APRIL/MAY 2018
Mesmerizing ★ Memorable ★ Music Master
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50 & Fabulous
Aging is your mindset and so many of us just need a change in our thinking. page 11
Dr. Josh Axe
5 Ways Collagen Boosts Health
page 13
Staycation Tips 8 Tips to have a memorable “vacation” right at home Lifestyles50+ / A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 8
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615.298.9201 Schedule a FREE Consultation CaregiversByWholecare.com
What is WholeCare? TECHNOLOGY & CAREGIVING
A continuum of care that offers the right service at the right time for the whole person - body, mind and spirit. TRANSPORTATION & CARE MANAGEMENT
Powerful, Easy to Use
wellness system that provides unmatched nutrition for optimal health. It consists of three key products that are taken throughout the day, working together to bring you key nutrients.
find out more at
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CONTENT
911 SILKWOOD CIRCLE NASHVILLE, TN 37221
MIDDLE TENNESSEE 615.571.7437 lifestyles50.com
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Gary Morris
ACM & CMA award winning and 1982 Billboard’s Male Artist of the Year.
MEET THE STAFF
FEATURES
Publishers Greg Bounds Garret Epps
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Over 50 and Fabulous & Significant after 60
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5 Ways Collagen Boosts Health
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Transitional Care Ensures Post Facility Recovery at Home
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Get-Well Song to My Friend Merle Haggard
Lifestyles 50+ Plus is published bi-monthly. Copyright 2017 by Lifestyles 50+ Plus. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the written, expressed consent of the publisher. Reproduction of editorial content or graphics in any manner or in any medium is prohibited. Opinions of staff and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Contact the publishers of Lifestyles 50+ Plus via e-mail at info@lifestyles50.com, or call 615571-7437. Letters to the editor are welcome–send signed letters to: Lifestyles 50+ 911 Silkwood Circle Nashville, TN 37221. Please include a phone number for verifi cation (or it will not be published). E-mail letters to info@lifestyles50. com. The Editor reserves the right to edit for length, style and spelling.
Editor Robert Epps
Designer Jorge Barbery Contributing Writers Dr. Josh Axe Elizabeth Moss Teresa Epps Mary Bounds Benny Proffitt
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Robert Epps
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HEALTH & WELL BEING
over 50 and Fabulous & How to be
Significant
after 60 A
By Teresa Epps
re you as excited as I am that so many health experts are saying that 50 is the new 40 and 60 is the new 50? I know I am! I believe so much of aging is your mindset and many of us just need a change in our thinking. Author Mel Robbins posed the question, how old would you be if you didn’t know your age? Talk about an ah ha moment for me and hopefully for you too! This should be a reminder that you are in control of what you think, what you eat, what activity you choose to do or choose not to do. You need to start being more intentional about how you live your life and live it less out of habit. In order to age well and stay healthy you must be intentional about it. What’s the incentive to develop a positive mindset and to pursue self-improvement after 50? You should be motivated by the sheer fact that evidence supports that we absolutely can enhance and sustain a higher quality of health, energy and a higher quality of life if we make certain changes in our life. This means eliminating unhealthy habits and cultivating a lifestyle of personal development. The payoff is huge! Better more vibrant health, energy, negative thinking will be less and be replaced with a more positive attitude. When you are intentional about personal development you can’t help but start taking better care of yourself in all areas of your life. When you make healthier food choices and start getting up and moving, the weight will come down and you will have fewer health problems. Don’t give up on any dreams that you have not yet fulfilled in your life either, there’s still a lot left in you. Over 60 and possibly retired doesn’t mean you can’t make a significant difference in your life as well as the lives around you. The last part of any game is when you turn up the volume so you can win the game. It’s not different in the game of life. This game is more important and more impactful!
