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Articles by Ed Murphy
Reconsideration application stuck at CTD-Ottawa for 6 months (Afriland First Bank / Medical valid until December)
Hello everyone, I am turning to the community for advice, shared experiences, or insights regarding a total deadlock situation that has been dragging on for months at CTD-Ottawa. Here is a summary of my case: Application Type: Reconsideration request following an initial refusal. File Number: E003785510 Key Timeline: Reconsideration request submitted and acknowledged in April 2026. Financial compliance (verified with Afriland First Bank) fully addressed and submitted.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: God will provide
My thoughts are leaning toward “God will provide.” In my heart I know that God will provide. But my ego wants God to provide how I want it to be done and when I want it to be done. I quickly get over these thoughts when I realize that I am not in control ... God is. And it’s not my timing ... but God’s timing. Sometimes God answers our prayers with Yes, or No, Maybe, or Not Now. I do believe that God goes ahead of us and takes care of many situations before they happen to us.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: God will provide
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FAITH PERSPECTIVES: God will provide
My thoughts are leaning toward “God will provide.” In my heart I know that God will provide. But my ego wants God to provide how I want it to be done and when I want it to be done. I quickly get over these thoughts when I realize that I am not in control ... God is. And it’s not my timing ... but God’s timing. Sometimes God answers our prayers with Yes, or No, Maybe, or Not Now. I do believe that God goes ahead of us and takes care of many situations before they happen to us.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Instructions on how to live Original
There is a 1986 book, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” by author and minister Robert Fulgham. I believe there were 16 things we learned. I will share a few. Share everything, play fair, say sorry when you hurt someone, take an afternoon nap (amen to that), when you go out into the world watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. When I taught fifth grade, kindergarten was across the hall. My students were their big brothers and sisters.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Instructions on how to live
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FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Getting a feeling of belonging
We all feel like we want to belong, whether it’s belonging to a family or a group and for some, belonging to God. There is a song “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. The chorus is, “You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing. You say I am strong when I think I am weak. And you say I am held when I am falling short. And when I don’t BELONG, oh, you say I am yours. And I believe (I), oh I believe (I) what you say of me (I) I believe.” I believe she is singing about being a child of God and belonging to God.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: A few words on weddings
As I was working on my sermon prep I started thinking about weddings. Interesting, I was also working on a funeral sermon at the same time. As we learn both of these events have their specific times to be! As a priest I have officiated lots of weddings, and as a DJ I have played music and done programs at lots of receptions. For weddings the brides and grooms have allowed me to use “The Wedding Song” by Peter, Paul and Mary as part of the sermon. The first two verses follow.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Different kinds of prayers
I couldn’t resist and so I sang a Janis Joplin song at the beginning of a sermon. “Oh Lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz. My friends all drive Porsches I must make amends. Worked hard all my life, no help from my friends. So oh Lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz.” Silly I know but think about all the things we ask God for. So, what are the different kind of prayers? There is adoration when we are praising God. There is confession … you know confession is good for the soul.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Keeping our eyes open
There is a contemporary hymn by Paul Baloche called “Open the Eyes of My Heart.” The first verse: “Open the eyes of my heart Lord, open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You. I want to see You.” Third verse: “To see you high and lifted up, shining in the light of your glory. Pour out your power and love as we sing holy, holy, holy ...
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Reflections on life and death
The readings remind me of the idea of life and death. Back when I was teaching science in a parochial elementary school we had a nature trail behind school. My fifth-grade students were big brothers and sisters to the kindergarten class across the hall. We had a homemade weather station to report on the weather. We also had a small meadow with milkweed plants.
BULLETBALLET at SXSW 2026: “Our songs talk about our experiences in a city where there’s been a history of femicides, cartel violence and discrimination.”
How did I go from betting on Chicken Shit Bingo, waiting for a constipated chicken to defecate onto a plywood board with 54 numbered squares, to the week’s unrivalled alternative music showcase? Bands from Mexico City, Juárez and El Paso playing the most trance inducing, avant-garde sets I’ve witnessed in years. My reality is shifted and that alteration definitely increased watching the Norte Shida showcase. In the smoking area of Chess Club dive bar, I meet Analaura Fuentes and Hector Becerra.
