Lessons from Wonderland
Life lessons from Alice in Wonderland
“God often speaks to me through stories and films. Recently a movie clip kept coming to mind from the Matrix when Morpheus offers Neo the choice between the red pill and the blue pill. The blue pill will take him back to business as usual, a life devoid of truth and controlled by machines. Or he could take the red pill, with the risky offer of a dangerous adventure— “let me show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. ”
To be honest, I don’t remember a lot more about the film, but this scene has always stuck with me because I believe we are often faced with the same choice concerning the Kingdom of heaven and the decision to follow this wild man named Jesus. Will we choose the uncertain adventures of Narnia or the familiar comforts and ignorant bliss of the matrix? I finally decided to watch the most recent version of “Alice in Wonderland” after a real white rabbit kept showing up near the patio where I have my morning coffee. I realize this makes me sound as mad as the hatter, but stick with me. I watched the film the weekend before the online spiritual direction training. I nearly fell out of my chair when the main speaker, in her final session, recounted lessons to be learned from—you guessed it—Alice in Wonderland! THEN, my small group decided to create a skit for the final talent show and they asked me to be Alice. (hence the red bow in the pic above)
So I leaned in to the lessons Alice had to teach me, and thought I would share them with you. Here is what I learned (and am still learning):
Beginnings are always messy. When Alice tumbled down the rabbit hole, I’m sure she was a mess, with dirt on her dress and grass in her hair. Since Jesus was born in a barn, my guess is that His earthly debut was also a little messy. When you decide to obey God and surrender your will to Him, it’s going to seem messy at first. If you’re starting a new job or you just got married, it may take some time to adjust. We are entering a new season of empty nesting and it has been awkward and uncomfortable trying to find our new “normal”. I am trying not to give unsolicited advice to Savannah, which is difficult for me because well, I pretty much know how to make everyone’s life better. Ahem. JK. (Rolling my eyes) What about you? What in your life seems messy right now? Maybe it’s supposed to be a little clunky for awhile. Beginnings are always messy.
There will be scars. When you fall or jump into a rabbit hole, there will be scars. Do it anyway. It’s summer now and my younger self would have tried desperately to hide all the scars on my body. Instead I display them proudly because they mean “I survived.” Dead bodies do not scar so it says I AM ALIVE. To open your heart and be vulnerable with others who could hurt you is risky. You may be left with scars. Do it anyway.
Nothing is impossible. In Wonderland, rabbits talk, playing cards dance and cats can become invisible. The White Queen tells Alice, “Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” This is why I want to live in Wonderland. I want to live a life “full of wonder” in a place where gay meth addicts fall in love with Jesus and suicidal veterans with PTSD are filled with the spirit and find their true purpose. Where an embryo that has been frozen for six years grows into a lively toddler, thriving in her new family. What impossible things do you need to start believing or believe again? If God said it, He will bring it to pass.
Don’t shrink or stretch to fit others’ expectations. Alice was either shrinking in order to fit through doors or stretching to reach what she thought she needed. The lie of the enemy that I hear most in my own personal life is “You’re too much.” I am outgoing and charismatic in pretty much everything I do, but this makes some people uncomfortable. In the spiritual direction training I just attended, I kept telling myself to “tone it down” since there were attendees from many different denominations. When it came my turn to share my spiritual journey, though, it was like opening a furnace. The response was encouraging. They said things like “Wow—I used to have your passion for the Word. I want it back,” or “I love how you recognize the Scriptures being woven through the story of your life. It inspires me.” In what ways are you shrinking or stretching to fit others’ expectations? Pray and journal about it.
Never EVER lose your muchness (or if you do, get it back!) My favorite scene in the film occurs when the hatter is trying to convince Alice that she is the chosen one to slay the evil red queen’s dragon. She balks, “I couldn’t if I wanted to.” The hatter pauses, tilts his head and replies, “You’re not the same as you were before. You were much more…MUCHIER…you’ve lost your muchness. In there (he points to her heart), something’s missing.” (Watch this clip on YouTube) I have to admit that I “lost my muchness” over the past few years, especially during the pandemic. I needed someone like the hatter to come along and remind me of who I am, a slayer of dragons, a warrior poet princess. What about you? Have you lost your “muchness”? It’s time to get it back. Here’s the clip from the film . . .
