mashena

Over a year ago I ran across the word “mashena” – I think I was looking through name websites trying to help my mother find a name for her dog or something or other. As soon as I saw this name/word though and its meaning I knew it was “my word”

Mashena is Hebrew. (And I’ve always had a fascination with all things Hebrew) It means: Welcome, stability, a place of rest.

This word has become my motto, my goal, my prayer, my hope, my purpose. It fits so perfectly into many of the interests and gifts that God has given me.

One of my favorite verses has always been the one from Micah that says, “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.”

I believe that is how I should live out “mashena” in my life – no matter what my life circumstances are. To seek justice (which often means refuge for the oppressed rather than judgment of the wicket – though it means that as well.), to love mercy, to provide that “welcome” and “rest”, for people. And I can do all this – I can seek to make my life one that offers stability, rest, and welcome by being humble – by understanding that I am capable of any fall and that the only reason my life does not have some of the trials we like to judge others for is of no doing or superiority of mine.

So, after a couple years of a blog called “The Single Domestic” – I’ve decided to transition to something a bit more broad. For those that have followed from that former blog – you’ll still find recipes and decor stuff here -because that is all about “welcome” and “rest” in my heart. But there will be more – things about justice and mercy and stability – whatever form that takes in my life on any given day.

The Single Domestic - Purpose and Goals

I have kept online journals, or blogs, since I was in high school. They have been filled with pointless rants, descriptions of my days, musings on life's ponderings and a good dose of internet personality quizzes. I've been thinking lately that I want a blog with more of a focus and purpose - and that brings us to this blog.

The Single Domestic


Like many young girls I grew up playing house and dreaming of weddings and motherhood. My dream was go get married soon after high school and spend the rest of my day being the happy hosewife and mother. However, I find myself 24 with a college degree, a career, no children, an apartment, and all of the bills in my name and my name alone. I do not wish for that childhood and youthful dream, I am happy where I am - but one thing has not changed: my desire to be domestic.

While I was preparing for my first real post-college home I often heard, "Why don't you wait until you're married to get the nice furniture?" "Do you really need a service for 12?" or "A queen bed is really unnecessary for you." As if my singleness made me ok with living in a mismatched run-down environment and I'd be doomed to eat my meals from TV trays and paper plates.


So, the intended purpose of this blog is to document my journey to be both single and domestic. I want a home where I can always have guests - - meaning that just because I'm the only one living here it does't mean that I don't need to make it comfortable, inviting, and clean. I plan on sharing recpies I've tried that are both for the "dinner for one" and the "dinner party for 12." Thoughts on how to avoid becoming a recluse and clinging to "my" space may pop up. My favorite domestic activity is decorating - so expect posts on that with advice on how to hang a picture straight without someone's eyes on the other side of the room. There are many cultural things that seem hard to do without a family, even inside of your home -I hope to post some ideas on how to find the balance there. In an effort to not let this become a rambling blog - I will probably not update often at the beginning - I need to feel out my purpose and voice here first.

So, welcome - I will work on sprucing up this online home of mine. For now though, this single career woman is going to enjoy her queen sized bed.