listening to God

God does desire to speak to us.  When I was in the cafe, I frequently would pray and ask God do you really want me to be here?  I never felt that I had a clear answer to leave.  One day I was in Devils lake, I had just gotten a piece of pizza from KMart and was sitting in the red van, when God spoke to me.  No, I didn't hear anything audibly but inside of me I had this beautiful sense that I was to do something, it it was very clear what it was.  So I went home and did just exactly what he said, within a week I was done at the cafe.  In three or so weeks, Ronna and her children came home.  Later in 1997, or the summer after the flood I was walking down the road west of our house, and again God spoke in my heart.  This time he said,  you are done with 4-H and with coordinating exchange students.  I gave up those things and that fall, John, Jacqui and the girls came to live with us.
    Now I did have times in my life when I feel that God spoke to me, but I didn't listen.  Then I experienced problems,  and I am sorry if they affected any of you.  It is sometimes hard to give in to what God knows is best to you.
    In the night, Saturday, God nudged my heart and told me I wasn't to cook at camp.  I tried to push the thought out of my mind, but it was there to stay.  By morning, I knew that I had to be obedient.  After church I told Jack and Julie and I know they don't necessarily understand because they know this is something I really enjoy doing.  I have talked to Jay and Paula.  It is official that someone else will take my place.  I can't say that I haven't felt sad, but I know that God is in it.  There have been things this  week that have  been helping me to see God's hand.  I haven't closed the door on my love for camp or being involved there, but not the way it has been. By spring and summer, I will know what God has in mind.
    I feel that each of you needs to know about this.  Listening to God isn't always easy, but being obedient brings with it great rewards.