Bonnie Lee Jackson

2007-03-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

So many wonderful things have been happening lately, its almost too many to touch on even briefly, but I wanted to share the most recent events that have been so big in my life.

Jarrod and I are in the process of purchasing our first home. The paperwork is in the hands of the bank that owns the house and we're are simply waiting for a signature. Thursday is the inspection and if everything goes as we hope (and pray) it does, we will own our home on April 27th. It is so crazy how everything worked out. We had just enough money to go for the house we fell in love with. And it was a whirlwind trying to get it! I guess it has been a very popular house. We should be able to grow into it someday with family but for now lots of friends for dinner will do just fine. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2500 square feet, hardwood floors, attached two-car garage, great big back yard for Samantha to play (my dog)....the list goes on and on. And none of this is due to anything we did or payed for - simply a gracious God who knew that I LOVE to have people over and be a hostess...and the means to pay for the home are falling into place just perfectly - only God could orchestrate that! By no means do Jarrod and I have a lot of money. What we are going to be paying on this house to own it is slightly less than what many people in Denver pay to rent an apartment!

Anyway, more to come on that. Life otherwise is still crazy - I wouldn't have it any other way! Wedding plans are falling into place - just bought the most beautiful wedding gown and picked out my bridesmaid and flower girl dresses. Leading worship each Sunday has it's ups and downs but most importantly, God is teaching me to be patient and focused on Him instead of the politics that church sometimes has. Work is heating up - I am traveling about once a week which seems to be too much while trying to do everything else in my life - but I am trying not to take for granted a great job that allows me to buy a home!

2006-11-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

I'M ENGAGED!

On Sunday November 19th Jarrod Artim asked me to marry him as the sun was coming up over the mountains in Evergreen Colorado. I can't explain the depth of love I have for this man and I am overjoyed that God finally answered my prayers and allowed me to find the one I've been searching for! Jarrod and I are hoping to get married some time in the fall of 2007. Most likely in September. You can probably tell by the silly grin on my face that I am beside myself with excitement! There's nothing I want more than to be married to Jarrod and seek the Lord together as one. Praise God with me! I appreciate your prayers as we begin our journey towards marriage and growing in love for God and for one another!

2006-11-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a while since I last updated so I thought I would give it a go. I am actually in New York right now for an orientation for work. (yes, its been like over 6 months but I am still pretty new to all this). We went to dinner tonight at Virgils in Times Square - I have never been to New York so this was quite an experience for me! Crazy, but a lot of fun! I've been here since Monday and after our meetings are done Friday afternoon, my co worker Connie and I are going to hit the Big Apple on our own for the weekend. I am so excited. In even bigger news, I have been dating a wonderful guy for almost 2 months and I can't tell you how amazing he is. I am happier than I have ever been but more importantly, I have never felt the hand of the Lord so strongly over a relationship before. Its definitely worth asking about if you're curious. For now I will leave it at that.

2006-08-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

Sweet Samantha; Contemplative yet somehow knows she's on camera.

2006-08-16T05:52:00.000-07:00

This show is going to be awesome! We have a full band now which = ROCK YOUR FACE OFF! Come see us if you're in town!

2006-07-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

My last business trip took me straight to the heart of Las Vegas. After a long day of travel and meeting with retailers, we took to the town and strolled down the strip. It looked just like it does in the movies. You wouldn't believe all the sadness that happens down there. I'm glad I don't live there. But for what it was worth, we saw some neat tourist shows at casinos and saw a lot of very interesting people!

2006-06-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

You can dress her up...sort of...but you can't take her out.
Naomi's wedding was absolutely beautiful. She is basking in the sun of Hawaii right about now. It was so good to see friends from ACU and people I love from Highland Church of Christ. Being back in Abilene was strange, but somehow still felt like my home away from home. I can go there any time and feel completely at ease.

2006-06-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

So you think its hot on the sun? Aparently you've never been to Arizona. Work has had me in Phoenix, Tucson, and a bunch of other cities over the last couple weeks. I have more work to do than I can handle right now, which is why I should probably not be "blogging!" Oh well. I suspect I will be in Arizona for a couple months and then maybe on to New Mexico. Who knows. The possibilities are endless right now. So just remember, when you have a paint job, go with Benjamin Moore, the Leader in Paint and Color.! :) Had to plug it, sorry.

2006-06-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

While I was in Arizona for the week, a very dear family member passed away. The sweet little kitten that followed me home from school 17 years ago fell asleep last wednesday and never woke up. We knew it was coming, but it is never easy to lose something you've loved for so long. Sometimes I wonder why God gives us such tender hearts for pets. Its hard to let go because they give us such joy. And Squeaky was no exception. Up until the very day he died he was always purring and rubbing his head on everything and everyone. So, we say a very sad farewell to the sweetest cat I've ever had...pretty much the ONLY cat I've ever had.

