Contrails 4

This is NOT the cross Emperor Constantine claimed to have seen in the sky which led him to begin the transformation of Christianity from a peaceful religion focused on following Jesus into a wealthy, war-making religion dedicated to preserving its power and prominence.

Contrails 3

Thankfully, this is just a kaleidoscope image, not a photo of four (or eight) planes about to collide.

At 37,000 feet, a common altitude for passenger aircraft, the outside temperature is a balmy -69.7 degrees Fahrenheit. That's why the contrails are ice crystals, not water droplets.

Contrails 2

When traveling east, passenger aircrafts' altitude will be an odd numbered thousand (33,000 feet, 35,000 feet, 37,000 feet) When traveling west, the altitude will be an even numbered thousand (32,000 feet, 34,000 feet, 36,000 feet)--the better to avoid collisions.
Not sure about the altitude for a New York to Miami flight!

Contrails

"Contrails" are condensation trails caused by the exhaust of aircraft engines. Water vapor turns into ice crystals, so they are actually cirrus clouds.

Steel star

My series of Precise Fabrication crosses ends with this 4-pointed star, a sign of the Advent season to come. series now with this 4-pointed star, a sign of the Advent season to come.

Steel on steel

Scrap metal square

Scrap metal has a life beyond its present life. So do we.

Scrap metal 2

This steel will get a second chance to be made into something useful. God gives us second chances, too, and that's Good News!

Scrap metal

One of my favorite CruxPhotos themes: the beauty to be found in what is discarded or ugly. This pile of scrap metal at Precise Fabrication provides another opportunity to demonstrate that "There is no place where God is not."

On this Thanksgiving Day I am thankful that God can take the unlovely scrap in my life and create something beautiful.

Laser art 5

Laser Art 4

Laser art 3

When these mower decks are painted and take their place in a new mower, no one will ever again see the beauty of the metal beneath.

Beneath the surface, people also have great beauty. Just because it's painted over or covered with dirt and debris, don't assume it isn't there.

Holy work!

When you're doing what God has called you to do, your work is holy.

Laser art

This stack of mower decks, with holes precisely and identically made, provides a wonderful CruxPhotos opportunity.

Laser

This is the laser that works tirelessly cutting metal, doing exactly what it is told to do--no more and no less. Machines may break down from time to time, but they never get bored with repetition.

The weakness of this photograph is that I didn't catch the laser when it was making sparks. Sometime--when I have more time--I'd like to try this photo again.

On the shelf

The dictionary definition of "on the shelf" is "Passé, no longer popular, one of the “has-beens.” For instance, books no longer read, clothes no longer worn, laid by on the shelf.

But in this setting, "on the shelf" means "ready to go"--"available".
So if you're "on the shelf," choose this second definition.

Storage

A successful business has the right stuff at the right place at the right time, and has somebody who knows where it is. Are your closets at home this well organized?

Welding curtain 2

If I were a welder, I'd enjoy working in this bright clean place. However, I'm not a welder, just a Weldon.

Welding curtains

Red curtains separating welding areas at Precise Fabrication.

Sheet Metal 5

Need a review on how steel is made? Click here.

Sheet Metal 3

Sheet metal 2

Layers of sheet metal on a shelf are potential mower decks, mufflers, whatever can be cut or punched or welded or bent. When we are born, we are also full of potential. We are fulfilled when we allow God to be the "Precise Fabricator" for our lives, shaping and molding and trimming us into what we were created to be.

Sheet Metal

Here's where the metal business began:

"Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron."
Genesis 4:22

Precise Fabrication 5

Send forth your light and your truth,
let them guide me.
Psalm 43:3

Precise Fabrication 4

Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Psalm 127:1