Why this book?

Simply put, I wanted to help.  So many of us walk through life waiting to hear some simple words of wisdom.  Who wants to go around mad all the time?  Who wants to be bombarded with negativity?  I address some of the pitfalls I've either had or have seen in fifty short stories meant to inspire, energize and help us find a little more happiness in this world.

Real world, practical lessons might just help someone else avoid some of the pitfalls and problems I've had along the way.

God knows, I don't have all of the answers, but I do have some experience that I can share.  In this book, I share some of the stories, the inspirations, and the lessons I've learned.  If nothing else, I hope this book at least is entertaining.

Singing in the Moment: A Choir Director's Notes About Life, Learning and Contentment.

How do we get through life's challenges?  How do we survive as Square pegs in a round world?  With over twenty years of experience working with volunteers, Dr. Joel Plaag has a few suggestions  to live in this moment.  In his latest book, Dr. Plaag discusses some of the events he's experienced as a music director and as the author of Choir Notes, the weekly newsletter of the Cypress Creek Community Chorale. 

Relating to others is complex. Sometimes people boost our self-esteem. Sometimes they don't like us. Sometimes we read more into situations than what's truly there.

In Singing in the Moment, Dr. Plaag looks at the nuances of relating with others using fifty short stories that reflect lessons learned from his experience with volunteer choirs and his own spiritual journey.  Through humor, seriousness and vulnerability, Dr. Plaag shares narratives including working with others,  friendships, acceptance, growing artistically and handling fear. 

Designed as a helpful handbook, this book can be read in order or as a reference when needed.

Table of Contents

Have a plan.  Feel free to ignore it 

Hold fast to the tree  

Walk down the hallway 

Take the compliment 

Learn their language or quit talking  

Look up 

Take a break 

Stick to the plan  

Allow others to do their job  

Say thanks as often as possible 

Don’t create a sorry letter 

Allow failure as an option 

Stay away from intellectual vices  

Love your friends  

Remember we are all aliens  

Open the window   

Wait for more to be revealed  

Be a channel 

Accept it

Ignore the fear.  It lies  

Act as though you are 

Watch out.  It’s not always what you first think 

Stay in today 

Drive the bus  

Allow extra time

Be still and know   

Make a change by being a change 

D.I.Y. just for F.U.N. 

Pitch in.  It’s always worth it 

Understand your inner saboteur

Resist the storm

Don’t just go.  Boldly go 

Watch how God works

Pray.  It’s good for you 

Choose your level of aloneness  

Check out antique stores 

Take your ultimate opinion

Deal with difficult people

Your feelings are irrelevant 

Put your phone down  

Use an alarm clock

Learn to praise and deflect

Accept errors before overcoming them   

Visit nature  

Find your purpose  

Go prove it 

Get a cheerleading squad  

Work in your yard  

Take time for yourself 

Use your shoes  

Epilogue: Singing in the Moment