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The King & the Cross - Matthew 26:47-68: We spend our lives chasing control - power, leverage, the ability to protect ourselves. Then we meet Jesus in chains. In Matthew 26:47–68, the most powerful man who ever lived is betrayed with a kiss, arrested without resistance, tried unjustly, mocked and spat on. And yet, He is not a victim. He is a volunteer. Jesus refuses the sword, entrusts His reputation to the Father and absorbs humiliation to bring freedom to others. This is the upside-down power of the kingdom: strength through surrender, victory through humility, life through the cross. Come explore the Humiliated King - and the freedom He offers.Join us in person and online at 9 or 11am. Bring a friend!
The King & the Cross - Matthew 26:31–46: When life gets heavy, we tend to do one of two things: stumble in disappointment or drift into spiritual sleep. In Matthew 26:31–46, Jesus faces betrayal, fear, and crushing pressure—and shows us a better way. Not grit. Not bravado. But surrender. In the garden, Jesus meets weakness with prayer, suffering with obedience, and fear with trust in the Father. This is a story for anyone tired of holding it together and wondering where strength actually comes from. Join us this Sunday as we explore scandal, slumber, and the freedom found in surrender.Join us in person and online at 9 or 11am—bring a friend!
Well hello there, neighbors. Fred Talley here with Faith Pest Control. If you're reading this, chances are you just walked into your kitchen to make a cup of coffee and found a black ribbon of ants marching across your granite countertops like they own the place. Believe me, I know that “sinking feeling” in your gut when you realize your home has been breached. Up here in Jasper—from the Foothills to Big Canoe—we deal with everything from tiny little Odorous House Ants (those are the ones that smell like rotten coconuts when you squish ’em) to the big, wood-destroying Carpenter Ants. Before you go grabbing that can of yellow spray from the hardware store, let's talk about how to handle this the right way. 1. Identify the Target Not all ants are created equal. If you see big, beefy black ants hanging out near windowsills or damp wood, you might have a Carpenter Ant issue, which can actually hurt the structure of your home. If they're teeny-tiny and heading straight for the sugar bowl, they're likely just looking for a snack. Knowing who you're fighting helps us know how to win. 2. Resist the Urge to Spray This is the hardest piece of advice to follow. When you see ants, you want them dead now. But if you use a “repellent” spray (the kind that kills on contact), you might actually make the problem worse. Many ants, especially Fire Ants or Argentine Ants, react to sprays by “budding.” They sense the danger, panic, and the colony splits into three or four new colonies to survive. You might kill fifty ants today, but you’ve just guaranteed five hundred more next week. 3. The “Clean and Clear” Method While you wait for professional help, do these three things: Wipe the trails: Ants leave behind invisible “scent trails” (pheromones) so their buddies can follow them. Use soapy water or a vinegar solution to wipe down the area and break the trail. Dry it up: Ants aren’t just hungry; they're thirsty. Fix that leaky faucet and wipe the condensation off the bottom of the fridge. Seal the snacks: Put the cereal in Tupperware and make sure the pet food isn’t sitting out overnight. 4. Look Outside the Box (Literally) Most ant problems in Georgia start outside. Take a walk around your foundation. Are there tree limbs touching your roof? That's an ant highway. Is the pine straw piled up six inches deep against your siding? That's an ant hotel. Keeping your mulch a few inches away from the foundation can do wonders for keeping the critters out. Why “Faith” Matters in Pest Control At the end of the day, you want someone you can trust in your home. That's why we do what we do. We don’t just “spray and pray”—we look for the nest, we use professional baits that the ants take back to the queen, and we make sure the job is done right the first time. If you're tired of sharing your kitchen with six-legged roommates, give us a holler. We'll get you back to living in a pest-free home, just the way it ought to be.The post A Jasper Homeowner's Guide to the Ant Invasion first appeared on Faith Pest Control.
The King & the Cross - Matthew 26:17-30: So much of our lives revolve around food. We plan our meals, we look forward to special dinners, we gather around the table with family and friends to celebrate significant occasions. If you knew you only had one more chance to share a meal with people you are close with, people you love, who would they be? In this week's passage, we are closing in on the last few days of Jesus' life and He was faced with this scenario. We see Him gather with the twelve disciples, His closest friends over the past three years. This would be their last meal together. But there would be a dramatic twist in the plot. Those that are closest to us can sometimes be the ones who hurt us the most. Jesus was about to experience this terrible reality. Join us as we journey with Jesus through this intimate moment with His closest followers. You might be surprised by where you find yourself in the story.
Is fasted running sabotaging your performance? Are you accidentally under-eating on your hardest training days? This week, we break down the seven most common nutrition mistakes runners make, from calorie restriction at the wrong time to blindly copying elite protocols, and explain why the science says you probably need to eat more, not less.We cover why your gut issues might actually be a training problem, not a food problem. We talk about why "clean eating" is often just restriction in disguise. And we explain why doing what Kipchoge does probably isn't what you should be doing.Plus, we answer listener questions on accountability and whether high-carb fueling causes diabetes (spoiler: it doesn't). And Coach James Nance joins to talk about coaching multi-sport athletes, helping runners recover from overtraining, and his TrainingPeaks hot take that might surprise you.In this episode:Why restricting calories on training days backfiresThe truth about fasted running and morning workoutsHow to actually fix gut issues during exerciseWhy "clean eating" can become problematicWhat 90-120g of carbs per hour actually means for recreational runnersHow to evaluate nutrition advice and follow the moneyStudies and resources mentioned are linked below.Get involved: Join our Foothills coaching community—one-on-one coach access, twice-monthly roundtables, and a supportive crew of runners. $10/month with code FOOTHILLS10 at microcosm-coaching.com.Questions? microcosmcoaching@gmail.comREFERENCES:Burke, L. M., Ross, M. L., Garvican-Lewis, L. A., Welvaert, M., Heikura, I. A., Forbes, S. G., Mirtschin, J. G., Cato, L. E., Strobel, N., Sharma, A. P., & Hawley, J. A. (2017). Low carbohydrate, high fat diet impairs exercise economy and negates the performance benefit from intensified training in elite race walkers. Journal of Physiology, 595(9), 2785–2807.Costa, R. J. S., Hoffman, M. D., & Stellingwerff, T. (2019). Considerations for ultra-endurance activities: Part 1 – Nutrition. Research in Sports Medicine, 27(2), 166–181.Cox, G. R., Clark, S. A., Cox, A. J., Halson, S. L., Hargreaves, M., Hawley, J. A., Jeacocke, N., Snow, R. J., Yeo, W. K., & Burke, L. M. (2010). Daily training with high carbohydrate availability increases exogenous carbohydrate oxidation during endurance cycling. Journal of Applied Physiology, 109(1), 126–134.Loucks, A. B., & Thuma, J. R. (2003). Luteinizing hormone pulsatility is disrupted at a threshold of energy availability in regularly menstruating women. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 88(1), 297–311.Melin, A. K., Heikura, I. A., Tenforde, A., & Mountjoy, M. (2019). Energy availability in athletics: Health, performance, and physique. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 29(2), 152–164.Mountjoy, M., Ackerman, K. E., Bailey, D. M., Burke, L. M., Constantini, N., Hackney, A. C., Heikura, I. A., Melin, A., Pensgaard, A. M., Stellingwerff, T., Sundgot-Borgen, J. K., Torstveit, M. K., Jacobsen, A. U., Verhagen, E., Budgett, R., Engebretsen, L., & Erdener, U. (2023). 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(17), 1073–1098.
Today's powerhouse lineup kicks off with Tim Sandefur from the Goldwater Institute to discuss his new book, You Don't Own Me. We then pivot to investigative analysis with L.A. Private Detective Nils Grevillius on the tragic Nancy Guthrie kidnapping in the Foothills. Later, Cowboy Scott Tilley from TRAK (Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids) joins us to share updates on their new location and future growth.
The King & the Cross - Matthew 26:1-16: What does love look like? A flutter of emotion? A deep commitment? We may not define love easily, but we recognize it when we see it. This Sunday we meet an unnamed woman whose extraordinary act of devotion to Jesus is both surprising and beautiful. While others misunderstand her or act from greed and self‑interest, her extravagant gift reveals what true love really is. Her story invites us to love Jesus with the same wholehearted generosity - and to let His love flow through us.Join us for worship this Sunday at 9am or 11am.Bring a friend!
How do you keep training when life gets stressful? Whether you're navigating a new job, new baby, a big move, or personal loss, your body processes all stress the same way—and that changes everything about how you should train.In this episode, we break down the science of stress and running performance, including how the HPA axis works, why your "stress bucket" has a finite capacity, and why the same workout that built fitness last year might dig a hole this year. We share six practical principles for training through life transitions without burning out or losing the fitness you've built.We also tackle Hot or Nots on splitting your runs (why two 4-milers isn't the same as one 8-miler) and running in extreme cold (when to embrace the treadmill). Plus, we debunk that viral Noakes study claiming you only need 10 grams of carbs per hour—spoiler: it's a cherry-picked narrative review from low-carb advocates with ketone patents.What you'll learn:– How cortisol and the HPA axis affect your training and recovery– The "stress bucket" model and why your capacity changes during transitions– Why RPE increases at the same pace when life stress is high– How to flip your training hierarchy so life leads and running follows– The detraining timeline (it's slower than you think)– How to set "conditions of enoughness" for your current season– Why frequency beats volume during chaotic periodsAlso in this episode: Meet Coach James Nance, who specializes in multi-sport athletes, injury cycles, and RED-S recovery.microcosmcoaching@gmail.com | microcosm-coaching.com | Join our Foothills community for $10/month
2033 - 1 Peter 4:7-11: The world is broken in complex ways - and God doesn't respond with simple solutions or identical people. In 1 Peter 4:7–11, we discover a vision of manifold grace: God meeting manifold problems through uniquely gifted people, working together in love. As we close our 2033 vision series, this message calls us to live with urgency, love deeply, open our lives generously and steward the gifts God has placed in our hands. The future God is inviting us into won't be built by a few professionals, but by a whole church releasing grace through words and deeds, for the good of the city and the glory of Christ.Join us in person or online at 9 or 11am. Bring a friend.
SEGMENT 13: MERCOSUR DEAL UNPOPULAR AFTER 27 YEARS Guest: Simon Constable Constable reports from the Pyrenees foothills on European discontent with the Mercosur trade agreement finally concluded after 27 years of negotiations. Discussion covers farmer protests, industrial concerns, and widespread opposition across EU nations skeptical that this long-delayed deal serves their economic interests.1940 AUSTRALIA
David Hekima from the Idaho Department of Water Resource said that this year so far is a disaster in the making.
2033 - 1 Peter 3:13-18: We live in a world shaped by outrage, conflict and constant noise - but Peter offers a better way. In 1 Peter 3:13–18, we're invited into a life marked by a deeper beauty: goodness without fear, courage without anger and hope that can't be shaken. This Sunday, we'll explore how following Jesus forms us into people whose lives raise questions, whose words are gentle and grounded and whose hope stands out in hard moments. As part of our ongoing vision series, this message reminds us that the future of the church depends not on power or pressure, but on lives shaped by the beautiful hope of Christ.Join us in person or online at 9 or 11am. Bring a friend!
2033 - 1 Peter 2:9-12: Who are we—really? As we continue our vision series, 1 Peter 2:9–12 calls us to live into the identity God has already given us. We are a chosen people, marked by mercy, freed for purpose and sent into the world as a visible witness to Jesus. This message isn't about becoming something new through effort, but about becoming who we already are in Christ. As we reimagine our future together, this text reminds us that lasting mission flows from transformed identity—not exhaustion, fear or pressure. Come be reminded of who you are, whose you are and why it matters now more than ever.Join us in person or online at 9 or 11am.
LA Public Press reporter Phoenix Tso joins us for our first podcast of the year. Tso covered mutual aid efforts immediately after last January's Eaton Fire in the Altadena area of the San Gabriel Mountains. Marking the anniversary of the 14,000 acre fire that destroyed 10,000 structures and took at least 19 lives, Tso checked in again with small business owners rebuilding their lives back from the disaster. Struggles are plenty: insurance claims, fire remediation, lost income, lost neighbors and customers, and real estate development. The stories Tso shares with us are somber, but remind us why the community needs support from the San Gabriel Valley at large. A lightly edited transcript of the conversation can be found below. Streetsblog's San Gabriel Valley coverage is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the A Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit Foothill Transit. "Foothill Transit. Going Good Places."Sign-up for our SGV Connect Newsletter, coming to your inbox on Fridays! Chris Greenspon - This is SGV Connect 145. I'm Chris Greenspon. This is our first podcast of the new year. We hope you all had a good break. Quickly, before we begin, though, I just want to remind you that Streetsblog's San Gabriel Valley coverage is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the A Line Stations across the foothills and commuter express lines traveling into the heart of downtown LA. To plan your trip, visit Foothill transit.org. Foothill Transit "Going good places". Today, we're looking back at the one year anniversary of the Eaton Fire and recovery efforts to keep the community intact. Here as our guest, we have Phoenix Tso reporter for LA Public Press. Phoenix, welcome back to SGV Connect. Phoenix Tso - Thank you for having me. Chris - So earlier this week, you filed a story checking in with business owners in Altadena who've been able to reopen a year after the fire. How are people holding up now, a year later? Phoenix - Yeah, I just did a story on small business owners whose businesses were affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena one year later. I think it's kind of a mixed bag. I talked to a bunch of people who were able to reopen. Some, like, just a couple months ago, reopened. One person actually, technically never closed. She said she was the only person in her shopping plaza, without a working air conditioning and a patchy roof, all burned up. But the building was luckily intact, and her store was luckily intact. She runs a print and copying shop. So, yeah, it's a mixed bag. Some people, their businesses burned down completely. It's a total loss. One person I talked to runs a martial arts studio, and she actually bought the land that her studio was standing on. She's trying to rebuild, trying to raise the money, and she says that, like, it'll probably take three to five years for her to come back and for the community to really come back. Yes, there's businesses that have reopened, but there's just not as many people back in Altadena one year later. Chris - And what's the mood? Phoenix - It's somber. I would say. I think there's still a big community feel, though. A lot of these businesses were pillars of the community, and they're where people gather still…or gather even more. For example, Fair Oaks Burger, they closed during the fire, and they didn't reopen until June, basically because of smoke remediation issues and debris and everything like that. But they kept doing mutual aid operations in their parking lot. They worked with the World Central Kitchen to distribute food, and they ended up partnering with different groups to do grocery distributions. So they've still been around in Altadena, and there are a lot of community events there, and a lot of the community really gathers there. Business is slower than before, but people did come back after Fair Oaks Burger reopened. Chris - What kind of community is this and why do people want to preserve it? Obviously, every time a community has a tragedy, we hear some of the same descriptors. But what makes Altadena Altadena? Phoenix - I think Altadena is special because it's technically urban. It's close to LA but it really does have a small town feel. I wonder if Altadena residents would agree with me…of like a Gilmore Girls type of feel. It's right by the mountains. It's beautiful up there. It's a little isolated and out of the way. People who