Linden Joshua

Linden Joshua, the newest member of our family, expected in March.

First of all, both Linden and Joshua are trees. This wasn't intentional but it is meaningful. Trees are useful and beautiful. In the Bible trees can be symbolic of people and our church is called "The Grove" (Linden Joshua should fit in fabulously).

Linden: We gave both of our first two children "L" names, not because I wanted their names to both start with "L" but because our two favorite names just happened to both start with the same letter. It wasn't until I was pregnant with my third that I realized he would have to have an "L" name as well or be the odd one out. Linden is my maiden name and therefore we want for him the ingenuity and commitment to family I can see throughout my family. He'll hopefully have my grandpa's sweetness, humility, and humor. Linden trees offer an abundance of benefits and valuable qualities. I like that the leaves of many species are heart-shaped. The tree bears fruit and both fruit and flowers have edible uses. We pray that our Linden will bear much fruit and that it will be to the glory of God and nourish others. The Linden tree fruit has a chocolatey flavor and can be used as both a coffee and chocolate substitute . . . . this is not pertinent to the name discussion, but I really love it! The tree lives a very long time and provides deep shade and protection. Covering and protection are desirable qualities for a man. The wood has great acoustic properties and is popular for making instruments. It is also a top choice for blinds and shutters because it is strong and stable but also lightweight. The flowers contain antioxidants and the medicinal uses of the Linden are profuse, including - treatment of restlessness, migraines, inflammation, colds, cough, fever, infection, high blood pressure, indigestion, and more! All of that to say, this is one valuable and useful tree! We want Linden, the person, to be valuable and useful; and maybe even bring healing, comfort, music, and something yummy to those around him!

Joshua: According to my baby name book, Joshua means "God is my salvation." When looking for a Biblical name to pair with Linden, we were surveying both meaning and how it sounded as the middle name. Joshua feared God and was a great leader. He learned from and served Moses. He, along with Caleb, spied out the promised land and returned with a good report, trusting in God over man. When Moses handed the torch off to Joshua he said, "The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." After the death of Moses, the Lord commissioned Joshua in the first chapter of book of Joshua and told him that he was to lead the people into the promised land, that strength and courage would be paramount, and to know His word and to "be careful to do according to all that it is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have success." The charges, promises, and intimacy seen in Joshua's walk with God are incredible. Later Joshua proves his commitment to God's ways as he leads the people in bringing down the walls of Jericho simply by marching. I want all my children to be teachable and humble, to fear God over man, to have Joshua's level of confidence in God and commitment to His word, and to have success in God's eyes.

Joshua trees have deep and extensive root systems, reaching up to 36 feet from the tree. They must survive desert conditions and yet can live for hundreds of years. The trees were used by Native Americans for weaving and food purposes. Here's to deep roots, heartiness, and long life for our Linden Joshua!