Category: #randywillis

Perfect in Beauty

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Randy Willis explores the theme of choice between good and evil, using the biblical figure of Lucifer as a metaphor. He emphasizes that true control in life comes from surrendering to God, contrasting worldly temptations with spiritual truths. The narrative stresses the significance of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for humanity's redemption and healing. Throughout, Willis warns against the lies of Satan, urging readers to look to Jesus for fulfillment and salvation, asserting that only through faith can one overcome sin and emptiness. He invites everyone to accept God's love and make the vital choice of embracing faith in Christ for eternal life.

R.C. Slocum: 10 Feet Tall

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R.C. Slocum, a towering figure in college football, is celebrated for his remarkable tenure at Texas A&M, where he achieved a winning percentage of .865 and the title of the program's winningest coach. He led the Aggies from 1989 to 2002, never posting a losing season and earning numerous accolades, including induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Slocum's impact extends beyond the field, emphasizing character and integrity and incorporating life skills into his coaching philosophy. He recently received the Lamar Hunt Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his lasting influence on sports and his commitment to faith and mentorship.

Johnny Rodriguez: The True Goat Story

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Explore the captivating tale of Johnny Rodriguez and a fateful goat rustling incident at Garner State Park, filled with nostalgia and friendship.

Isms & Schisms

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The text discusses the nature of Jesus Christ as both divine and human, emphasizing His role as the savior for all humanity, not just a select few. It highlights biblical themes of choice, repentance, and God's desire for all to accept Him. Key scriptures illustrate God's sovereignty, foreknowledge, and mankind's inherent sinful nature. The author argues that while God knows outcomes, it does not negate human choice in accepting salvation. He encourages readers to turn to Jesus, offering a pathway to forgiveness and eternal life. Ultimately, it calls for an acceptance of God's grace, underscoring that salvation is available to "whosoever will."

Joseph Willis: 250 Years Ago Today

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250 years ago, my 4th Great-grandfather, Joseph Willis, became a Patriot. Today, his descendants, which include three of my grandchildren, celebrated that anniversary!

10 Steps to Becoming a Successful Writer

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Randy Willis shares a reflective narrative on his journey to becoming a writer, emphasizing the importance of heritage and storytelling. He outlines ten steps for aspiring writers, including valuing family ancestry, immersing in research from a young age, and collaborating with established authors. Inspired by a friend, Dr. Sue Eakin, Willis discusses his works, particularly "Twice a Slave," which connects to historical figures like his fourth great-grandfather, Joseph Willis. He reflects on his writing process, incorporating life experiences and familial stories while highlighting the lessons learned from infamous authors. Throughout, he acknowledges the grace and guidance of God in his literary pursuits.

Randy Willis: Garner State Park & Our National Parks

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My love for state and national parks began at Garner State Park in Texas when I was nine. But soon spread to America's National Parks. —Randy Willis

Hell is empty, and all the devils are here

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"Hell is empty and all the devils are here." —The Tempest, a play by William Shakespeare 

Randy Willis's Family

Valley of Decision

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This is written for and dedicated to eleven people: my three sons (and their wives) and six grandchildren. They are the joy of my life. Anyone else who would care to listen in is welcome.

On November 7, 1944, incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to an unprecedented fourth term as President of the United States. On the same day, a boy was born in the tiniest Louisiana village of Dido. Dido was once in the heart of the outlaw and pirate-infested "No Man's Land." The boy's father was overseas fighting for his country in World War II. The following year, the boy's parents divorced. His mother remarried, and the family moved to what amounts to project housing in Orange, Texas. He faces disappointment, heartbreak, and tragedy. But his faith sustains him through it all. At age ten, he accepts Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and surrenders his life to Christ. The boy becomes the winningest coach in Texas A&M history and serves that great university for 53 years. He wins countless awards and accolades and becomes friends with Presidents. How does a poor kid from nothing more than a spot on a red dirt road do all that? By the rich mercy and grace of his Lord and Savior. Today, at age 80, he stands with his "Proverbs 31" wife and helpmate of 25 years at his side. He is a shining example to football players and coaches and exemplifies excellence and character to all of us. His name is Coach R.C. Slocum. —Randy Willis

