Organize Your Closet to Gain Confidence

We continue with my series, Confident in God's Garden. Today, we consider how organizing our clothing can help us to feel more confident.

What's in your closet?

If our closet looks like this one, it's going to drain a lot of our confidence. Why? Because when we wake up in the morning, we can't find anything to wear. When we do find an outfit, it needs to be ironed after laying in a heap on the floor. But, since we've spent so much time rummaging around for our clothes, there's no way we can iron anything. So, we run out the door, looking as if we've slept in our outfit.

What does God think about our messy closets?
The apostle Peter has this to say about our overflowing, poorly organized closets: Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. (I Peter 4:10 NIV)

It is our responsibility to take very good care of every blessing that God gives us, including our clothing. If we've got outdated clothing that we can no longer wear, the wisest thing we can do is give it away. By doing so, we serve others who cannot afford new fashions.

Organize your closet.
There are eight steps that we can follow to organize our closets and boost our confidence in the process. If we feel overwhelmed by this task, inviting a friend to help us can be a great idea.

Not only can our friend assist us in carrying away lots of outdated clothing, but she can also tell us honestly that it's time to give away that sweater that we've been hanging onto since eighth grade. Perhaps we can return the favor later by helping that same friend to clean out her closet.

1) Gather lots of containers. The more outdated clothing in the closet, the more containers we'll need. I use large black garbage bags or empty boxes.

2) We begin by removing and, if necessary, trying on one item at a time. This may take several hours (or days if we haven't organized in years), but that's why we've invited our friend to hang out with us. They can offer moral support and sit with us during breaks to bolster our courage with a cup of coffee or a plate of snacks.

3) Every article of clothing goes into one of four places:

a) back into the closet, because it fits, it's clean, and it's in style. If it's dirty, we put it in the laundry basket or a box destined for the dry cleaner. If it's clean, but wrinkled, we can have our friend iron it while we try on the next item.

b) into a garbage bag destined for our favorite charity, because it's out of style but still in good shape;

c) into a box that will be taken to a consignment shop, because it's no more than two years old and is in great shape, but it doesn't go with anything else we own, or it no longer fits; or

d) into the trash bag, because it's stained, torn, or so old that homeless people wouldn't even consider wearing it.

4) As we re-hang the items that we decide to keep, we place the ones we will be wearing for this season in some kind of logical order. I arrange my closet by putting all of the pants and skirts in one section, blouses in a second one, and jackets in a third. Since I own very few dresses, they generally go in a fourth section by themselves in a part of the closet that's not as easily accessible. I keep shoes in transparent boxes on the shelves.

5) For those items that are out of season, we find another place to store them until the weather changes. We may find space in a spare bedroom closet, or we may have to go to a store to buy some inexpensive clothing racks with covers. These can be placed in a basement or spare room.

6) We make a list of items that we really need, because we've given away your last pair of black pants or our only white shirt. We must resist the temptation to buy anything again without checking our closets first. So many people buy on impulse, just because something's on sale. This almost always proves to be a waste of God's resources, because it goes with nothing in the closet.

7) We load our boxes and bags of dry cleaning and cast-offs into the car and drop them off at the cleaners, our local charity, or a consignment shop. Taking our friend along helps us to resist the urge to pluck things back out of the stash. She can remind us that we're being good stewards by sharing our blessings with the less fortunate.

8) We make a date with our friend to go shopping on another day so that we can fill in the gaps in our wardrobe. She can remind us to bypass all those great deals on clothing that we don't need. We might buy her lunch when we're finished to show her our appreciation and to celebrate our new confidence!

Stay organized.
A word of warning: if we hate this process of re-organizing, we must make sure that we keep our closets tidied up on a weekly basis. When we pick up dry cleaning or do the laundry, we don't put anything back into the closet in the wrong place or without ironing it.

Each season, when we swap out our clothes that we put into storage, we need to repeat this eight-step process. Over the years, it will become much easier and take far less time. We'll discover that we're spending more hours shopping and dining out than we are overhauling our disastrous closets.

We'll also save a lot of money by following this plan. Shopping only with our list and with our wardrobe accountability partner prevents us from wasting money on things we don't need.

Keeping our clothing organized is key to feeling confident. Our dressing area sets the stage for the rest of our day, so we must make it a place that will inspire us to look our best. Because when we look sharp, we feel sharp.