When Alice didn’t know how to slay the dragon, the White Queen said “The sword knows . . . all you have to do is hold onto it.” This is wise counsel for us as well. How do we get back our muchness and slay dragons in Wonderland? We hold onto our Sword, that’s how.
What Do You Do With the Mad That You Feel?
What is your response to injustice? How do you deal with anger when everything seems to be just, well, wrong?
“What do you do with the mad that you feel, when you feel so mad you could bite? When the whole world seems oh, so wrong…and nothing you do seems very right?”
I love to go for prayer walks to calm down and re-center…especially near water!
These are the words from a song by Mr. Rogers. I watched Mr. Rogers as a child and have recently revisited some of his wonderful wisdom after the release of the film about his life. After watching the recent events in our nation, this particular episode keeps coming to mind.
In another video of Mr. Rogers’ proposal for funding for educational television in front of a senate committee (you can also find this online), he expressed his concern about the violence children were being exposed to on television. He made an impassioned, yet humble plea that included a plan that would allow him to be part of the solution. And I believe he was.
David issued an outcry for justice in Psalm 139.
Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you (God)? Yes, I hate them with a total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. (Psalm 139:21-22)
Whoa. Does this sound familiar? And yet, David gave us the answer in the next breath.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:23-24)
David was angry at the injustice he saw, but he asked God to (FIRST) expose any wrong motives in his own heart AND THEN for God to guide his actions. Try asking yourself: Why does this make me so angry? What is the root? What has happened in my past that is triggering this reaction? How can I be part of the solution? (with love and humility?) Am I shutting down the dialogue with my own monologue of pain? Am I seeking first to understand before I try to be understood?
The rest of Mr. Rogers’ song goes like this:
What do you do? Do you punch a bag? Do you pound some clay or some dough? Do you round up friends for a game of tag? Or see how fast you can go? It's great to be able to stop…when you've planned a thing that's wrong, And be able to do something else instead…I can stop when I want to, can stop when I wish. I can stop, stop, stop any time. And what a good feeling to feel like this, and know that the feeling is really mine. Know that there's something deep inside, that helps us become what we can. For a girl can be someday a woman…And a boy can be someday a man. —Fred (Mr.) Rogers
Mr. Rogers gives children (and us!) practical steps to process feelings and emotions of anger. My goal is not to point out things you “should” do. I only want you to consider—what do you do when you feel angry, frustrated, sad or afraid? Maybe you have a punching bag in your garage or perhaps you bake bread or shoot clay pigeons. Do you work in the garden or paint or play the drums? I’d love to hear yours! Here are some of mine:
Go for a walk. I know I talk a lot about the benefits of prayer walking, but I can’t count the number of times over the years that a few laps around the block or neighborhood, school building or apartment complex have helped me to “stop” and “do something else instead.” I had a chance to practice it today when a new neighbor did not pick up after his dog who relieved himself in our yard. (!)
Turn up the worship music. Savannah reminded me of this recently. She has been disappointed by the way her senior year ended and has been missing her high school friends. “I’ve been listening to ‘The Blessing’ on repeat during my drives back and forth to work. It has really helped my attitude.” I also find it helpful to listen to podcasts like Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Your Move by Pastor Andy Stanley, and Enjoying Everyday Life by Joyce Meyer. I love podcasts!
Play an instrument. Even if you only know a few chords (like me) on the keyboard or guitar or ukelele, try learning a song you love! I also love to choose a simple 3 or 4 chord progression and play it over and over again. Often I will open my Bible or choose a verse to sing. Who knows? You may even write a new song!
Discuss it with a friend. I am a verbal processor, which means my brain processes information while I am talking. This is frustrating for Jeff, who is a problem solver. He hears a problem and immediately wants to fix it, but often I just need him to listen because as I am talking, the Lord often reveals a solution or revelation. I thank God for friends who allow me (even now through Zoom and FaceTime) to talk through issues of the heart. Who can you call today?
Journal. I am forever grateful to the junior high teacher (Mrs. Gaines) who introduced me to journaling. When Hannah was mistreated and “deeply troubled”, she “poured out her soul before the Lord.” (1 Sam. 1:15) Once when I read this, God highlighted the spiritual discipline of journaling.
