Death Experience

I have been working on some writing. I wrote about my experiences on dad's last day. I have decided to share it with all of you. But I lost the original copy I had been working on due to my hard drive giving out, and so I have started over. There is still some work to be done on it. I will post it when it is ready, maybe in a week or two.

The Art of Giving

My two years at Nipawin Bible College were two of the best years of my life. I look back now and see how much I was challenged and grew in all respects. I was taught to think for myself and make my own decisions about the Bible. I learned the value of time and energy put into things. I dropped my self-conscious way of thinking that I had aquired in high school. I also came out of my shell and was myself at NBC. I had so much fun in my two years, maybe too much so. But most of all, I learned who I was in Christ and where I stand as a child of God. My relationship with God was kicked into high gear and I was taught to rely on God for everything. My faith was solidified.

I say all this because I know how important and impacting a place like NBC is. Dad would say the same thing, I have no doubt. His nine years of faithful service was a great example for me. Dad left such a legacy. His life was so entirely built around serving His Creator; it didn't matter where or when. His students loved him because of his passion for teaching and his concern for them to learn. He was always going out for coffee and visiting with students and staff alike.

NBC is quite a few thousand dollars short in this fiscal year's budget. And so I ask that you would consider donating in memory of my dad. I'm not asking this apologetically and I do not intend to leave you with feelings of guilt--not in the least. I know that you already have your financial commitments and donations you already make. But you know what, this is God's work! If you know you should give, then give.

Send a cheque "Re: In memory of Lyle Smith" to:
Nipawin Bible College
Box 1986
Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Canada
S0E 1E0

Any Questions:
Phone: 306.862.5095
Toll Free: 888.862.5095
Fax: 306.862.3651
Email: info@nipawin.org
Website: http://www.nipawin.org

(They are also looking for people willing to donate monthly.)

Nipawin Bible College

Mom and I went to Nipawin Bible College (they just renamed it) on Sunday. We were invited to be at the grad ceremony for a tribute to dad and a presentation to our family. It was good to be in a very familiar place. Although we only recognized a handleful of staff and students, it was awesome to visit with the ones we know. The President, Wes Fehr, talked about dad and his service as a Professor and as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Please continue to pray for mom and the rest of us as we decide what to do with dad's stuff and some things that need to be decided. We trust that God is in control and we see Him at work right now in bringing us to where we need to be. God's timing is so perfect and we see that. It was no accident or mistake that dad died. God had planned that day before any of us ever existed. And I don't like saying dad is dead because he is more alive now than he has ever been. He is looking into the face of his Creator and he understands more than we ever will, until we too stand with him.

Never The Same

I miss my dad. It's still surreal when I look at his picture in the Obituary section of the local paper. Can it be true? You never think it'll happen to you. Life rumbles along and then one day something is different, something has changed--someone is missing. Life just doesn't seem the same with dad not around. I think about all the things we could have accomplished together as a family. I think of all the good and bad times ahead that he will not be a part of. The way dad could answer any question I would ask him is something that can never be replaced. His wealth of knowledge and wisdom gone. He had an answer for everything, even if it was, "you need to find the answer on your own." His gentle and humble spirit, his passion and love for God and people, his care and concern for others, and his humour and laugh will never be forgotten. It's a different life now. I can't pick up the phone and ask dad any more questions. I can't drive an hour and see him anymore. We'll never work on another computer together, or talk about God and life. I won't hear dad preach on Sunday. He's not here to see his kids accomplish great things in the future. I miss my dad.

My Biz!

Well, it's April already! That means my business is starting up for the season. I own a hauling business which I started last June. I also do small moves, deliveries, and some lawn mowing around Saskatoon. I am currently debating getting into snow removal for next winter. But I don't know ... "Global Warming" might not allow for a prosperious snow removal business. Ha, ha! I am also a suppport worker in my spare time. Anyway, here is my ad, if you are in or around Saskatoon and need any of these services.

"HALF-TON FOR HIRE"
Landfill, Small Moves & Mowing
Reasonable rates
Call 291-6587