Today's Challenge
Schedule a block of time with a close friend to organize your closet, following the eight steps detailed above. Choose that friend wisely, because a person who is a pack rat or has a messier closet than yours may not be as helpful as one who is well-dressed and highly organized.

Say Cheese!

We've learned over the past couple of weeks about the importance of our appearance in developing greater self confidence. My series, Confident in God's Garden, continues today with some thoughts about our smiles.

Smile!
One of the greatest ways to boost our self-confidence is adopting the habit of smiling. When we smile at ourselves in the mirror, we feel happier and more confident. If we smile at people on the street, they smile back. This further encourages us to be bold.

But if our smiles are an embarrassment to us, how can we possibly flash a toothy grin at someone and feel good about ourselves? Unless we're as cocky as Austin Powers, bad teeth aren't going to do much for our confidence. Dental problems can prevent us from achieving our highest potential if we are always self-conscious about one of our greatest assets.

See your orthodontist.
When I was a little girl, I rode my tricyle down an enormous hill. On the way down, I lost control, slammed into the curb, flew over the handlebars, and bit the pavement. In an instant, I knocked out all of my front teeth.

This childhood trauma to my face caused countless dental problems. My adult teeth came in looking as if they belonged in a beaver's mouth, not mine. Other kids made fun of me and called me Bucky. My mother used to tell me to close my mouth when I chewed, but I couldn't get my lips around my protruding teeth. I was completely self-conscious about my smile.

Eventually, I saw an orthodontist. My teeth were festooned with braces, and I was given a contraption that I had to wear strapped over the top of my head and hooked into my braces. It included something that looked as if I were wearing half of a coat hanger on my face. Not only was it physically painful with this gizmo moving my teeth 24/7, but it was unbelievably humiliating to wear such a thing daily to high school. It did nothing for my confidence.

I'll never forget the day that the dentist removed those braces. My teeth felt incredibly smooth, and I was thrilled with my new smile. I went out into the world, no longer ashamed of my teeth. No one called me Bucky anymore, and I still receive compliments today on my beautiful smile. What a great confidence booster!

If our teeth are crooked, have gaps, or are uneven, we need to consult with an orthodontist. Even older people can wear braces, and we may be surprised to find that there are lots of options that are far less painful and embarrassing than what I went through as a teen.

Take care of your teeth.
I lived in Kentucky for a while, and when my brother came to visit, he asked me, "You know what you get when you put 32 Kentuckians in the same room?"

"What?" I asked.

"A full set of teeth!" he said with a chuckle.

If we want to feel confident about our smiles, we've got to take care of our teeth. Daily brushing and flossing are great beginnings, and regular trips to the dentist once or twice a year prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. If yellowed teeth are sapping us of confidence, the dentist can whiten our smiles.

Eliminate bad breath.
How many times do we meet people with such bad breath that we have to back up four feet just to carry on a conversation? This must certainly have a negative impact on their confidence when everyone they meet is backing away.

Bad breath can signal tooth decay or other intestinal issues. If people let us know that we've got bad breath, we need to have our dentist and our doctor investigate. Mouthwash alone can never cover up extreme cases of bad breath. The underlying cause must be resolved to eliminate the problem. When we are certain that we have fresh breath, our confidence increases.

God gave us beautiful smiles.
God describes man's perfect lover in Song of Solomon 4:2 (NIV). His desciption of her teeth makes it quite clear that we ought to take responsibility for our smiles. It reads, Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing. Each has its twin; not one of them is alone.

God put it plainly that if we want to look our most attractive, we must have freshly brushed teeth, and none of them should be missing. So whether we have issues with misaligned teeth, cavities, yellowed teeth, or bad breath, it's time to deal with the problems if we want to feel more confident.

Today's Challenge
Stand in front of a mirror and smile. How do you feel about your teeth? If there is anything about your smile that embarrasses you, or you frequently close your lips over your teeth to hide them, do something today to work on improving the problem. Call a dentist or an orthodontist and consult with them about how to correct dental issues so that you can grin with confidence.

Seeing Clearly Improves Confidence

We are learning how to become more confident after surviving abuse or trauma. This series, Confident in God's Hands, focuses on changes that we can make to boost our self-esteem. Today, I would like to consider our vision and how it affects our level of confidence.

