Love, actually.

Photo courtesy of The Hope Movement.

DISCLAIMER: I've been thinking. And I should probably be more vulnerable in life. Because I'm more the type to not show all my cards at once and try to be Little Miss Perfect. But after all, C.S. Lewis said to love at all is to be vulnerable, and he is in my Top 5 Favorite Humans Ever.

So here I go.

It's Valentines or whatever, and I pretty sure the going trend for bloggers is do something Valentines-y on your blog. But I'm not in love. Never have been. Don't really wanna be right now. So this is my post about love.

This story starts two summers ago, when I got a little rocked--slight rejection by a guy (okay. Whatever. Rejection.), an internship at a well-known magazine that I couldn't figure out why I hated, etc. In my "Ohmigosh-it's-FINE-I-totally-always-can-fix-everything" mindset, I kept trying to repair situations. Band-aid it. But nothing. Was. Working.

At church, David Platt announces a 4-part series on what else, love. Awesome. TotesmyfavoritesubjectthissummerNOT. But the Lord led us as a church through a book named Ruth. A chapter a week for a month. Step by step...

And after each sermon, my songbird girl-crush Mandi Mapes would sing over us a song she'd written to correspond with that chapter. Fast forward: Week 2. She climbs up on her stool, and the guitar starts this haunting, rolling tune. Held captive, I could feel God speak: "Ashlyn. Listen to me." Tears started falling (I don't cry much, but I cry 2/10 church services I go to, I think). Every lyric pierced me. And still does, because this weekend driving back from Birmingham, I blared it and there I was cryin' all over again in the left lane on I-65.

You see, the first time I heard the chorus, I was thinking of the earthly love story I was certain God had in store for me. As in, guy-meets-girl. Maybe it's going to be written, but my Father tells me if he doesn't want to write that, whoa baby--his plan is even better. But the second time it all clicked. No one's ever gonna love this weird, stubborn, impatient, flighty, joyful soul more than the One who loved it so much that he chose me before my feet lighted on planet earth.

"I already know Who's gonna save you,

I already wrote the end of the story.

You were made for Me and I'll never leave you.

And in the end, it's all for my glory."

- Mandi Mapes, "I Already Know"

Just trust me and go listen to the song, or series of songs, or even series of sermons. They're spectacular. Because how cool is it that our heart can be won by a poor man born a baby refugee in the rough-and-tumble Nazareen neighborhood, who wandered his entire life, was murdered to display His love for His people and ultimately to rise back to life. And they have proof. I mean, who does that? Why'd he do all that? Oh, you know. Just for His glory. Just to show His power over literally every single thing we think is strong in this world: Death. Sin. Nations. Rulers. Romantic love, if we're honest...

I don't have it all figured out. I write to get things off my chest and to sleep better and always freak out about pressing "Publish Post." So I'm not saying I remember all this every minute of my life because I don't. But I know it to be true. I know Him to be true.

So yeah, maybe I am in love.

And if every girl Taylor Swift jammin' girl wants her love story, I already got mine.

And it is sooooo good.

James one:twenty-two.

Photo courtesy of We Heart It.

This may be controversial to post? I dunno. But I read this line a few days ago in a book (thanks for the recommendation, Emi!). My heart skipped 2 beats. And for once, my mind was quiet. Whoa baby. This quote is literally haunting me because I've been working through this notion for a few weeks now:

"You guys are all into that born again thing, which is great. We do need to be born again, since Jesus said that to a guy named Nicodemus. But if you tell me I have to be born again to enter the kingdom of God, I can tell  you that you have to sell everything you have and give it to the poor, because Jesus said that to one guy too... But I guess that's why God invented highlighters, so we can highlight the parts we like and ignore the rest."

-Rich Mullins, by way of The Irresistable Revolution.

'Til I cross Montgomery and I lose my sense of time.

Photo courtesy of Bippity Boppity Boo.

"In the South, we have a tendency to be possessive of our hometowns. A Memphis girl can marry a Birmingham boy, raise her family there, and live out the rest of her days in Alabama. But when her obituary runs in the Birmingham Post-Herald, it will still claim Memphis as her home."

- Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter by Lisa Patton

So true.

I'm home and get to jam 48 hours with fam and friends and Samford Step Sing until the road beckons again.

Have I ever mentioned that I love my hometown?

I so do.

I guess I'm always gonna be a Montgomery girl, huh...