2006-05-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

The Windy City
After last week's romp in Boston, I didn't think it was possible to learn any more about paint stores...boy was I wrong! This week in Chicago has my brain on overload with all the information I've gained for my career! I just want to get started!

2006-05-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

Quick Update:
Last week was spent in Boston training for my job. The weather was crappy, but the landscape was still beautiful. Its just like I thought it would be - beautiful historic buildings, row houses. I spent the week touring different stores with someone who does what I will do. I even got to go to a manufacturing plant to see how paint is made - very interesting!

2006-05-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

This morning, I recieved what is probably the wildest piece of mail EVER! My beautiful roomies from school sent me a gigantic bouncy ball complete with messages and postage...yes, the United States Postal Service delivered this ball just as any other piece of mail. All the way from Abilene Texas to Englewood Colorado, mail carriers were probably having a ball, no pun intended. Can you imagine?! It was a very special morning!

2006-05-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

A Great First Day At Work!
Today was a great day as I attempted to ease into my new job. Most of the morning was spent learning the ropes around the office. The second half of the day was spent going around to the Guiry's stores with a rep who introduced me to a lot of people. Its good to start networking now so I have people to go to later. I learned a lot about Benjamin Moore today and I am even more convinced that this is a good company and they are really good to their employees. Next week I will be in Boston for 5 days, and the following week in Chicago for 5 days doing training. I am SOOO excited and I can hardly contain myself!

2006-04-28T22:26:00.000-07:00

I went to a funeral this evening for something I never want to have to go for ever again. A friend who has struggled way too much in his life just lost his father a few days ago. Apparently, life was too much and so his dad ended it. Throughout the funeral I was too angry to be sad, except when I saw the pain on the face of my friend. How do you respond to someone who's father has just killed himself and left his family behind, wondering what the heck just happened?? My stomach is in knots just thinking about it. I can't help but believe that God's heart is broken tonight. This isn't something that is supposed to happen. God, protect me and my loved ones from EVER getting to a point where suicide seems to be the only answer...

2006-04-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

True love or rebound? We'll never know.

2006-04-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

A bone...alone, desperate and vulnerable...

2006-04-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

A jealous heart will obtain it's desire, no matter what the cost...

2006-04-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

Clearly, love is in the air...

2006-04-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

A dog and her bone.

2006-04-20T23:43:00.000-07:00

Mark May 19th on your calendars all you Denver-ites! Its our second show at Leela's European Cafe at 9:30pm. Plan For Landing's gonna be there, are you??!! P.S. We've got a drummer now (no not me) so we will really be rockin' the place!

2006-04-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

Career Problem Solved
Yesterday I recieved my first job offer ever...and I accepted gratefully. Benjamin Moore offered me a position as a store design specialist for the Rocky Mountain market. I will be traveling to various states designing store layouts for the Signature Store Program. I am so excited!!! I start May 1st and I can't wait!

2006-03-31T21:18:00.000-08:00

Anyone in the Denver area on Saturday April 1st, come down to Leela's European Cafe at 15th and Champa. I'm singing with my friend Matthew from Plan For Landing at 9:30pm. It's FREE!!!

2006-03-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

If I ever had a band, I think this would be on the cover of my album...

2006-03-06T21:06:00.000-08:00

So again, no pictures to share - I've been bad about bringing my camera with me places. I had a great weekend up at a cabin at Grand Lake. I went with my parents, and our friends the Marches and the Sullivans. I had a chance to go cross country skiing for the first time, which I'd like to do again next weekend, but mostly I got to relax. I'm looking forward to getting more involved with Oneeighty, the young adult group at church. Other than that, not much to write home about, rather, right FROM home about!

2006-02-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

The newest blessing in my life is a small church called Impact Community one block away from my house. Since returning home I have been led to find a new church home. Long story short, I have felt the Lord's leading in my life to be at a church where I can use everything I've been given to worship him. Because God has given me such a passion for music and leading, I decided to search for a church that I could use all the gifts God has given me to bless Him and his church. I was walking Sam (my dog) around the neighborhood when I passed by a church a block from my house. I really felt like I needed to visit so I did. And I stayed. I can't tell you how exciting it is to be in a place where you feel God's annointing and know it's where you need to be. I have gotten involved with the young adult group - there are lots of people my age even though the church is only about 70 people total. It is growing and I have had the opportunity to catch the beginning of God's work in a church whose heart is sold out to Jesus. Hopefully I will soon be able to sing and maybe even play percussion to bless the Lord here. I wish you all could be here to understand how excited I am to see what God is going to do!