Are you blind?
While we may not realize we need to have our vision corrected, it is imperative to get regular eye exams. With corrected vision, we don't mistake the skunk on our front porch for our kitty, and we don't misread the 1/2 cup sugar in our recipe as 1/2 cup salt. Corrected vision increases our confidence, because when we can see clearly, we simply function better.

How does God view corrected vision?
God originally designed us to see perfectly all of our lives. But after the fall of mankind, we were destined to live imperfect lives. I believe that God feels compassion for us when we can't see clearly, as evidenced in this passage about Jesus healing the blind:

The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. (Matthew 15:31 NIV)

I am so thankful that God gave us the gift of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and corrective surgery for issues such as nearsightedness and cataracts. There are so many people in the world who do not have access to these blessings, and my heart goes out to them. I can't imagine trying to function without my glasses.

What's holding you back?
Many of us resist wearing glasses for a number of reasons. Some people claim that they can't afford them, but I think the more frequent excuse for not getting glasses is that we don't like the way we look in them. Furthermore, we don't know how to choose a pair that suits us.

We've got to set aside our vanity over wearing glasses if we want to feel confident. Seeing things clearly and being able to read without straining our eyes or making mistakes is imperative to bolstering our self-esteem.

Are your glasses outdated?
Choosing glasses can be a stressful undertaking. They say a lot about our personalities, and they're the first thing people may notice about us...especially if they're not a good fit. If you already wear glasses, is it time for an update?

Consider Estelle Getty's glasses in the picture below.

The producers of The Golden Girls intentionally exaggerated Getty's oversized spectacles. They are the trademark of old people who don't see the need to update their look. Don't fall into that category of people who are stuck in a rut. Nothing robs us of confidence faster than feeling as if we're clueless about current styles.

Tips for choosing glasses.
For some of us, contact lenses or corrective surgery are not viable options. So, if we want to feel confident wearing glasses, we must take the time to select them carefully. I've discovered some tips for choosing eyewear, and my new glasses usually help me to feel more confident about my vision, as well as my appearance.

1) Don't let someone else choose your look. While your husband or your best friend may think you look terrific, if you don't feel confident in the glasses they choose, they'll never work for you.

2) Take your time. Shop around at various eyeglass stores. If you don't find something you like, don't settle for second-best.

3) Listen to the advice of the optician, who is trained to fit eyeglasses properly. While a particular frame may seem like a good choice, if they're too big for your face, you'll wind up looking like Estelle Getty.

4) Take lots of pictures of yourself wearing the glasses you try on. Carry your own camera and collect dozens of images. Then, go home and sift through the various styles until you narrow down your choices to the top three.

5) If possible, show the pictures to your hairstylist before purchasing glasses. Your hair color and cut may not work with the color or shape of the glasses you're considering.

6) Don't chintz when it comes to the purchase price. Going for the $49 special may save you money, but it may cost you in confidence if you end up looking like one of the Golden Girls.

7) Buy at a store with a money-back guarantee. If you discover that your glasses are uncomfortable, don't suit your style, or make you feel self-conscious, you can start the process over again.

Today's Challenge
Take pictures of yourself in your current glasses. Do they suit your face shape, your hair color, and your eye shape? If not, follow the seven tips above to improve your confidence with a new frame that better reflects who you are.

A Makeover Fit for a Queen

We have been learning about how to increase our confidence this week by improving our outward appearance. This is a continuation of my series, Confident in God's Hands.

Put your best face forward.
If we want to feel confident, I believe it's important to take good care of our skin. When I was younger, I had such severe acne that kids at school made up cruel songs about me.

Regular trips to a dermatologist during my teen years helped, but I also think that a good skin care routine did wonders for my face. For nearly 40 years, I have used Mary Kay cosmetics with excellent results.

Get a new look.
Basic skin care gives us a healthy glow, but I'm a firm believer in using a good foundation and some glamour products to highlight our facial features. Lip color, cheek color, and eye makeup can work together to create a much more appealing look.

I went to www.marykay.com and downloaded a picture of myself without makeup and with hair flattened by a rainstorm. Then, I clicked through all of the choices to come up with a makeover. The website gives users opportunities to select styles. There's even a way to make yourself look like Prince William's queen-to-be.

The computer-generated colorations and applications are a little cheesey, but the program helped me to see two important points: 1) I definitely need some makeup so that I don't look so pasty; and 2) I think I could use a little more hair in a slightly darker color.