Think about it, there isn’t a downside to working out, eating healthy, and personal development. In order to stay strong, healthy and vibrant, you must be doing these things throughout your life. Weight loss, clean healthy eating, and exercise cannot be something you do occasionally. They need to become a part of your lifestyle. You must make them a habit. It’s like brushing your teeth, you can’t do it when you feel like it or you’ll lose your teeth. I once heard my dentist say that patients were always asking him if it was that important to floss all of your teeth, his reply was only floss the ones you want to keep. No, you are not too old or too far gone. I don’t care what your circumstances are. You have two choices. (1) Spend your time sitting in front of a television and let your physical and mental self get weaker or (2) get up and start a self development program and be done with any thoughts that you can’t or that the exercise is too hard and you don’t enjoy it. I can assure you that you aren’t going to enjoy getting weaker and sick either. Most people over 50 admit that they consider themselves old and don’t take care of their self the way they should and certainly are not doing much for personal development, if anything. After 50 can be the best half of your life. It’s a matter of choice and committing to becoming a student of personal development and being intentional about being better today than you were yesterday. I’m not saying any of us can ever look like we did when we were in our 30’s but you can be an impressive looking 50 or 60+. Anyone in their 30’s can look decent with little effort but when an older person looks fit and they carry themselves with confidence it’s not only attractive and impressive and saying to the next generation that you can do this too! Be sure to pick up the next issue of Lifestyles 50+ for my 3 step personal development plan. LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! TeresaEpps@comcast.net
“In order to age well and stay healthy you must be intentional about it.”
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Live Life To The Fullest Trish Gomez RD, CPT Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist C e r t i f i e d P e r s o n a l Tr a i n e r Corrective Exercise Specialist
Nutrition and exercise plans for I m p r o v e d m o b i l i t y, b a l a n c e , s t r e n g t h , a n d s t a m i n a R e n e w e d e n e r g y, v i t a l i t y, a n d e n d u r a n c e (615) 476-5227 trish@trishgomez.com call to set up a free phone consultation Lifestyles50+ / A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 8
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HEALTH & WELL BEING
Transitional Care Ensures Post-Facility Recovery at Home By Elizabeth Moss, Caregivers by WholeCare
A
fter surgery or a lengthy skilled nursing facility stay, most patients want to recover in the comfort of his or her own home and sleep in their own bed at night. If you’re elderly or live alone, how can you plan for a successful transition back home after surgery and be set-up for success in your recovery? According to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, elderly patients (ages 65 and older) are at least 54 percent more likely to be readmitted to the hospital after surgery than younger patients. This is problematic and a very expensive outcome for patients and payers. A study by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission found that up to three-quarters of hospital readmissions within 30-days may have been avoidable. Furthermore, 30-day readmissions account for $15 billion in annual health care spending. Caregivers by WholeCare, a non-medical home health company offering continuum of care services, has launched a new range of services called Care Management for facility-to- home transitions to reduce the risk of 6
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hospital readmission. WholeCare Transitional Care Services assists clients to successfully transition from a facility back to their home safely and efficiently post-surgery or facility stay. The company also launched WholeCare Medication Management Services program to ensure individuals receive the best therapeutic benefit from their prescriptions and take the proper dosage. The Transitional Care Services program is designed to ensure individuals recuperating from illness or injury are able to heal at home and remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. The package includes a comprehensive safety assessment and report on the status of the home before the patient is released. The report may have recommendations for modifications that need to be made to support the patient’s recovery. In addition, a WholeCare staff member reviews discharge and home health instructions, confirms follow-up doctor’s appointments, and communicates instructions with the family. The Medication Management Services provide medication set-up and reminders by a WholeCare nurse using appropriate equipment or technology to safeguard the patient receives the right medications at the right dose and at the right time. A successful post-surgery recovery at home begins with proper planning to provide a range of support for elderly or disabled patients to heal safely at home and remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Elizabeth Moss is Founder and Chief Care Officer, Caregivers by WholeCare, a locally ownedand operated in-home care provider. For more than 20 years, families in Middle Tennesseetrust WholeCare to provide compassionate care for their loved ones. Learn more at caregiversbywholecare.com
Facility-to-Home Transitional Care & Medication Management
facility-to-home support
Transitioning from facility to home can be difficult. Caregivers by WholeCare offers a range of comprehensive services to ensure patients transition safely and easily.
