PREPARING PRINCES

Part 4

"Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, whose mouth speaks vain words, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood-that our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in the style of a palace." Psalm 144:11-12 Revised Authorised Version

Once again, the Bible talks about our children in the context of royalty. Let's look at some other translations of this Scripture regarding our daughters:

Revised Standard Version: "Our daughters like corner pillars, cut for the structure of a palace."

New American Standard Bible: "Our daughters as corner pillars, fashioned as for a palace."

There are two purposes for pillars:

1. To support a building

You would think the Bible would refer to our sons as pillars as pillars denote strength, but God chose to liken our daughters to pillars. He wants them to be strong, too. Our daughters will one day bear the responsibility of raising a family, which is a huge task. They must be physically strong, prepared and ready to bear children. They must also be mentally, emotionally and spiritually strong. They must be strong in their commitment to purity, holiness, faith, truth and strong in standing against the deceptions of this age. We notice that our daughters are likened to pillars of a palace, not some insignificant building, but are extra strong pillars to hold up a magnificent building.

The word "virtuous" in Proverbs 31:10 is chayil and means "strength." It is interesting that she is described as a woman of strength and mighty valor! God relates these virtues to a woman!

2. To beautify the palace

The pillars of a palace were not only to support the upper storey, but to beautify the building. Let's look at some more translations:

Living Bible: "Daughters of graceful beauty like the pillars of a palace wall."

New American Bible: "Our daughters like carved columns, shapely as those of the temple."

We are not only to raise our daughters to be strong, but to be beautiful. Did you notice the descriptions? "Shapely"-not out of shape! "Graceful beauty"-daughters who walk like royalty with head high and open face; who act with dignity, speak like royalty and dress like royalty (not necessarily with expensive clothes but with clothes that glorify the King of kings).

Words you rarely hear coming out of my mouth:  "I can't wait for winter."

But part if me is really looking forward to the colder weather.  Could be because it's 2000% humidity and almost 90 degrees outside and feels like it in my house.  Could be because, along with the heat of the weather, my certain time of life brings on flashes of hot (otherwise known as hot flashes) at the worst possible moment.  Could just be because I'm cranky. ;)

Or... it could be because a few months ago I got this lovely piece (on sale) and I've been dying to wear it since it came?  I think that's it.  Ever since we started studying the wonderful little alpacas I've been eyeing anything alpaca with a great NEED to have it!  At first I wanted to go with a full cape (still do) but after looking at pricing, etc., this seemed like a better route to go and I'm glad.

Don't know what an alpaca is?  You're missing out!  These guys are so wonderful and adorable. And their wool makes the finest scarves, blankets and things.  The nice thing about alpaca wool is that it isn't itchy like lamb's wool is.  Just soft and luscious.  Hmmm... see what I mean? I can't wait for winter.

Here's a little something put out by the folks over at ShopMayu.com to help introduce you to the wonderful alpaca: