Cookeville – Grits with Grace

food, gratitude, heaven, life, Scripture, travel

Ralph’s Donut Heaven

Posted on December 15, 2025December 13, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

It was donut heaven. Several years ago, Judy and I took a trip to middle Tennessee to do some hiking and be amazed all over again at the wonder of God’s creation. We stayed in the small city of Cookeville which is about an hour east of Nashville. We had driven by there many times on our way to Pigeon Forge and points East but never stopped. And for some reason…this time it was our destination. It was wonderful.

Within a few minutes driving time were some of the most beautiful waterfalls I have seen. One, Fall Creek Falls, is the tallest falls east of the Rockies—256 feet of free falling water. Then there was Burgess Falls which had not one, but three separate falls…each one more spectacular than the one before. Finally we drove over to Rock Island State Park and was amazed by a river that fell and fell and fell—each time creating a beautiful waterfall. Then, coming out of caves in a huge, high bluff was a massive waterfall falling into the river. Unbelievable. I would think God would get a 10 for all the beauty that we saw. And then…there was Ralph’s.

When we stay at an Airbnb, we always check out all the literature that the host leaves to make the visit more enjoyable. We also check out comments in the guest book for tidbits of information. That is where we heard about Ralph’s. Three different previous guests mentioned this mom and pop donut shop in downtown Cookeville. We had to visit. To not do so would have been a travesty of donut-ism. So we were on our way on Monday morning when Judy checked their website. Oh no…closed on Mondays. We had to wait another day.

Tuesday morning after planning our hikes for the day, we headed to Ralph’s Donut Shop to ensure we had plenty of calories on hand for our journey. When we arrived it was indeed an ordinary mom and pop donut shop. But trust me…it was anything but ordinary. First thing I noticed was the sign stating that they had been open since 1962. Do the math and you will find out that they have been making donuts for 63 years—in the donut world that’s like forever. And then—we opened the door.

It was donut heaven. I know that to be true because so many things in the case were “holey.” Get it? Anyway, to my left was a horseshoe shaped counter with almost every stool filled with locals enjoying coffee and pastries. There was a long glass case and a whole wall filled with pastries and donuts. And there to greet us was the best donut salesman in the world. You could tell this guy loved his job. This guy was meant to work at Ralph’s. The first thing my eye spotted was the royalty of pastries—the fried apple fritter. It was massive, fried crispy, covered with glaze with the middle stuffed with apple filling. One please.

Judy and I had read that they closed at 11:30 so we assumed 11:30 am but we asked anyway. Oh no…they have three shifts of bakers and are open from 5:00 am till 11:30 pm. Now who has ever heard of a donut shop staying open that long—and they are doing quite well, thank you. Oh, and did I mention that they are listed in the top 20 donut bakeries in the entire United States? Oh, yes…it was donut heaven and it was “holey” ground.

Well, there is one thing that was obvious at Ralph’s—they were all in. They knew their product, they believed in their product and they wanted to share their product. Even if you didn’t like donuts, you wanted to buy one by the time you left. You wanted what they had because it had to be worth having. I have a feeling that we as Jesus followers should take a lesson from Ralph’s. We know we have the best thing in all of creation to offer those in our world—the good news of Jesus Christ. Donuts may be “holey” but Jesus can make us holy—holy enough to call God, Father—holy enough to go to heaven. And Ralph’s may have been making donuts for 63 years but God has been loving us since before the foundation of the world. He wants to walk with us through every day of our life…and beyond. He is a beyond amazing God.

So since He is so incredible—if we love Him, if we believe in Him—we should be all in too. We should live like we believe and share the Word about Him like we believe it. I left Ralph’s wanting to tell people about this amazing place. I think we need to get up every morning wanting to tell everyone the great Good News. And what is that? It is that God, Creator God, so loved this world that gave His Son to a Roman cross that anyone who believes in Him and what He did—can have everlasting life. And that is the best news ever. Oh and then there is more. No matter what today sends our way, we have the assurance that He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, life, priorities, Scripture, thankful, travel

Rocks and Fossils

Posted on July 25, 2025July 28, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to His good purpose.” Philippines 2:13

They were everywhere but nowhere to be found. A couple of years ago, my wife Judy and I went to a pastor’s conference over in North Carolina. It’s just a little far to travel in one day, so we always choose to stay a night on the road and one of our favorite spots is Cookeville, Tennessee. It is a little over an hour outside Nashville and has several good places to eat and stay. We usually stay at an Airbnb since it provides a little more space and sometimes it offers a little bit more.

