The Lonely Road

 

Each passing day I walk along.

The endless dusty, lonely road.

Yet, I’m really not alone I feel.

A stretched forth hand to hold.

 

The winding road continues on.

Each step adds to many miles.

Pressing forward day by day.

Encountering challenges and trials.

 

Knowing He is there, I’m assured.

Our kind loving Savior next to me.

Giving strength when it is needed.

Walking in faith, passing each tree.

 

As the many unknown storms of life.

Cross my path each and every day.

Please stay with me a little longer.

My dear Lord, I continue to pray.

 

by Tom Baker 

4/28/2008

 

Our Life Story

 

Our life Story, how would we really like it to end?

Sending words expressing, gratitude to a friend.

A kind act willing to give a helping hand, to lend.

Taking time, to make a call, a relationship to mend.

 

Take time rebuild some bridges, damaged long ago.

Rekindling kindness, because you still love them so.

It takes effort to be a builder, or wrecker you know.

Destroying things of worth, doesn’t make you a pro.

 

Leave things of value that can withstand the years.

Don’t leave projects incomplete, with regrets and tears.

Sharing words of inspiration, could calm another’s fears.

Building walls of bad feelings somehow, never disappears.

 

Write down precious memories, for those whom you care.

Can be passed on for generations, so that others may share.

Deeds of compassion, can be heart felt and beyond compare.

Amazing how our life story can change, taking time to prepare.

 

Tom Baker

4/24/2008

 

He Will Hold Our Hand

 

Heavenly Father lovingly gave,

His only begotten Son.

To hold our earthly hands,

Jesus Christ the Atoning one.

 

Knowing the grief that one feels,

From passing of a Dad or Mom.

The Savior will be by our side,

Giving strength to keep us strong.

 

 

Through the gift of the Atonement,

He will lift us up and bear our pain.

Knowing we will see these choice spirits,

When He comes again, on earth to reign.

 

They now press forward to the spirit world.

Oh what peace and comfort this gives, 

Free from pain, you can feel their love.

A testament that Our Redeemer truly lives.

 

Tom Baker

3-18-2008

 

 

Writers of Faith

 

 

Writers of faith are everywhere.

Leaving meaningful thoughts to share.

Possibly a poem, written as a prayer.

Stories of loved ones, expressing they care.

 

Writers of faith where can they be?

Giving things of worth, to their posterity.

Grateful they live, in the land of the free.

Expressing freedom on paper, others can see.

 

Writers of faith continue to write.

Leaving comforting thoughts, on a dark night.

One’s really never alone, just look for the light.

Peering through clouds may come something bright.

 

Writers of faith have goals to achieve.

Words to never give up, we must always believe.

Delivering messages of hope, for others to receive.

 Seekers of the Savior’s light, they want too cleave.

 

by Tom Baker

12/5/2007

 

 

Christmas Globes

 

 Magical moments seem to hold,

Within beautiful Christmas Globes.

It maybe of ancient things foretold,

Shepherds on a hill in simple robes.

 

The scene with a manager on that night.

Wise Men bearing gifts for the Christ child.

A Star shining for heaven glorious and bright.

Holding baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph smiled. 

 

Your globe may be of Santa and his reindeer.

With a village below showing Christmas lights.

On a clear night filled with holiday cheer.

New fallen snow, Oh want wondrous sights.

 

Children all snug in their beds, know he is near, 

Stockings hung on the Fireplace, ready to fill.

Knowing Santa and his sleigh will soon appear.

Seeing presents under the tree what a heart felt thrill.

 

Symbol of the Candy Cane and Shepherd’s Crook,

Which brings the Saviors lambs back into His fold.

Reminder of that special night written in a book.

In the Bible were told, we are more precious than gold.

 

Santa Claus is the true symbol of Christ like love.

Capable of giving and receiving kindness and peace.

Hung on the Christmas tree is a beautiful white dove.

Pure love, caring and thinking of others might increase.

 

by Tom Baker

12/1/2007

 

 

He Held My Hand

 

Heavenly Father lovingly gave,

His only begotten Son.

