Red River at Alexandria, Louisiana

12/25/2025

Christmas Day, 1956
519 Coleman Street, Clute, Texas

This photo is a snapshot (pun intended) of much of my life as a boy.

On the far right is our library: the Encyclopedia Britannica.

The Annual Britannia Book of the Year, along with the 1956 Sears, Roebuck Catalog, were "dream" books to me.

I thumbed through them often, but it would be Daddy's Zane Grey's Western novels and later Mama's Reader's Digest that would captivate my mind.

Mother's "whatnot" shelf, to the right of the Christmas cards, was the most braggadocious thing we owned.

Yes, one book has been and remains the center of our lives: the Bible: God's "owner's manual" and love letter to you and me.

Twenty-one months later, my life would forever change.

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Every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night, we were at Temple Baptist Church in Clute. It seemed to me that everyone attended church.

On a hot August Wednesday night, my mother could not attend church. So, I walked to church from our home on Coleman Street with my twelve-year-old sister Marjorie. I was eight years old.

I had no intention of that night being any different from any other. It would remain etched into my heart, mind, and soul until this very day.

I cannot recall a word Pastor Bill Campbell said in his sermon. But I remember vividly another voice that spoke to my mind—my heart—my spirit. It was not an audible voice.

It was a still, gentle voice, tender but ever so clear, telling me to go forward and accept Christ as my Savior.

I recall my response to the Holy Spirit as if it were five minutes ago. “Lord, I’m too shy. I would if my mother were here to go with me.”

I felt someone touch my left shoulder. My sister Marjorie was sitting in the back row with her friends. She could not have seen my face, for I was seated near the front.

She said, “I’ll go with you if you want me to.” I immediately stood, walked with her to the front of the church, and made my decision public.

I know you do not have to have an experience like that to be saved. Nevertheless, I’m so grateful for that experience; it has never left my mind or my heart.

Merry Christmas! And may Christ, our risen Lord and Savior bless you and yours.

Randy Willis Books

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Photo: left to right: My grandmother Lillie Hanks Willis, Daddy, Julian Willis, Mother Ruth Willis, me, age 6, Randy Willis (on the floor), Buddy Duke, Jerry Duke, Marjorie Duke, and Dorothy Curbelo.

Only two of us remain, me and Marjorie.

12/23/2025

https://randywillisbooks.com/heaven/

Faithful Joseph and the humble teenager, Mary, began a journey days before.

They travel 90 miles from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem. They crossed a harsh, dangerous, rocky, and hilly terrain. There is no donkey mentioned in the scriptures.

Mary was almost full-term during her pregnancy. Imagine that.

When they arrived, there was no room for them in the inn. Later, as it is today, there will be no room for the Child in many people's hearts.

The Child born in that humble stable, perhaps a cave, on that night lay in a feed trough we know as a manger.

Imagine the throngs of angels singing in the Heavenly Choir that starry night. They sang: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

The Magi, no one knows how many, came much later, bringing three gifts from a faraway land, each with a special meaning.

And yes, the Star that led them shone so bright.

The lowly shepherds tended their flocks. These were not just any sheep. The shepherds of Bethlehem were in charge of raising sheep for the temple sacrifices just six miles away in Jerusalem.

These sacrifices foreshadowed the Christ Child foretold and born that night.

The Son of God, Jesus, the Christ, the Savior, who in 33 short years would be mocked and beaten unmercifully.

And spit upon—they placed a scarlet robe on Him to shame Him.

His beard pulled out, and a crown of sharp thorns pressed into His bleeding brow, mocking Him.

And then nailed to a tree high on a hill called Calvary for my sins, your sins—the sins of the entire world.

He would bleed, suffer, and die naked in public humiliation while his robe was gambled for.

All of this is for me. All of this is for you.

Your role is to accept Christ as one thief did. Or by default reject Him as the other thief did.

The question is which thief on the cross are you? The one who cried, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

The lowly thief would be the first to accompany Christ, the Savior, to heaven. What an honor—not given to a king, politician, or religious leader—but to a criminal.

Oh, how I am that thief—the one who said yes. The one undeserving.

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How about you? Will you say yes to Jesus —the Savior, today?

This is that story—rejoice for He has risen!

Randy Willis

Understanding the Deity of Christ by Randy Willis

12/21/2025

https://randywillisbooks.com/1941-2/

Christmas Day, 1941, Longleaf, Louisiana

"Rand Willis arises before sunrise, nestles beside the fireplace, with hot coffee—as alone as the morning star."

Randy Willis

Beckoning Candle by Randy Willis

12/19/2025

https://randywillisbooks.com/randy-willis-a-red-dirt-road/

I'm told this is the Anniversary of my 21st Birthday.

This is written for and dedicated to nine people: my three sons and six grandchildren. And throw in two daughters-in-law for good measure. They are the joy of my life.

Anyone else who would care to listen in is welcome.

I'm living proof that even an old blind hog finds an acorn now and then.

—Randy Willis, aka Dad, Grandpa, Papaw

by Randy Willis Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness. —Isaiah 30:8 This is written for and dedicated to nine pe…

12/17/2025

Merry Christmas or not?

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year, except for one year: 1989.

I knew nothing about anorexia. Public awareness of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders was transformed by Karen Carpenter’s death and the later movie.

It was then that my fiancé told me she had been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa two years before we met. We had been planning our wedding for the Christmas holidays. It never occurred, for she died.

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I fell apart and lost 30 pounds in 30 days. I blamed God and could not function. Within six months, I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

I cried out to Christ, “Lord, where are you?”

I could not understand how a Christian girl and someone so young and kind could die. I turned to the Scriptures to find answers.

The first verse, The Good Lord led me to change my life forever, “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)

That seemed simple enough; whoever finds his life will lose it. "Okay, Randy, life is not about finding, acquiring, and accumulating things like s*x, drugs, and rock and roll, not to mention cars and homes."

But that’s not what it says.

“What have I been seeking?” I wrote down a list on a yellow tablet: success, education, health, wealth, social status, entertainment, pleasure, friends, family, children, and even religion.

These are the things I’ve focused on. “Surely they are not all bad?”

But the scripture did not end there; what about the part that reads, “He who loses his life for My sake will find it.”

I’m a little slow sometimes, “So Lord, life is not in the getting but in the giving?” I surmised.

He then led me to, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Now, that began to make sense, “I’ve spent all these years seeking and acquiring and still do not have the joy, peace, and sense of purpose You spoke of, Lord.”

Even your universe is that way; the sun gives to the grass, the grass gives to the cow, and the cow gives me milk. Although, I don’t pretend to know how a brown cow can give me white milk, after eating green grass, but I reckon that part is called faith.

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That made me want to know Him even more. I read Jeremiah 29:13, which offers a powerful promise from God: When we earnestly seek Him wholeheartedly, we will find Him.

“Lord, how do I do that?” The most fervent of your apostles, Peter, denied you.

Another betrayed you after seeing your miracles, and the others, save one, fled like a cat on a hot tin roof when you hung bleeding on a tree.

Nicodemus, the most pious of religious leaders, couldn’t understand.

The supreme religious body, the Sanhedrin, with Pharisees and Sadducees, didn't have a clue. Although it was within their grasp in the books, they held as truth.

The most radical of the spiritual, the Zealots, zeal misguided them.

The most influential political leaders on earth could not see past themselves.

What hope is there for me to know You? You, Lord Jesus, are the Lord of Creation who spoke the Universe into existence.

Who can dare get your attention?

I found the answer in Scripture. Jesus, leaving Jericho with His disciples, was joined by a great multitude.

A blind man sat begging along the roadside. His name was Bartimaeus. When he discovered the clamor was about Jesus, he cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.”

When the crowd warned him to be quiet, he cried louder.

When Jesus heard him, the Bible says, “Jesus stood still.”

What does it take to get Jesus' attention? What does it take to stop God in the flesh, the Lord of Creation, in His tracks? The cry of a blind beggar.

Christ soon promised paradise on the cross to a lowly thief. The criminal would be the first to reach Heaven with Christ.

Jesus hears the cry of a baby. He takes our tears and puts them in a bottle. He attends the funeral of every sparrow.

Our hairs are not counted, but each has a number. Where am I getting that from, the Bible.

Reach out to the last, the least, and the lost in His name and know His kindness, gentleness, goodness, love, purpose, peace, mercy, and grace.

Open His love letter to you, the Bible. And get to know Him.

If you are alone this Christmas, seek Jesus. If you have suffered loss reach out to Jesus. If you're hurting and confused, reach out to the One who gave His lifeblood—God's blood for you and me.

And I pray you have the merriest Christmas ever!

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Randy Willis

11/26/2025

https://randywillisbooks.com/the-first-thanksgiving/

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

Randy Willis

A Willis Family Thanksgiving: 405 years to be exact. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours. —Randy Willis

11/15/2025

Award-winning 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.

