Playgroup Change

Our safety talk at the church on Weds. October 13th has been canceled due to a last-minute conflict in the trooper's schedule. Here is the new plan:

Playgroup
Weds. October 13th
Douglas Park (1718 S. Quincy St. Arlington 22204)
10:00 am

Oct. 14th Relief Society Meeting

Relief Society Meeting
"Called to Serve"
Thurs. Oct. 14th
7:30pm at the church

Join us in learning how to better share the gospel! Taught by some of the returned missionaries from Relief Society. Light refreshments will be served.

Updated October Playgroup Schedule

October 6th
Fairlington Park ( 3308 S. Stafford Street Arlington, VA 22206)

October 13th
Douglas Park (1718 S. Quincy St. Arlington 22204)

October 20th
Frying Pan Farm (2709 west Ox Rd. Herndon, VA 20171)

October 27
Fort Scott Park (2800 S. Fort Scott Dr. Arlington, VA 22204)


DETAILS:

13th- Join us for a safety talk from Trooper Naylor. He will discuss basic safety tips, as well as Stranger Danger. Bike riding afterward around in the gym. Bring your child's bike.

20th- Frying Pan Farm (about a 30 min. drive). The farm has a variety of farm animals that you can pet, a tractor ride ($3 per person), a playground and a picnic area if you want to bring a lunch. 2709 West Ox Rd, Herndon, VA

27th- Fort Scott Park (2800 S. Fort Scott Dr. Arlington, VA 22204)

Public Speaking

Effective Teaching and Public Speaking
Crystal City Ward Relief Societies


WHAT YOU SAID
Challenges:
Fear
Hard to just be yourself
Afraid have nothing meaningful to say
Choosing what material to use and how much
Time management
Discussion management
(asking right questions, steering conversation)

Speaker/teacher traits that draw you in:
Personable
Great knowledge of subject
Sense of humor
Asks great questions
Uses personal examples (but not TMI!!)
Makes subject feel relevant to audience

Speaker/teacher traits that lose you:
Apologizes for not being prepared
Doesn’t seem really into the topic
Doesn’t convey sense of why topic is important now
Takes too long to get to the good stuff
Verbal or non-verbal ticks
Not good at discussion management

TIPS
It starts with the prep
· Who’s your audience?
· Manuals: they are guidelines, not scripts
· Let your brain spin on it and jot down thoughts before try to organize
· What gets you excited about this topic? Build from there…

Format your notes to present smoothly
· Avoid writing out if at all possible—if you have to, make it easy to read!
· Consider writing by hand, or at least marking notes by hand for easier accessibility

Know the topic well and feel passionate about it
· You want to feel confident enough to be flexible and lead discussion well
· Be personal—“I really love this passage bc…”
· Your goal: Emotional connection=action
· Don’t feel pressure to know all the answers!

Hit on key points and leave breathing room
· Outline talk/lesson with main points you want to make
· Fill out with good questions
· Let your lesson breathe to allow for time/discussion flexibility and guidance from the spirit

Humor: Just be you.
Not all words/ideas are created equal
· Use pacing, inflection, direct verbal cues to create emphasis (“here’s the point—“)

Discussion management
· Ask good questions that YOU would want to answer—give heads up for harder ones
· This is a conversation—learn together with class (expect to learn!)
· Use body language to encourage or discourage talking
· Respond to people’s comments—a little acknowledgment goes a long way
· Don’t panic if people don’t answer right away--Let it breathe --Toss out options, play devil’s advocate to jog thoughts

Healthy Communication

RS Meeting August 12

By Adam Nilsen and Angela Shields

Important keys to communication and relationships:

- We all want to feel felt.

- What we don’t talk out, we act out.

- When the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear.

Communication Style

In order to communicate well, you need to know yourself and know your communication style. Analyze your style. Are you . . .

- A door-mat or overbearing?

- Rigid or flexible?

- A listener or talker?

- Independent or dependant?

- Warm-friendly or cold-distant?

- Loud-yelling or calm-quiet-silent?

Generally it is good to figure out which end of the spectrum you are and work on getting to the middle. It’s also ok to be at the other end of the spectrum from your partner if you complement one another. How do you learn what your style is? You can ask others to tell you. People may be born with a certain style but it can be changed.

“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel” (Elder Packer, in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 20; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).

See also, In the Strength of the Lord by David A. Bednar.

Feelings and Emotional Health

Refer to the list below and circle the top 7 emotions that you have been feeling lately. Why are you feeling these emotions? And at what volume? How do you feel about these? To confront these feelings, look to roots to understand why you feel them.

