What's Holding Your Fridge Up?

After speaking with my English class about ways to organize the information for their papers, I came home and looked at my fridge and saw a common denominator. Magnets. Magnets hold my fridge together.

So that I practice what I preach, I'll share these with you in an orderly manner, chronologically--the order in which they were purchased or given. 


I can't remember when I got this quote of Jim Elliot's, one of the martyred missionaries in Ecuador back in the 50s. Always a good quote, no matter your vocation.

Next is a note from my vacuum cleaner in the States. Dictating its feelings to my son Adam, the turbo dust-eater let me know in no uncertain terms that I needed to return the cord to its proper place and not just lasso it around the end. I no longer have a vac, but it's a constant reminder of my dear son and his sense of humor.


Before we left the States in 2008, Tracy and I were invited to our church's tutoring club Thanksgiving dinner. As a craft we wrote on these faux leaves what we were thankful for~in case you can't read it, I wrote, "my children." And, I still am.

Rene Wehler gave me the red wagon  magnet before we left, and it's a continual reminder to me of God's calling upon our lives. Little did I realize how often I would have to revisit this truth. Thanks, Rene!

I must say I'm posting the US Embassy magnet primarily in case any of you need this information. The consular does a great job staying in touch with expats here. Hope you never need this info, but here it is.

What in the world is this next collage of lettering? Ireen Hilty wondered the same. By the way, this one is out of order, having gotten them a long time ago at Barnes & Noble. As a fun, family activity I've slapped these Shakespearean words like "forsooth" and "wench" on our fridge. The only down-side of this is they leave a  
black smudge; also it's a pain to remove these 200+ magnets. Methinks it a drudge, forthwith. 

No fridge would be complete without photos of the grandchildren. I just love these acrylic magnets! Micah and Marie's children embrace our white Supra with smiles, joy, and memories. They remind me of sandcastles, crackers on the porch, and climbing trees (not me). 

Another letter dictated to us, but by real people, was from Lucy, Keith and Audrey's firstborn. Word for word, Lucy "wrote" us of her spinning faster and playing outside; of eating gummy snacks and hugging Lorelai; of helping Mommy clean the floors; she loves us and sends kisses. And, she did a great job coloring Tramp. Technically it's not a magnet, but it's held up by one. Does that count? 

If that does, then so does the outline of Lucy's and Lorelai's handprints at 
three years and one year, respectively. 
 
And finally is a colorful magnet given to me by a friend. She knows me all too well, that I am not the greatest cook, nor do I love being in the kitchen. Thankfully, over the years God has made this room of the house a friend. I'm very glad to have a kitchen, especially the one I have now. 

The outside of a refrigerator has stories to tell. Mine has many~of talking vacuum cleaners; of precious children and grandchildren; of eloquence, of God's sanctification and calling; of precaution; and of thankfulness. These are my stories~what are yours? What's holding up your fridge? I'm sure you have many stories as well.