Preparing for my trip to San Diego last week, I was at a loss. No matter what or who came to mind Biblically, I couldn't avoid one daunting question: Who am I? I've had the honor of speaking to churches, expos, conventions, colleges, but this was different. The crumbled up sheets of paper around my wastepaper basket were evidence that I was struggling with what I was going to say. As it turns out, the question I couldn't seem to ignore was the right one. Who am I?...I asked each sweet room. Who am I to be invited to stand in your presence? And that wasn't simply a man's attempt at showing respect - even though I hope it came across that way - but there was so much wisdom and experience across the Covenant Village campus, I literally felt appropriately inappropriate. But alas, I answered my own question by saying to them that I hope I'm an encouragement. I'm simply here to applaud. Who am I? I'm following your lead.

There were three populations I was able to spend time with while I was there. The independent living, assisted living and then those with special needs and 24-hour care. Some chapel services, group exercise classes, one-one-one discussions. Suffice it to say that I didn't get through any of the events without losing my wits. Well, with the exception of the smoothie demo. No tears there. Just delicious ingredients and happy tummies. Here's a shot I took as the crowd started arriving. Four smoothie recipes, all hits. (Especially the "Jimmy Special.")

But a moment that occurred later that day served as a thunderous downbeat of the drum for me; like that part in a movie where the underdog realizes what he has to do. During a group walk across the beautiful campus, I was spending a few moments walking with certain folks, then I'd slow down or speed up to talk to others. And as I came up behind one couple of friends (both over 90 years old) I overheard one sincerely say to the other, "Whew, I gotta get back into shape." Oh my soul. Tell me the old, old story. This is me applauding. This is me, following your lead. Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Ever been in a situation where you just didn't know what to say and the Lord just gives you the right words? I want to thank all of you for praying for me. What a time. It's never too late to make an impact. I know because the impact made was on me. Tomorrow I'll introduce you to somebody pretty cool. His name is Jim. My buddy. I loved him right away. We were fast friends.

The Jimmy Special Smoothie: The big hit of the smoothie demo I mentioned was my personal shake; the one I hit twice a day. Here's the recipe. And any blender will do but I happen to use a Nutribullet. If you try it, let me know what you think. Ingredients 1.5 cups fresh spinach 1 tablespoon flax seed 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter Mixed fruit (banana, strawberry, mango) 2 cups coconut water 1 scoop soy protein (feel free to use your WHEY protein if need be.) 1 cup cold water

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