Question: Can prayer help to overcome troubling emotions? Prayer can help, and depending on the severity of the issue, you also may need to take additional steps to overcome emotions. The Atonement can heal us OR it can strengthen us. There are many ways that it can help us.

Question: How can you better connect with coworkers that have different values and ideas? All people want to be felt. What value do you see in that person? Communicate that to them.

Question: My 3 year old has breakdowns, how can I communicate with her better? A technique to try is . . . appear stoic, hold up 2 fingers and tell her that she can do X or have time out. Give her time to make the choice and carry through. Ignore her if she is not quiet and make passive comments like, “I sure with so-and-so would get her shoes on so that we can go.” Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child by Gotman is a good resource.

BUT -- The work “but” negates all that was said previously. Choose another word like “and.”

Validating is magical. It doesn’t mean agreeing with the person, it just means that you acknowledge that you have heard what they said. Keep in mind that what someone FEELS isn’t wrong AND it’s not necessarily reality.

Question: My husband always asks, “Are you mad at me?” What should I do? It’s important to remember that both may have a part in the issue and may need to make changes. She can ask, “Why do you ask that?”

5 Areas of Intimacy

- Emotional

- Intellectual

- Social

- Spiritual

- Sexual

Some types of relationships are heavier on certain areas and may have no intimacy in others.  With spouses, it's not necessary to have intimacy in all five areas.  Rather we need to find ways to meet each other in those areas. Some couples don't need to connect much spiritually or intellectually.

D&C 121:41-43

No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;

Question:  When should I seek therapy?
There is a stigma against therapy that says something like, "getting therapy proves that I'm broken.". Well for those that view it this way I'D say, "we're all broken!!" We are all broken and the Lord allows that in us and our life experiences. He even provides an atonement that helps us bare our burdens in this broken/mortal state. So I recommend this approach to problems in life: when you identify a problem look at it and seek a solution. Involve the Lord in it and people you trust. Work hard on it and use the atonement to succor you and help you overcome it. If that does not solve it you can go a few routes: 1) Recognize it and live with it. 2) Seek outside help (therapy might be one of those helps). 3) Ignore it and make those around you miserable because we act out what we don't talk out (this is very common and the worst way to cope). I think dealing with our problems is the best way. Even if they can't be completely resolved they can almost always be reduced. So when we are feeling stuck therapy I highly recommend therapy! A few things therapy can really help with: 
Depression
Anxiety
Worry
Communication
Overcoming abuse (if you've been abuse, you need therapy)
Feeling chronically out of control or unappreciated
Self esteem and self worth
Finding a good attitude and fulfillment in raising a family
Parenting skills (are you yelling all the time?)
Understanding our true value
Figuring out if we are being manipulated
If your a terrible listener
Addiction, addiction, addiction

Note: If you're looking for a therapist, Angela and Adam are willing to refer you to one that specializes in your needs. Please contact them at miss.angela.shields(at)gmail.com and adnilsen(at)gmail.com .

Handout:

Scripture Study

By Brother Jones

8 July 2010

Brother Jones has had an impressive political career and has served in the church in many capacities including in the DC temple presidency. He is an exemplary scriptorian and still admits that he wished he had spent more of his life gathering more of the lasting knowledge found in the scriptures. As he shared with us his love for the scriptures, it was enlightening to see how he broke down scripture stories phrase by phrase to learn about the Savior (he did this with the parable examples below). He encouraged us all to read, The Law of the Offerings, by Andrew Jukes.  This is the handout outline he shared with us:

“God has since the fall of man, at various periods dealt with man, in different degrees of intimacy, and, in a certain sense, also on different principles. Throughout all, He has had one purpose in view, to reveal what He is, and to show what man is.” (Andrew Jukes, The Law of the Offerings, p.22)

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” (2nd Peter 1:2)

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)

“. . . shewing by the scriptures Jesus was Christ.” (Acts 18:28)

“Study . . . the word of truth.” (2nd Timothy 2:15)

“For my soul delighteth in the scriptures and my heart pondereth them.” (2nd Nephi 4:15)

“I would that you should remember to search them diligently.” (Mosiah 1:7)

“He that hath the scriptures, let him search them . . . “ (3rd Nephi 10:14)

“I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.” (D&C 11:13)

“And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things” (D&C 33:16)

“Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth (D&C 128:19)

“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Scriptures: Bible (Old Testament and New Testament); Book of Mormon; Doctrine & Covenants; Pearl of Great Price; Inspired Declarations of Prophets, Seers, and Revelators; Patriarchal Blessings; Personal Revelations; . . . Additional Scriptures Not Yet Revealed.

