Tag: joshwillis

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.

Criticism & Encouragement in Sports

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Randy Willis reflects on the profound impact of his junior high coach, Nabro Frazier, who taught him the importance of encouragement and enjoying life. Unlike more aggressive coaching styles, Frazier's supportive demeanor inspired Willis's love for football. Along with other coaches he admired, Willis learned valuable life lessons, including respect and fair play. He shares anecdotes about the challenges faced while training, particularly regarding hydration protocols of the time. As an accomplished author and musician, Willis emphasizes the significance of community service and personal development while cherishing his upbringing and family heritage in Texas.

Isms & Schisms

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This text emphasizes the nature of Jesus Christ as the propitiation for sins, highlighting His dual identity as fully God and fully human. It reflects on His desire to gather humanity to Him and stresses that individuals have the choice to accept or reject His grace. Key biblical verses illustrate that salvation is available to all, not limited by doctrine or predetermined fate. The narrative recounts personal experiences and underscores God's love and the necessity of acknowledging this relationship through faith. Ultimately, it calls for a response to Jesus' invitation, asserting that true fulfillment comes from embracing Him amidst life's struggles.

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!

Randy Willis: Writing Tips from my Friends

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Randy Willis shares his insights on writing, emphasizing clarity through short sentences and paragraphs. He admires authors like Hemingway and Twain and dislikes flowery language, favoring straightforward prose. He defines himself as a "pantser," writing intuitively rather than outlining, and prefers to omit unnecessary descriptors. Willis urges writers to show rather than tell, allowing readers to draw conclusions. His novel "Beckoning Candle" is inspired by his family’s history related to Pearl Harbor. He encourages research, fun, and self-editing, while reminding writers to find personal styles and keep readers engaged through storytelling without excessive explanation.

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.

A Mighty Big Loop

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The old-timers were spinning yarns about the weather, the scourge of the XITs, and Charlie Goodnight’s barbed wire fences doing away with the “real cowboys,” a cattle disease called Texas Fever, and many a “she did me wrong yarn.

Has it all been predetermined?

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When I founded Operation Warm Heart in 1991, I faced many challenges. Some on the streets of Austin, homeless and needy people, rejected the Gospel I was sharing. There were numerous reasons, but one stood out.

Johnny Rodriguez Biography

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Explore the untold stories and friendships captured in 'Johnny Rodriguez: The Rest of the Story' by Randy Willis, a journey through music and memories.

Garner State Park: Thanks for the Memories

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Dedicated to Johnny Rodriguez, Corky Parker, Donald "Don" Sweat, and Bob "Bullet" Naegelin. And Charles Gammill, Thomas "Twig" Phillips, and Glen Hardwick.

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

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

Garner State Park

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In the western part of Texas 90 miles from of San Antone There's a place I go each summer When I get the urge to roam I stand out on the highway If I couldn't catch a ride I'd walk To Garner State Park Let's go to Garner State Park Come on along to Garner State Park Where the prettiest girls in Texas. B.J. Thomas

The Goat

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Two weeks before John Rodriguez and friends barbecued their two goats at the roadside park in Concan, another group of about 15 teenagers stole a goat and hung it from a tree at the original Garner entrance on US Highway 83, which was no longer in use. Thus began the domino toppling, which led to an unbelievable chain of events and to the future stardom of one of the goat-rustlers.

Angelic Protection

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Discover the miraculous journey of Randy Willis's son, Aaron, who survived two devastating car accidents through angelic protection and divine intervention.

Ahyoka Willis: Bringer of Joy in Cherokee

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Joseph Willis would continue into the lawless "No Man's land," the Louisiana Neutral Strip, a half-century before the Catholic Church. It would be here that he buried on the banks of the Calcasieu River the sleeve from the dress his mother, Ahyoka, used as a tourniquet to save Joseph Willis's father, Agerton's life.

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 

Read about Johnny Horton's premonitions and tragic death after playing the Skyline Club in Austin. And his friendship with Elvis, Hanks Williams, Jerry Kennedy and his best friend Johnny Cash.

Jerry Kennedy & Johnny Horton

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Read about Johnny Horton's premonitions and tragic death after playing the Skyline Club in Austin. And his friendship with Elvis, Hanks Williams, Jerry Kennedy and his best friend Johnny Cash.

Johnny Rodriguez, Lana Nelson, Willie Nelson, and Randy Willis January 10, 1995, Luck, Texas

Johnny Rodriguez: A Tragedy Beyond Comprehension

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Johnny Rodriguez, Lana Nelson, Willie Nelson, and Randy Willis January 10, 1995, Luck, Texas

I called him the afternoon before the event. I wanted to remind him that he was my very special guest. The 92-year-old said, "I will be there as soon as I finish working out this colt." "Breaking a green colt in this 90-degree heat?" I asked. "Yes sir, I had to take a break though after four hours." I explained that I understood. I was mounted on a rank chestnut quarter horse (aka my ole red GMC pickup). I was headed to Brazoria County. I'm not sure if he got my feeble attempt at humor. This coming week, the legendary cowboy will return to the same auditorium. This event will happen on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds. It's his funeral.

Remembering Bailey’s Prairie Kid: A Cowboy’s Legacy

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I called him the afternoon before the event. I wanted to remind him that he was my very special guest. The 92-year-old said, "I will be there as soon as I finish working out this colt." "Breaking a green colt in this 90-degree heat?" I asked. "Yes sir, I had to take a break though after four hours." I explained that I understood. I was mounted on a rank chestnut quarter horse (aka my ole red GMC pickup). I was headed to Brazoria County. I'm not sure if he got my feeble attempt at humor. Tomorrow, the legendary cowboy will return to the same auditorium. This event will happen on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds. It's his funeral.

Johnny Rodriguez, Lana Nelson, Willie Nelson, and Randy Willis

Remembering Johnny Rodriguez

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I first met John Rodriguez at Garner State Park in the mid-1960s. I'd been told he could sing, so I asked him to sing a song when we were introduced. He almost always had his guitar with him. As I sat atop a concrete picnic table, he sang passionately Marty Robbins' hit "You Gave Me a Mountain."

Dolly Parton: A Streetcar Named Desire

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In his personal narrative, Randy Willis reflects on his encounters with Johnny Rodriguez, a significant figure in country music, and their shared experiences in places like Garner State Park and New Orleans during the 1970s. Willis recounts their friendship, music performances, and memorable moments, including meeting Dolly Parton as they celebrated Johnny’s chart successes. He also conveys a sense of nostalgia regarding their musical journeys, while exploring themes of friendship, creativity, and the cultural backdrop of Louisiana. Additionally, he emphasizes the impact of community and philanthropy through initiatives like the Johnny Rodriguez Life Enrichment Center.

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?

Angel of Light

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I've taught my children and grandchildren "If you play with a rattlesnake, you are eventually going to be bitten." Randy 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

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.