2006-01-22T23:19:00.000-08:00

Back in Miami after the cruise, the sisters head out for a day of shopping in a PT Cruiser.

2006-01-22T23:14:00.000-08:00

Waterslide sisters! We partook of the waterslide, pools and hot tubs on the ship on the last day of the voyage - it was the only day with a lot of sun...clearly, I needed some.

2006-01-22T22:54:00.000-08:00

After we ended our tubing adventure, we ended up in this too-beautiful-for-words Jamaican park, which is the only word I can think of to describe it. When we got out of the river, we were greeted by a dredlock weilding Rastafarian (spelling??) with a guitar who sang to us as we marched through this park area. It seemed to be cut out of the rain forest and cultivated. There was a beautiful pond, and a little place to shop, shower and eat. I think it was called Chukka Cove.

2006-01-22T22:53:00.000-08:00

Me, Lisa, Julie and Jessica, just before we jump in the "refreshing" water of the White River.....refreshing my butt, it was down-right cold!

2006-01-22T22:50:00.000-08:00

From left, Jessica, Lisa, Julie (the other Chicago sister), and me. The guides had a heck of a time trying to keep all four of us together. Whenever we got separated, we'd shout, "SISTERS!" and the giudes would rescue us and reunite us.....we tipped them well at the end!

2006-01-22T22:48:00.000-08:00

Me and Jessica (from Chicago) enjoy an orange one of the guides picked off a tree.

2006-01-22T22:45:00.000-08:00

Me and Lisa, tubing down the White River in Jamaica. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen because its in the middle of the rain forest and there is a canopy above your head as you float down a lazy river. There were a few small rapids, but nothing like what we're used to in Colorado!

2006-01-22T22:42:00.000-08:00

Lido Deck Dance Party! Thats me in the jean jacket and Lisa in the white behind me - it was a little cool at night on the ship but we had too much fun to really notice!

2006-01-22T22:40:00.000-08:00

The MS Carnival Triumph, definitely a "funship"

2006-01-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

Lisa and I had the honor of going on a Caribbean cruise from January 7th to the 14th. This is our wonderful dinner table with new friends from Australia, Chicago, and Burmuda. There were two sisters from Chicago that Lisa and I hung around with a lot. We had a blast! We wenr horseback riding on Cozumel, took a tour of beautiful Grand Cayman, and tubed down the White River in Jamaica.

2006-01-22T22:32:00.000-08:00

The Siblings, left to right -The twins, dad (Jon) and Becky, Patti and Gary

2006-01-22T22:30:00.000-08:00

Wilma and Gary Jackson, Family picture day

2006-01-22T22:25:00.000-08:00

The Jacksons, Family picture day

2006-01-22T22:23:00.000-08:00

Gramma and Papa Jackson, Family picture day

2006-01-22T22:21:00.000-08:00

The Danleys, Family picture day

2006-01-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

The Medlocks, Family picture day

2006-01-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

Nice candid from our family portrait day at Mount Falcon on Dec 26th.

2006-01-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T20:33:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

2006-01-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

The application of the facial cleanser

2006-01-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

At Christmas the cousins gave the annual Christmas show. We recruited Uncle Chris to play one of the lovely ladies that demonstrated all the cosmetics Lisa Ann Bobby Jo Jackson had to show us on my talk show, "Its Not What You Think." The girls used their hands to apply the makeup for the guys, so it was hilarious.

2005-12-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

Faithful friend and roomie, Rachel has been one of the biggest encouragers to me over the last couple years.

2005-12-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

Best friend of 9 years, Olivia suprised me by showing up at my doorstep the day before I graduated. What a wonderful surprise!

2005-12-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

Back: Aunt Patti, dad, mom, me, grandma

Front: Lisa, cousin Chrissy

2005-12-24T13:44:00.000-08:00

Mom, me, my sister Lisa, and my dad

2005-12-24T13:41:00.000-08:00

Kirsta Leeds, who was a co-leader in our small life group this semester and a great friend and me.

2005-12-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

My roommate Laura and I.

2005-12-24T13:37:00.000-08:00

Emily, me and Naomi at Graduation this December.

2005-12-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

Maggie, Mom's new Sheltie puppy. She was a little top-heavy with that huge melon on that itty bitty body! Very cute though.