like a quiet, sort of nature…very close to nature, type of community that still is also close to urban amenities. I think they love that. As has been said it's a historically black community. It's one of the few communities where black people are allowed to own homes for a long time, and that community has been affected heavily by the fire.There's a big question whether they'll be able to make a comeback, especially with a lot of corporate developers buying up lots that have burned down. So it's actually a very diverse working class community as well. It's kind of unique in that sense, very different from the Palisades fire. Where the Pacific Palisades is one of the wealthiest communities in LA County. The diversity, the mix, but also like a very tight knit community. I think when you go out to community events, there is a small business fair on Small Business Saturday, right after Thanksgiving, you could definitely see a lot of the community out there, and people knowing each other, and really breaking bread together. Chris - And it still has a little bit of that 'Dena' cultural feel with the hippie stuff and the art galleries. Phoenix - Yeah, definitely. And in fact, I talked to an art gallery owner who started dedicating his gallery to artists affected by the fire in Altadena and Pasadena. And he said, "Yeah, the support that people are showing those artists is really amazing." Chris - So you spoke to a range of different types of businesses. You spoke to the gallerist. You spoke to somebody who's trying to get a martial arts studio back up and running, hopefully in a few years. You spoke to somebody who owned a print and copy shop and I think a restaurant or two. Overall, what are the challenges that they spoke about in getting reopened? Phoenix - Yeah, I think their insurance companies were a big challenge. I interviewed a lot of business owners at Mariposa junction, which is one of the few shopping areas where one of the buildings burned down, but one did not burn down. So those businesses have come back. So I think that's a big challenge. Oh, the gallery owner I talked to. His name is Ben McGinty. He said that the biggest challenge for him is being back when everybody else has lost everything and it's a very like sobering thought, for sure. But also, people said that the challenge was getting their shops remediated in a timely manner, they had to wait months for that to happen. I think some of them did it themselves and still need to get reimbursed by their insurance company. I guess some insurance companies were understanding. Some, just gave an attitude, like, "why are you asking?" It's like, "oh, I'm a policyholder. Like, why wouldn't I ask for this, for, you know, this to be paid out?" Yeah, I think having the money to be able to reopen and rebuild, having a good landlord who would like not charge rent while you're not in the store and an insurance company to help with repairs. Those are all challenges. Chris - So how are folks surviving, or is it? Are they getting grants? Are they getting help from the city? Are they getting community buyouts? What's going on? Phoenix - Yes, there are a lot of grants. Fair Oaks Burger, it's kind of interesting. You know, Rick Caruso, the billionaire businessman, his foundation has issued a good amount of grants. Interesting to see his name in the mix there. There are a lot of grants from corporations, different chambers of commerce. There are low interest loans, or no interest loans that people have been able to get another challenge is the red tape it takes to reopen in LA County. The owner of Fair Oaks Burger talked about that a lot, and she said that, if they make the process easier with a little less red tape. She thinks more businesses will be able to come back more easily. Chris - So where are we seeing real estate movement? You alluded to this a little bit. Phoenix - Oh, yeah, I haven't looked at this in a lot of detail, but I've seen a lot of reports.A lot of the lots, I think it's several hundred residential lots that have a lot of people have put their lots up for sale because they aren't able to rebuild. That's a similar challenge. The insurance companies have not come through for people who lost their homes, which is really horrible to hear. So they're selling their lots. And a lot of corporate developers, LLCs, are buying up those lots. It remains to be seen what they're doing with them. I saw a report where one of them is being constructed right now, and it's kind of interesting. The home they're building is for sale for at least a million dollars, or something like that. I don't know how a lot of people can afford that. So, there are a lot of community groups who are really tracking that and are really trying to advocate for community land trusts and for community minded people to buy up these lots and to be able to sell or rent them to working class folks, just to preserve the diversity of Altadena, to let allow people to be able to come back. I read last year, groups had asked for, maybe $500 million from the state, which they didn't get. I wouldn't be surprised if they're trying again. But so far, I think there hasn't been a lot of support from, you know, from the state to actually do something to preserve Altadena as it was and has been. Chris - Yeah, it sounds like an uphill struggle. So what should we keep an eye out for as we're wrapping up this interview going forward with LA Public Press, with Altadena and your reporting? Phoenix - Oh, I'll keep covering Altadena. I'm covering calls for a state investigation into the evacuation response by LA County. I will be looking into who's buying these residential lots and what they're doing with them as a whole. We are still covering everything LA County, especially the immigration raids, police accountability, housing, organizing, you name it. Chris - So thanks for joining us once again on SGV Connect. Phoenix - Thanks for having me again. Chris - That's Phoenix Tso reporter for LA Public Press covering all things Eaton, fire, mutual aid, Chinatown and more. Check out hers and all the other fine work from LA Public Press, and if you can donate, they do good work. And if you have anything left over, donate to Streetsblog. I'm Chris Greenspon. Thanks for listening.
