Dear Diary & Journaling

When I started this website a few years ago, I named my blog posts, “Dear Diary.” There were two reasons I did this. First, writing in a diary made a huge impact in my life. Second, my intention on this space was to be real. To tell of the true things happening in my life and to share the struggles, the good things, ideas, Jesus, and all things related to my health and wellness journey.

I honestly have not spent time journaling in a while. I am good with that, as there are seasons in life, but I do miss it and feel I am supposed to share in the health and wellness world.

This morning I was reading my journals from four years ago. Reading the words I wrote, my thoughts and struggles at the time really showed me just how much I have changed through the years. As I have aged, I have grown in my thinking. Four years ago, I let things bother me and tried to solve problems on my own. My life is full of so much peace now. Problems don’t get to me as they did before, I run straight to Jesus. Ok, not always. Human nature, I still try to solve things. HA! But I have learned that in the end, Jesus’ way and timing is always best! Things always work out.

Journaling gives me a place to write the things that bother my heart. A place to write, pray, and give it to God. Then I am free to go about life.

There were posts from two years ago where I woke up in the middle of the night to write because something was on my heart. Things, truths from God, that were to be written down and not forgotten. I like to believe God gave me those thoughts in the middle of the night, just so I would listen, and share with others. Like this post here, https://www.nataliebonkowski.com/post/focus-where-is-it.

I am not a writer, but God sure likes to give me thoughts to write about. So instead of me obsessing over grammar and punctuation, I am going to leave this right here and hit the post button. This is my Dear Diary post today. Maybe I will post again soon?

My Journals

Are you using your gifts?

Photo Credit: Austin American Statesman, October 2021, Tyler praying in locker room before football game.

I wrote this after football season when I realized just how blessed Tyler was to receive so many awards. We thank God all the time for Tyler’s athletic gifts, but we fail to give credit often enough on social media.

Tyler’s secrets to being the athlete he is becoming isn’t based on how much chicken, rice, and green beans he eats at lunch or how many “off” days he spends with a barbell in his hands. Tyler’s secret to being a great athlete is the foundation and belief system that runs through his mind.

Here are few truths we speak and believe in our house:

*That talent, that gift, that ability in the weight room, on the field or on the track is not achieved with personal strength or personal power. Our abilities are gifts from God, unique and individual to each of us.

*Our gifts are meant to be used, not hidden. We are responsible for nurturing, growing, and working these gifts that we have been blessed with.

*Our God is in control of all things. If we are in a season of winning, then praise God! If we are in a season of difficulty, then praise God! He is in control and everything that happens in our life is part of our journey, our story.

*We believe the tougher our trials, the more God is showing us to depend on Him. While He gave us physical and mental strength, we are limited by our abilities and trusting and believing in God for help is the only way.

*Our gift can be stripped away at any minute. We talk about this often in our home. If the day comes that we lose our #1 ability or talent, it will be difficult, but we know that God’s plan is bigger than we can dream up.

*We pray first because we are not in this life alone. There is never “pressure” to accomplish something on our own. Let’s use what abilities God has given us, pray, put in some work, and do our best. (And if we start to feel pressure, we pray more, and remember that it would be selfish to think that the ability we have is about us, it’s about God. A gift we get to use!)

*We believe our worth, that feeling of belonging, does not come from accomplishments, winning, or pats on the back. Our worth comes from God and God only. We are God’s children and that alone makes us worthy and accepted. God loves us so much. He chose us and designed every little detail on each of us. We accept our Father’s love and know that whatever failures we endure, they do not define us, and our God still loves us.

*Finally, we pray for God to use those gifts for His glory. Our purpose here on earth is to glorify God. I pray that Tyler’s love for football and his athletic gifts are not used for personal gains, or self-worth, or a feeling of righteousness. I pray God gets the credit. I pray God shows Tyler how He can be a light for Him on and off that football field.

Each day I remind Tyler to thank God for all he has accomplished in his athletic journey. When Tyler lifts something heavy, I ask, “who gave you that strength?” When Tyler runs fast on that field I ask, “who gave you that speed?” Tyler’s success is believing and knowing where he came from (God), who his father is (God), and what his purpose is here on this earth (God’s Glory)!

Thank you, Lord, for each of our unique, individual gifts! Something to think about: What are your gifts, abilities, something you do well? How are you using them? I’m talking to us grown-ups! It’s never too late to use those gifts that He gave us!

Musician? Artist? Leader? Teacher? Cooking? Baking? Builder? Cleaning? Organizer? Good at Math? Dancing? Public Speaker? Writer? Good at games? Memorizing? Listening? Designing? People Person? Gardener? Photographer? Full of patience? Are you a hard worker? Do you have a determined attitude? Can you make people smile? Can you be a good friend? How can you use your hands? Your mind?

How can you use these abilities for God’s Glory?

1 Corinthians 12: 4-6-Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

1 Corinthians 10:31-So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Peter 4:10 -As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.

Five of Five - My Personal Motivation for Moving in May

Dear Diary,

It's time for my final post to remind my future self of the reasons and motivation I have for Moving in May!

And reason number five and the greatest reason for moving my body is God. Let me explain.

First of all, this body that I was given is a gift. It is a gift from heaven above. I was planned, designed, and made for a purpose by God. (Just like every single one of you that reads this.) It is my responsibility and my honor to do things with this body that keep it in good health so that I can live out my purpose and serve God. Moving just happens to be a great way to keep that blood flowing and living healthy.

Second, moving with prayer brings me closer to God. (Did you see my reason number 4 about the brain and moving?) We all need a whole lotta Jesus right now. Our world is a very difficult place to live and we all need a solid foundation of hope and faith to get us through this life. Closer to Christ means less worry and less fear. Closer to Him means we put those doubts, worry, and fear in His hands and not rely upon ourselves.

Finally, for me, for some reason, I have been called to this ministry of faith and fitness at this moment in life. So, by moving, I am answering the calling.

As I wrap up my Moving in May challenge, I am reminded that I am going to fail miserably all the time in life. That I have to keep getting up and moving. That I can't let failure stop me from putting one foot in front of the other and trying again. That moving is better than stagnant, stuck, and trapped.

I am reminded that one simple movement can lead to many great movements. Here's to a life of moving.

#movinginmay #justmove