Lana’s Story

The Discovery

Sometimes, something happens in life that changes everything. That something happened to Lana Usilton (LAW-nuh US-il-ton). Her spiritual life seemed okay, but a tragic family event revealed what had been missing. Lana discovered that God didn’t just love the world collectively but loved her personally and desired a close relationship. This transformed her walk with God.

She began a habit of spending mornings sitting in her grandmother’s chair. Here, she reads her Bible and devotional. For Lana, it’s time spent with God as He reveals Himself in His Word and teaches her. It became a living part of her relationship with Him.

What Helped Her Through

God prepared Lana for this life-changing experience. The day before the crisis, she was compelled to drive five hours to attend a Christian concert. Standing in the front row with her hand resting on the stage, Lana sang along with others in the high school auditorium in Bend, Oregon. Crowder’s music was a gift from God. It helped her understand God’s love and get through the next few difficult years. Crowder’s music and message of God’s love inspired her to learn the banjo, which she still enjoys today.

Lana became an ordained chaplain through Christian Chaplains and Coaching for Kairos Prison Ministry. She has a special place in her heart for the disadvantaged and forgotten. Lana often looks for people to pray for while driving. When opportunity presents itself, she’s ready with a snack, water, and message of God’s love.

Growing Up Years

Lana grew up on a small 100-acre family farm in Idaho. That may not sound small, but it was when you’re trying to make a living growing wheat, corn, and alfalfa. Her dad, a first-generation farmer—who died in a farming accident in 1998—also rented extra acres to help provide for the family. Lana’s work ethic came from growing up on the farm, where everyone worked together for the good of the family. Lana helped where needed, with everything from setting siphon tubes for irrigation to cooking meals for the family and babysitting her younger siblings.

There was a Bible on the shelf in the family home. Lana remembers some of the pictures in it. She was taught to believe in God but wasn’t saved until after graduating from high school.

Her Testimony

Unlike some, Lana doesn’t know exactly when she was saved.  But “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17 KJVER). Lana heard the gospel and believed it. She claims the testimony of the blind man that Jesus healed. He said, “One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25). She was later baptized in an Oregon reservoir.

Hobbies and Interests

Lana has had the opportunity as an adult to do some interesting things. She packed into the Selkirk wilderness on horseback twice—and got lost once. Lana raced sled dogs in four-mile sprint races and later learned how to ice skate. She says the hardest thing about skating is learning to stop. Once, after her skate’s toe pick caught, she landed face-first onto the hard, unforgiving ice. So Lana decided to pad up and play rec league hockey.

Music, books, photography, & more. Lana enjoys music in the car and finds encouragement singing along with the radio or a CD. Her bookcases are full of Christian books from both past and present authors. She also enjoys photography and uses her pictures in blogs, newsletters, and website.

Lana was a stay-at-home mom for many years but later became a Certified Nutritionist. She provided nutritional counseling to clients and owned a health food store with her sister for nine years. Lana admits to being a health nut and because of food sensitivity, eats gluten and dairy-free.

Everyday Life Today

Lana is happily married and lives in Idaho. She and her husband like spending time at home and with family. They attend church and a small missional community group. They also enjoy traveling in their van to explore the U.S.

Besides writing, Lana enjoys gardening and watching the birds, hummingbirds, and squirrels that visit her yard. She landscaped it with flowers, plants, and dry creek beds. Lana’s backyard is filled with raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Their dog enjoys eating the berries too. Lana and her husband love dogs and always adopt from rescue organizations.

Purpose in writing

Lana is on a journey of faith with her readers. She shares messages of God’s love to encourage a deeper relationship with Him. Lana believes this gives courage and confidence to face life’s challenges and helps us enjoy God’s blessings. Through writing, she seeks to connect God’s Word with the everyday Christian experience.