Happy Mindful Monday Everyone!In this week's epsiode, our host Allie Brooke sits down with C. Vicki Gold, PT, MA. Vicki Gold is a retired physical therapist who is proud to say she turned 80 in September of '24. Her background was rich in both clinical and academic experiences, including serving as Director of a Physical Therapist Assistant Program in NYC. She also has had extensive experience in a large variety of mind-body approaches to physical and mental well-being, including yoga, tai chi, Pilates, Alexander, and Feldenkrais Techniques. Vicki is a perpetual student of personal growth and transformation, and is a graduate of many trainings through Landmark Worldwide. Vicki and her husband, Tom, relocated from Long Island, NY, to the Foothills of NC, where Vicki completed a book meant to educate, empower, and inspire people to “Age Safely, Wisely, and Well,” which just happens to be the book's title! The title goes on to say that it is “A Movement and Mindset Guide for Older Adults,” however is relevant to adults of all ages. The book comprises many of the tips, tricks, strategies, and skills Vicki gathered over her many years as a therapist and as a woman. It also has several collaborators from specialties like fall-prevention, aging in place, nutrition, etc. Vicki's mission now is to encourage listeners to learn their ABCs to look, feel, and function optimally – at every age!In this epsiode we talk about:The "ABCs" of Optimal Function: Vicki breaks down her signature framework for looking, feeling, and functioning at your best,proving that vitality isn't a matter of age, but a matter of alignment.The Evolution of a Healer: From clinical Physical Therapy in NYC to mind-body mastery (Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates); a look at how integrating various modalities creates a holistic path to wellness.Movement + Mindset: The Duo for Longevity: Why a book about aging well required more than just physical exercises, and how our internal dialogue dictates our external physical capabilities.Reimagining 80: Breaking the "Fade Out" Mold: Vicki shares the reality of entering her ninth decade with more purpose and energy than ever, challenging the societal expectations of what "getting older" looks like.The Power of One Word: A deep dive into the specific vocabulary that can instantly shift an adult's motivation, helping them move from a "default" life to one of intentional design.Becoming a Perpetual Student: How Vicki's journey through personal transformation trainings (like Landmark) allowed her to pivot in her 70s and write her book in the foothills of North Carolina.Building Your Aging Village: The importance of collaboration—from nutrition to fall prevention—in creating a sustainable, safe, and joyful legacy. How To Connect w| VickiLINK TO BOOK: https://thera-fitness.com/the-book/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheraFitnessLINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cvickigoldptma/INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/c.vicki.gold/ABC FREEBIE PDF The Growth METHOD. FREE Membership◦ Join Here! 1:1 GROWTH MINDSET COACHING PROGRAMS!◦ Application Form What are the coaching sessions like?• Tailored weekly discussion questions and activities to spark introspection and self-discovery.• Guided reflections to help you delve deeper into your thoughts and feelings.• Thoughtfully facilitated sessions to provide maximum support, accountability, and growth.• Please apply for a FREE discovery call with me!• Allie's Socials• Instagram:@thegrowthmindsetgal• TikTok: @growthmindsetgal• Email: thegrowthmindsetgal@gmail.comLinks from the episode• Growth Mindset Gang Instagram Broadcast Channel• Growth Mindset Gang Newsletter • Growth Mindset Gal Website• Better Help Link: Save 10%SubstackDonate to GLOWIGloci 10% off Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
2033 - 1 Peter 2:1-10: As we step into a new year, we're also stepping into a fresh season as a church. For the next four weeks, we're unpacking what we're hearing from Jesus as we re-shape our vision, mission, and values for the decade ahead. This Sunday, we begin with 1 Peter 2:1–10—a powerful reminder that Jesus invites us to come closer, grow deeper, and live out a brand-new identity rooted in His mercy. God is forming us into a people who look “just like Jesus,” not by effort alone but by intimacy, grace, and renewal.Join us in-person or online at 9 or 11am—and bring a friend.
New Year - John 6:1-14: As we close out the year, many of us are tired, stretched thin and unsure how much we have left to give. This Sunday, we'll look at the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and discover how it speaks directly into moments like these. When the disciples were exhausted, overwhelmed by a massive problem and holding only a meager offering, Jesus met them with compassion, perspective and miraculous provision. Together, we'll explore what it means for God's plans to become His people's purpose—and how Jesus invites us to bring what little we have and trust Him to do what only He can do.
