Spiritual Emphasis Corner – August 2026
Faithful in the Waiting
Writen by: Monic Hill
Psalm 130:5 says, “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope” (NIV).
Waiting can feel exciting as we anticipate a positive outcome, or it can create anxiety as we hope for circumstances to change in our favor. Either way, waiting requires the ABCDE approach: Assurance, Belief, Caring, Discipline and Endurance.
Psalm 130:5 beautifully connects each of these qualities to waiting:
• Assurance — “I wait for the Lord” because I have the assurance that God is faithful and will never break his promises.
• Belief — “And in his word I put my hope.” Waiting requires believing that God is working, even when we cannot see it.
• Caring — While we wait on the Lord, we continue to care for and serve others, reflecting God’s love instead of becoming consumed by our own circumstances.
• Discipline — “My whole being waits.” Waiting demands the discipline to remain obedient instead of acting impulsively.
• Endurance — Waiting with our whole being requires perseverance and remaining steadfast until God’s perfect timing is revealed.
This one verse teaches us that waiting is sustained by Assurance, strengthened by Belief, expressed through Caring, guided by Discipline and completed with Endurance.
So go ahead and A-B-C-D-E while you wait!
Nutrition Top Tips – August 2026
Fall Into Flavor: Seasonal Produce to Enjoy This Autumn
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, fall offers a delicious variety of fruits and vegetables that can help fuel your body for school, work, sports, and everyday activities. Eating produce that’s in season often means better flavor, great nutrition, and a chance to support local farmers. Here are a few fall favorites to add to your shopping list:
- Pumpkin: Rich in vitamin A and fiber, pumpkin isn’t just for pie. Stir canned pumpkin into oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, or chili for an easy nutrition boost.
- Sweet Potatoes: Packed with fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C, sweet potatoes make a delicious baked side dish, roasted fries, or addition to soups.
- Beets: These colorful root vegetables provide fiber and nutrients that support heart health. Try them roasted, shredded into salads, or blended into hummus.
- Spaghetti Squash: Looking for a fun pasta alternative? Roast spaghetti squash and top it with marinara sauce, grilled chicken, or your favorite vegetables.
- Kale: Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, kale is perfect in soups, salads, smoothies, or baked into crispy chips.
- Pears: Naturally sweet and high in fiber, pears make an easy grab-and-go snack or a tasty addition to salads and oatmeal.
- Parsnips: Like carrots with a slightly sweeter flavor, parsnips are delicious roasted alongside other root vegetables or blended into soups.
- Okra: High in fiber and vitamins, okra can be roasted, grilled, or added to soups and stir-fries.
- Cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries add bright flavor to salads, trail mix, oatmeal, and whole-grain baked goods.
Simple Ways to Eat More Seasonal Produce
You don’t have to completely change your eating habits to enjoy the benefits of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Start by:
- Adding one extra vegetable to dinner each night.
- Packing a piece of fruit for an afternoon snack.
- Trying one new seasonal produce item each week.
- Visiting a local farmers market with family or friends for inspiration.
Small changes can make a big impact on your health over time. This fall, challenge yourself and your family to “eat the rainbow” by filling your plate with colorful, seasonal produce. You’ll enjoy fresh flavors while giving your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and active all season long.
HRH YMCA Fall Challenge: Pick one new fall fruit or vegetable to try each week and discover a new favorite!
KAITIE DELGADO MS, RD, Sports Dietitian CSSD, LD, ACSM-CPT
Clinical Dietitian, Nutrition & Dietetics, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Nutrition
317-718-8542
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YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Names Colleen Horan Chief Operating Officer
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has appointed Colleen Horan as its next senior vice president of operations and chief operating officer (COO).
A respected YMCA leader with 25 years of experience, Horan has served in leadership roles spanning strategy, operations and organizational development. Most recently, she served as senior vice president and chief strategy officer, leading association-wide strategic initiatives that strengthened operations, fostered innovation and positioned the organization for continued growth.