To hold my hand,

Jesus the Atoning one.

 

Knowing the heartfelt pain, 

From passing of Mom. 

Being by my side,

To keep me strong.

 

 During open heart surgery,

His presence was felt.

Grateful for the Atonement.

Praying as I knelt.

 

I remember the day,

When Dad also died. 

Lovingly again he gave,

Receiving comfort I cried.

 

Three weeks quickly passed,

A call was received.

Brother Don was gone,

Testing what I believed.

Oh what sweet sentence,

Our Savior willing gives.

To know the Redeemer,

Testifying that he lives.

 

by Tom Baker

9/6/2007

 

(Cherished Memories, Dad & Don passed away in March of 2000)

 

Merry Christmas Everyone

Christmas lights and falling snow,
Making snow angels, in a row.
In an archway hangs the mistletoe,
Illuminated tree top, giving off a glow.

Christmas music ringing through the air,
Looking for a gift, so beautiful and rare.
Holding a ceramic baby Jesus with care.
Put Christ back in Christmas is, your prayer.

Gazing upon Bethlehem’s bright star,
Humble shepherds did see from afar.
Hearing Silent Night strummed on a guitar.
Being thankful for blessings and who we are.

“What child is this” was the very next song.
Feeling emotions for a heaven sent throng.
Hoping this Christ like spirit will last long.
“Do you hear what I hear” as they played on.

“Oh come all ye faithful” made the heart swell.
For each song had a meaningful story to tell.
On Christmas day hearing the sound of a bell.
To once again hear the familiar ring so well.

So Merry Christmas to each and everyone,
May your holiday be merry, with more to come.
Take time to remember what the Savior has done.
Knowing our loving God’s, only begotten Son.

Tom Baker 
12/20/2005

Stumbling Blocks & Stepping Stones 

 

The pathway of life,
Is full of stumbling blocks.
Objects that truly look,
Like large sharp rocks.

Or could they be just,
A few stepping stones?
Challenging climbs as we,
Confront daily unknowns.

It makes a real difference,
In the approach we take.
Which just may correct,
Some choices we make.

These paths of life have,
Many forks and curves.
Going in different directions,
Will always test our nerves.

We each have the choice,
Taking the challenges given.
Approaching endless steps,
No matter how we are driven.

Looking just ahead deciding,
Stepping forward each day.
Changing blocks into stones,
Will help us along our way.

 

Tom Baker
2/23/2006

 

Lessons
 
What great lessons can we learn?
From our own earthly sojourn.
Trying to do another good turn.
Greater blessings we will earn.
 
Building character we must prefer.
Along life’s path, obstacles will occur.
The stumbling blocks, we must transfer.
Making stepping stones more secure.
 
Seeking for talents you may find.
Great blessing giving peace of mind.
Helping another through the daily grind.
Being of service, leaving cares behind.
 
Writing words of wisdom we can share.
Letting someone know you truly care.
When times of trouble start to wear.
Giving support, they’ll know your there.
 
Treasured friendships will last forever.
Creating bonds that are hard to sever.
Lifting the load of another, with a lever.
Is truly a Christlike, worthwhile endeavor.
 
Oh what comfort do we want to give.
Deeds of goodness we won’t outlive.
Showing that we know, how to forgive.
Creating memories, for another to relive.
 
Tom Baker
10/31/2005

 

Linking Our Own Generations



Linking our own generations.

Collecting photos of relations.

Marveling at God’s creations.

Leaving worthwhile salutations.

 

Memories displayed thoughtfully.

Part of one’s own family history.

Shared for our loved ones, to see.

Members of a special family tree.

 

What great worth can one truly place.

Looking at a Great Grandparent’s face.

Glad that others are now able to trace.

Wonderful photos from a wood case.

 

Pictures stored in shoe boxes & cans.

Now framed on walls by caring hands.

Or placed on a end table where it stands.

Embraced like a bottle of timeless sands.

 

Cherished remembrances of those you love.

Sharing stories of those who live up above.

Priceless portraits, of those we are fond of.

Placed on a shelf, like a valuable crystal dove.

