It was obvious that Baker had taken what would be a devastating blow to anyone, and had made it a pivotal point from which he grew and expanded his horizons.

Baker--married with three children and working for a family dairy delivering milk when he lost his sight--described himself in high school as "a member of that one third of the class that made the top two thirds look good."

Taking advantage of a scholarship offered to persons with sight disabilities, Baker entered Indiana University and received a bachelor degree, ranking fifth in a class of 780. He received the Presidential Achievement Award, and went on to earn his master and doctor of business administration degrees.

A university professor for 10 years, Baker formed his own company, Time Management Center, Inc. in St. Louis. He now presents time management seminars internationally. His company produces more than 60 publications on time management and related subjects.

He believes everyone has some disability, some lack of ability to do something that they need to do.

"The most severe disability I have ever encountered," he says, "are people who are paralyzed from the neck up--people who are not coping with changes, in ideas and concepts. We make progress by our willingness to make changes."

Baker learned to ski after the age of 45 and urges others not to let people set limits for them.

"Nobody has ever gone broke giving more than they receive," Baker says. "Have faith in God, your family, friends, and last, but not least, have faith in yourself. Set your objectives and pay the price."

That's a good word for all those with connections in high places. How could anyone ever put limits on us? We are connected to God through Jesus. We are His branches.

Ron Newhouse