Throughout her YMCA career, she has helped lead multiple YMCA locations while building collaborative teams and developing future leaders.
“I’m honored to step into the role of chief operating officer and grateful for the trust that’s been placed in me,” said Horan. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the impact the YMCA has on individuals, families and communities. I’m excited to work alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers and community partners as we continue strengthening our organization and delivering exceptional experiences across Central Indiana.”
As chief operating officer, Horan will oversee operations across the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, helping advance the organization’s mission while supporting its vision of creating a healthier, more equitable, more connected community.
“Colleen is a trusted, mission-driven leader who understands both our YMCA and the communities we serve,” said Gregg Hiland, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. “She has helped strengthen our strategy, develop people and build the relationships needed to move our organization forward. She is the right leader to guide our operations as we continue working toward a healthier, more equitable and more connected community.”
Horan’s leadership has helped guide major strategic priorities across the association while strengthening collaboration among teams and improving operational effectiveness. She is widely recognized for her commitment to servant leadership, developing associates and creating environments where people and communities can thrive.
With locations in Indianapolis, Avon, Fishers, Lebanon and Westfield — plus a 240-acre overnight camp and youth development services — the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis strengthens community through programs that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each day, the YMCA empowers individuals and families to learn, grow and thrive by strengthening the whole person — with a vision for a healthier, more equitable, more connected community. As a nonprofit organization, the YMCA ensures access to life-changing opportunities for all, made possible through the generosity of donors and community partners.
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Nutrition Top Tips – July 2026
Late Evening Snacks
The timing of nutrition intake has recently been highlighted in relation to energy balance. Research has shown that food and beverage intake later in the day often includes higher-calorie choices such as baked goods, alcoholic beverages, savory snacks, pizza and sweetened beverages, to name a few.
Evening snacking has been studied and found to be associated with longer eating windows and a higher number of eating occasions per day. If you are looking to improve your late-evening nutrition choices, aim to limit high-sugar, high-fat and high-sodium options by swapping them for low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables.
Aim to distribute nutritional value evenly throughout the day to lessen your risk of overconsuming food or beverages at any one time.
KAITIE DELGADO MS, RD, Sports Dietitian CSSD, LD, ACSM-CPT
Clinical Dietitian, Nutrition & Dietetics, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Nutrition
317-718-8542
Read MoreSpiritual Emphasis Corner – July 2026
Still Counting…
Writen by: James Long
I recently received some free inspiration from a surprising Facebook post. My friend Jack had attended my alma mater a few years ahead of me, where he played basketball, ran cross country and also did some cross-country cycling.
For most of his career, he served his community as a P.E. teacher. His passion to serve spilled out far beyond the classroom, as he had a way of coming alongside people to share faith and encouragement, especially with me.
Nearing retirement age, he began taking seminary classes, and upon retiring from teaching, he entered the pastorate, where he served faithfully at a fledgling country church. Upon stepping down from full-time ministry to spend time with his growing family, he got back in the saddle for a little more cycling.
At one point, I heard he had gone down during a ride due to hydration issues. Then I heard he took a tumble during a hike and tore his left quad. I thought, my friend Jack is finally needing to slow down.
Then… I saw his 80th birthday post. Flanked by his son and a few grandkids, my friend Jack rode 80 miles on his 80th birthday.
There are several life lessons here. Keep up with friendships, old and new; one can never have too much inspiration. Second, keep remembering the ABCs: Adversity Builds Character. And most importantly, keep serving and moving. It’s inspiring.
“As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away… So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:10, 12
Spiritual Emphasis Corner – June 2026
Cast the Net
Writen by: Dennis Couts
I’m a fisherman. I really like to fish. Being out in the fresh air, blue skies and sunshine is the way to spend the day.
This past weekend, I was able to take a trip to the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and fish for beautiful rainbow trout. There is adventure in baiting the hook just right with two PowerBaits and a piece of shrimp, feeling the split shot sinker bouncing along the bottom of the river. Then there is that tug on the end of the line. Bingo. Set the hook, reel him in and put him in the livewell in the boat.
We have a worldly desire to catch fish for our sustenance and enjoyment. Jesus’ disciples were also fishermen. I’ll bet they had great joy in pulling a net full of thrashing fish onto the deck of the boat.
Jesus had taken up residence near Capernaum. One day, he was walking along the seashore on the Sea of Galilee. He saw two brothers fishing: Simon, also called Peter, and his brother Andrew. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Immediately, they left their nets and followed him. He went on from there and saw other brothers in a boat with their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
Immediately, they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Now, they didn’t go to Starbucks or a meeting to discuss what they were going to do next.
No, they went straight away, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing people throughout all Galilee. The Lord has commissioned us to do the same, healing exempted.
I think that we don’t have Jesus’ capabilities, but we can plant a seed as the opportunity presents itself.
Today, I met a retired Indianapolis firefighter. I heard him speaking about his job to another member of the Y while he was pedaling his bike.
Later, while pumping on a step bike, I started a conversation with him. I made two or three statements about the Lord. He had no positive response, no amen, no hallelujah.
So, after a pause, I asked him where he was going to church. He said he was not attending anywhere.
I told him that we had One Fellowship Church right here in the gym on Sunday morning.
He commented that he was unaware of this.
I told him a little about the church and the people going there, and I encouraged him to try it out.
I hope the Holy Spirit will burden his heart to attend.
We have to do the job the Lord has given us: to proclaim his name.
Keep your hook sharp and keep on fishing. To God be the glory.
Nutrition Top Tips – June 2026
Aging and Hydration
Staying active is something to celebrate, and staying hydrated helps you keep moving, feeling strong and recovering well. As we age, our thirst signals become less reliable. Mild dehydration can lead to fatigue and weakness.
Stay hydrated by choosing a variety of fluids, such as water, milk, soups, teas, fruits and vegetables. Be intentional and creative about hydration. It’s about variety, routine and consistency.
Try this fun, simple hydration checklist:
✓ Start your morning with a beverage, such as water, milk or tea.
✓ Drink something with every meal.
✓ Add a hydrating snack, such as fruit, yogurt or veggies.
✓ Sip fluids before activity.
✓ Take small sips during activity.
✓ Rehydrate after activity with water, milk or soup.
✓ Choose variety, such as water, tea, milk or flavored water.
✓ Flavor your fluids to make them enjoyable.
✓ Don’t wait until you feel thirsty.
KAITIE DELGADO MS, RD, Sports Dietitian CSSD, LD, ACSM-CPT
Clinical Dietitian, Nutrition & Dietetics, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Nutrition
317-718-8542
Read MoreSpiritual Emphasis Corner – May 2026
Walking With Purpose
Writen by: Michael S. Johnson
“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:26-27).
A young man named Gordon Wayne had just graduated from a local community college with his associate degree. It was during the height of COVID in 2020. He had been accepted into Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Gordon had been homeless for the last 14 months of junior college, living out of his car. After getting accepted into Boston College, he decided to walk from his home in central Virginia to Chestnut Hill, which was 550 miles, for his first day on campus.
He recorded his journey on Instagram and gained thousands of followers. He also started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the National Alliance to End Homelessness. As Gordon walked the final stretch onto the campus of Boston College, news reporters and crowds of people lined the street. Gordon said in an interview that his walk was not about him. He wanted to bring attention to the issue of homelessness and give people a chance at life. Gordon used his walk to bring attention to something greater than himself.
Before Gordon, John the Baptist had done something similar. John the Baptist wasn’t homeless, but he grew up in the wilderness (Luke 1:80), which could not have been an easy life. A prophecy spoken about John to his parents stated that John was going to be a great preacher one day with the ability to impact many people.
When John began his preaching ministry, he drew a great many people from all over Judea and Jerusalem who left the city to hear him preach in the wilderness, confess their sins and be baptized by him. John had amassed so many followers that one day the Jewish leaders sent people to investigate and find out who he was. They wanted to know if he was the Messiah, Elijah or the Prophet, to which John said “no.”
