #club119writers
January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need an extra dose of the kind of bravery that comes from God’s strength, provision, & grace? Me too! This scripture writing plan has got it! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting this plan together for our community 😊

I know I’m several days late posting this but it’s not too late to jump in!
.
#januaryscripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #scripturewritingchallenge #club119writers #fearlessheart #womenintheword #womeninthewordtogether
One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, the year of clear vision and the bright beginning of a wonderful new decade. But then 2020 happened and now most of us are feeling battle scarred & weary.
There is no promise for a better year ahead. But God is the same yesterday, today, & forever. We don’t have to know everything because He knows the end from the beginning. So we raise our glasses and we celebrate. Not because January 1 is magical but because God is powerful and He is in control. Happy New Year and may God bless you and keep you 😊❤️ 
.
#happynewyear #celebration #godisincontrol
I love him. So much. That’s all. I love him. So much. That’s all.
How could you wait another minute⁠ A hug is warm How could you wait another minute⁠
A hug is warmer when you're in it⁠
And baby that's a fact⁠
And saying I love you's always better⁠
Seasons, reasons, they don't matter⁠
So don't hold back⁠
⁠
How many people in this world⁠
So needful in this world⁠
How many people are praying for love⁠
⁠
So don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find a way⁠
To give a little love everyday⁠
Don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find your way⁠
'Cause holidays have come and gone⁠
But love lives on⁠
If you give on⁠
Love⁠
⁠
Celine Dion / Ric Wake / Peter Zizzo⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #dontsaveitallforchristmasday #givelove #spreadlove #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas
#mondayverses #startright #christmas #themostwond #mondayverses #startright #christmas  #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #thegreatcommission
As the years went by we learned more about gifts⁠
The giving of ourselves and what that means⁠
On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain⁠
All because of love, all because of love⁠
⁠
Oh and we were the reason that He gave His life⁠
We were the reason that He suffered and died⁠
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give⁠
To show us the reason to live⁠
⁠
I've finally found the reason for living⁠
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him⁠
In all that I do, every word that I say⁠
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him⁠
⁠
 David Meece⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #wearethereason #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas #becauseoflove #thegreatestgift
#mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmassto #mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmasstory  #merrychristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear
It’s Wednesday. I hope your week is going well. It’s Wednesday. 
I hope your week is going well. And if it isn’t, I hope you’re finding joy in the simple & beautiful. I hope you’re both working hard & taking time to care for yourself and your people ☺️ You’re loved and your life is important — just thought you should know 🙂
.
#wednesdaythoughts #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #selfcare
Load More... Follow on Instagram

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