This find was Judy’s and that probably explains why we spent more than we normally do. The place was located on a small scenic river and featured two waterfalls within a hundred yards of the property. One was bigger and one was smaller—both were awesome. The smaller one had several rock features but only fell about ten feet. Its big brother, on the other hand, fell about fifty feet and was massive. It’s funny because they both had the same amount of water to work with but, you know, the farther the water falls the more impressive it seems.

Because of the falls and because the area around the river was rocky, the ground was covered with tons (both literally and figuratively) of small rocks. There were all shapes, many colors, and sizes. Most were fist-size or smaller but here is the best part. Scattered around and in all the rocks were a heavy sprinkling of fossils. Most were of ancient water plants that had become trapped in the sediment and slowly, over time, became fossilized. There were all kinds, and since they were so unique—I just had to have some. So, Judy and I went hunting.

From the get-go, it seemed she was better at it than me and soon she was shouting, “Here’s one, here’s another.” Well, that caused me to look harder than ever. Well, before long, we both had plenty, and they are now on display in my office at home. But here’s what is amazing and what prompted this short story with a big truth. The fact is they were everywhere but there were so many rocks to poke through it was just hard to find them. They were there but they were well camouflaged…looking a lot like their rock brothers and sisters. Making it even harder was the fact that one side of a rock might have a cool fossil and the other—nothing. The only choice was to keep looking and keep turning over as many stones as possible.

Isn’t that just like life? We look for this or that and sometimes we become frustrated and give up and behold—it was right in front of our face the entire time. That is never truer than with God things. We think God has turned off the blessing faucet when the truth is we just aren’t looking close enough…hard enough…and we give up. Well, let me encourage you to keep flipping those rocks over because you never know what might be on the other side.

Sometimes the answer to our prayer or our miracle is just one stone flip away. God loves to bless His children so don’t give up and don’t be surprised if you find yourself staring a blessing in the face. Paul wrote, “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to His good purpose.” In other words, don’t give up…He’s working, and He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, heaven, life, love, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful

Donut Heaven

Posted on January 1, 2024December 30, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Two things you need to know. First, stepping into Ralph’s was like stepping into a donut paradise. Second, it has been too long since our last visit. A while back, Judy and I decided to take a trip to middle Tennessee for some hiking and to marvel at God’s creation. We chose Cookeville, a small city about an hour east of Nashville, as our base. Although we had driven by it numerous times on our way to other destinations, we had never stopped. This time, however, it became our destination, and it turned out to be a wonderful decision.

Within a short drive, we encountered some of the most stunning waterfalls, including Fall Creek Falls, the tallest east of the Rockies, standing at 256 feet. Burgess Falls, with its three separate falls, each more spectacular than the last, and the cascading waterfalls at Rock Island State Park left us in awe. Amidst all this natural beauty, we stumbled upon Ralph’s.

When staying at an Airbnb, we always explore the host’s literature to enhance our visit. The guest book mentioned Ralph’s, a mom-and-pop donut shop in downtown Cookeville, recommended by three previous guests. It became a must-visit for us. Unfortunately, on Monday morning, we discovered they were closed. Our anticipation had to wait another day.

On Tuesday morning, after planning our hikes, we headed to Ralph’s Donut Shop to fuel up with calories for our journey. Established in 1962, Ralph’s had been delighting customers with donuts for 58 years. As we opened the door, we were greeted by a sight that truly resembled donut heaven.

The interior was simple, with a horseshoe-shaped counter filled with locals enjoying coffee and pastries. A long glass case and a wall adorned with pastries and donuts tempted us. The enthusiastic donut salesman welcomed us and shared the highlights of Ralph’s menu. The fried apple fritter, a massive treat covered in glaze with a delicious apple filling, was our first choice. Then, he introduced us to the butter twist, voted the number one donut in Tennessee, brushed with butter before frying. We ordered two of those. For Judy’s chocolate craving, a butter twist with chocolate frosting was the perfect choice. Finally, he threw in a broken spice bar for free, describing it as a blend of Little Debbie and gingerbread. I couldn’t resist.