Natalie Jane Hill: a voice that screams ‘still waters run deep’ at SXSW 2026
Who is Natalie Jane Hill? An artist that can bring you to tears with one line, while rejuvenating a wayward soul in the next. She is not only a musician that should be listened to, they need to be cherished. Nature themed lyrics and settings often form the spine of her creative output. In an increasingly hectic technological environment, Natalie’s visuals are often based in the woods or beside a lake.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Following the wisdom of Jesus
I want to look at wisdom. Yes, I know we could have a whole series of sermons on the topic, but let’s see what we can piece together here. Recently, one of the readings said that God uses the weak to teach the strong and the wise to teach the powerful. “Lean on me,” the song by Bill Withers, begins “Sometimes in our lives we all have pain, we all have sorrow.
Pink Breath Of Heaven inject psychedelia to SXSW 2026
Over the years, Gen Z’s catapulted culture and music that was synonymous in the 90s back in to the mainstream. Vintage t-shirts from Mazzy Star, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana and The Cranberries fetch hundreds of euros. The Shoegaze and Grunge sound have surged in popularity with emerging bands. Although, one genre that hasn’t had the same romantic reimagining is the classic psychedelic rock revival sound.
Live Report: Irish artists takeover at the SXSW 2026
At Swan Dive Bar, and we didn’t have to wait long to see the best musicians Ireland has to offer. Sarah Crean, Basht, Sugaboo, Moio, Bricknasty and Yard all took to the outdoor stage on a balmy Texas night. For the entire evening, emerging talent from Ireland drew constant crowds to watch them. Once again proving, the flair continues to flow from the bottomless Irish talent pool. Opening the showcase was the absolutely charming Clondalkin native, Sarah Crean.
Spielberg at SXSW 2026 talks Obama & UFOs
Steven Spielberg was speaking at a seminar today in Austin as part of the Film portion of the 2026 South By Southwest festival. The filmmaker is well known for his interest in the alien genre having made E.T., Close Encounters and War of the Worlds. He was also promoting his upcoming sci-fi thriller Disclosure Day, about the global impact of UFO revelations. Spielberg was asked about the recent comments by President Obama regarding the existence of UFOs and his own feelings on the subject.
FEET at SXSW 2026: “Waymo’s, they’re surreal. It went into the wrong lane cutting up other drivers.”
The first band Hot Press saw a South By Southwest 2026, is the indie act FEET. Their sterling show set a benchmark on day one in Texas. “Austin is fantastic,” grins vocalist George. “The bars, having some Lone Star beer - which is like the Carling of Texas. We set up a little casino last night at one of the bars playing blackjack with the locals. We used rubbish from a drawer as money. Batteries were 10, chopsticks, etc… We started hustling people. People were buying in with rings & jewellery.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Focusing on Baptism, one of seven sacraments Original
Our theme for today is Baptism with a sub piece on Glory. Baptism is one of the seven sacraments — the others being Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the sick, Confirmation, Matrimony and Ordination. Baptism and Eucharist are the two most important because they were instituted by Jesus Himself. Baptism is the entrance door into the Faith Community. The parents, godparents or sponsors stand up with the person being baptized. The congregation renews their Baptismal vows. They are to be taken seriously.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: God's presence Original
I had a hard time coming up with a theme for this column, but then, while fixing lunch, I got, “God’s Presence.” So let’s talk about this and see if we can put some flesh on these bones. It is easy to feel God’s presence when things are going well isn’t it? I have preached at Fourth Lake (Old Forge) and Lake George (Bolton Landing.) I told people that I didn’t need to preach about God’s Presence. All they had to do was to look out over the lake. I remember when my oldest son was 4.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Lost and found Original
Let’s talk about being lost and being found. I am sure that all of us have felt lost at times. I pray that we also have felt found at other times. There is the wonderful old hymn “Amazing Grace.” One line says, “I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.” It talks about being spiritually blind and getting back on course with God’s help. We do get found by God when we are open to it.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Relying on God