Purpose: To understand Good by studying His Son Jesus Christ. God is infinite/man is finite: (1) scheduled study (enhance spirituality/guidance/protection); (2) understand the evolution of mankind’s relationship to God (story line); (3) study a specific topic (use all the tools: JST, cross references, topical guide, gazetteer, pronunciation guide, dictionary/index, maps, commentaries, Church publications, and enlightened scholars); (4) answer specific questions; (5) teaching opportunity; (6) enhance insights (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).

Examples of Scriptural Study: --Spirit sent to Saul (I Samuel 16:14; 16:23; 18:10) – Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-17) – Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) – Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) – Ruth (Chapters 1-4)

Ways to Reduce your Grocery Bill

Using Coupons is just part of the big picture of saving money at the grocery store. Use what you have learned about couponing with these tips and you are well on your way to reducing your monthly grocery costs!

1. Plan meals in advance based on what is on sale and/or what you already have in food storage. Aim to make on trip to the grocery store per week. Several small trips add up fast!

2. Familiarize yourself with what is a good/ bad price. Make limits on what you are willing to spend on certain items. Sale prices are not always the same! Just because an items in on 'sale' doest' mean it's a good deal. (ie this week cucumbers are on 'sale' for .99 cents each, last week they were on sale for.69 cents each)

3. Scot up when items are a reasonable price. Even better if you have a coupon too!

4. Use store brand when possible.

5. Take advantage of rewards programs and rebate offers.

6. If you can, double check receipt or watch as items are rung up to make sure you are charged correctly. This actually does save money!

7. Make a savings goal. This can be a $ amount or a percentage of your current budget.

Couponing 101

1. the key to making coupons work is to find a method that works for you. No matter what method it may be... KEEP IT SIMPLE! I choose to clip my coupons from the newspaper; others would rather print from the internet. Either way, make sure it is easy enough to keep you clipping!

a. Try signing up for your store's weekly email so you can plan your list in advance. You can also qualify for additional sale items just by signing up.

b. Find a way of organizing coupons that makes sense to you. (categorize, alphabetize, date of expiration, etc.)

2. Become familiar with your store's sale policies.

a. Some stores don't require you to buy two items when the are buy one get one free. they will sell you on item for half price.

b. Some stores allow you to guy less than the sale quantity specified.

3. Use coupons when items are on sale! This is a big one!! Often coupons will correlate with store specials. (This is where the weekly email is really efficient!)
a. Take advantage of buy one get one free sale items with the coupons that require you to purchase 2 of an item.

4. Take advantage of double, triple ad super-double coupon specials (Harris Teeter)

5. Ask for a raincheck if a sale item is out of stock
a. Rainchecks don't expire - save your raincheck until you get a coupon to use with it.

6. Only clip what you normally buy - avoid the trap of buying something you don't need just because you have a coupon.

7. Use them for everything!

How to be 'Green'

Fun FREE things to do in Virginia

Playgrounds:

Accotink Park - 7500 Accotink Park Rd. Springfield, VA 22150
Clemyjontri Park - 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101
Penrose Park - 2200 th St. South Arlingto, 22204
Fort Scott Park - 2800 S. Fort Scott Dr. Arlington, 22204
Alcova Heights - 901 South George Mason Dr. Arlington, VA 22204
Virginia Highlands Park - 1600 S. Hayes St. Arlington, VA 22202
Nina Park - 800 24th St. S. Arlington, VA 22202
Windmill Hill Park - 501 South Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Bon Air Park (rose garden) - 850 N. Lexington St., Arlington, VA 22205
Mosaic Park - 544 N. Pollard St. Arlington, VA 22203
Gravelly Point - By Reagan National Airport - there is no playground, but, there is a picnic area and bike/ walking path
Burke Lake Park - 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22039
Barcroft Park - 4200 S. Four Mile Dr. Arlington, VA 22206

Nature Centers:

Hidden Oaks - 7701 Royce St., Annendale, VA 22003
Huntley Meadows - 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Alexandria, VA 22360
Gulf Branch Nature Center - 3608 N. Military Rd, Arlington, VA 22207

Spray Parks:

Drew Park - 3514 22nd St. S. Arlington, VA 22204 (water doesn't turn on until 12pm)
Lyon Village Park - 1800 N. Highland St., Arlington, VA 22201
Hayes Park - 1516 N. Lincoln St., Arlington, VA 22201
Fairfax Corner - 4245 Summit Corner Dr., Fairfax, VA 22033

Farms:

Oxen Hill Farm - 6411 Ozwn Hill Rd., Oxen Hill, MD 20745
Frying Pan Farm - 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon, VA 20171
National Zoo - 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (Zoo entry is free but, you have to pay for parking, about $8.00/ hr). If you are planning on going more then 3 times, you might want to consider buying a zoo pass. It ranges from $45.00 to $65.00.

