Matt and Lana Blog

Old New Website

Matt — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:38:10 +0000

Since 2004 when we let it expire, I’ve been waiting, waiting, waiting for mattandlana.com to become available again…

At last.

mattandlana.com

Happy Birthday, Mom

Matt — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 15:17:39 +0000

Backpacking Linville Gorge with Troy

Matt — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:30:40 +0000

Here’s a video that I made of a great trip Troy and I took earlier this year.

Want the password? Ask Troy.

Stories With Isaac

Matt — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:28:56 +0000

We love Isaac’s stories, they’re so imaginative and vivid! …we know that Isaac doesn’t totally understand the real-life consequences of “shooting” or “cutting” something, as the characters in his stories never die or suffer injury; in fact, they often end up eating ice cream together and holding hands. =) The influences of his stories are the nighttime “adventure” stories that he hears from his dad, which often feature wilderness adventures and big game encounters.

New baby

Matt — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:31:52 +0000

Hooray! We found out today that Lana is pregnant with a girl. We’re one excited family!

Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival

Lana — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:34:33 +0000

Last week I attended this conference and left amazed at God’s gift to me through it. Going to Gideon wasn’t anywhere on my horizon, but when I felt a stirring inside as my friend Cheryl told me about it, I knew I needed to be open. Within weeks I was financially sponsored, and dear friends offered to watch my spirited toddler so I could attend. So it was set; I headed a few hours toward Asheville, not sure what to expect. Immediately, what stood out most was the caliber of spiritual passion among the folks there, and the genuine encouragement. It didn’t matter if you had published 40 books or just had an idea brewing around inside, most everyone I met took you seriously. It was so life-breathing. I pretty much devoured every film offered, though it meant late nights (around 1am) and early mornings (between 6 and 7am) for this pregnant girl… with very little down time in between. Worth every drop of sleep missed. Stand outs: T.C. Jonstone’s and James Kirk-Johnson’s documentary “Hearing Everett” (which I will blog about later), Andre van Heerden’s “Saving God,” R. Keith Harris’ “Harvest” and, to my surprise (I usually don’t go for anything scary, but this film was amazing), The Daws brothers’ “Dangerous Calling.” Many other great ones as well, but these spoke to me particularly. As for the faculty, let me just say Torry Martin is a champion. So many comedians use humor as a shield and a shell, masking whatever is real underneath, but Torry was one of the most genuine, surrendered souls I met. Eric Highland made me cry a few times with his passionate exhortations. Eric Wilson (accomplished novelist but you would never know by meeting him) impressed me with his down-to-earth lack of pretense. I could go on and on. Let me just say, if you’re interested in media arts in any capacity, check this thing out for next year. I hope to see you there.

Review on “Girl Meets God” by Lauren Winner

Lana — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 21:19:11 +0000

Girl Meets God: A Memoir by Lauren F. Winner

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I had a hard time deciding between the rating “liked it” and “really liked it.” I did very much enjoy this book, so raw… at times familiar and at other times so unfamiliar and unique that you feel like you’re staring. I was captivated by the way she shared Judaism, with all of its observances and culture and study. I loved learning the Hebrew terms and the meaning behind the holidays. I loved, of course, too her tale of Christ wooing her, and all the after effects that would come in the wake of her conversion. She doesn’t shy away from showing us her “not-so-sanctified-and-tidy side.” If I were to see her, I would just want to say, “Thank you for sharing with me.”

View all my reviews.“>

“More jump! More jump!”

Matt — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:33:26 +0000

It’s much safer than it looks…

Glass Full

Lana — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:43:01 +0000

No matter how much is still to be done, no matter how long or overwhelming the list, no matter how daunting the tasks or how pressing the challenge, I refuse to back down. And while we’re on this subject… no matter how much water the cup still needs to be full, no matter how brown the grass can sometimes seem, no matter how dirty the house, or leaky the roof, or tired my body… I refuse to be without joy. The truth is, the grass IS green. The cup IS filled. We are blessed, incredibly. Each of us can find things to rejoice about: I and mine are healthy; we have a home; we have jobs, friends, family, transportation, resources at our fingertips. I am clothed and fed. I will not be negative. I am content, and full of joy. My heart rejoices!

I love my family

Lana — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:27:49 +0000