Solid Rock

Have you ever tried to move a really big rock? It is no easy task! Rocks can be very tiny, like a grain of sand, or huge, like some of the tallest mountains in the world. Rocks are all around us. But most of us don’t stop to think about where they come from.

Let’s do a little digging. Perhaps we’ll unearth some fabulous facts about rocks and have some fun along the way!

What Are Rocks?
Rocks are solid pieces of material that are found on the earth’s surface, also known as the earth’s crust. Rocks can also be small pieces of larger rocks that are broken from cliffs or mountains. There are three main kinds of rocks in the world:

Igneous rocks are formed from cooled magma. Magma is melted rock that simmers deep below the earth’s crust. Sometimes pressure and heat from inside the earth are so intense that the magma bursts through the ground in fiery mountains called volcanoes.

Sedimentary rocks are a mixture of tiny pieces of rock, sand, or mud pressed together over a long period of time. Sometimes you can see smaller bits of rocks in sedimentary rocks like shale (made from hardened mud) or sandstone (made from sand).

Metamorphic rocks are a combination of igneous and sedimentary rocks. Below the earth’s surface, these two types of rocks are under a great amount of heat and pressure. Sometimes the heat and pressure are so great that the two rocks fuse together, creating a completely different kind of rock!

Rock-Solid Faith
You might be surprised just how often rocks show up in the Bible. Here are a few examples:

1. Elijah the prophet used 12 large rocks to build an altar to God (1 Kings 18:31).
2. David killed Goliath with a single stone in a sling (1 Samuel 17:50).
3. When Jesus rose from the grave, the large rock that covered the entrance of the tomb was rolled away (John 20:1).

But did you know that we can actually learn something about God by taking a closer look at rocks? Check this out:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. . . .” —Psalm 18:2

Just like a mountain is solid, firm, and unmovable, God’s love for us is as solid as a rock. God does not change, nor does his love for us ever move or shatter. We can always trust that our mighty God will hold us securely in his arms!

Rocky Writings
Find five to seven smooth stones about the size of your palm. Use tempera paints or acrylic craft paints to paint each rock a different color. Allow the rocks to dry. Then use a fine-tip black marker to write a special message to a family member or a friend. Write one word on each rock until the message is completed. Message ideas could include: “Mom, you rock!” or “I hope your day rocks!” You could also write a portion of Psalm 18:2—“The Lord is my rock”—to remind your loved ones of God’s rock-solid love!

Goin’ on a Rock Hunt
Take an empty egg carton outside, along with a magnifying glass and your wild imagination, and go on a rock hunt! See how many different kinds of igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rocks you can find in your neighborhood or around your school. Place each of your rock findings in one section of your egg carton. God made each stone unique—some smooth, some jagged. Others with speckles, dents, or dimples. Just as each rock differs from one another, always remember that God crafted you to be one of a kind!

Make Some Rockin’ Rock Candy
Note: Please get an adult to help you use the stove for this recipe.

What you will need:
Saucepan
Medium-size glass jar
Pencil
Food coloring (optional)
Thick string
1 cup water
2 cups sugar (plus a little extra)

What to do:
1. Combine 2 cups of sugar, water, and food coloring in a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until all of the sugar dissolves.
2. Add rounded teaspoons of sugar to the solution until no more sugar dissolves in the water (you should see sugar at the bottom of the saucepan when this happens).
3. Remove saucepan from the stove and allow the sugar solution to cool until it is warm.
4. Pour sugar solution into the jar.
5. Tie a thick string to the middle of a pencil. Place the pencil across the mouth of the jar so that the string hangs down in the sugar solution.
6. Place the jar in a room where it will not be disturbed. Leave the solution overnight. The next day, check out the sugar crystals that have formed!

If you want larger crystals, repeat steps 2-6 with the remaining sugar solution in your jar. Place the pencil and string back on the jar, and more crystals will form. Each time, your crystals should grow larger. Then enjoy your rock candy treat!