Matthew 22-25 - Matthew 25:31-46: What if Jesus showed you the “film” of your life—not to shame you, but to reveal who you really are? In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus speaks as the true King who will one day set everything right. And the surprising marker of those who belong to Him isn't power, platform or spiritual performance—it's simple, courageous love for people in need. Our compassion doesn't earn us a place in God's kingdom, but it does reveal what kind of story we're living. This Sunday, we'll explore what it means to follow a King who identifies Himself with “the least of these.”Join us in-person or online at 9 or 11am—and bring a friend!
In the SGV Connect's end-of-year podcast, Damien Newton and Felicia Friesema of Foothill Transit discuss transit updates in response to questions submitted by readers. The discussion addresses: The delayed implementation of Line 289/197 combination/extension due to ongoing student needs at Ganesha High School. Foothill Transit's hydrogen bus program is paused due to funding cuts, with a focus on low-emission CNG buses. The 295 college connector line...and more! A lovingly edited transcript of the podcast can be found below. SGV Connect is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new A Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit Foothill Transit. "Foothill Transit. Going Good Places."Sign-up for our SGV Connect Newsletter, coming to your inbox on Fridays! SGV Connect Podcast: End-of-Year AMA with Foothill Transit Recorded December 15, 2025 Host: Damien Newton Guest: Felicia Friesema, Foothill Transit Damien Newton: Welcome to SGV Connect. This is our end-of-the-year podcast with Felicia Friesema of Foothill Transit. I think this is the third year we've done this, but only the second year in a row. According to Chris, that means I can now call it an annual tradition. As always, we asked readers for questions, they sent them in, and we're posing them to Felicia. As a disclaimer, none of the questions were especially controversial. Since we wanted this to be informational, we did provide the questions to Felicia on Friday so she could review them and give us the best possible answers. Also, I'll say upfront, we don't have any really fun questions this time, so we may try to come up with something fun toward the end, depending on how long we spend on the wonky stuff. Before we dive in, a reminder that SGV Connect is sponsored by Foothill Transit, offering car-free transit throughout the San Gabriel Valley, with connections to A Line stations along the Foothill Extension and service into Downtown Los Angeles. To plan your trip, visit foothilltransit.org. Foothill Transit — going good places. That ad copy has been the same since before this podcast was even called SGV Connect. If you ever want to change it, let me know. Felicia Friesema: I'm just ecstatic that this has become an annual thing. I really love these AMAs. They're fantastic. Damien Newton: They're fun and easy on my end, so I'm a big fan too. It looks like we have five questions this year. The first two came with mini-essays attached — written in the first person, but not by me. The first question is about the implementation of the Foothill Forward Line 197 and a proposed combination with Line 289. The reader writes: "I'm excited for the proposed Line 289/197 extension from La Verne to Cal Poly Pomona. It would allow for a weekend connection from the A Line to Cal Poly Pomona — the 295 is weekday only. When will it be implemented? Other Foothill Forward improvements have moved forward, but this one has been pending for years." Felicia Friesema: The proposed combination of Lines 289 and 197 would be a great idea. However, that routing would remove a segment of the current Line 197 that serves Ganesha High School, and we're not quite ready to do that yet. We've been working with Pomona Unified School District and monitoring ridership trends at Ganesha to understand ongoing student needs. Right now, our focus is on continuing to provide that service. The connection from Line 197 to the A Line remains in our plans. We're working with the City of La Verne, the Gold Line Authority, and LA Metro to make enhancements at the station so buses can serve it effectively. As for timing, it's still up in the air. There are no firm plans for 2026. We need to do more due diligence on student demand before moving forward. Damien Newton: I'll just note that the quality of the questions was excellent. The writer even included links — presumably for me — but honestly, they were more useful for you. I've saved their info in case Chris Greenspan ever moves on. Felicia Friesema: Bus riders and bus fans often know the system better than we do, and that's fantastic. Damien Newton: The next question builds off that theme and focuses on Foothill Transit's hydrogen bus program. The reader asks about the future of hydrogen fuel, especially given recent shifts toward battery-electric fleets statewide. Felicia Friesema: That's a great question, and it's one we get a lot. Foothill Transit has been an early adopter of hydrogen fuel-cell buses, and we've learned a tremendous amount from that experience. Hydrogen has worked well for us operationally, especially for longer routes where range and refueling time really matter. That said, the landscape is changing. Battery-electric technology continues to improve, and funding priorities at the state and federal level are evolving. We're keeping a close eye on that and making decisions based on reliability, cost, and what best serves our riders. We're also part of a larger hydrogen hub conversation in California, so this isn't something we're abandoning lightly. But like everything else, it has to pencil out long term. Damien Newton: That makes sense. And I think people sometimes forget that Foothill Transit has always been willing to pilot new technology, even when it's risky. The next question is about ridership, specifically college routes. A reader asks whether Foothill has seen changes in demand now that many campuses are fully back in person, but