Randy draws on his family's heritage of explorers, settlers, soldiers, cowboys, and pastors. He carries on the tradition of loving the outdoors. Randy shares it through the adventures he creates in his short stories, biographies, and novels.

Randy Willis is the author of 19 books. These include Destiny, Beckoning Candle, Twice a Slave, Three Winds Blowing, Texas Wind, and Louisiana Wind. Additionally, he authored The Apostle to the Opelousas. He also wrote The Story of Joseph Willis and his autobiography, "To the Best of My Recollection."

Twice a Slave has been chosen as a Jerry B. Jenkins Select Book, along with four best-selling authors. Jerry Jenkins is the author of more than 200 books. His works have sold over 70 million copies. This includes the best-selling Left Behind series.

Twice a Slave has been adapted into a dramatic play at Louisiana Christian University by Dr. D. "Pete" Richardson (Associate Professor of Theater).

Randy Willis owns Randy Willis Music Publishing. It is an ASCAP-affiliated music publishing company. He also owns Town Lake Music Publishing, LLC. This is a BMI-affiliated music publishing company.

Randy Willis is an ASCAP-affiliated songwriter. He was an artist manager and TV producer.

Randy Willis is a Texas Hill Country Rancher.

Randy Willis founded Operation Warm Heart in 1991. It provides food and clothing to those in need in Central Texas.

Randy Willis was a member of the Board of Directors of Our Mission Possible in Austin, Texas. This organization empowers at-risk teens to discover their greatness.

Randy Willis was a charter member of the Board of Trustees of the Joseph Willis Institute for Great Awakening Studies at Louisiana College (Louisiana Christian University).

Randy Willis served on the Board of Directors of the Austin Apartment Association for four years. He was on the Board of Directors of the Texas Apartment Association for the same duration.

Randy Willis was born in Oakdale, Louisiana, and lived as a boy near Longleaf, Louisiana, and Barber Creek.

He currently resides in the Texas Hill Country near his three sons and their families.

Randy Willis graduated from Angleton High School in Angleton, Texas, and Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

Randy Willis was a graduate student at Texas State University for six years. He is the father of three sons and has six grandchildren.

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Randy Willis Website: https://www.threewindsblowing.com

Randy Willis Newsletter, Short Stories & Biographies: https://randywillisbooks.com/

Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores

512.565.0161

[email protected]

01/10/2025

https://randywillisbooks.com/2025/01/01/word/

These are the most profound four words ever written.

These Are The Most Profound Four Words Ever Written. by Randy Willis

12/17/2024

https://randywillisbooks.com/2024/12/16/ole-sally/

A long, long, long time ago, in an enchanted land called Louisiana.

Grandpa and his best friend, Ole Sally, are wearing their Christmas gifts, a mule blanket and a scarf.

Randy Willis

A long, long, long time ago, on Christmas Day in an enchanted land called Louisiana.

12/13/2024

https://randywillisbooks.com/2024/12/12/1852

Christmas Day 1852
Joseph Willis whispers in her ear, "If there are white horses in Heaven they will need pack mules." Ole Sally seems to understand.

Randy Willis

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

12/11/2024

https://randywillisbooks.com/2024/12/10/change/

As a boy, He must have often stared across the valley to the land far below. A land He will return to sooner than later. He’s booked my reservation for that return trip, first class, I’m told. He’s paid my fair in full, although I sometimes take credit.

Randy Willis

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

12/09/2024

https://randywillisbooks.com/2024/08/27/randy-willis-sisterdale-texas-ranch/

Daddy bought me a saddle from Buck Steiner when I was 14.

I should have known his purpose when I saw the bronc saddle tree. On the first day, I was thrown three times. I was not Larry Mahan or Jake Willis, but I got back on and rode 'em on the 4th try.

Daddy said, “What is life all about? It’s not about how many times you get thrown. It’s about how many times you get back on."

That night at supper, Daddy said, "The test of a man's character is what it takes to discourage him."

Daddy fought at the Battle of Iwo Jima and climbed Mount Suribachi, leaving a worn-out copy of an article on its summit about his first cousin and friend, Robert K. "Bobby" Willis's death on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

My Buck Steiner saddle is on a rack in my office, where I study, pray, and write. It reminds me to get back on; my ride is not finished.

Randy Willis

Randy Willis Sisterdale, Texas Ranch