Blog Post Title: "Southern State of Mind" by Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers.

Gettin' lucky in Kentucky.

Dream come true. But next time I'm here, I want a hat and julep.

If you follow my little story, you recall I was last in the icy glacier that was University of Maryland. I'd like to report that the Beta Phi women did a gorgeous job with recruitment! After the advisory board treated Megan and me to a little toast at a real-live speakeasy called Gibson in D.C.'s U-Street district (Legit prohibition style. As in, the door isn't marked, there is a waitlist, my drank put me back 20 bucks--'erything.), my blondie and I waved so long and I hopped a plane to Kentucky...

University of Louisville

Expansion Visit

Louisville, Ky.

More snow. Whirlwind of notes, memorizing lines, and BAM--you're on stage. Multiple meetings with deans, administrators, and Panhellenic members. 1.5-hour-long presentation. Crackin' jokes in the middle of my part of the presentation (you gotta make 'em smile). Greek row tour. "Don't step on the cardinals!" Q&A. "Hi!MynameisAshlynStallingsandIserveasaLeadershipConsultantforAlphaDeltaPi." Visit from UK's Beta Psi sisters. Mini-tour of Louisville. Dinner at Bristol. Sweet tea for the first time in a month. (Then I got reeaal sick. Go figure.) Hanging out with CBG, ADPi's International President herself. Expansion trips work like bidding, so when the university has room for a new chapter, the word hits the National Panhellenic Council street... Fingers crossed, this would be a cool one for Alpha Delt!

Centre College

Eta Omega chapter

Danville, Ky. 

Tuesday and Wednesday I spent officer-training style down the snowy, antebellum mansion-lined roads of little Danville, Kentucky! Check it: Centre is so small that the girls said other students spied me hanging out with them and knew I was an outsider. So much for fitting in... But this school is bumpin' with tradition (streaking, no class cancellation since before the Civil War...) and a pretty sweet chappy of precious ADPi's. You craft me a sign for the door, and I'm putty in your hands, collegians. Sold.

Scenes from the Eta Omega house.

Wish we had more than two days, because we sure "clicked" fast, Eta Omega girls! I coulda spent cozy nights in PJ's giggling over rediculous YouTube videos in the chapter room while the snow poured down for another day...

Dinner with the girls. Danville's eating establishments aren't too shabby...

So yeah. I loved Kentucky.

"Somethin' bout a southern girl."

Photo courtesy of Pink and Green Owl.

I said "yes ma'am" to the Panhellenic advisor during our meeting today.

Not once, mind you, but twice.

She's 24. I'm 22.

I do this all. The. Time. Like, ALL the time.

Sometimes I freaking hate being so Southern...

#embarrassing

Blog post title: "Southern Girl" by Amos Lee

Revolt.

The absolute best spot to write a verse/word/Holy Name. Photo courtesy of Pure Belief.

"Many good things have been said far too many times

and just need to be lived."

- Shane Claiborne, "The Irresistable Revolution"

Everything I do, I do it big.

Photo courtesy of Bananneliese.

Daughters of Alabama don't exactly get a professional sports education; they raise us mostly on a diet of college ball with some Braves baseball thrown in. And then I took this job. And when the collegians catch on that I wasn't "raised" on a team, they try to convert me. And consequently I sortakinda like pro sports now...

Says the girl who sang "are you ready for some FOOTBALL" every Monday night as a 2-year-old with her father.

Black and yellow.

I've spent a ton of months in Steeler country this year.

(Meg, aren't you proud of me?!)

Blog post title: "Black and Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa.

Georgetown Cupcake.

A welcome sight after blocks of frigidness. Why must you people live in this misery?

University of Maryland

Beta Phi Chapter

College Park, Md.

Clearly, Megan and I have been jetting over to the train and 9 miles into D.C. whenever we get the chance. Coupla hours break? Great. To do reports or celebrate life? CELEBRATE LIFE!

Yesterday's mission:

Georgetown. And our sweet sisters at Alpha Pi chapter.

And the famed Georgetown Cupcake.

Good thing I don't have a macnificently abnormally large sweet tooth or anything... This was better than my usual Sour Patch Kids.

Heard of it? Yeah. We had too. And overrated/hyped/touristy/long line or not, if a shop has it's own show on TLC, you go and you enjoy every minute of that gorgeous, surprisingly-well-priced-at-$2.45-a-cupcake cupcake.

Today, Megan learned that all good things must come to an end.

