Hello Hellbraker,
First, my condolences goes out to you and your family for the loss of your dad. May he be granted paradise. He disciplined you real well.
You come across as a genuine and sincere person. Could it be that your "near death" experiences could also be seen as a mercy from God in that you are a given a blessing chance to learn about Islam, especially having a Muslim friend and even joining this global Muslim forum.
In Islam, the love for Allah (Arabic for "God") comes from worship. What do I mean by worship? Worship in the form of 5 times prayer per day, charity, fasting during the month of Ramadan, to make & visit Hajj, and the most important the shahada (declaration of faith), "I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."
Of course it is not Allah that needs these things from us, but it is we that need these from Allah.
Allah is self-sufficient & High above all these things!
In regards to your trials & tribulations, Allah says:
"On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bear; it gets every good that it earns; and it suffers every ill that it earns; [Pray:] `Our Lord! condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! lay not on us a burden like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; our Lord! lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear; blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness; have mercy on us; Thou art our Protector; help us against those who stand against faith. (2:285-286)
"Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, "We believe", and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false" (29:2-3)
In the Quran, Allah tells us two ways by which He bestows His love upon us:
“Say: ‘If you do love Allah follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.’” (3:31)
“On those who believe and work deeds of righteousness will (Allah) Most Gracious bestow Love.” (19:96)
I commend you for not drinking and smoking. It's very rare to meet Christians like you
Stick around TTI, ask questions, and inshallah (God willing) you will see the light of Islam. May Allah guide you on the right path.
Best Wishes,
TheHumbleWun