Ralph’s surprised us further with its operating hours – three shifts of bakers kept the shop open from 5:00 am to 11:30 pm. They were thriving, listed among the top 20 donut bakeries in the entire United States. It truly felt like “holey” ground.

The dedication at Ralph’s was evident. They believed in their product, knew it well, and wanted to share it with everyone. As followers of Jesus, we could learn a lesson from Ralph’s. We possess the best news in creation – the good news of Jesus Christ, who can make us holy. Unlike donuts, Jesus can make us holy enough to call God our Father and holy enough for eternal life. While Ralph’s had been making donuts for 58 years, God has been loving us since before the foundation of the world.

Considering how incredible God is, our response should be to be “all in” too. We should live as if we truly believe and share the Word about Him passionately. Leaving Ralph’s, I felt compelled to tell people about this amazing place. Similarly, as followers of Jesus, we should wake up every morning eager to share the good news.

On this first day of the New Year, let’s figuratively get behind the counter, not to sell donuts, but to share the life-changing news that God, in His incredible love, gave His Son for us. This is the best news ever, and it comes with the assurance that, no matter what this year brings, He’s got it. Bro. Dewayne

Family, food, friends, gratitude, life, loving others, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, Trials

Steak and Shake

Posted on February 28, 2023February 27, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

We met when I was just a kid. A long time ago and in a galaxy far, far away (think Star Wars) one of my favorite things to do in the summer was to go and visit my sister and brother-in-law in Daytona Beach. I lived in Jacksonville, and they were kind enough to invite me to spend a week with them. Trust me…it was like a different world. Our west Jacksonville neighborhood was half town and half country and the most exciting thing that ever happened was if there was a fire call, and we would chase the firetruck. I’ll write more on that one day.

Now compare that with Daytona Beach. Can someone say, “Night and day?” Daytona Beach was a happening place and there was always something to do. We would drive over to the beach, cruise the strip, and go out to eat. One of my favorite places to go was Steak and Shake. Back in the early and mid 60’s, it was not a new establishment, but it was still up and coming. They were famous for their steak burgers, skinny fries, and milkshakes. For a ten-year-old from the westside of Jacksonville, it was heaven.

Steak and Shake was different than most fast-food places. There, you could go inside, be seated and be served, and through the years that is how it has remained. When I grew up, it was only natural that Steak and Shake was one of my “go to” places to eat. Oh, it wasn’t an every-week event, but we did go about once a month. The routine was always the same. Park, go inside and be seated, order, eat, and leave. It worked well, but then something called COVID, and a broken economy changed things up. First, and at most locations, you can now only go through the drive-thru. But in now we have the new Steak and Shake.

Now at almost every location, when you walk in, there is not a hostess to seat you and no counter to order at. Instead, there are several kiosks (computer touchscreens) and from there you can order your food. Then…you just sit down…wherever you want. Feel free to go up and get your drinks from the drink station and finally someone would bellow out your order number and you would walk up and get your food. Boom—just like that burgers and fries were flying into hungry mouths washed down by delicious milkshakes. It was new, it was different, and I loved it.

I am sure the shortage of workers is at least partially responsible for their new system, but it also shows that not all the changes are going to be bad. At our church we are doing Wednesday nights totally different, and it is totally working. We have a men’s group called “Man Time” (how creative is that); a women’s Bible study (well, not creative but it works) and then something called “The Big A Club” for the kids. There are people everywhere. And get this—men are coming to church on a Wednesday night! What? And it all came about because of the pause that COVID caused.

Someone from ancient times (I’m not talking about 1950!) said the only thing constant is change and they were right. Some of the changes are not good. In fact, some of the cultural changes might be considered dangerous. But we need to work to accept the good and temper the others. It gives us a great opportunity to be the salt and light that Jesus talked to us about. People all around us have lots of questions which should lead to lots of opportunities to talk about faith…and Jesus.