How it Works
Transitional Care Services ~ from facility to home This program is designed to help patients transition from a facility back to their home safely and efficiently – bringing peace of mind to the patient and their family. Medication Management Services ~ at home This program is designed to support those individuals who are at risk for over medicating, which is a common reason for hospital readmissions. www.caregiversbywholecare.com Call for details: 615.298.9201
New Vaccine Endorsed for Age 50+
By Mary Bounds
H
eard about the new Shingles vaccination (Shingrix) and how it can benefit those age 50 and beyond? For the first time Americans as young as age 50 fall into the target population for the shingles vaccine. Just what does that mean? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made news recently with their recommendation for the newly hailed, improved vaccination for shingles prevention. The agency also lowered the previous longtime threshold of age 60, endorsing the vaccine for healthy adults age 50 or older. Most adults have heard of shingles, yet many are unaware of its symptoms or their risk. Basically, shingles is an acutely painful rash with blisters usually developing on the face or torso. The blistered rash tends to scab over in 7 to 10 days, but the severe pain can remain for up to four weeks or longer. Shingles is sometimes referred to as the “encore of chicken pox”since it is caused by the latent chicken pox virus (varicella zoster.) Because the chicken pox virus can lay dormant for decades, many people do not realize they are at risk. The new vaccine, which has shown to be more than 90% effective in preventing shingles, consists of two intramuscular injections administered six months apart. The CDC advises healthy adults ages 50 and over receive the new “shingles shot,” even if they aren’t sure they ever had chicken pox. Plus, anyone who already received the older, less beneficial shingles vaccine, may still be eligible to get the newer, more effective product. Hopefully, now that new lower age recommendations are in place, health insurance coverage will soon follow. Most importantly, anyone age 50 and older should discuss the new shingles vaccine and and potential side effects with their health care provider. While most are candidates to receive the vaccination, it is not recommended for those with compromised immune systems.
“Reportedly, one-third Americans ages 50-59 contract shingles at a rate of five cases per 1,000.”
Charting the Course - Securing the Future
E LDER L AW AND L IFE C ARE P LANNING W ILLS , T RUSTS AND E STATES M EDICAID AND VA P LANNING
Information and guidance on both shingle vaccine types in adults were published online in the January 26 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Jonh Burns
Franklin Office 219 3rd Ave N #2000 Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: (615) 630-0122
Nashville Office 1900 Church Street #331 Nashville, TN 37203 Phone: (615) 630-0122
Lifestyles50+ / A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 8
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ACM & CMA Award Winning
By Marelia Rocasco
Photo Gomez 8 byAMichael P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 8 / Lifestyles50+
Someone once remarked that the power behind an orchestra begins with how well the instruments are united. It starts at the first note that all the instruments tune to. As the piano sounds the tuning note, the musicians lift their stringed instruments, sliding them just above or below that clarion call, until all align. Amid the dissonance, the strings search for consummation— many instruments, ultimately sounding one shared note. They’ll never reach harmony if they listen to each other. But one by one, focusing on that call note, as the striving turns to synchrony, the cacophony turns to calm. Like a butterfly about to alight, each musician attempts to land his instrument’s own sound until all settle in unison.
