Life is a celebration of the creative process for Peg Muenzel. Her paintings showcase her enjoyment of beauty with a connection to concepts reaching deep into the human soul. Peg’s paintings are treasured locally as well as internationally. She prays that this, her first book, will be used as an instrument of healing for those who are hurting.
Peg took her first oil painting class after her son Jason was born. It was love at first swish of color on the canvas. Finding the time to create began as a struggle filling many journal pages as she grappled with art and its place in her life. Finally one day she begged God to give her insight. His response was, “You are looking at art as if it is a wedding cake.” In her heart she knew what He meant. For her, art was wonderful, but in the scheme of life, not necessary—a contradiction to the creative, artistic God we serve!
Her journey of discovery began many years ago, when God took a young lady who loved Him—but had many insecurities and fears—and fashioned her into a delightful, encouraging, loving woman. Peg’s experience leading a local women’s ministry and serving on its national board—as well as training through other groups—taught her the value of prayer and teamwork. It also honed her skills in public speaking and prayer ministry.
Peg married Wayne (her high school sweetheart!) 40-some years ago when he was in the army, stationed in England. When asked about her husband she says, “I’ve watched this dear, gentle man walk through pain and hardship with a dignity that kings might envy. He encourages me when I struggle, prays for me when I’m weak, holds me when I cry and cheers me when in doubt.” Wayne is her constant friend and companion whose humor brightens the lives of many. The couple resides in Neenah, Wisconsin.
Peg cherishes being a mother. As a stay at home mom it often felt like swimming upstream, but her experiences growing up as a “latch key kid” (before there was such a term) helped form her decision. She loved every part of being a mom—creating home made gifts, making costumes and clothes as well as decorating. But most of all she appreciated being there for her precious brood. Today her three grown children and grandchildren live nearby and fill her life with laughter and tremendous joy. Spending time with them, especially at their lake cabin, replenishes her. She considers her family her most priceless gift saying: “Raising them was the one time in my life when I knew I was doing the most important job in the world.” Their love and encouragement in the book writing process has been precious to her.
In 1992, Peg’s life was shattered by the tragic and unexpected death of her son Jason. In the pages of this book you will find a love letter between her Lord, herself and her son. Through faith in Jesus she chronicles her journey through grief. With candor and an artistic voice, Peg details how God’s Word and Spirit brought her to a place of hope and healing.
This is more than a grief book, it is a tool of healing—a deep look into a mother’s broken heart, and a plat map of sorts that helps lead others from the unthinkable to the unexpected.
Peg works as an artist, author and speaker—combining art, music and drama. She is also an engaging speaker for women’s groups, retreats and other functions. She draws audiences into personal places of reflection and healing using her artwork to illustrate her message and express her heart.