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