G
To what does he attribute his success? ary Morris’s early exposure to music “I believe it is your motive—for me, it was struck a deep note early in life, and not to be a star, but to sing my music.” This since that time, the singer-songwritphilosophy freed him from the blinding er’s music has sounded a true note that draws and deceptive path of disconnecting his timeless appreciation as audiences enter in music from who he was and pursuing only and share his creations. self-promotion, which ultimately kept him Yet with all that talent and demonstrated out of trouble. He learned to sing in a success, he is entirely unimpressed with Southern Baptist church, joining his uncle himself. Likely due to an unpretentious in the choir at the age of 4. He wanted to upbringing, Gary found his greatest pleasure emulate his music director, Buddy Burton. in being outdoors. “I’m an outdoor guy” Their strict, alcohol-free home (shared by he responds when asked where he gets his a brother and twin sister) was the last one inspiration. “I love to hunt and fish and be Gary with former president George H. W. Bush and former First Lady Barbera Bush. in the development, furthest away from the connected with nature” he owns, which he rest of the houses, and closest to the woods still pursues today on his Colorado ranch and plains. “I hunted field mice and rabbits with a bow and arrow and (1mile of the best fly fishing in the lower 48”), or anywhere he is caught crawfish for bait. My twin sister was the one that got the music invited. With his sturdy muscular build and rugged features showing lessons.” His dad picked cotton as a boy. Gary mowed yards and got a the wear of the sun, it’s easy to connect that description. In contrast, paper route, so he could buy his own clothes. “I learned early about the he doesn’t have the hands of someone who’s played 4 sports since haves and have-nots, so my friends were the smarter kids, not just the childhood and spent much time outdoors. It’s almost as if those hands slicker ones.” Hence, he wasn’t invited out to drink beer with his high have been reserved and preserved to one day deliver his music as far school buddies, nor did he want the harder stuff offered to him at his up as the White House, where then-president Jimmy Carter introduced Gary as “my favorite musician.” continue on page 10 Lifestyles50+ / A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 8
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continued from page 9
first concert. He is grateful for his choices, having seen too many gifted musicians taken out by drink and drugs. Characteristically honest, Gary points out that it wasn’t only what was coming at him from the outside that strongly influenced him, but also being self-aware: “I have a compulsive personality—I knew to stay away.” Another powerful, but maybe less obvious influence came by way of those several coaches who mentored him and whom he did not want to disappoint. “Morris, you’re doggin it” they would warn, running behind him in practice. It pushed him to be better. They provided powerful and positive support, intended to do him good--something each young person can’t do well without. What has impressed Gary? What he calls one of his “ultimate cool” experiences—singing for the Queen. Because Gary had done some petitioning work on behalf of Carter, he got a call from Jody Powell. “Can you get to Asheville by Friday? We’d like to hear you sing.” Packing his old Chevy and his trio they went there for $500 and sang Old Dixie at a Democratic rally prior to Carter’s nomination (“I didn’t realize that the house was black and white—good thing it ended in thundering applause”) he was called by Ladybird Johnson and asked if he could sing at the LBJ library at a luncheon for the Queen. Afterwards, the Queen’s personal assistant tapped Gary on the shoulder—“the Queen would like to speak with you”.
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The Queen said, “I just wanted to see that face up close.” She expressed her sincere appreciation for his songs. Gary said he would love to see what she was doing with those horses of hers in Kentucky. Her attending staff aghast, the what-you-see-is-what-you-get singer was just being himself as he gave her a hug, breaking protocol at every level. Though like many young people, he didn’t fully appreciate his parents until he was older, two of his most special memories are about them. Concerning his dad, Gary remembers his dad spoke about sitting around the radio when he was a child and listening to the Grand Ole Opry. He was so thrilled the first night he himself was singing there, but not because he was on stage; rather, because he knew his dad was right there listening at home. Concerning his mom, one of his most prized possessions is the detailed diary she left behind after her death. When Gary was asked to give a commencement speech, he realized that he had used some of her phrases she had written a life time before. At one point in his career, Gary was urged until he agreed to do a short stint in opera. His take? Instead of being impressed that his voice was good enough to do opera he replied: “I’ve seen two operas in my life—they were the ones I was in.” For the Grammy winning ‘Les Misérables Complete Symphonic Recording’ he was flown to London and sang everyone’s role for the conductor to solidify the tempos and help create a masterpiece. Gary is writing more than ever now, and in characteristic forward-looking manner, says his favorite song is the one he just finished. He remarks that there is something lost in much of today’s music, which Gary calls “chatter with sound effects”. He wants to still sing and write, giving the audiences the chance to pick what they like to hear. “I sing pretty good,” he understates, and looks forward to playing performing art centers and theatres. Someone once said, “The truer you are to yourself, the greater your gifts will manifest themselves.” Gary’s gifts will continue to manifest themselves as he moves into this current season of life. Were the musicians in an orchestra to tune against each other’s instruments, it would be chaos. A great musician becomes great by using his instrument and/or voice as a vehicle for his reflections about what he sees and who he is. Gary has not until now, and never will, set himself against others. Rather, he values his own memories and those moments in his personal relationships that still give him pause. A deeply thoughtful person, Gary has the ability to anchor the moment, as he reflects his experiences through song. He not only can capture us with lyric—we are also held by that stunning tenor that irresistibly draws and unites us into the authenticity of his music and person. ■
