Sunday, May 31, 2009

On whited sepulchres...


Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?


I know, I know..."Touch not the Lord's anointed, Judge not lest ye be judged."

...riiiiight.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Life-Like N scale FP40, powered and dummy...


Not bad actually, the details are fine with nicely done number boards and rear hand rails. They do run well too...so long as you don't try to put the dummy at the lead.

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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Screaming in a vacuum...


On Saturday, a past resident fell victim to the consequences of lupus when their liver failed. On Tuesday night, my employer, who had long been on a waiting list for a donor liver, passed away.

Two more souls step into eternity, and the only discussion I can find in my circle of associates is whether baptism is necessary for salvation.

...and My people love it so.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Wednesday's Word, Hebrews 11:32-40-12:1-3


And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.




Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Olympus Stylus 770 SW digital camera...


...given to me as a gift. Must be pretty tough, I understand the Marines use these over in the Big Sandbox.

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Olympus Stylus 770 SW

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My old Fuji FinePix A210


While not a Pulitzer harvester, it certainly lives up to my needs just fine as I don't plan on taking it swimming. The pictures are a bit crisper and the video, while still choppy, is much better and brighter.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Memorial Day 2009...


I was one of the worst in my company for 6 of my nine years in the reserves. The change Christ wrought in my heart was apparent enough to the brass hats that I eventually finished my remaining 3 years out as lay chaplain.

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Less than 2% of all Americans have ever served in the military. Will they really be remembered this weekend?

For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion.

"Before there can be an army, navy and air force capable of protecting us, there must be a citizenry that believes we are worth defending."---Mona Charen

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Wednesday's Word, 1Peter 4:7-19...


(7) But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

(8) And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

(9) Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

(10) As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

(11) If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

(12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

(13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

(14) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

(15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

(16) Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

(17) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

(18) And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

(19) Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.


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“If I never write to you more, let these be my last words: There is none like Christ– none like Christ– none like Christ. Nothing like redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. There is no learning nor knowledge like the knowledge of Christ, no life like Christ living in the heart by faith, no work like the service of Christ, and no riches or wealth like the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Little as I know of Christ (and it is my sin and shame that I know so little of Him), I would not exchange the learning of one hour’s fellowship with Christ for all the academic learning in ten thousand universities, even if angels were my teachers. Nor would I exchange the pleasure my soul has found in a word or two about Christ for all the pleasures of creation since the world began. For what would I exchange being forever with Christ, to behold his glory and see Him as He is and enter into the joy of my Lord?”


---John Brown of Haddington

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Dude!!!...


...I gathered my family around and told them that, if ever I were to act like this over a locomotive, please smash it.



At 2:56, I was waiting to hear the sound of that GP60M bouncing off of the walls...

Monday, May 18, 2009

The Munsters Koach...


...in paper. My 7 year old wants me to help him put together his first paper model. This should be a hoot...

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---Designer's photo


More can be found here...

Don't forget to make a donation if you can.

Sunday, May 17, 2009


“A disciple is someone who so identifies himself with Christ and so reflects Him in character, word, and deed that he shares in Christ’s fame or infamy. The disciple’s identity in society will be determined by society’s view of his Master. Those who esteem, love, and admire Christ, will show the same affections toward his disciple. Those who hate Christ and are hostile to His cause, will hate his disciple, despise his lifestyle, oppose his proclamation, and seek to alienate him from society. This definition reflects not only meaning of a disciple, but that of a Christian – belonging to Christ.”---Paul Washer

Just stop and think...




Luke 18:1-8


And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?


Saturday, May 16, 2009

Intermountain N scale Greene County, Ohio 40' commemorative boxcar...


...a gift from a friend. Then I assembled it and thought, maybe he wasn't being friendly...LSU did wax their hides pretty good at the BCS Championship last year.

Those tiny grabs were a hoot to put on...

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Jagermeister 1/87 scale truck set...the arrival...


They actually came last Thursday but I just couldn't fit them in 'til now. As a product, they're not too bad. They appear to be made from retired Wiking and Herpa molds picked up by a Chinese company. Not the best of detail but certainly nice enough for the price.

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One of the reasons I bought them is that HO scale vehicles have become something of a sub-hobby. For years they were priced out of my reach or willingness to pay, even when I wasn't giving unto the Lord.

