My Mighty Burr Oak Renovated… For My 71st Bday

Isaiah 61:3 They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting for the Lord, for the display of his splendor.

Isaiah 61:9 Their descendants will be known amongst the nations, and their offspring amongst the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.

Once you begin to read my autobiography, you’ll understand the symbol of Strength and Becoming with which God blessed me…my Mighty Burr Oak.

The story that tree could tell would knock your socks off! It’s at least 250 years old. It was a sapling when our farm was deeded to two men for service in the Revolutionary War. We have the documentation.

Prior to that, our land was occupied by Indians. That fact has been proven by all of the Indian artifacts that have been plowed up, throughout the years.

Tom’s Grandfather, Pat Conway bought our farm in 1917. Yes, We are a Century Farm.

That tree has seen and experienced much within its 250 years. A Mr. Graham built the house around 1890.

I met his 90 year old niece, who was married in our front parlor in 1911. THE HISTORY…OH THE HISTORY!

Throughout our 48 years of marriage, the house has FINALLY BEEN TOTALLY RENOVATED!

The twists, turns, and knarled bark of those exquisite branches, represent the struggles of life, yet its strength and resiliency.

As an artist, when I view a tree, I look at the artistry of its lines and shapes. The artistry of God overwhelms me.

When I was 40 years old, Col. Grampa Ashton Bridenstine, Tom’s step-dad, went through OSU and had a study done about the tree. He was the one, who came to the conclusion at that time, it was approximately 250 years old.

Once he educated me about our verdant Gem’s History, I commented,”Someday that tree is going to tell a story.” His answer: “For what it’s worth, Sweetheart, entitle it, THE ERSTWHILE ACORN.”

Little did I realize at the time, that I am The Erstwhile Acorn. God’s “Little Becomer,” Who climbed many branches towards the “Sonlight.”

Forward 10 years: I had all of these spiritual experiences being thrown at me by the Holy Spirit. My book will explain all.

It was revealed to me undoubtedly, that I was to be obedient. I was to tell my story, and whatever revelations He gave to me.

So when you see this crazy lady named “Fearless Faith (the name He gave me) posting articles, you’ll realize that I’m just being obedient to God’s direction.

When all of this began to happen…I was like…”What? You want ME TO DO WHAT?” I kept asking my partner in Godliness, Gracie. “What do I do? What do I do?” She proclaimed,”It’s God’s to do. He’ll give you the means, the wisdom, and the perfect time to begin.” “If God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it.”

Right before I retired, The Holy spirit became very noisy, once again. Therefore, on Jan. 9, 2017, my adorable neighbor Jenn Davenport said,”Let’s do it…I’ll get you started. My blog, Theerstwhileacorn.com was born.

There will be books and devotionals …all in God’s good time.

HEAVENLY FATHER: Thank you for choosing me…your obedient servant.

Sue Cutler
Fearless Faith