Be adventurous.
Many women are terrified of makeup, fearing that they will make mistakes in applying it and look like clowns. But a talented make-up artist at a cosmetic counter or a Mary Kay consultant can be quite helpful. Knowing how to cleanse our skin and properly apply makeup can really boost our confidence.

What does the Bible say about cosmetics?
Esther was a beautiful Jewish woman in ancient Israel. She was given an opportunity to audition to become queen. Cosmetics played a role in her preparations, as we can see in Esther 2:12 (MSG): Each girl's turn came to go in to King Xerxes after she had completed the twelve months of prescribed beauty treatments—six months' treatment with oil of myrrh followed by six months with perfumes and various cosmetics.

Esther captivated the king, who chose her as his new queen. We don't know if it was the makeup, something in her genes, or a combination of the two; but her beauty helped her to win the throne. Whether we are trying to captivate a man or simply inspire ourselves, I think makeup definitely boosts confidence.

Today's Challenge
Do your own virtual makeover or go to a cosmetics counter for a free one. Ask for suggestions that are appropriate for your age, and don't be afraid to say that you need directions on how to apply makeup.

Clothing Makes the Man

We are learning some techniques for boosting our confidence during my series, Confident in God's Hands. Today, we look at how our clothing affects our self-esteem.

Vestis Virum Reddit.

When I was homeschooling my oldest son, he decided that he wanted to learn some Latin. I don't remember much of what we studied, but the phrase, "Vestis Virum Reddit" has always stuck with me. It means, "Clothing Makes the Man." My son was particularly intrigued by this thought, because he was on the verge of manhood and searching for ways to express himself through his clothing.

We talked about what this tidbit of Latin meant, and we decided that our clothing helps us to feel complete. At times, it expresses who we are more powerfully than words can. My son realized that clothing is a great divider of mankind, elevating the well-dressed to positions of leadership and sifting out the less fortunate and poorly dressed to less desirable places in society.

Is our clothing important to God?
I believe that our clothing is important to God. When he gave directions to Moses for the outfits he designed for the priests to wear in the temple, God said, Weave the tunic of fine linen. Make the turban of fine linen. The sash will be the work of an embroiderer. Make tunics, sashes, and hats for Aaron's sons to express glory and beauty. (Exodus 29:5 MSG)

I think that our grooming and attire should reflect God's image that dwells within us. Our outward appearance should express glory and beauty, because God created us to radiate these qualities. When others see us looking our best, they see God in us. And when we pass by a mirror, we see that glory, too. Looking our best builds our self-confidence, because we recognize God's glory within ourselves.

We must be careful, however, or our clothing could become a source of pride that might hurt others. James 2:1 (MSG) warns us, My dear friends, don't let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, "Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!" and either ignore the street person or say, "Better sit here in the back row," haven't you segregated God's children and proved that you are judges who can't be trusted?

"Vestis Virum Reddit" points out the obvious fact that clothing does divide people. And while we ought to strive to look our best, the Bible tells us we should not look down on others who cannot afford nice clothing.

We dress like our peers to fit in.
We do not live on little islands by ourselves. We circulate among other people, and we are wired to try to fit in with them. If we don't dress the part well, we will get negative feedback about our appearance.

For example, there is a distinct difference between the way people dress here in Appalachia and in Chicago. Joe and I went to a sporting goods store recently to buy him some archery equipment. He was wearing a suit, and I was wearing a dress, because we had both come directly from professional meetings.

The clerk blurted out, "Man, you're dressed. You been to a funeral?"

This young man's response to our appearance summed up perfectly the type of culture one can expect here in southeastern Ohio. Most of our neighbors are farmers or work in blue-collar jobs and dress very casually. They see us as foreigners who don't fit in when we over-dress.

If we were in Chicago, Joe and I would not be given a second glance for wearing what we did. There, it is expected that successful business people will dress the part.

If we want to fit in, most of us will figure out that we must dress like others or get rejected. If we feel particularly uncomfortable around our peers because we have been transplanted from another culture, we must either learn to adapt to their way of dressing or go back to our former, familiar place in the world. To feel confident, we need to fit in with our peers.

I have often struggled with this concept of dressing to fit in, because I am not comfortable wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt to go to the store or to worship. Around here, putting on a pair of jeans and a clean shirt is considered dressing up. I don't like feeling as if I am trying to put on airs, but I also don't like feeling as if I'm impoverished.