As Mr. Rogers taught children alternatives to violence, I want to teach middle school, junior high, high school and even college students that there is “a more excellent way.” Let’s pray for wisdom, love and humility. Let’s be part of the solution.
You can help me be part of the solution! Join me as I create curriculum for students that will help them connect with God and live with purpose by making a tax-deductible donation here:
What are some healthy ways you deal with
“the mad that you feel”?
*vanessavancleave.com comment policy: Racist or bigoted comments will be deleted
Delicious Zucchini Pasta
This has become one of our favorite dishes! Spiralized Zucchini Pasta
Since March, I have made a commitment to juice and eat more fruits and vegetables. My body was sick and I had no energy. I visited the website rebootwithjoe.com and started to "reboot" my system. I lost weight, my headaches disappeared and I've had more energy than I have had in years! As I prepared my body for juice fasting, I incorporated more plant-based meals into my diet. This zucchini pasta immediately became one of my favorites! My friend Christina asked for the recipe and this was her response....
That was amazing!!! Pretty sure it's going to be a once a week meal. I could've eaten the whole pan and it was really good with chicken."
There are many different vegetable spiralizers. For this I used the Oxo Good Grips Handheld Spiralizer. Purchase one
.
First, spiralize the zucchini into noodles and set aside.
I used red bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and spinach but feel free to use what you like!
2. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. Add fresh basil, oregano, mushrooms, chopped red pepper and spinach.
3. Add cherry tomatoes cut in half (optional) and spiralized zucchini noodles.
I added feta cheese (or I might have used goat cheese) because I love cheese! But if you are cutting out dairy, it's still great without it.
4. Optional--Add feta, goat (or your favorite crumbly cheese :)
5. Add parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best :)
Enjoy! You could also add chicken, shrimp or veggie balls. Let me know if you try this and what you think!
Here's the recipe again:
Ingredients: 1-2 zucchini (spiralized or shredded), 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/2 cup red bell pepper, 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), handful of mushrooms, 1 1/2 to 2 t. each of fresh basil and oregano (chopped...you can also use italian seasoning but wow--the fresh basil and oregano is so fragrant and tasty!), 1-2 handfuls of spinach, salt and pepper to taste
Spiralize or grate zucchini into "noodles".
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. Add fresh basil, oregano, mushrooms, chopped red pepper and spinach.
Add cherry tomatoes cut in half (optional) and zucchini noodles.(Cook zucchini noodles until they are desired consistency. I prefer mine a little firm so I only sauté them for a few minutes but you may want them to be softer.)
Add feta or goat cheese (optional)
Add freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Going On a Prayer Walk
One of my favorite ways to connect with God is by taking a prayer walk, either alone or with a group. According to Rosalind Rinker, prayer is simply “a conversation between two people who love each other.” Enoch was said to have walked with God in Genesis 5 and since he didn’t die a traditional death, I can’t help but think of the possibility that he and his Maker had such an electrifying exchange one day that God said, “I can’t take the distance anymore! Come on up here, Enoch.” This is just my opinion of course, but I do know that when I have something on my mind or just want closer communion with God, I go for a walk. Here are a few of my favorite types of prayer walks which can be alone or with others.
Our prayers lay the track down which God's power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, his power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails.”
—Watchman Nee
Creation/Nature Prayer Walk
Many of the Psalms show how God speaks to us through nature, whether it be the bird who makes it’s nest near the altar (Psalm 84) or by the mountains that surround Jerusalem. (Psalm 125) Jesus uses farming and weather illustrations to teach lessons. After a prayer walk at Forerunner Christian Academy, one of my Bible class students may mention that upon seeing dandelions, they feel God is speaking to them about the “weeds” growing in their heart. Another may look at the same dandelions but feels God speaking a message to his heart about how the seeds blow in the wind and that when we share the Love of Christ it spreads all over. Walking by a rushing stream might cause you to think of how your mind is rushing and how you need to slow down. An eagle or falcon may remind you that you can soar above your problems and difficult circumstances.
One person may see dandelions and think about "weeds" growing in his heart while another sees the same dandelions and considers how the seeds blow in the wind like spreading the love of Christ.
