Can I create a timer overlay for a video file to use in the VSE? How? I need to create a text overlay on my video file showing a timer started and stopped at certain times during the clips length.

All tutorials I found on creating text or titles to be used in the VSE or node compositor only mention pre-made still images or videos with text and alpha to be merged with the original video. 

I know of the 'stamp' render option which can either display custom static text or even display time, but it will only show the overall playback time and can not be started or stopped.

Is there an easy way to create a timer with blenders modeling and animation capabilities to be used in the scene? (Easy enough for someone who only wants to edit live-action video and usually does not create 3D content)?
You could make a counter with the wonderful Randomiser addon http://bensimonds.com/2014/04/02/randomiser-add-on/ it has a count function.