Biographies
Author
Paula Pettis is a classical flutist who lives in Minnesota. She has been a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Brighton, MN, since she was born. She holds a Master of Music degree in Flute Performance, and a Major in Mathematics, from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. She enjoys traveling the world, and wants to be just like her dad.
Preface by Pastor Henriksen
Pastor Veryle Henriksen attended a one room schoolhouse in rural Iowa. After finishing high school in Clear Lake, IA, he majored in history and religion at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He entered the Navy during the Korean Police Action, and then returned to the family farm in Iowa. While working on the farm he had a near death experience which was his call to ministry. He left the farm to attend Luther Seminary, in St. Paul, MN and was ordained on May 26, 1959. He was a chaplain in the Navy, on both active and inactive service, from 1959-1980, based out of both Florida and Maryland. He then served in the Marines in North Carolina, followed by two years of service as the Naval Base Chaplain in Iceland, and then spent three years in Rhode Island. He and his wife then moved around Minnesota to minister as he was called. First they spent seven years at a church in Hoffman, which was followed by ministry at the State Hospital in Fergus Falls, and then served as the Visitation Pastor for Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Mounds View, and First Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights. Pastor Henriksen is currently the Visitation Pastor for Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Brighton, MN. He and his wife have three daughters and one son, ten grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
Pastors’ Comments
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you…”
Deuteronomy 5:16
“…The Kingdom of God has come near to you.”
Luke 10:9
At a time in our culture, when so much emphasis is placed on individualistic self-actualization, Paula Pettis has offered readers a sacred “glimpse” into what it truly means to honor mother, father and family over one’s self, especially during a time of change and loss. Paula’s book, God Signs & Dad Stories, captures the caring spirit of a dedicated daughter whose heart is open to see the fullness of God’s gracious presence as it has unfolded through her father’s life journey. Her “dad stories” delight the reader with glimpses into how life during The Depression years, and service to our country during a time of war forged a man of deep integrity, grit and faith. And her daily diary during her father’s hospitalization and struggle prior to his death brings honor not only to his integrity during hours of uncertain vulnerability, but demonstrate the gift of an open heart that is eager and willing to seek God and His power during those long and lonely hours of waiting and hoping. Paula’s gift to us is simple, yet profound. She has chronicled a journey in which God’s loving presence came near and uplifted and sustained her and her family as together they walked the valley of the shadow of death. The symbol of the dragonfly, which graces the cover of her manuscript, symbolizes how precious life is when we, with the lightness and curiosity of a tiny dragonfly, allow our soul’s spirit to fly gently into those places of our own brokenness and vul- nerability and welcome God’s loving Spirit to be the breath beneath our wings. May you be blessed in the sharing of this journey with Paula as she truly honors her mother and father to the glory of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Deborah Birkeland,
Outreach Pastor
Christ the King Lutheran Church, New Brighton, MN
This book is a testament to the only two guarantees in life: family and new life in Christ. Life is never easy, but with God on our side we have nothing to fear. Even in the midst of pain and suffering, God is with us, bringing hope and goodness. The “God Signs” Paula names are evidence of this. It encourages all of us to see how we see the Spirit is at work in our own lives and sustains us. The Pettis family’s stories are illustrations of a life well lived and a life made abundant by the grace of God. May we all be so blessed to say this and be bold enough, like Paula, to share it.
Pastor Hannah Johnson,
Children, Youth, & Family Pastor
Christ the King Lutheran Church, New Brighton, MN
When a crisis, like a life threatening illness, strikes us or a loved one we often wonder, “Where is God in all of this?” In her book, God Signs & Dad Stories, author Paula Pettis resoundingly affirms that God is right there with us. She tells of the many signs she received from God reminding her of God’s presence, reassuring her of God’s compassionate love and guiding her in the decisions she had to make. God is always with us. That is an unshakable promise the Lord has made to us. Jesus said, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)
Pastor Paul Larsen,
Retired Senior Pastor
Christ the King Lutheran Church, New Brighton, MN
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