Story Time:

Pottery Barnn Kids - Tuesdays at 11:00am-11:30am
Barns and Noble and Boarders - Story times are different for each location so call before you go
Library - call you rlocal library and find out the day and time they have for story time... they are all really good in this area.

Concerts:

Little Tot's Summer Fun Series - Every Wednesday at 10:30am at Fairfax Corner (4245 Summit Corner Dr., Fairfax) they have a different performer each time, and afterwards they can play in the fountain. It's a lot of fun! At the same area they have bands play there every friday night.

Jammin Java- Every day they have a different performer for kids. There is a fee of $5 per person. Visit www.jamminjava.com and click on weekday shows to see who is preforming on which day.

Farmers Markets:

Eastern Market - 7th St. and N. Carolina Ave, SE, Washington, DC 20003
Falls Church - 300 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046
Old Town Alexandria - 301 King St. Alexandria, 22314
Arlington, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington

Movie Theaters:

Regal Family Film Festival - www.regmovies.com Starting at the end of June select Regal theaters are offering FREE movies on a first come first serve basis. G and PG movies will be playig, go to the website for times and schedules.

University Mall Movie Theaters: $2 every Tues. and $4 every other day. Go to website for the list of movies and times - www.universitymalltheaters.com

Bowling:

Kids bowl free - www.kidsbowlfree.com - sign up and kids will received 2 free bowling games a week throughout the summer. you do have to pay for their shoes, it's about $4 each pair.

Water Parks $:

Pirates Cove - Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton
Splash Down Water Park, Manassas
Water Works Water Park, Dale City

Pick your Own $:

Great Country Farms - www.greatcountryfarms.com
Ticonderoga Farms - www.ticonderoga.com
Homestead Farms - www.homestead-farm.net
Butler's Orchard - www.butlersorchard.com

Misc. Things:
Annual Pachyderm Parage, presented by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. In March sometime.

Web Sites:
www.freeindc.blogspot.com
www.parktakes.com
www.our-kids.com

Recipes From Super Saturday

Ohhhhh, yum! Here are the recipes from Noelle's fabulous demo at Super Saturday. Enjoy!

Super Saturday Is Just Around The Corner

Have you heard? Super Saturday is October 24th!

Come join us at 9am at the King Street Building for a morning of creativity, food, and fun with friends!

We have so many exciting crafts, choose one or choose all...but there is definitely something for everyone!

Sign-up sheets will be at church and start September 13 and end on October 11.

All money is due on or by October 11. Even if you don't plan on making a craft, please feel free to come and join us for sampling food and laughing with friends!

Super Saturday: Pink No Sew Tutus

Name of Project: No Sew Pink TuTu
Taught By: Julie Brady
Difficulty Level: Easy
Description: No sew Tulle Tutu for every little girl in your life.
Price: $8.
Notes: to save money, or get a different color, you could buy your own tulle at acmoore using the 40% coupon that comes in the mail and paper or print on line, you need two rolls for 6 in. by 25 yards.

Super Saturday: Jingle Bell Swag

Name of Project: Jingle Bell Swag
Taught By: Amber Sechrist
Difficulty Level: Easy
Description: Assemble jingle bells to hang on a door or as a gift topper. Available in gold or silver.
Price: $2.50 each

Super Saturday: Hand Made Cards Set #1

Name of Project: Hand Made Cards Set #1
Taught By: Carren
Difficulty Level: Easy Description: Make a set of handmade cards and impress with thoughtful notes! Set #1 includes everything to make these three cards (above and below).
Price: $7.
Notes: The cards are not interchangeable between sets. Each 'baby' card in the set will have a pink and a blue strip so that it can be personalized.

Super Saturday: Glittered Pumpkin's

Name of Project: Glittered pumpkins
Taught By: Mauri Earl
Difficulty Level: Beginning
Description: The name says it all!! These pumpkins are decorated in celebratory colors for the upcoming holidays or home decore all year round.
Price: $5.