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HEALTH & WELL BEING
SURPRISING WAYS COLLAGEN BOOSTS HEALTH
Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS
o matter your age, collagen is critically important for overall health because it’s found nearly everywhere inside the body—it’s in muscles, teeth, skin, cartilage, joints, blood vessels, and bones. Given its widespread benefits, it’s not surprising that there’s been a recent explosion in collagen’s popularity, especially “multi collagen” products that provide several different collagen types, with each providing unique benefits. Here’s a cold, hard fact about collagen: Starting in our mid-thirties we begin to produce and retain less collagen, and that process only accelerates as we get older. Since collagen acts like a building material for our bodies, getting and retaining enough makes helps our bodies to repair damaged tissue and maintain our strength, resiliency, and flexibility. But without supplementation, it becomes more and more difficult to retain an adequate supply as we age. Still unsure whether you should try a collagen supplement yourself? Following are five surprising health benefits associated with higher collagen intake:
1 Improved Digestive/Gut Health—Collagen, especially types 1 and 4, is one of the best supplements for repairing the lining of the GI tract, which may help decrease digestive symptoms and immune-related conditions such as leaky gut syndrome. 2 More Upbeat Moods & Energy—Certain amino acids that form collagen, especially glycine, have been shown to help promote restful sleep, help with blood sugar balance, and support the central nervous system in a way that protects against anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. 3 Improved Recovery from Workouts—Glycine and other amino acids that form collagen are helpful for boosting the metabolism, building muscle mass, repairing damaged connective tissue due to exercise, maintaining nitrogen balance, and supporting a higher energy output. 4 Improved Heart Health—Type 3 collagen, and particularly the amino acid proline, helps with many functions of the cardiovascular system, such as preventing fat from accumulating in the bloodstream, forming blood vessels/arteries, controlling blood pressure, and reducing arteriosclerosis risk. Collagen can also help reduce inflammation by improving the body’s use of antioxidants and supporting phase II liver detoxification. 5 Protection Against Bone Loss—Type 10 collagen helps with new bone formation and forming articular cartilage, the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of bones where they come together to form joints. Collagen is also beneficial for bone fracture healing and repairing of synovial joints
WHY IS COLLAGEN IMPORTANT? If you’re looking to boost your collagen intake, Dr. Axe Multi-Collagen Protein powder could be just what you’re looking for. Most collagens on the market feature only one source of collagen, but Dr. Axe Multi Collagen Protein features five collagen types from four different sources! Dr. Axe Multi Collagen Protein includes hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, chicken bone broth collagen concentrate, hydrolyzed fish collagen peptides and eggshell membrane collagen, featuring collagen Type I, II, III, V and X. Odorless, tasteless and easy-to-mix Dr. Axe Multi Collagen Protein can be added to a wide variety of healthy foods and beverages. DR. JOSH AXE, Founder
PROMOTE HEALTHY SKIN† | SUPPORT HEALTHY DIGESTIVE FUNCTION† | SUPPORT HEALTHY JOINTS† †
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Lifestyles50+ / A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 8
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SCIENCE & MEDICINE
O
Surgical technology drives better patient outcomes, shorter hospital stays
ver the last decade, there has been a big shift in the surgical world toward more minimally invasive procedures. Making large incisions to do many surgical procedures just isn’t the norm anymore. Surgeons today can make an incision that’s less than an inch instead of a five-to-seven-inch incision like we used to do. By making a smaller incision, a lot less muscle gets cut, which drastically reduces healing time and complications post-surgery. Additionally, the benefits to the patient are not only a more productive surgical procedure, but also less risk of infection, decreased post-operative pain and shorter hospital stays as a result. What is driving that ability to be less invasive is new technology ranging from advances in digital imaging to improvements in laparoscopic surgeries and robotic procedures, and you might be surprised at how much of this cutting-edge technology is being used right here at Williamson Medical Center. But don’t let the advancement of technology fool you. It’s the surgeon in every single case performing the surgery. We have much better tools than we did 20 years ago. When patients hear about things such as the “robot” they can assume that procedures are automated, but that’s not the case at all. Williamson Medical Center’s robotic technology, for example, in knee and hip replacements increases the surgeon’s precision and enables the replacement to more accurately replicate a person’s natural joint structure.