with hybrid schedules still common. Felicia Friesema: We're definitely seeing a rebound, but it's uneven. Some college routes are close to pre-pandemic levels, while others are still lagging. Hybrid schedules have changed travel patterns, and students aren't necessarily commuting five days a week anymore. We're responding by being more flexible — adjusting schedules, monitoring demand closely, and working directly with campuses. Programs like student transit passes remain a huge part of our strategy, and they've been very successful where implemented. Damien Newton: That leads nicely into the next question, which is about major events — specifically the 2028 Olympics. Someone asks whether Foothill Transit expects to play a role, especially given the geographic spread of venues. Felicia Friesema: We've had preliminary conversations, but it's still early. Large events like the Olympics require coordination at every level — Metro, municipal operators, law enforcement, and local governments. For Foothill Transit, the challenge is balancing special-event service with our core mission: serving daily riders who rely on us to get to work, school, and appointments. We don't want to overextend ourselves in a way that hurts regular service. Damien Newton: That's a good segue to the Rose Bowl, which always generates questions whenever there's a big event. Someone asks whether Foothill plans to expand service there. Felicia Friesema: The Rose Bowl is always tricky. It's not just about buses — it's about traffic control, street closures, and coordination with Pasadena and other agencies. We do provide service for certain events, but expanding that requires partners at the table and funding to match. Damien Newton: Before we wrap up, I want to ask a lighter question — something we've done in past years. Do you have a book or podcast recommendation for listeners? Felicia Friesema: I was hoping you'd ask that. I've been reading a lot more nonfiction lately, especially books about leadership and organizational change. One I'd recommend is Turn the Ship Around! It's about empowering teams and decision-making, and I think it applies really well to public agencies. Damien Newton: That's a great recommendation. I'll add it to my list. Before we close, is there anything coming up in 2026 that riders should be paying attention to? Felicia Friesema: We'll continue rolling out Foothill Forward improvements where funding allows, and we're staying focused on service reliability. Electrification will remain a big theme for us, whether that's hydrogen, battery-electric, or a mix of both. We're also continuing conversations with cities and Metro about bus-priority projects. Those don't always get a lot of attention, but they make a huge difference for riders. Damien Newton: I want to thank everyone who submitted questions. They were thoughtful and detailed, which makes these AMAs much easier to do. Felicia, thanks again for joining us and for being willing to do this year after year. Felicia Friesema: Thank you for having me. I really appreciate the opportunity to talk directly to riders and advocates. These conversations matter. Damien Newton: And thanks to Foothill Transit for sponsoring SGV Connect and making this podcast possible. As always, you can find more San Gabriel Valley transportation coverage at Streetsblog Los Angeles. We'll be back in the new year with more episodes. Felicia Friesema: Looking forward to it. Damien Newton: All right. Thanks, Felicia. Talk to you again soon. Felicia Friesema: Thanks, Damien. Bye. End of recording.
Matthew 22-25 - Matthew 25:1-13: Waiting is hard—especially when it feels like nothing is happening. In Matthew 25:1–13, Jesus tells a story about bridesmaids who were ready…and some who weren't. It's a vivid picture of the Christian life: we're all waiting for the Bridegroom, but only those who prepare their hearts will share in His joy. This passage invites us to examine where we may be procrastinating in our faith—and to remember that Jesus' return is not about fear, but about the fullness of God's presence and a feast that never ends.Join us in-person or online this Sunday at 9 or 11am—and bring a friend!
Matthew 22-25 - Matthew 24:36-51: Most of us like to be prepared—but Jesus says there's one thing we can't plan for: the exact timing of His return. In Matthew 24:36–51, He reminds us that no one knows the day or the hour, so the call isn't to predict—but to stay awake. Just like Noah built the ark before the rain, we're invited to live ready, alert and full of purpose. Jesus' return isn't meant to spark fear, but to stir faith and faithfulness. Now is the time to wake up and live for what lasts.Join us in-person or online this Sunday at 9 or 11am—and bring a friend!
"It's all in the mind." How do you categorise Yellow Submarine? Animated psychedelic musical fantasy comedy? That barely scratches the surface. In this technicolour fantasia, the cartoon Beatles tackle the Blue Meanies, who've turned joyful Pepperland into a static, monochrome dystopia where music has been silenced. To restore harmony, John, Paul, George and Ringo - alongside Jeremy Hilary Boob PhD and the ever-anxious Old Fred - must travel from Liverpool to Pepperland in the titular underwater vessel, drifting through strange realms like the Sea of Science and the Foothills of the Headlands.Packed with terrific songs (well, duh), a splendid voice cast (including the great Dick Emery), and a script sharpened - largely uncredited - by Roger McGough, Yellow Submarine may have begun as a contractual compromise but blossomed into something far better than most people expected. Even the real Beatles were impressed enough to pop up for a brief live-action cameo at the end, sealing the film with a smile and a song.Joining Tyler to celebrate this singular sixties cinematic exclamation-mark is comedy writer and podcaster Joel Morris, bringing his trademark insight, deep pop-cultural savvy and boundless enthusiasm to the conversation. As for why Goon Pod is covering this particular gem… well, all will be revealed in the episode!