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Another reason I bought them is that I have shirttail kin who make their living in a band sponsored by these guys. I've always had a high regard for corporations and individuals who sponsor the arts with their own coin. I also have a high regard for people who can make something, be it music, art or a product, and succeed at making a living at it. There's an "organic" air to it that just begs respect.

And while I'd likely not take up the invitation, it is kinda cool to be able to tell the goon at the door that we're with the band. Saves us the $20 cover charge and the cokes are free too.

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Finally...

...because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse...

That label there comes from a vision given to Hubertus while hunting. From the cross between the antlers of a stag, he heard these words..."Hubert, unless thou turnest to the Lord, and leadest an holy life, thou shalt quickly go down into hell"

Anyone who approaches that bottle is accountable for the words of that vision.

But hey...that was just some legend...right?

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Wednesday's Word, 1 Peter 4:1-8..


Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Road Champs 1/87 Sun Tours Eagle Coach


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My dad made a very good living as a charter bus driver most of his life, part time when he was a fireman, then full time when he retired. I loved his stories...how he would elude the NYPD's wrath for parking near the ferry dock for the Statue of Liberty by acting like a bumpkin from the hills or talking a Trailways driver into winding up one of their new Eagles to 120 mph when dad realized it was only them on the bus.

By no means perfect, he was my dad...gone now for 6 years last February.

Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Genesis 39:1-6a...


And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat.


Friday, May 8, 2009

Some kitbash work, ...


...projects I've done in the past that some of my readers haven't seen. I modified cheap toys for these, using various styrene shapes and bits. The 'dozer has taken a beating but still holds up, the backhoe features a scratchbuilt cab made by scribing clear styrene, then painting a frame around it.

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I'd like to do more but time constraints have me modifying my hobby into more of a collector/tinkerer phase. One cannot follow a calling to "Preach the Word" and spend an inordinate amount of time on such temporal things.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

"Operating O and O27 Trains"...


...by Maury D. Klein and Bruce C. Greenburg. c. 1976

An outstanding resource for O and O27 collectors and operators, it was found on Paperback Swap. It is filled with original Lionel technical information on all their accessories, locomotives and transformers with much on wiring and layout setup.

Unfortunately, it was in very poor condition, the person who offered it not understanding the rules of condition. No harm done and no hurt feelings but I was still left with a great book in very poor shape that I couldn't bear to throw away. After staring at it really hard for a couple daze (it works, I'm tellin' ya), I took it to Office Depot and had the clerk carefully trim off the binding. Then I had her put on a clear front cover and a black heavy paper rear cover. Finally she bound the whole smack together with a spiral binder. It saved a great book and added many years to it with the unique feature of being able to fold it back on itself without damage, and all for $5.

Well...at least I thought it was a pretty cool idea.

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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Wednesday's Word, Jeremiah 12:5-6..


If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Hammant and Morgan "Duette" dual control throttle circa 1960s...


...purchased from a fellow modeler, it is in excellent condition.

Sadly, with DCC and today's super fine transistor throttles, there is little appreciation for these old timers, H & M took the hobby a step above the toy market with their work. There are no reversing switches, you simply turn the throttle in the desired direction. It also has a very satisfying clunk as you hit the off position, a feature other packs have never picked up---no more creeping engines in the yard pushing cars off into oblivion--- Made for older open frame motors, it would send today's can motored, whisper quite drives screamin' home to momma. That's OK, I've got a dual motored Athearn DD40 from 1967 that should have fun squaring up with it.

This particular model was built specifically for the American market---note the stamp over voltage markings on the package and the added decal on lower center of the control face.

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Sunday, May 3, 2009

Romans 9:14-26


What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.


-----<<<<<>>>>>-----


A generation of Christians reared among push buttons and automatic machines is impatient of slower and less direct methods of reaching their goals. We have been trying to apply machine-age methods to our relations with God. We read our chapter, have our short devotions, and rush away, hoping to make up for our deep inward bankruptcy by attending another gospel meeting or listening to another thrilling story told by a religious adventurer lately returned from afar. The tragic results of this spirit are all about us. Shallow lives, hollow religious philosophies, the preponderance of the element of fun in gospel meetings, the glorification of men, trust in religious externalities, quasi-religious fellowships, salesmanship methods, the mistaking of dynamic personality for the power of the Spirit; these and such as these are the symptoms of an evil disease, a deep and serious malady of the soul. ---A.W. Tozer

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Something for the Proto 87 SIG...


...model this...

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