I remember being at a supermarket and running into a parishioner and her young son. She asked if he knew who I was, and he answered God. It threw me for a loop! I quickly thought and said that I was one of God’s helpers. As kids we rely on different people like our parents and siblings and yes even God. I believe that kids have a good sense of who God is in their hearts. In our teens and early 20s we seem to rely on our friends and ourselves.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Trust: It's important but it takes hard work
Trust is very important in our lives. It is foundational in our relationship with God and with each other. It takes a lot of time and lots of hard work to build up trust between one another. It is fragile and can be broken at times. I remember giving the Benediction for the swearing in of a State Supreme Court Judge. On the wall in the front of the courtroom was inscribed the words “In God we Trust.” The same inscription appears on our currency.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: God doesn’t abandon us Original
I know that we all have experienced times when we feel like God cannot be found or has abandoned us. I remember a line from the Gordon Lightfoot song, “The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” It said, “Does anyone know where the love of God goes?” Recently, I spoke to several people who thought that God was not with them in their intense physical or emotional pain. I listened and was present to them. I prayed with them, anointed them and tried to speak comforting words to them.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Come and see
It seems as though the theme for these readings could be Come and See. In John 1:38-41 two men ask Jesus, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” Jesus answered come and see. It answered the present and physical question as well as the spiritual and eternal question. Isn’t there are new term for vacation? I believe it is “staycation.” I think that covid had a lot to do with this. Psalm 97 starts out scary and ends with joy. I think that many of the psalms are written this way.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Liquids like water and perfume Original
After going over the readings I want to talk about two liquids — water and perfume. We know how important it is to drink lots of clean water every day. After air it is our second most important element to survive. I remember a Sunday School class sending money to a remote village to help dig wells to supply clean drinking water. We are spoiled in Upstate New York to have wonderful supplies of clean water to drink, cook, bath, swim fish, water our crops etc. And what about perfume?
Live Report: Maruja burn like frostbite at SXSW 2025
The cold barren landscape of Antarctica. 70mph wind screaming. Exhausted plodding through the jagged snow. Your next footstep is your final one as you breathlessly plummet down a hidden crevasse. Falling helplessly, Maruja are ice shelf 20 feet below the surface that break your fall. Their set blends the yearning hope of the blue sky above, and the dread of the never ending darkness beneath. Frontman and guitarist Harry Wilkinson, brings the ferocity of frostbite.
Live Report: M(h)aol return to SXSW in 2025 reinvigorated
With the lineup departures from M(h)aol, there will inevitably be changes to the band’s live performances. It’s impossible to replace the former frontperson, Róisín Nic Ghearailt. A worldly talent with unstoppable magnetic energy. Easily one of the most charismatic singers of any Irish band of the last decade. However, a key element that remains ingrained in the group is their ability to charm any audience.
Live Report: Man/Woman/Chainsaw bring thrilling whimsy to SXSW 2025
Man/Woman/Chainsaw are chaotic elegance. A whimsical soirée that is punctuated by DMT flashbacks that hurl you in all directions. What contributes so favourably to the group’s pandemonium is the sheer number of members. Man/Woman/Chainsaw are Billy Ward (vocals, guitars), Emmie-Mae Avery (vocals,keys/synths), Vera Leppänen (vocals, bass), Clio Starwood (violin), Billy Doyle (Guitar), and Lola Cherry (drums). The Londoners delight in mishaps on stage, smiling and laughing openly during songs.
Live Report: Gloin and Tear Dungeon dominate the opening of SXSW 2025
There’s an instant catapult on stage named Victoria Byers. Audience members are immediately drawn to the swaying bassist, with Gandalf the white flowing hair. Standing crouched over for half the set, Vic rampages like a 9ft albino yeti playing a distorted bass, as one eye fleetingly exposes through their parting white locks like Sauron peering deep into the crowd. Victoria dominates the space, on and off the stage, interacting and feeding off each band member.