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Michael McNamara, M.D.
Orthopaedic surgeon Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee
New technology also allows us to dramatically shorten recovery times and length of stay in the hospital. We have even been able to move some surgeries to outpatient procedures. Not too long ago a particular surgery might have had you down and out for three weeks, whereas now you are walking out of the hospital the same day. We understand that people can be very apprehensive about surgery. It can be scary. But one thing we take pride in here is that our surgeons only perform surgery when absolutely necessary. I think people should always ask if it’s necessary and if there are any other options. But I can say that our surgeons at the Institute are conservative and will only do surgery when it’s appropriate. There will always be an element of risk associated with a surgery, but people should understand that the staff here works diligently to minimize as much risk as possible. It’s the main focus of everyone in that operating room. We are at a point where we are moving towards the future of orthopaedic surgical care. The talent of our surgeons combined with state-of-the art technology is what is bringing patients here. People are driving by other hospitals to come here because of the quality and breadth of the care. Michael McNamara, M.D., is an orthopaedic and spinal surgeon with the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee. He is also the chief of surgery for Williamson Medical Center. His office can be reached by calling 615-791-2630.
Stay-cation TRAVEL & DESTINATION
PLANNING A PERFECT By Mary Bounds
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eed to unwind but don’t have the time or finances for a full-fledged vacation? Many older adults are finding entertainment and leisure are closer than you might think. In fact, they’re discovering adventure in their own backyard by staying at home and experiencing their own personal “Stay-cation!” Not to put a damper on the vacation industry, but everyone can’t spend a month or a small fortune exploring Europe. Sometimes the time allotted is a week (or weekend), and the budget is humble. But that’s not to say dreams of fun and relaxation have to be shattered. With some imagination and planning, a simple stay-cation can be more than you ever dreamed. When preparing for a successful holiday at home, consider these pointers to make it meaningful and memorable!
nplug those devices. No sense in U planning a stay-cation if you’re spending time on the phone or watching television. Remember, you’re supposed to be having fun, so focus on the itinerary and only check messages at designated times. hoto-op. Take plenty of pictures to P celebrate each day. A small photo album will be fun to create and nice to look back on for years to come. avor the spa. Nothing is more soothS ing than a day at the spa with personalized services. So go ahead and schedule your indulgence. Perhaps a couple’s massage or mani and pedi will fill the bill. It’s time to be pampered and relax. Delectable dinners. Many adults say their favorite part of vacation is trying new cuisines. So try them! Make reservations at that new Mediterranean restaurant or drop in for lunch at the Asian cafe. Order something you’ve never eaten before; enjoy the unknown! ake a tour. Yes, the kind tourists take. T Chances are you haven’t taken tours in your hometown or nearby. You’ll be surprised what you learn about your own locale. Personal Picnic. Plan a picnic at the beach, a park or inside a barn. Pack your favorite beverage along with choice cheeses, nuts and fruit. Don’t forget the blanket. ovie Madness. No stay-cation is M complete without a movie (or two.) Whether you rent one for home viewing or go to the theater, the choice is yours. Just make sure the plot is exciting and there’s plenty of popcorn! Selective Splurge. Choose one extra-special event to enjoy. Overnight at a Bed and Breakfast, an evening dinner cruise or concert tickets can turn a simple stay-cation into a cherished memory. Lifestyles50+ / A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 8
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
GET-WELL SONG TO MY FRIEND …
MERLE HAGGARD