They asked him one more time, “Who are you?” Quoting from the prophet Isaiah, he said, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, make straight the way for the Lord” (John 1:23). Another group of people who had been sent to investigate asked him, “If you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet,” why are you baptizing? John then said, “I baptize with water but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
You see, this is what John the Baptist and Gordon have in common. John used his walk of life to point to something greater than himself — to one who could give eternal life.
Like Gordon and John, we can use our walk of life to point people to a greater source of life. Throughout our lives, we may have the opportunity to draw people who take interest in what we have the ability to do. We might not be a preacher like John or have great endurance to walk for miles like the college student. Maybe, however, we can sing, dance, write, act, play sports, lead, create, build wealth, give great advice, help, cook, teach, think intellectually or use any number of other talents.
When the time comes, will we walk with purpose? Will we use our talents and skills to point to something or someone greater than ourselves?
Nutrition Top Tips – May 2026
Grow What You Eat
Growing what you eat can help you cultivate a healthier balance, both physically and mentally. There’s a unique sense of pride that comes from harvesting a tomato from your own garden. You created space, provided care and let nature do the rest. That feeling of accomplishment is powerful, and it comes with real health benefits.
Gardening offers far more than fresh produce. Some of the many advantages include:
• Fun and enjoyment for all ages
• Burning stored energy through physical activity
• Great-tasting produce packed with essential nutrients
• Fewer trips to the grocery store
• A hands-on teaching tool for kids and adults alike
• Lower risk of many chronic diseases
Pride is defined as satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements. Growing your own food supports a healthy body and mind, and that’s something worth celebrating. Research consistently shows that eating the right number of vegetables is linked to a lower risk of many chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
The benefits of gardening truly seem endless. Do you have a wellness goal in mind? Is it related to becoming more active, eating better or building healthier habits? Gardening can be a meaningful step toward a healthier lifestyle.
Reserve a ROOT 36 community garden plot for $20 at the front desk.
KAITIE DELGADO MS, RD, Sports Dietitian CSSD, LD, ACSM-CPT
Clinical Dietitian, Nutrition & Dietetics, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Nutrition
317-718-8542
Read MoreYMCA of Greater Indianapolis Announces New Board Members and Thanks Outgoing Leaders
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is proud to welcome new members to its Board of Directors and thank those who are completing their service.
These leaders play an important role in helping the Y serve the community. They guide the organization’s mission to support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility across Central Indiana.
The new board members bring a wide range of skills, experiences and a shared passion for making a difference. Their leadership will help the YMCA continue to grow and reach more people in need.
New YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Board Members:
- Allison Barber, PhD
- Jenni Browning
- Rafael Cecilia
- Stephen Corbitt
- Travis Darden
- Blake Huddleston
- Anna Milligan
- John Roach
- Bart York
The YMCA also thanks its outgoing board members for their time, leadership and dedication. Their work has helped strengthen programs, expand access and improve lives throughout the community.
Outgoing YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Board Members:
- Adam Broderick
- Andrew Buroker
- Tom Denari
- Craig Fenneman
- Doug Gettelfinger
- Jill Hall
- Jeffrey Harrison
- John Merrill
- Deborah Oatts
- Cheryl Watson
“Our strength comes from leaders who care deeply about the community,” said Gregg Hiland, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. “Our board members guide our work and ensure we are creating opportunities for all. We are thankful for the service of our outgoing members and excited to welcome new leaders who will help guide us as we move toward building a healthier, more equitable, more connected community.”
The YMCA’s Board of Directors helps set direction, provide oversight and build strong community partnerships. Board members also serve as champions for the Y’s mission and values.
INSERT JOE’S QUOTE
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis remains focused on helping people learn, grow and thrive. With the support of its board, the Y will continue to provide programs and services that make a lasting impact.
Our community is stronger when we show up for one another. Volunteer with the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis and build a healthier, more connected future for all.
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