PegMuenzel.com

“A DAY APART FOR WOMEN  2012″  

(click on the event title to view the event’s website including registration information)

ALDERSGATE RENEWAL MINISTRIES

Peg Muenzel – KEYNOTE SPEAKER and WORKSHOP LEADER
Date:                  Saturday, March 3, 2012  –  9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location:          Goodlettsville, TN

I mention in my book, that losing a child makes you a member of a club no one wants to join. I have over the years since our loss met many wonderful people who are “in the club.”  There is a special bond between parents who have this grief in common.A month ago I met a young mom…well, younger than me…who I am proud to be associated with. Her name is Terri Goudy. Her son Sam and two of his friends were killed in an auto accident two years ago by a drunk driver. Someone gave Terri my book, she read it and befriended me on facebook. When I saw what she was doing with her pain I told her, on facebook, I was proud of her. She’s begun a foundation called plz…give the keys. They are raising awareness of the need to have a designated driver. I don’t know where you live but in WI it is a huge problem. Check out her facebook page. Her website will be up soon. Meanwhile, if you live near Neenah, WI join us at Pansies Garden Center, 833 E. Cecil St. , Neenah WI. There will be a great silent auction, excellent food, lots of information,  many wonderful people, and of course our book. We are delighted to help support such a worthy cause.

After 19 years, I didn’t expect to be so overwhelmed with grief on the anniversary of our sons death. It was so intense and painful I was amazed. I shared my sorrow on facebook and one dear friend spoke a word that I could especially relate to. Gaye writes “ He is in such a better place! I know that doesn’t make you miss him less, but just think of the reunion and no time limits!!!!” That’s exactly what I needed to hear. I could relate to that. In the early days of our loss, Wayne and I and the children would often use the word “FOCUS” to remind whoever was having a tough time to remember the truth of heaven and the reality that this life is temporary for all of us and heaven is real. It doesn’t take away the missing, but ooooh the reunion! Thanks friends for all the love and prayers.

Take a moment to pray for the victims in Japan and their loved ones.

Aren’t birthdays great? They’re kind of like your very own New Year’s Day! So, no more excuses, I like to write and I love this website! Had such a nice surprise this morning. The phone rang and a very nice man said, “I’m from the florist and I’m standing at your front door.” What fun! He did catch me in my pj’s…it wasn’t that early, I was just exercising my birthday entitlement, spoiling me. The plan continues with dinner out.

So, here’s a piece of good news for those of you near Fond du Lac WI. We’re doing a book signing at Reach Out Books in Fond du Lac this Sat. morning.  Hope to see you there!

Woops! well, the book signing was really wonderful. The people at Reach Out Books in Fond du Lac are very special people! This blogging thing is not hard, but my understanding of the website needs help. Today I will learn more. Here’s to a great “new year” and my progressing!

Dear Peg,
 
Wow… I read your book this weekend.  Thank you for persevering through the process of writing it.  I really believe it is a valuable tool for those who are grieving.
 
My heart was engaged from the beginning to the end… particularly at the realization that as you were journeying through the grieving process with the death of Jason, Pam and I were grieving amidst our own loss.  In January of 1992, our twin daughters Amanda and Catherine were stillborn.  So, I read your book… with tears, smiles and laughter.  
 
I was blessed by how comprehensive your book is.  As I read, as soon as the thought, “I hope she addresses this issue” came to mind, I turned the page and there it was!  Thank you for your vulnerability and for your transparency.
 
You are an excellent writer.  Your imagery, your language and the simplicity and beauty with which you express your thoughts is great.  I loved the “Jungle” imagery.  
 
I also wanted to affirm the structure of the book.  Mindful that those who are grieving have a difficult time in concentrating – let alone trying to sit and read a long chapter of a book – having shorter chapters with opportunity for reflection is such a great pattern.
 
Thank you also for the artwork.  I LOVE the map of grief…  that is such an accurate picture of our journey as well.  So many of the clinical books we read through our journey were so linear making you feel like you should be through one stage of grief before you get to the next.  That just wasn’t our experience.
 
The other thought that came to mind is that the book would be a good resource for a small group.  Pam and I were involved in a grief group called “Empty Arms” for a number of years after our loss – while it was great, and helpful to share and to hear other people’s stories – upon reflection… meetings sometimes meandered and – there was no way to process the gamut of emotions with those whose loss was fresh and those whose loss was less recent.  We felt emotionally exhausted just from the roller coaster ride of the meetings because we covered so much ground on so many different topics and so many differing perspectives on each of those areas.  Your book would be a tool to have some parameters / boundaries or focus on a particular area of grief where everyone could read a section or two and dialogue on those two sections – embracing the voices of those who are fresh on the grief journey and those who have been on the journey for a while… almost like an Alpha course for those who are making the journey through grief.
 
So – all that to say – thank you for your obedience to the Holy Spirit in writing this resource.  Thank you for sharing your journey.  It has been a great blessing.
 
Gratefully,
Jonathan

Jonathan Dow | Executive Director
Aldersgate Renewal Ministries
121 East Avenue | Goodlettsville, TN 37072
[Office] 615.851.9192 | [Fax] 615.851.9372
www.aldersgaterenewal.org <http://www.aldersgaterenewal.org>

It’s been almost a month since we had our book launch party. What a wonderful time! There were over 200 people who came to celebrate with us ~ thanks to all of you. Just the thought of that night makes me happy. Wonderful friends, good food, beautiful weather…It felt like a wedding reception to me, lots of hugging, gathering for a joyful occasion with people we may not often see and a few people we didn’t know but were happy they came!

 I have been so touched by the number of people who have taken time to let me know how the book has affected them. Jo Ann writes “I just finished reading your book. It was quite a ride for me to follow your journey-wow! The verse that comes to mind is Isaiah 64:8 “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” You have endured the pain and most uncomfortable positions to allow the Lord to create you into a more beautiful vessel that gives glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  The verse that literally jumped out at me was Phil4:13 and the quote you used in the previous page, “When you are hurting, God gives you God.” The hardest page for me- seeing all of the pictures of Jason. The page that was the best advice for me was “The Exclusive Club” page. As I read that section, thoughts occurred to me that I never encountered before. Thank you for your incredible candor and honesty. Throughout the entire book, God is glorified and after finishing the book, I am no longer as I was.”

What an encouragement that the grief and pain are not wasted.

 A few days ago the Lord highlighted this verse for me, Psalm 126:5,6 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

Thanks for the joy everyone!