Bobby John Henry, known in Nashville as “The Baker of Music Row” is a singer, musician, businessman and prolific songwriter. He has over half a century in the music industry and an impressive catalog of songs. He is a man of many interests who has stepped in and out of the industry to pursue many other goals. Now, at 81 years old he is jumping back into the music business. He wrote a get-well song for his friend Merle Haggard back in 2015 called Fishin’ With Merle. He made an iPhone video and sent it to Merle before he passed away. A new version of that song will be released in the next few months. Bobby says: “The first version of “Fishin’ with Merle/ Praying for Merle” was originally intended just as a get-well song and fan letter to my friend and one of my hero’s Merle Haggard, who had been having serious health problems for a couple years. Summertime in Bakersfield always centered around that fun, but dangerous Kern River. Our friends Oscar Whittington, a great fiddle player had a club called Democrat Hot Springs, and we spent a lot of time sitting in with the bands and having fun on the Kern. When I was off the road I’d play shows at the Inn and we rehearsed every night after work. Merle would come in late and practice playing that fiddle with my band. Looking back, I realized I never really told him how great he was and what an influence he’d been in my life. I spent the best part of a 14
A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 8 / Lifestyles50+
year writing this song about Merle and fishing in those roaring waters of the Kern, sitting on a river bank talking music to the man. Ironically, Merle spent that same year writing his last song “The Kern River Blues”, a song about the Kern River being dry which was one of the reasons he left Bakersfield. I recorded this song at Jay’s Place on Music Row on April 6th, 2016. As we finished, it
came over the news that the Corp of Engineers in California had released the water from Lake Isabella and the Kern River was roaring wild again down the canyon to Bakersfield. Ten minutes later it came on the radio that Merle Haggard had passed away. It was surreal. All of us were stunned. It took me a month to get my bearings. I began to think how my dream of fishing with Merle was a metaphor. There are thousands of young singers and writers that were influenced by this man’s extraordinary grasp of the human condition. He also had the magic to touch us with his fantastic voice and musicianship. It took me over a year to rewrite the song, and now I’m still here wishing, I was fishing with Merle...”
You can listen to the song here: http://bobbyjohnhenry.com/
I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS
T
By Benny Proffitt, First Priority Global
he world is full of people who identify themselves as Christians. Jesus followers! Christ Disciples! People who have chosen to believe in Jesus. They view the creation of this world, the purpose of life and their eternal destiny through the person, the teachings, and the works of Jesus Christ. As Jesus followers we use the term Christ-like as a model for the way we should live. Through the next few editions we are going to take a serious look at what it means to be really like Jesus. In the Gospel of Luke 6:40 Jesus said, “A disciple is not greater than his teacher but when he is fully trained he is exactly like his teacher.” So being like Jesus is foundational to the teachings of Jesus and to the purposes of God. In Genesis 1: 26-27 God says, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness.” So God intentionally created man to be like Himself and His Son. When He spoke of man, he spoke of mankind including women. He referred to the creation of man as, male and female, He created them. What does it look like for a man or woman to be like God? Jesus showed us through His teaching and the way He lived exactly what it looks like for man, to be like God.
The apostle Paul said in Colossians 1:15 that Jesus was the visible image of the invisible God. In verse 19 Paul said that it pleased God that He was fully revealed in Jesus. The angel told Mary, recorded in Matthew 1:23 that her child would be called Immanuel, meaning “God with Us.” Jesus said in John 1:18 He came to make God known to us and in John 14: 9 Jesus told His disciples, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father,” referring to God, His father. Being like Jesus is being like God. Man is the only part of God’s creation that He made to be like Himself. He created us to hold the highest place in His creation, His image bearers. He created us to share a special relationship with Himself as family, His children. The relationship that God desires is revealed in the relationship between a Loving Father and His obedient children. In Ephesians 5:1 Paul tells us to be Imitators of God as His dear children. Stay tuned for more about…. I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS!
Lifestyles50+ / A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 8
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