Matthew 22-25 - Matthew 24:36-51: Most of us like to be prepared—but Jesus says there's one thing we can't plan for: the exact timing of His return. In Matthew 24:36–51, He reminds us that no one knows the day or the hour, so the call isn't to predict—but to stay awake. Just like Noah built the ark before the rain, we're invited to live ready, alert and full of purpose. Jesus' return isn't meant to spark fear, but to stir faith and faithfulness. Now is the time to wake up and live for what lasts.Join us in-person or online this Sunday at 9 or 11am—and bring a friend!
Matthew 22-25 - Matthew 24:22-35: The world often feels overwhelming: wars and global tensions, rampant misinformation, natural disasters and crises of our own making. It all raises the question—how do we respond? And where can we find real hope?This Sunday we continue in Matthew 24, where Jesus answers the disciples' “What's next?” questions, reminding us that even in uncertain times we can trust the One who reigns now and forever. He is coming and He is our hope.And after each service, we'll join together to write prayers and verses on the floor of our Worship Centre—tangible expressions of our hope in Jesus and our desire for Him to work in and through Foothills Alliance Church as we follow Him.Join us this Sunday online or in person at 9 or 11am— and bring a friend!
Matthew 22-25 - Matthew 24:1-21: Pain has a way of waking us up. In Matthew 24:1–21, Jesus describes a world marked by turmoil—false teachers, conflict and loss—but He calls these moments “birth pains,” not random chaos. Just as labour leads to new life, God is bringing His redemption to completion. Even when faith is tested and love grows cold, Christ invites us to stand firm, stay alert and keep our hope anchored in Him. The finish line isn't fear—it's the faithful presence of Jesus leading us home.Join us in-person or online this Sunday at 9 or 11am—and bring a friend!
Did the week really go that fast!? It's time for another episode of Problem Solved. This week's episode is a calming feast of emotion, stories from the 90's, love, greif, and easygoing conversion. We hope you love it, and share your comments, because we love those comments Problemistas, so press play and hit us up.Fun personal memories and banter.19:50 - Question 1 - The heartstrings of young love play a sweet and bitter song.34:54 - Question 2 - Covering all bases. Therapy tarot card crossover combo.Keep up with Alex at https://alexandramoskovichpsychotherapy.comJeff's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therapyjeffJeff's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapyjeffListen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comGet 65% off the yearly pass with code problemsolved69 at https://beducate.me/problemsolved69DISCLAIMER: The insights shared in this podcast are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be seen as a substitute for professional therapy. The guidance is general in nature, and does not equate to the personalized care provided by a licensed therapist. The callers are not therapy clients.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mark, Bob, and Brian sit down with native Adirondacker Christian Bills to talk about still-hunting the Big Woods of the Southern Adirondacks. Mark, Bob, and Brian sit down with native Adirondacker Christian Bills to talk about still-hunting the Big Woods of the Southern Adirondacks. Learn more about hunting deer, moose and more in the Big Woods, find informative articles and the best wool and gear at https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com Minus33 wool base layers and socks: https://alnk.to/aLIUpax Seek Outside Tents: Use code "BWB10" for 10% off of your order at this link https://alnk.to/biuxP3W Big woods land and camps for sale: www.landandcamps.com Grayl water filter: https://alnk.to/4MBtYKl Save 20% on your OnX subscription with code 'BWB' https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt Hal and the Big Woods Bucks Team's Gear: https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Wool Hal's knife: Buck Knife 102: https://alnk.to/eDRDphL
Matthew 22-25 - Matthew 23:13-39: Do you ever find yourself going through life, feeling like you're carrying a heavy burden? Carrying some extra baggage? Some of those things are things we choose to carry. And some are placed upon us by others. In Matthew 23:13-39, Jesus tackles the latter, accusing the Pharisees of being hypocrites and making life hard by creating rules and a way of living that weighs people down. Jesus has some harsh things to say about this and judgement that might come as a surprise. Come find out why Jesus hates hypocrisy and respond to His invitation to lay down our burdens and embrace His life-giving blessing.
Send us a textJohn retired after spending more than twenty-six years with the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Foothills patrol, SWAT, Sergeant and on through the ranks. I had a lot of respect for John over the years and understood that, even in the face of working for an elected official where politics can trump common sense, him and a few others remained authentic and true to the mission and oath we swore to. We had a great conversation and I'm looking forward to his return next month so we can hopefully wrap up his career. Grab a cold drink and settle in...Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/