For the first time I get to explain the story behind this profile picture.  As you know I got engaged to Miss Carina Sinclair on July 3, 2008!  I figured with that event taking place this was a good time to let the internet world in on what is so cool about this picture.

Last summer I went to Montreal with Carina, Lexi, Louissa, Zach, and Eli.  It was a lot of fun.  I remember arriving at the Sinclair's after my soccer game to see Carina with flat ironed hair in a beautiful dress and for a moment I realized my mouth was open and I forgot where I was--she looked beautiful.  We went out to eat and I couldn't get enough of just talking with Carina, walking with her, and just spending time with her.  It was an amazing outing. 

Anyways, Louissa thought it was a great idea to take a picture of the three guys next to the man made river in Montreal.  As we leaned against the railing Louissa started to snap the picture.  Well I stopped thinking about the picture as this stunningly gorgeous red head was walking in the background behind Louissa.  My eyes began to wander as all I could think about was how amazing this woman Carina Sinclair was.

So that is the story.  This picture is a guy caught red handed staring at the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and to whom he is now engaged and will soon marry.

I'm leaving tomorrow at 11:15am for NYC which I will then meet up with Ira and Jay at JFK where we will depart for Managua, Nicaragua.  I am going to be there for 7 days helping a missionary family build an orphanage. 

I am, as always, excited to serve God in any way, anywhere.  This is my first trip, though, that is truly bittersweet.

I have yet had to leave the area with my heart so attached.  With less than a year to go, I find myself everyday adoring her more and more.  I must admit I will be semi-distracted while away; in a very good way.

I will miss Carina with all my heart as I am thousands of miles away.  But as she always says to me, "Don't worry Ricky, Absence makes the heart grow fonder."  She makes me smile just sitting here writing about her.

I look forward with anticipation of going, and for the first time in my life I have the same excitement now about returning--because I am returning to her.

(May ever man who loves Jesus be so blessed to have God give him a woman like Carina Sinclair)

1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

David Hume, one of the greatest unbelievers in Scotland in the days in the days of John Wesley, was going down the road at 5am.  The streets of London were filled with fog, mist, rain, and darkness.  He rounded the corner and bumped into an unknown stranger.  The stranger asked him and said, "Mr. Hume, you are one of the greatest minds in this world--a scholar on par with no one--what are you doing out at 5am." 

David Hume told the stranger that he was going down to the Inn to hear a man by the name of George Whitfield preach and speak.  David told the stranger that at 5am hundreds would be up to hear Whitfield preach.  The stranger, baffled, said, "But Mr. Hume you don't even believe the things that Mr. Whitfield preaches about...why do you go?"

Mr. Hume said this, "I may not believe it, but HE [Whitfield] believes it!"

Oh, that the most heathen unbelieving man in the world may get up at 5am to hear us speak because of the inward conviction and unyielding belief in our hearts for the cross of Jesus Christ.

May our actions and our truth finally show our belief and not unbelief.  May true love move us to daily consecration to God not to daily compromise. Daily supplication not daily entertainment.  May sorrow and grief for the lost overtake us not lukewarm joy. 

That the world may look at the Church and be awestruck by our faith--even upon their rejection--may there be evidence of the Holy Spirit fire with in us.