This week we’re going to dig into the stories of the atmosphere of this earth we live on, how we can do our part to honor and respect this earth by taking proper care of it. We’ll also explore the meaning into the use of various types of stones God introduces to people in the past and for our personal use in the future.
Our Atmosphere
We are all fully aware that we need to have air to breath to live but let’s think about what air is made of? How far does the air we breath extend above the surface of earth? Is all of the air the same? Why doesn’t it float away into space?
The thin layer of gases that surround the Earth is called Atmosphere which comes from the Greek word “Atmos” meaning “Vapor”. Without the atmosphere life on Earth would of course not be possible. It contains the oxygen we breath and it also protect the Earth from getting too hot or cold. It also carries the water that falls as rain and snow etc.
Watch this video and answer the following questions:
1- What are the different levels of the atmosphere?
2- True or False? Oxygen gets more dense the further we go out like at the exosphere?
3- How do “Cells” contribute to the seasons and weather patterns of various places on Earth?
4- What does La Nina and El Nino mean in Spanish? Research on Google or elsewhere why we use those names to label the weather cycles?
Watch the purpose of the Ozone Layer video and answer the questions
1- What atmosphere layer is the ozone layer found?
2- What is the purpose of the ozone layer?
3- What breaks down the Ozone layer?
4- What can you do to help prevent the damaging of the ozone layer?
Learn about The Greenhouse Effect in this video
1- What type of major gases are trapped to help keep our level of atmosphere warm?
Caring for Our Environment
Read the following article from our newest apostle Elder Causse and answer the questions below:
2- Questions to answer:
a. In your own words write down in your journal at least 10 specific action steps you could do to personally “preserve and add beauty” and “honor and care for God’s creations”?
b. What exactly does Elder Causse tell us about the earth’s sacred purpose?
Symbolism of Scriptural Stones
I’d like to now have you research out as best you can the answers to the scriptures and questions below and write them down in your journal. If you cannot find an adequate or clear answer to the question than write down your own thoughts or possible conclusions. Come prepared to share some of your answers with the group in class.
1. Revelation 2:17 : The White Stone
Question: What does the “white stone” symbolize, and why might God give it to the faithful in the eternities?
2. Exodus 28:30 : Urim & Thummim
Question: How were the Urim and Thummim used for revelation, and why might God choose stones as a means of communicating truth?
3. Exodus 28:15–21 : Twelve Stones in the High Priest’s Breastplate
Question: Why did God require specific precious stones to represent the twelve tribes of Israel?
4. Ether Chapters 2 and 3 : The Brother of Jared’s Shining Stones
Question: Why did the Lord ask the brother of Jared to prepare stones himself before the miracle could happen?
5. Joseph Smith—History 1:35, 52 : Seer Stones
Question: What can we learn about how God uses simple earthly objects (like stones) to reveal heavenly things?
6. 1 Nephi 16:10 ; Alma 37:38 to 46 : The Liahona
Question: What does the Liahona teach about how God uses physical objects to guide His children based on their faith?
7. 1 Kings 5:17; 1 Kings Chapter 7 : Stones & Precious Elements Used in the Temple
Question: What do the great stones and precious elements used to build the ancient temple of Solomon teach us about the nature of God’s house?
8. Helaman 16:2 : Stones Cast at Samuel the Lamanite
Question: What does this miracle teach about God’s power to protect His servants?
9. 1 Samuel 17:40, 49 : David’s Five Smooth Stones
Question: Why do you think God allow a simple stone to defeat Goliath instead of a sword or armor?
10. Daniel 2:34–35, 44–45 : The Stone Cut Without Hands
Question: What does the growing stone in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream represent?
11. Ephesians 2:19–22; Psalm 118:22; Helaman 5:12 : Christ as the Cornerstone
Question: What does it mean for Jesus Christ to be our “chief cornerstone”?
12. Exodus 24:12; Exodus 31:18 : Tablets of Stone
Question: Why do you think God chose stone, a permanent material, to engrave the Ten Commandments and not some other way such as verbal only communication or use some other material/element to record?
13. Ezekiel 36:26 : The Stony Heart
Question: What does replacing a “heart of stone” with a “heart of flesh” symbolize?
14. Exodus 24:10; Ezekiel 1:26–28 : Sapphire and Heavenly Stones
Question: Why are visions of God often described using imagery of precious stones?
15. D&C 130:10–11 : The White Stone & Eternal Urim/Thummim
Question: What future knowledge does the Lord say will be revealed through a white stone in the Celestial Kingdom?