So, I've tried to find a happy balance between over-dressing and feeling frumpy in old, ratty clothes. I no longer own very many dresses. Usually, I wear casual pants and an attractive shirt when I go out. To help me feel a little more polished, I add pretty earrings and a bracelet or necklace. I want to make others comfortable when they are around me, but I also want to feel comfortable in my own clothing. I think when we find a way to do both, our confidence grows.

Today's Challenge
Take time today to notice others' clothing. Do you fit in with your peers, or does your clothing elevate you above them? Are you the one looking as if you need to improve your wardrobe? Make some adjustments and strike a happy balance between segregating yourself from others by over-dressing and feeling insecure by under-dressing.

Our Hairstyle Reflects our Self-Confidence

We continue with my series, Confident in God's Hands. I am addressing issues that may contribute to low self-esteem, which can deter us from achieving our dreams. Today, I would like to consider how our hairstyles reveal our level of self-confidence.

What message is her haircut sending?
This photo shows Susan Boyle when she competed in Britain's Got Talent. She walked onstage and told the judges that she wanted to be a great singing sensation. The judges sneered at her, and the audience let out a collective snicker.

Susan's frizzy hair sent the message that she was a dowdy middle-aged housewife without much hope of ever making it in the world. After she belted out the first few notes, however, everyone's opinion of her changed dramatically. This woman could sing!

My first thought was that someone had better offer her a make-over. In this world, people expect singers, actors, and leaders to have beautiful hair. To appear in public looking this frazzled is a sure-fire way to become the brunt of many rude jokes and to be passed over when competing.

Past hurts can affect our self-image.
I have since read Susan Boyle's autobiography, and I have developed a deep appreciation for her courage. She was oxygen-deprived at birth and consequently had to overcome many learning disabilities throughout childhood.

Being teased by other children caused her to become extremely unsure of herself. She had such anxiety about performing when this picture was taken that she nearly backed out of the competition. Her appearance reflects how she felt.

When we are ostracized because we don't look or act like others, it can cause us to become depressed or to develop social anxiety. Depression and anxiety further lead to the neglect of our grooming habits. When we develop long-term apathy for our own souls, it gets reflected in the way we look.

For some of us, this becomes a vicious cycle. We don't feel good on the inside, so we look terrible. Looking unkempt causes others to avoid us or criticize us, which leads to feeling even worse. Something must change, or we remain stuck in this cycle indefinitely.

Like social ostracizing, emotional abuse can also leave lasting scars that make us feel ugly. My ex-husband was so mercilessly critical of my hair that it took me years after leaving him to believe that it was minimally good-looking.

It has only been in the past year that I have finally discovered an attractive haircut and color that make me feel confident again. I believe that my interest in improving my appearance coincides directly with the work I have done to forgive my abusers and to help other survivors.

What is God's opinion about our hair?
I believe that God gave us hair to enhance our beauty. When it is well cared for, a woman's hair can be her crowning glory. An attractive haircut and color can attract others to us. Women want to look like us, and men want to be with us.

King Solomon wrote about his lover, Your hair flows and shimmers like a flock of goats in the distance streaming down a hillside in the sunshine. (Song of Solomon 6:4 MSG) Okay, so Solomon's similes weren't all that great, but you get the idea. His woman's hair caused him to admire her and to appreciate the beauty that God created when he made her.

Our hair reflects how we feel about ourselves.
The photo below was taken of Susan Boyle after she won a recording contract for her first album.

What a difference! Yes, Susan had a makeover, but there's more to her look than just a good haircut. Her eyes tell a story about how she feels. The confidence she acquired by succeeding and gaining the acceptance of her peers changed her appearance completely. She broke the cycle of dowdiness by taking a leap of faith to use her talents and make a difference in the world.

Fake it until you make it.
If we feel depressed or anxious about going out into the world, our hair is gong to reflect our issues. Al-Anon advises that we fake it until we make it. In other words, we get up, shower, wash our hair, put on make-up, and dress in current fashions. We do this every day, no matter how badly we feel about ourselves.

Even if our hair isn't perfect, we keep trying until we get it right. Perhaps we begin by asking others for their honest opinion. Or maybe we seek out the advice of a highly respected hair stylist. I did both.

This process of changing our image may not be easy, but it's worth it in the long run. Making ourselves open to others' opinions and accepting feedback is the only way we are going to change.

