It’s a sunny spring Saturday. Max arrives to Restart Church for a musicians meeting on opening weekend. He makes his way down the hall introducing himself to people along the way. Linnea is in the nursery assembling a table when he pops his head in the door and politely introduces himself. "Hmmm" she thinks and continues assembling the table — after poking her head out of the door to get one more glimpse. "Who was that again?" But he's no longer visible. One week later, Max is editing a video of the church picnic and catches a glimpse of a woman’s smile. "Hmmm, who is that?" he thinks, as he rewinds...again and again and again. Then he shakes his head "Nah" and moves on.

A great Sunday church service has just concluded. From his perch behind the onstage drum set, Max motions to Linnea's daughter to get her mother's attention before she walks out. In a nervous sprint, Max runs to over to Linnea. He proceeds to tell her a vision he had seen during the service. Before you know it, he’s asking her the daring questions… Max: Are you married? Linnea: No. Max: Do you have a boyfriend? Linnea: No (as she silently questions his motives and wonders why he's even breathing in front of her). They continue to walk outside as Max tells her almost every detail of his life. Conversation continues through a rain shower under her yellow umbrella and then he asks, "Would you like to share some time? I would like to get to know you." She replies, "Yes, but we’ve got to take it slow..." That answer elates Max so he asks for her number. Linnea says, “YES!” and proceeds to walk to her car, get inside, crank up, shut the door and drive away — without giving him her number! And from there, the story continues....

Linnea: I was always drawn to Max’s character and enthusiasm whenever I'd see him. I asked God, "Can you please make sure my future husband has an enthusiasm, heart for people, and love for you like this guy?" It was hard not to notice him playing the drums and worshiping on the church stage. I was drawn to his passion. I was also very content with my life. I had just come to appreciate my singlehood and take life at face value rather than dwell on a future I had no knowledge of. Then one day he approached me. Our first phone conversation brought me goosebumps. His character was beautiful and his personality so authentic. I was scared. I knew deep down he was for me but I was too nervous to accept it. Hours of phone conversations and at least 16 “God winks” later, I knew he was THAT guy. He had my heart. Forever. Max: I just knew.

For some reason all these scenes open in the church, hmmm. Anyways, on with the story. . . On a bright and sunny Sunday morning, after intense worship and the pastor preaching until his shoes fell off, Max feels led to pray for the pastors of Restart Church along with all the church leaders. When the prayer is complete, Max begins to tell the congregation a story about a lad riding on a white horse who hits a rock only to fall off and find a diamond in the dirt. As Max walks and talks, he makes his way over to Linnea. He says, “Linnea, you are that diamond that I found!” Max then says, “SQUIRE BRING ME THE PACKAGE!!” The youth staff leader walks out to deliver a small package to Max. It is a beautiful box of fine linen, and it smells of fresh perfume. Max opens the box and takes a breath. He removes a ring, holds it out, and drops on his bad knee (silently screaming in pain and agony). Meanwhile, Linnea is shedding tears of sincerity as Max says, "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" With a squeal, Linnea excitedly bursts into a sprint around the sanctuary, the congregation clapping and cheering her on. But she does not answer. Max flashes back to the time he asked for her number and she left without giving it to him. Eventually, she makes it back to Max and says "YES!" followed by group hugs and tears shared with her daughter. So here we are. This story shall continue, and we look forward to “writing” it together :)