Now, they've given out their Chocolate Ganache Cupcake recipe, but I'm a red velvet girl. A red velvet girl who's pouting because they won't reveal their red velvet recipe. But I did find the icing recipe they top those puppies with (Puppies/icing? Is that a gross euphamism? Whatever.), and it's going live here:

Georgetown Cupcake Red Velvet Cupcake Icing
(because here's a good recipe for the cupcakes to top with icing.)


+ 4 tbs. unsalted butter, room temperature
+ 4 c. confectioners' sugar, sifted
+ 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
+ 6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature


Mix all ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat until well combined.


Aight. Somebody get this LC near a kitchen!


p.s. Thank you, Alpha Pi girls, for letting us snoop around your beautiful townhouse! Y'all are just too cute and we loved our campus tour. See ya at District Leadership Conference!

George Washington University

Alpha Pi Chapter

Washington D.C.

Megan and I take any opportunity possible to explore college campuses. I love college...

So do you remember, with your white dress on?

Because I WILL go to Bonnaroo one day. I will. Photo courtesy of Southern Darlin.

We all know by know my love affair with musica. Playlist recommended for: flying, background to spending unreal hours in the Microsoft suite, and the occasional run.

1. White Dress :: Ben Rector {Play count since Monday: 24.}

2. When She Comes Around :: Ben Rector

3. By Our Love :: Christy Nockels {And by song I mean whole album.}

4. Girl in the War :: Josh Ritter

5. Maybe If I Sing :: Mandi Mapes {This is my girl. She sings at Church at Brook Hills. Finally released an entire album: Til I'm Home. Go. Get. It.}6. Voices :: Chris Young

7. Oh, Tonight :: Josh Abbott Band

8. She's Like Texas :: Josh Abbott Band

9. Whatever It Takes :: D.J. Miller {Dang. Sometimes a country song just makes ya wanna slow dance.}

10. You Will Find Me :: Andrew Ripp

11. Windows Are Rolled Down :: Amos Lee

12. Don't You Want to Stay :: Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson

13. Sink or Swim :: Tyrone Wells

14. Reasons Why :: Ron Pope

15. The Kids Don't Stand a Chance :: B.o.B. {Cover of the Vampire Weekend jam.}

16. The Show Goes On :: Lupe Fiasco

17. Mayday :: The Icarus Account

18. Yeah 3x :: Chris Brown

19. Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not :: Thompson Square

20. Barton Hollow :: The Civil Wars

21. Helplessness Blues :: Fleet Foxes {Me + ATL + May 14 = I'm goin to the concert, baby.}

Blog title: "White Dress" by Ben Rector. Duh.

Mark thirteen:thirteen.

Photo courtesy of The Hope Movement.

Am I okay with that? Are we okay with that?

Because we should be. We're called to be, Christian.

When she comes around.

Photo courtesy of Nadia D. Photography.

Whatever. I was gonna save this for a Valentine's post, but a) omigosh, that's waaaay cheesy, and b) I have the patience of a 5-year-old the day before her fiesta themed birthday party (which ruled 17 years ago, by the way. All my Trinity Presbyterian friends totally loved it, even though mom says I bossed everyone. Me? Bossy in elementary school? Pssh.).

If you're an American collegiate-aged, sorority woman, don't even act like you haven't looked at a good wedding blog, photography website, engagement album. Don't even. You know you have, even if it was for 3 clicks.

Never fear, I'm here to give you some good ones. You're welcome.

STOP! READ THE FOLLOWING.

RULES/PERSONAL DISCLAIMER: Do not be all weird and girly and plan your wedding if you do not have grounds to. You know who you are. I allow myself to peak time to time because I plan recruitment parties for a living, which essentially look like weddings and some days I consider going into event planning because, again, I plan recruitment parties for a living. Just sayin'.

1. My ADPi little's engagement pics slideshow. Check out how gorgeous and stylish Em is! Her good-lookin' fiance is the golf coach at UGA and they're huge fans of the dawgs. Of course, the golf course shots are my favorite, handsdownnoquestion. Oh, littleton. You're so amazing and I can't wait for this wedding. It's gonna shout Jesus' name all over it.

Photo courtesy of Nadia D. Photography.

2. The album of Michelle that I promised her I'd put on here. What do I miss about my home chapter? White candles. They're just not the same if you don't know the ADPi involved. Hate I missed yours, Misch, but I sho' do love you. And they call Samford a "ring school..." Dunno where they get that crazy notion.

