There are many documents on my computer that I would rather forget. They remind me of happier and simpler days. As I scanned through a list of files tonight, one in particular caught my eye. It was an e-mail response that I received from Rich Nathan, senior pastor of the Vineyard Church of Columbus, regarding my girlfriend (later to become my wife) on November 12, 1999. 

Dear Greg,

Thanks for your email regarding potential bible studies that you and your girlfriend could do together.  There are lots of wonderful study guides, indeed, you might consider beginning by just doing the back of the outlines.  These are bible studies written by my wife, Marlene, that correspond with the teaching of the prior Sunday.  

One wonderful book of Bible studies is a 3-year course through the bible called Search the Scriptures.  It is put out by InterVarsity Press.  I believe we have it available in our bookstore.  For years, Marlene and I would simply read a text together and then discuss it, taking notes on potential applications.  But having something like the back of our outlines or Search the Scriptures can suggest questions that we might not ask ourselves.  

We also used to read books together aloud and then talk about them.  You might want to read books on relationships, especially if your relationship is getting more serious.  Gary Smalley has a fine book on relationships called ”Making Love Last Forever.”  Larry Crabb has a nice book on men and women called “Men and Women - Enjoying the Difference.”  I think Neil Warren’s book called “Finding the Love of Your Life” is very helpful in making marriage choices.  

I hope this helps.  God bless you.

Warmly,
Rich Nathan

I honestly don’t remember what I did with such valuable advice. What I do know is that Jen and I didn’t read any of the books that Rich recommended. I can’t help but wonder how things might be different today if we’d gotten off on a better start like I’d intended.

Father, you know that I love my family. Please forgive me for having lost my way. And help me to teach others what you are teaching me now.

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