Susan Boyle's jitters didn't go away with her overnight success. She continues to struggle with anxiety, but she is faking it and getting closer to making it every day. Her new hairstyle (which was created by a professional) is helping her to gain confidence along the way.

Today's Challenge
Have someone take a photo of you today. Is your hair expressing the glory and beauty that God created when he made you, or is there room for improvement? Ask others for their opinion or consult an expert to bring your hair into current fashion so that you can fake it until you develop greater confidence.

Exercise Enhances Confidence

We learned yesterday that a poor body image takes a toll on our confidence. So, we continue today with our discussion about how to increase our self-esteem by taking better care of our bodies. This is a continuation of my series, Confident in God's Hands.

The brain responds positively to exercise.
Whenever we exercise, our brains increase the production of endorphins. These are the feel-good chemicals that lift our mood and make us feel more energetic. If we want to increase our self-confidence, we must exercise.

Aerobics or weight training?
Aerobic exercise increases our heart rate and forces our lungs to work harder. Many people believe it is the only form of exercise we need, but building muscle mass is just as important.

Developing more muscle makes our bodies burn more calories, so it is easier to maintain a healthy weight. A muscular person uses up more fuel just sitting in a chair than a flabby person does. His entire metabolism is running faster, giving him greater energy and confidence throughout the day.

My unique perspective on exercise
I have been challenged by multiple sclerosis (MS) for a number of years. I experience days when I can barely lift my arms or support my weight on wobbly legs. This forces me to sit or lie down for long periods of time, which does not do much for my outlook or confidence. I am dependent on others to lift heavy objects for me. At times, I am dependent on people to lift me! I don't like feeling so physically useless.

When the MS goes back into remission, I am filled with a resurgence of energy. Nothing feels better than to use my muscles again to perform tasks that require strength. When I can lift heavy boxes for myself, I feel an incredible sense of empowerment. It doesn't take rocket science for me to see that there is a direct correlation between physical strength and confidence.

Start slowly.
If you're not used to exercising much, check with your doctor to make sure that you're healthy. Then, start out slowly. If you're used to sitting all day, either at a desk or in front of the TV, take more frequent breaks. Stand up and stretch your arms overhead. March in place, or take a step back and stretch your hamstrings.

Begin walking as much as possible. If you drive to work, park your car farther from the front door of your office. Spend your breaks and lunch hours walking. After dinner, take another walk.

I didn't think that I could walk very far until I got my puppy, Zibby. I began walking with her, and her energy led me farther from home each day. I went from walking about a half a block to three miles daily. If I can do that, I'll bet you can, too.

Step up the pace.
After you're comfortable with walking, step up the pace. Ride a bike around town with your kids, sign up for a dance class, take the stairs instead of the elevator, go swimming at the pool, or play a fast-paced game of ping-pong.

Get your heart rate up so that you're slightly out of breath and sweating. If you really want to maximize your efforts, look up the target heart rate for your body build and push yourself to achieve it at every workout.

Add more muscle.
There are many ways to bulk up muscle mass. The obvious route is a daily trip to a gym, where we pump iron. Some people love this type of discipline, but others feel like screaming after a few days of the same routine.

For those of us who can't stand the gym, there are other options. Routine physical labor can increase our strength. Strenuous activities such as heavy house cleaning, gardening, chopping and carrying firewood, carpentry tasks, and lawn mowing all build strength.

My personal favorite for building muscle mass and confidence is yoga. I used to think this was a ridiculous form of exercise. I wondered how a person could possibly get fit by sitting cross-legged on the floor with their hands in prayer position. Now, I realize that some positions are designed for the quieting of the mind, while others are meant to challenge our muscles.

Aerobic Exercise + Strength Training = Confidence
When we combine aerobic exercise with strength training, the outcome is much greater self-confidence. Why? Not only do we feel better, we look better. We exude far more self-confidence when we're trim and strong than we do than when we're ashamed of the way we look and we need assistance to perform difficult tasks.

Proverbs 31 describes the wife of noble character. It tells us in verse 17, She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. How strong are your arms? Do you feel vigorous as you go about your daily chores? God designed you in his image. What are you doing to preserve his plan for your ideal body?

Today's Challenge
Consider your daily exercise routine. Does it include both aerobic exercise and strength training? How would an improved exercise program enhance your confidence? What can you do today to change your daily routine so that you can include more physical activity?