The Intersection of Faith and College Football

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https://randywillisbooks.com/2025/01/13/faith-and-football/ On November 7, 1944, incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to an unprecedented fourth term as President of the United States. On the same day, a boy was born in the tiniest Louisiana village of Dido. Dido was once in the heart of the outlaw and pirate-infested "No Man's Land." The boy's father was overseas fighting for his country in World War II. The following year, the boy's parents divorced. His mother remarried, and the family moved to what amounts to project housing in Orange, Texas. He faces disappointment, heartbreak, and tragedy. But his faith sustains him through it all. At age ten, he accepts Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and surrenders his life to Christ. The boy becomes the winningest coach in Texas A&M history and serves that great university for 53 years. He wins countless awards and accolades and becomes friends with Presidents. How does a poor kid from nothing more than a spot on a red dirt road do all that? By the rich mercy and grace of his Lord and Savior. Today, at age 80, he stands with his "Proverbs 31" wife and helpmate of 25 years at his side. He is a shining example to football players and coaches and exemplifies excellence and character. His name is Coach R.C. Slocum. —Randy Willis

Hell is Empty and All the Devils are Here

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It was a day reminiscent of Shakespeare's play The Tempest. However, there was no comedy on this stage. "Hell is empty and all the devils are here." William Shakespeare The Tempest

Joshua: Two of My Heroes

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The greatest lesson I've learned in my life's struggles. When Christ takes over, the victory is already won. It is not going to be won; it's already won.

What to do When Your Whole World Falls Apart

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Christmas is my happiest time of the year. But, for many, it is the loneliest time of the year and a time of increased pressure. This is especially for you. Randy Willis Christmas Eve 2024

Ole Sally & Grandpa

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Everyone needs a best friend, especially children of all ages, like Ole Sally.

1852 Christmas Day

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Joseph Willis whispers in her ear, "If there are white horses in Heaven they will need pack mules." Ole Sally seems to understand.

Subject to Change—Soon

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My favorite author lived there as a boy but never wrote a book like me. How strange, I know. Randy Willis

The Highest Good

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by Randy Willis “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I–I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost Mama's first husband, John Duke, died in 1946. Two years later, she married Daddy, Julian Willis, her next-door neighbor growing up on Willis-Gunter Road. …

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Master storyteller Randy Willis—books about adventure, family, and faith.

About Randy Willis

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Master storyteller Randy Willis—books about adventure, family, and faith. Randy Willis draws on his family heritage of explorers, settlers, soldiers, cowboys, and pastors. He upholds the tradition of loving the outdoors. He shares this love in the adventures he creates for readers of his novels. He is the author of two biographies and his new memoir, To the Best of My Recollection. Randy Willis has written many books, including Destiny, Three Winds Blowing, and Beckoning Candle. He also wrote Twice a Slave, Texas Wind, Louisiana Wind, and The Apostle to the Opelousas. He also wrote The Story of Joseph Willis and To the Best of My Recollection, and many articles.

Polk Willis & Anna Canady Willis

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Anna Canady, 17, and out of harm's way on the Red River. The dirt is gone, but not her fears. Her Irish red hair can be seen for the first time in years. She soon meets a brash young boy, her junior, whom she does not understand. He will become the second most important person in her life, forever.

The son of a white man and Cherokee slave, Joseph Willis, was born a slave to his father. Joseph gained his freedom and swam the mighty Mississippi on a mule.

Joseph Willis: The Half-English, Half-Cherokee Pioneer

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What race was my 4th Great-Grandfather Joseph Willis?

Understanding the Deity of Christ

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“All things have been created through Him and for Him, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 Christ is the “glue” that holds all things together. These five galaxies in the below photo are said to do a “cosmic dance” caused by gravity. Scientists still don’t fully understand how gravity works at the quantum level. It’s accurate to say that “no one fully understands gravity” in the most complete sense. It remains one of the great mysteries in physics. Really: “All things have been created through Him and for Him, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17

Even an Old Bling Hog Finds an Acorn now & Then

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Randy Willis and Darrell Royal Master storyteller Randy Willis—books about adventure, family, and faith. Randy Willis is as much at home in the saddle as he is in front of the computer, where he composes his family sagas.

When Heaven Touched Earth: Except Louisiana

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Randy Willis got the idea for my headline from Dr. Roy Fish's excellent book "When Heaven Touched Earth: The Awakening of 1858 and Its Effects on Baptists."

Earl Campbell & Randy Willis

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Randy Willis Texas Longhorn Football

Trust and Respect by Randy Willis

Trust and Respect

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Randy Willis narrates the tale of Dan and Julieanne, two young people from vastly different backgrounds whose lives intersect during World War II. Despite their separate worlds—Dan's life on a farm in Louisiana and Julieanne's in Manhattan—they find a connection through letters sparked by a donated book. Their correspondence blooms into love, guided by Dan's mother's wisdom about trust and respect in marriage. After the war, they meet at Grand Central Station, ultimately celebrating fifty years of marriage. The story highlights themes of enduring love, faith, and the idea that true fulfillment is found in a relationship with God, as epitomized by the message of Jesus Christ.