Photo courtesy of Madeline J. Photography.

2. These sites:

+ Ruffle

+ Once Wed

+ SWS Mag

+ Green Shoes

+ 100 Layer Cake

I love when work allows me click through pictures of flower arrangements and food displays.

Blog post title: "When She Comes Around" by Ben Rector.

But she believes in shoes and cars.

Photo courtesy of flickr.

Omgosh. I crumbled. And when I say crumbled, I crumbled so hard.

University of Maryland

Beta Phi Chapter

College Park, Md.

Yesterday, Megan and I ran into D.C. to do a little shopping/remind ourselves that people live lives without wearing adorable lion nametags and chanting "Boom Boom I wanna go ADPi" in people's faces. And then I accidentally bought these.

But they're not just Toms shoes. They're gold glittery Toms.

I dunno what I was thinking.

But I woke up and saw them this morning layin' on the floor and sleepily grinned.

Photo courtesy of Toms.

It doesn't help that we all know the company's mission statement rules. It doesn't help that Kenzie has a pair in pink glitter, so I thought, "Ashlyn. If Kenz thinks they're cool, they must be cool." And it also doesn't help that Courtney has been pressuring me for years to convert to her beloved brand. This from the girl who made the Spring Break srat house call her "Princess Granola-Chic Diva" and would only answer to that. (The only explanation you need on that is that it was Spring Break. And we were in college.)

This is Court and I at a tailgate. Note the cornhole.  I dunno why I'm growling, dunno why she isn't squinting both eyes as usual.

So Court: Are these granola-chic enough for you? Imma go with a "yes."

Blog post title: "Flashing Lights" by Kanye West.

And do we really want it any other way?

Cool how God editted dance from my life. For the sole reason to be able to actually dance in greater freedom. His freedom. Yeah. Speechless on that one. Praise be. Photo courtesy of Pure Belief.

"We are not presented with a functional god who will help us out of jams or an entertainment god who will lighten our tedious hours. We are presented with the God of exodus and Easter, the God of Sinai and Calvary. If we want to understand God, we must do it on his terms. If we want to see God the way he really is, we must look to the place of authority--to Scripture and to Jesus Christ.

"And do we really want it any other way? I don't think so. We would soon become contemptuous of a god whom we could figure out like a puzzle or learn to use like a tool. No, if God is worth our attention at all, he must be a God we can look up to--a God we must look up to... The moment we look up to God (and not over at him, or down on him) we are in the posture of servitude."

- Eugene Peterson, fun fact I just learned: he drafted The Message.

My schedule changed (but I still work hard for the money).

Photo courtesy of Rachael Pace. Megan said it looked like me.

Do you know what I stinkin' love about this job? The unpredictability. Hands-down. It rules. Fun fact: In the 1960's, ADPi LC's called Executive Office on a pay phone when they got to chapters to check in and find out where they were going next and when the plane pulled outta the gate.

Dunno if I'm that spontaneous, but my February schedule just changed a bit--yes, the month that's two days away--and I'm so pumped! Coupla days ago, I posted my February travels. But I'll have to check out South Dakota School of Mines and Technology the next time I'm twidlin' my thumbs out in the northern plains, because I'M GOING TO UVA, BABY! And Centre College--bring it, Kentucky. I've never met you before.

Go Cavaliers. Heckyes, I WILL be buying school paraphernalia. Who wants a shirt? Anyone? Bueller? So yeah. That's:

University of Louisville

Louisville, Ky.

Expansion Presentation with some members of ADPi Grand Council and the Expansion Team

 

Centre College

Centre, Ky.

Eta Omega Chapter

University of Florida

Gainesville, Fla.

Gamma Iota Chapter

Distrcit IV Leadership Convention

Detroit, Mich.

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, Va.

Zeta Xi Chapter

District III Leadership Convention

Baltimore, Md.

Drake University

Des Moines, Iowa

Theta Eta Chapter

What am I gonna do when my life doesn't operate around airline schedules? They offer therapy for that, right? #separationanxiety

Do without.

Photo courtesy of Permisson and Pink

I'm very, very grateful and thankful my job taught me this over the year. Living out of 1 suitcase, 1 suitcase, 1 rolling carry-on and 1 purse was worth it for that.

I needed that lesson. Because by nature, buddy I can s-h-o-p.

We. Are. So. Blessed. We just have so, very much...