Live Report: Gurriers in Texas Take Two SXSW 2025
SXSW is besotted with Gurriers this year. Cast an eye over any of the top music showcases and you’ll find their name on the lineup. Bookers are more obsessed than Patrick Bateman with seeing their name on the card. Who can blame them? They’re the Paul Allen subtle off-white business card, the Valentino Couture pinstripe suit, The reservation at Dorsia on a Friday night. They deserve it all after their principled protest of the festival in 2024.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: A children's sermon for Epiphany Season - the Visit of the Magi
In Matthew 2:1-12 we read about The Three Kings visiting The Messiah. The Messiah was born in Bethlehem in Judaea during King Herod’s rule. The Magi are also called the Wise Men. Does anyone know the Wise Men’s names? Yes Caspar (not Casper the ghost) Balthazar and Melchior. Can you say their names with me? Yep, they are just fun names to say don’t you think? They went to Herod and asked where the Baby King would be born.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: A reminder to remember the poor
I want to talk about the poor — or being poor. I think about many in the world who are dirt poor. Many go without clean water, adequate food, a roof over their heads and deal with non-existent health systems. Even in our own rich country many children and older adults go to bed hungry at night. Thank God for school lunches, otherwise many students would go hungry. How are we supposed to teach kids when they are hungry?
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Reflections on wisdom Original
As I read and prayed about the readings for this column, I kept thinking about wisdom. I heard on the radio songs about being wise, one being, ”Wise men say only fools rush in.” I had a talk with a friend, and he asked if I would pray for him to discern what to do in transition. I prayed that he would get a good dose of wisdom. As I get older, I hope I become more wise. I believe that babies come into this world being wise and it is the world that makes them forget things.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Let go and let God Original
I want to talk about letting go and “letting God.” We may think we are very smart and yet we sometimes have trouble letting go of hurts and bad memories. Or maybe sometimes we just want to be in control or be right. It is extremely important for our spiritual life that we learn to surrender. I know that is a very scary thought for our egos, and yet very healthy for us.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Seas and storms Original
As I went through the readings for this column and had some quiet time I kept thinking about the sea and waves and storms. I grew up in a rough neighborhood in Brooklyn. My saving grace was to be surrounded by water. The docks were two blocks away, and I could go down and watch the ships, the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. We used to swim and fish next to the cargo ships. We loved taking the D train to Coney Island for the day, with their rattan seats and ceiling fans.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Letting our light shine Original
As I read some of the readings for these sermon notes I kept thinking about light. Of course, Jesus is the light of the world. As followers of Christ we are to mirror Jesus’ light to the dark world around us. I love it when it stays light out for so long in late spring and early summer. It allows you to get lots done in a day. As I get older I appreciate being able to drive home while it is still light. I remember raising chickens and they needed 12 hours of natural or artificial light to lay eggs.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: God is love ... abide in Him
We don’t use the word “abide” much anymore. We might hear it in a negative way such as, “I will abide by the ruling even if I don’t want to.” I prefer the Biblical meaning of abide. It means to dwell ... be present ... trust ... and be held and kept. Don’t these sound a lot better? There is an ancient hymn called “Ubi Caritas,” which in English means “Where Charity and Love are, God is There.” A few of the lyrics: “Love of Christ has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice in Him and be glad.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Servanthood is part of our journey
In today’s culture it seems that the word “servanthood” takes on a bad connotation. It seems that some people want to take advantage of others and even mean to do them harm. The world’s history is full of horrible stories of slavery. The conquering army would kill some people and take others as slaves. Some people think it is OK to enslave others. Our country fought a Civil War to keep the Union together and to abolish slavery of Black people.
Gurriers on SXSW boycott: "It speaks volumes about the kind of solidarity Irish people have with the people of Palestine and the horrors they’ve been subjected to over the past number of decades” | Hotpress
Music 20 Mar 24 Gurriers on SXSW boycott: "It speaks volumes about the kind of solidarity Irish people have with the people of Palestine and the horrors they’ve been subjected to over the past number of decades” Gurriers protesting SXSW. Photo: Ed Murphy. In the shadow of the US Department of Defence’s official SXSW stage, the Irish group discuss a turbulent week at the world’s biggest music showcase, South By Southwest. As the Texan dusk approaches, the pro-Palestine rally disperses.