 

Tattered imprints on paper, scratched and old.

Removed from worn frames, the color of gold.

Sometimes finding photos that have been rolled.

Take time to let these loving memories unfold.

 

Tom Baker

1/5/2006

 

Life’s Treasures

When one considers their gifts,
Looking at life’s many treasures.
Placing true value is difficult,
No matter how one measures.
 
For money and power cannot buy.
These priceless gifts we are given.
In our search for precious things.
No matter where we are driven.
 
God has given each of us gifts,
Which we must find and share.
Taking time to learn and grow,
Showing others that you care.
 
The gift of sharing laughter,
Or the smile that you bring.
Showing with a heart unafraid,
To show your ability to sing.
 
Thanks for taking time to share,
Those great gifts you hold within.
Caring and cheering another on.
With a loving smile, or a grin.
 
There are treasures in life,
But the special owners are few.
Please don’t bury your talents,
God gave especially to you.
 
Tom Baker
1/3/2006

 

Merry Christmas Everyone

Christmas lights and falling snow,
Making snow angels, in a row.
In an archway hangs the mistletoe,
Illuminated tree top, giving off a glow.

Christmas music ringing through the air,
Looking for a gift, so beautiful and rare.
Holding a ceramic baby Jesus with care.
Put Christ back in Christmas is, your prayer.

Gazing upon Bethlehem’s bright star,
Humble shepherds did see from afar.
Hearing Silent Night strummed on a guitar.
Being thankful for blessings and who we are.

“What child is this” was the very next song.
Feeling emotions for a heaven sent throng.
Hoping this Christ like spirit will last long.
“Do you hear what I hear” as they played on.

“Oh come all ye faithful” made the heart swell.
For each song had a meaningful story to tell.
On Christmas day hearing the sound of a bell.
To once again hear the familiar ring so well.

So Merry Christmas to each and everyone,
May your holiday be merry, with more to come.
Take time to remember what the Savior has done.
Knowing our loving God’s, only begotten Son.

Tom Baker  
12/20/2005

 

The Christmas Heart


If wondering where to start,
Searching for the Christmas Heart.
It’s not just a shiny work of art.
Which can be bought in the mart.

Yet it glows like a distant star.
Sometimes seen, both near and far.
Brightness based on who you are.
Great power which one cannot mar.

Radiating kindness, one can sense it’s rays.
 Feeling penetrating heat, of the brightest days.
Changing other lives, without any delays.
Creating direction through our earthly maze.

Cannot be purchased with silver or gold.
More valuable than any wealth untold.
No greater gift does this life hold.
Possessed by both the young and old.

Giving of ourselves in every case.
Cherished and kept in a sacred place.
Creating memories of the Savior’s face.
Heart felt feeling you cannot replace.

The Christmas heart is ours to choose.
Something that you never want to loose.
Bringing forth tiding of good news.
Giving thanks, you replaced another’s blues.

Tom Baker    12/6/2005

 

Christmas Light

Share the special Christmas light
Put Christ in Christmas this year.
With eternal prospective in sight,
Giving of yourself, to those so dear.
 
It’s not the gifts money can buy,
The Christmas spirit has no price.
Monetary items can never justify,
Purchasing things, to show you’re nice.
 
Giving the warmth of a loving hand,
Taking time to stop and listen is an art.
Hearing Christmas carols which are grand.
As wonders of this season, touch your heart.
 
Expressing to others those loving things,
Jesus Christ would have us do and say.
Enjoying the feelings his spirit brings.
Grateful he was born, and gave us Christmas day.
 
Tom Baker
11/14/2005

 

Count Our Many Blessings


Count our many blessings,
Try to name each one.
Always being truly thankful,
For what God has done.

It’s not earthly possessions,
Which signifies our wealth.
But our priceless blessings,
Family, friends and health.

Count our many blessings,
Try to name each one.
Remembering special moments,
Can make life kind of fun.

Looking at true values,
It isn’t hard to see.
Think of things cherished,
Treasures priceless and free.

Count our many blessings,
Try to name each one.
Talents and spiritual gifts,
Given before our life begun.

