Survey Tools

Survey Monkey is a service that allows you to design data gathering questionnaires for your groups. There are free, and fee based versions, based on the features you want.

Another good service for this is Micropoll.

Some blog templates also allow you to easily set up gadgets to use for polling your readers.

Question: Do you enjoy taking surveys?

Funny Friday

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.


Question: Do you favor social media more than engaging with those who you cross paths with IRL (in real life?) Why or why not?

Make a Bullet Point

If you find it hard to write a short article, consider using the "bullet point" approach. List one-sentence thoughts or questions that support the concept you are writing about. For example, if you've been asked to prepare a flyer advertising an upcoming event, think of key info YOU would want to know before making a decision. This includes:

• Where will the event be held?
• What time does it start?
• How much does it cost?
• How do I sign up?

Now make sure you include that for your readers.

Formatting your article with a few bullet points can also provide welcomed white space. This attracts more readers than an article of several paragraphs and lots of words would.

Keep it short and to the point, with relevant info. Serve your readers well!

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Question: What important information has ever been missing on a piece you have read?

Give Yourself a Good Soak!

During this hot season, plants need extra water. Do you find your flowers and vegetables drooping? It's amazing what happens within a few hours after giving them a good soak. They often will perk up to their original beauty.

This applies to us, too. The demands of life, work, relationships, expectations and other things can become very draining physically, emotionally and spiritually. It's important to "give ourselves a good soak" on a regular basis so that we can be strengthened to do life well. You can soak by quiet time, a change of pace, spending a day at a unique place like a waterpark or museum, getting out with friends, running through a sprinkler...any number of activities (or non-activity) that you find refreshing, including a soak in the tub.

It is not selfish to give yourself a good soak. In fact, for the sake of your health, your relationships, and your job (either employed or in the home) it is vital you take this time. You do no one any favors by sacrificing time to re-charge. God did. Jesus did. Follow that example.

Question: How do you "soak" and recharge?