2005-12-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

Ok, so no picture today. No picture could possible express how badly I want to be done with school. You expect the last leg of your college experience to be the time when you are putting out your best work ever. But, I suppose for me I want to be done so badly that I can't seem to focus on projects anymore. I am tired of doing projects for fake people. I want to start being a real person with real clients and real projects. So, all that to say I am probably not going to get good grades this semester. Funny thing is, I don't really care all that much. My current focus is on spending time with people I love here in Abilene and making preparations to move back to Colorado where I belong, if I belong anywhere. I'm excited, a little nervous, a little sad to be leaving my friends, but overall I can't wait to see where God is going to lead me next. Thank you to all of you that have prayed on my behalf over the last 4 1/2 years. One week to go, then I never have to go back to school if I don't choose to. Yea!

2005-11-10T14:58:00.000-08:00

Black toyboxes. A little strange, but that's ok.

2005-11-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

Ahh, the smell of paint fumes and cheap Tai food...

2005-11-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

Halloween was fun with many people who "forgot" to dress up but came to the party anyway. I am on the left as the rock star and sweet Rachel is the fairy queen on the right.

2005-11-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

The second of two toyboxes is built and ready to have holes filled, be painted, distressed, stained, and finished.

2005-10-31T12:32:00.000-08:00

This is the installation piece that Ashley and her friend Sarah made for the design show.

2005-10-31T12:29:00.000-08:00

From left to right:

Ashley Mize, Echo Johnson, Tyler King and myself

Our senior design show was October 28th. What a job it was to put that together! But I think it was a success. The theme was "Masquerade."

2005-10-31T12:26:00.000-08:00

This is the first toybox. It is made almost entirely out of 1x4 pine planks and I managed to not have any outside holes for screws. It has a 1" gap around most of the top so little fingers won't be caught and will eventually have a hinge with special closers that won't allow it to slam shut. It will be painted black and distressed to look like barn wood.

2005-10-31T12:21:00.000-08:00

Building has taken quite a different look for me. I finally have a job that has given me the chance to do something for someone else. A friend from church found out that I like to mess around with woodworking and has hired me to build her children two toyboxes and, if there is time, a shelf unit. So far I have managed to build the first of two toyboxes. I figured if I can play inside them, certainly they will be able to withstand the acrobatics of two small children!

2005-10-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

I made a table for the miter saw completely out of material I found in our ally. My sister would call me cheap...I prefer to think I am a good steward of the trash people throw out! :P

2005-10-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

The newest edition to my Ryobi family. Mom, don't worry. 9 of 10 digits isn't bad.

2005-10-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to me! Josh's gift to me was four foam visors with animals on them. We had a devo shortly after this picture was taken in which the theme was "made in the image of God"... I had to take the hat off because I couldn't stop giggling in the middle of the devo...

2005-10-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

I know it doesn't look like it but the smoke was from the candles...promise

2005-10-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

I definately partied with the Dean...

2005-09-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

My roommate Rachel and I celebrated Bryan's 80th birthday with him on the 30th of August. Bryan is a man I have been "working" for now for over 4 years. I think he was touched and even though he was still in his jammies he had fun. Please pray for Bryan to be touched by the Holy Spirit and to accept that he cannot have life until he accepts the Lord. Also pray that I can find the right person to replace me when I graduate in December.

2005-08-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

Emily and Travis at their beautiful wedding

2005-08-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

Adirondack chair part deux... this time I used Rustoleum paint which is now my new favorite paint. I barely put any paint on the yellow chair and it covered completely, no streaks...incredible!

2005-07-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

B.W. Heaven...
Now B.W. can go uptown to shop! I built a second story and a staircase that he is still getting used to.

2005-07-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

My new red chair, complete at last! I have materials for the next one which I'll probably start on tomorrow or in the next few days.

2005-07-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

This is the adirondack chair I just finished building. It is now red and drying in the garage. This was a plan from sunset.com and my first chair ever to build. Its made entirely of pine which as far as wood goes, is just about the cheapest but I think it looks great and is relatively easy to work with...from a novice point of view. This was fun, I think I'll build another...

2005-07-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

This is a chest that I made for our house. Currently it holds blankets that probably smell like stain...I just couldn't wait for the smell to fade before I put them in. Oh well, I'm sure it will go away eventually. Mainly I used scrap pieces of pine my dad got off a job this spring, and the stained portion is just plywood. Alltogether I probably spent more money on the hinges than I did on the entire box!

Lots of wood

2005-07-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

I have discovered a new hobby in woodworking. This summer has left me with much boredom so I tried my hand at a little carpentry... not in the sense that my dad is a carpenter, and a very good one at that, but in the most novice sense. I began with a small water fountain for an art class, then moved on to house construction...for my guinea pig.