Having gratitude giving service,
Teaches us how to believe.
Unselfish acts given back to us,
One also learns to receive.

Tom Baker
3/31/2005

 

Worn Soles


The shoes of our hardworking missionaries,
Become worn starting to develop small holes.
As they tract trying to preach the gospel.
Looking for our Savior’s, lost souls.

Traveling in a car or just pedaling their bike.
Willing to freely give two years of their life.
Knocking on many unknown doors each day.
Young fishers of men relieving toil and strife.

Changing companionships from time to time.
Living in several different areas and places.
Heeding the call to serve where directed.
Doing God’s will meeting new faces.

Waking up at 6:30 each and every morning.
Having few choices what they’re going to wear.
Kneeling and praying for a missionary experience.
Giving a Book of Mormon, testimony to share.

They know the worth of a soul is great.
In our Heavenly Father’s eternal sight.
Knowing how great will be their own joy.
Going forward in the work with all their might.

Desiring others to come to the waters of baptism.
Gaining a testimony with a sincere fervent heart.
These wonderful souls taught by the Holy Spirit.
Missionaries grateful for worn soles, doing their part.

Tom Baker
3/7/2005

 

MOVING UP A NOTCH

Try to move up a notch,
As we approach each day.
Things need not be perfect,
Asking for help, as we pray.
 
Perfect 10’s are hard to come by,
Could be counted on one hand.
Taking charge of our own life,
Making forward motion a demand.
 
Remember to move from 5 to 6,
Can make a difference in life.
It’s not the mighty jumps,
That helps manage our strife.
 
It’s the important little baby steps,
Which teaches us, how to grow.
Moving up just one small notch,
Will help us more, than we know.
 
Just think of the great days,
When we make it to an eight.
Starting with a six or seven,
Ending the day without debate.
 
So lets try to move each day.
Up just one notch or two.
Knowing we have made progress,
Small amounts of effort, changes our view.
 
Tom Baker
7/8/2005
                  
My Brother Don’s Parting Words to Us Were:
“Ya’ll Have A Happy Day, What’s Left”

 

Thanksgiving Treasure

 

Watching football and eating pumpkin pie.

Telling tales, of how turkeys try to fly.

Extra helpings of dressing, a slice of bread.

One eats so much food, their ready for bed.

 

 Scoop of potatoes, with a couple of yams.

A slice of turkey, seeing home made jams.

Adding a ladle of gravy, and making another round.

The plate is getting so full, it’s hard to sit back down.

 

Please pass the corn, don’t forget the garden peas.

Find a spot for the Jell-O, be sure to say please.

Take a quick inventory of what you have missed.

Make sure you add them to your second helping list.

 

Be sure to leave room for your very favorite desert.

 Just a little taste of someone’s strawberry sherbet.

Make room for ice cream, on a small piece of apple pie.

So full you take a little walk, and give it another try.

 

Thanksgiving is more than food and getting together.

It’s about building memories that will last forever.

Warm loving hugs and grasping a loving hand.

Letting one know of your love, makes feelings expand.

 

 

Being truly grateful this special giving time of year.

Expressing appreciation to those loved ones dear.

Try sharing a cherished Thanksgiving treasure.

Thoughts of your love, and gratitude beyond measure.

 

Tom Baker

11/4/2005

 

Beyond The Veil

Dear Elder Ammon Gladwell,
Has now set his eternal sail.
To continue missionary work,
Preaching beyond the veil.

His short life on earth created,
Many memories everlasting.
Remember his love and deeds.
Pray for strength through fasting.

May our humble prayers be answered.
Abide with his family this eventide.
With blessed assurance from God.
Knowing Ammon is on the other side.

Those who knew and loved him,
Will remember his willingness to give.
Showing love and friendship to another.
Being a great example, of how to live.

Though the coming days may seem hard.
Missing a loved one and feeling apart.
Using the power of the atonement to provide,
Our Savior’s love calms a troubled heart.

Ammon thou good and faithful servant.
Till we meet again, I want to say.
Reuniting with you my