Romans 8:28 remains one of the most popular verses in the Bibles. It says that for those who love God, He can bring good out of every situation. We sure like to quote that, but I wonder if we are willing to trust it? Hey, I’ve been writing three small words for almost three years and some of you have been here for that whole time— “He’s got this.” So, as things morph around us, let’s be courageous enough to address the dangerous, but flexible enough to embrace the other. It might not be easy but if He is in control and we trust Him…it’s gonna be fine. And, can I say it one more time? He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, food, Grace, gratitude, Holidays, life, loving others, New Year, prayer, priorities, Scripture, thankful, travel, wisdom

Ralph’s

Posted on January 1, 2021December 31, 2020 by Dewayne Taylor

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

It was donut heaven. Judy and I took a trip to middle Tennessee to do some hiking and be amazed all over again at the wonder of God’s creation. We stayed in the small city of Cookeville which is about an hour east of Nashville. We had driven by there many times on our way to Pigeon Forge and points east but never stopped. And for some reason…this time it was our destination. It was wonderful.

Within a few minutes driving time were some of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen. One, Fall Creek Falls, is the tallest falls east of the Rockies—256 feet of free falling water. Then there was Burgess Falls which had not one, but three separate falls…each one more spectacular than the one before. Finally we drove over to Rock Island State Park and were amazed by a river that fell and fell and fell—each time creating a beautiful waterfall. Then, coming out of caves in a huge, high bluff was a massive waterfall falling into the river. Unbelievable. I would think God would get a 10 for all the beauty that we have seen. And then…there was Ralph’s.

Tuesday morning after planning our hikes for the day, we headed to Ralph’s Donut Shop to ensure we had plenty of calories on hand for our journey. When we arrived it was indeed an ordinary mom and pop donut shop. But trust me…it was anything but ordinary. The first thing I noticed was the sign stating that they had been open since 1962. Do the math and you will find out that they have been making donuts for 58 years—in the donut world that’s like forever. And then—we opened the door.

It was donut heaven. I know that to be true because so many things in the case were “holey.” Get it? Anyway, to my left was a horseshoe shaped counter with almost every stool filled with locals enjoying coffee and pastries. There was a long glass case and a whole wall filled with pastries and donuts. And there to greet us was the best donut salesman in the world. You could tell this guy loved his job and was “in the right seat on the bus.” Judy and I use that phrase to describe someone who is doing what they were meant to do. This guy was meant to work at Ralph’s. The first thing my eye spotted was the royalty of pastries—the fried apple fritter. It was massive, fried crispy, covered with glaze with the middle stuffed with apple filling. One please.

Then the sales guy told us the fritter was their best seller until the butter twist came along. It was a fried donut but the twist was they brushed it with butter before cooking. He said it was voted the number one donut in the entire state of Tennessee. I’m sure he was telling the truth. Two please. Judy wanted something chocolate. No problem—a butter twist with chocolate frosting should do the trick. One please. Then I asked about this chocolate creation on the top shelf. It was a devil’s food mix and saturated with chocolate. He said it was diabetes on a plate and should come with a shot of insulin. We passed on that one. His final gift was a spice bar that was broken in two, so it was free. He said it was as if Little Debbie married gingerbread and had a baby. I loved it.

Well, there is one thing that was obvious at Ralph’s—they were all in. They knew their product, they believed in their product and they wanted to share their product. Even if you didn’t like donuts, you wanted to buy one by the time you left. You wanted what they had because it had to be worth having. I have a feeling that we as Jesus followers should take a lesson from Ralph’s. We know we have the best thing in all of creation to offer those in our world—the good news of Jesus Christ. Donuts may be “holey” but Jesus can make us holy—holy enough to call God, Father—holy enough to go to heaven. And Ralph’s may have been making donuts for 58 years but God has been loving us since before the foundation of the world. He wants to walk with us through this New Year and every year. He is a beyond amazing God.

Since He is so incredible—if we love Him, if we believe in Him—we should be all in too. We should live like we believe and share the Word about Him like we believe it. I left Ralph’s wanting to tell people about this amazing place. I think we need to get up every morning wanting to tell everyone the great Good News. On this first day of this great New Year let’s figuratively get behind the counter—not to sell donuts but to share the Good News. And what is that? It is that God, Creator God, so loved this world that gave His Son to a Roman cross that anyone who believes in Him and what He did—can have everlasting life. And that is the best news ever. Oh and then there is more. No matter what today or this year sends our way, we have the assurance that He’s got this.