Irish artists make public statement at SXSW (Photos)
Members of Gurriers, NewDad, Chalk, Cardinals, Enola Gay and Reevah stood together as a statement was read aloud on behalf of all the Irish musicians at SXSW the same day several people protested in front of the U.S. Department of Defence building asking for immediate cease fire in Gaza. Read the full story of the public statement at SXSW about the Irish artists boycott of the festival.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: Water is life
Water is life giving. Next to air, we can’t go without water for very long. Water is necessary for fish and other water creatures to live in. It is necessary for us to have clean, ample water supplies to drink, cook, clean, grow crops and even improve our recreation time. Being near a body of water is good for the soul and our mental health. No wonder water side houses are so expensive, says one living between Cayuga and Seneca lakes.
Irish artists make public statement at SXSW about their boycott of the festival | Hotpress
“Sponsorship of the festival from defence contractors and those selling arms to destroy innocent lives is an act we find disgusting and reprehensible.” The location was the Velveeta Room in Austin, Texas. A group of Irish artists, looking tired and drawn, but resolute in the choices they had made, took to the stage and stood in unison to explain their decision to boycott performing at the world’s largest music festival showcase, South By Southwest.
Nabihah Iqbal Wears ‘Free Palestine’ shirt at SXSW opening night
Music 13 Mar 24 Nabihah Iqbal Wears ‘Free Palestine’ shirt at SXSW opening night The London musician said she wants to ‘use the stage as a space for protest’. English artist Nabihah Iqbal performed the opening night at South By Southwest wearing a ‘Free Palestine’ shirt in solidarity with the people Palestine.
Hinds preview two new songs & announce upcoming album
Spanish band Hinds debuted two brand new songs at SXSW. The Madrid four-piece have had a switch up in their lineup adding two fresh members on bass and drums. Explaining the tunes, Carlotta Cosials described the creative process as good, “when they had beers”, and when they didn’t, “we drank water”. They also shared the news that their fourth album is set to be released in the summer.
Skepta debuts new short film ‘Tribal Mark’
At the British Music Embassy showcase at South By Southwest, London artist Skepta screened his new short film Tribal Mark. This is Skepta’s directorial debut through his production company 1PLUS1. It tells the story of a Nigerian immigrant arriving in London, navigating the difficulties in a foreign country, and ultimately getting dragged into the world of crime. Tribal Mark is set as a prequel of a black secret service character. In a Q&A after the screening, Skepta lays out his grander plans.
Punk band Scowl cancel SXSW appearance in support of Palestine
American hardcore band Scowl announced that they will not be performing at any of their official South By Southwest showcases, in solidarity with the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The Santa Cruz natives released a statement on X regarding the U.S Army’s sponsorship of SXSW and their refusal “to be complicit in the face of genocide in Palestine.” “Scowl is no longer performing at any of our previously scheduled "official" SXSW showcases,” begins the social media post.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: A healthy fear can be a good thing
Psalm 111 contains a lot of wonderful attributes of God. I was particularly drawn to verse five which reads, “He provides food for those who fear Him. He remembers His covenant forever.” To me it says God will provide, with us helping. The Fear here is not a negative thing. It seems to be saying that we are to love and praise and respect God. And that God will always be faithful. This is so comforting.
CX Alignment - | CustomerThink
CX strategic alignment is one of the most crucial requirements for an organization to cultivate a customer-centric culture. Most think CX strategic alignment is only for senior leaders, but it is not; CX alignment is required for all employees regardless of whether they interface directly with customers or not. Lack of CX alignment is the reason many organizations’ CX initiatives fail.
FAITH PERSPECTIVES: High king and lowly shepherd
The readings for today are for the last Sunday after Pentecost — AKA Christ the King Sunday. Following this is the Christmas — AKA Advent. The Old Testament reading is Ezekiel 34:11-16 and the Gospel is Matthew 25:31-46. I started to think about Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and that is certainly true. Then again both of the Scriptures have to do with The Good Shepherd and His sheep.
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