Meditation or Devotional Prayer Walk
When I take my students on a devotional prayer walk, I have them highlight a passage in their Bible or write a verse on a notecard. This acts as an “anchor” to help them when they get distracted. As they notice their thoughts wandering to what’s for dinner or what their friend is doing, they can simply come back to the verse. They can whisper the verse or even ask Holy Spirit to open up deeper revelation or life application. One of my favorite verses to pray on a devotional prayer walk is....
Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me…”
—Psalms 25:4-5
Intercessory Prayer Walk
When I first moved to Kansas City and didn’t know any other parents at our school, I asked some mothers to join me after drop off at a nearby hiking trail. We shared personal requests and visited as we walked to the first “station” or stopping point. We gathered beside the path and prayed for the students, teachers and leadership of our school. Then we would walk in silence for awhile to another stopping point. At prayer stations, mothers could choose to pray aloud or simply stand in agreement. We saw so many wonderful things happen in our families and our school!
Ask a group of people to join you on an intercessory prayer walk at a local trail. This trail is near our school and on Wednesday mornings after school drop-off, I met with other moms to walk and pray for our kids and school.
Family or Class Prayer Walk
I first started doing prayer walks with kids at Remnant House of Prayer in the summer camps and after school programs. We asked for prayer requests from the community and each week students would choose a prayer request card to pray over during the walk. I encouraged the kids to not only pray for the specific request, but to ask Holy Spirit and listen to what He might say. The request might be for healing but God may prompt you to pray for financial provision or healing of broken relationships. Elijah would always ask for the same prayer card, “Vanessa, can I pray for the girl with the headaches?” One of our partners had chronic migraines on an almost daily basis and God healed her completely!
Elijah asked every week for the same prayer request card. "I wanna pray for the girl with the headaches." God healed her of chronic migraines! Use prayer request cards or index cards with Scripture to help kids stay focused.
Jericho Prayer Walk
One of the most memorable examples of prayer walking in the Scriptures happened when Joshua led the Israelites around the city of Jericho 7 times, then gave a loud shout. The walls that withheld blessing came down following their faithful prayer walk! I’ve heard of people doing a “Jericho March” prayer walk around a property or home. We have done prayer walks around polling centers on the night before an election. At Forerunner Christian Academy, my Bible classes do prayer walks around the school. It’s by far the most popular activity of every class. We walk slowly in silence about ten feet apart and share insights and revelations from the walk at the end. Then we often pray together in agreement.
Helpful Tips and Other Resources
Pray from Scripture. My favorite prayer list for intercession is the apostolic prayer list from the International House of Prayer.
Print out a map of your route. If you are going on a prayer walk around your city, print out a map with the route and mark the places you will stop and pray together with an "x".
Prepare a list of prayer points.. For example, "at the city offices, stop and pray for wisdom and direction for city council members, chief of police, etc."
Split groups into two's or three's. People are more likely to pray aloud in small groups. This works best if you have a ministry group praying over the city. For students, I tell them to keep a car's length single file between each person so they can better focus on hearing Holy Spirit's voice until we gather for group prayer at the end of walk.
Expect to “hear” God’s Voice!He may give you a vision or He may highlight a verse to you. You may “hear” a song or think of a person you haven’t spoken to in awhile. Take time to pray for that person and ask Holy Spirit if you should make contact or send a text, note or email.
Ask for a sign of God’s favor! (Psalm 86:17) He sends me butterflies and ladybugs, but once, a boy from RHOP asked God to see a turtle on our nature trail prayer walk. I’ll never forget the look on his face when we turned the corner and saw a lake with dozens if not hundreds of turtles all around the pond and on every log! It was his “sign”.
For more information on prayer walks, visit the prayerscapes.com
Wanna go on a longer pilgrimage prayer walk? Find out more about the Camino de Santiago here.
One of my favorite films about this pilgrimage is called "The Way" with Martin Sheen. Watch the trailer here.
My 60-Day Juicing Reboot
juice image by Astrid Smith
Why do a reboot?
I am on day 21 of a juicing "reboot". In March, I got sick with a sinus infection, then ear infection, then bronchitis and multiple rounds of antibiotics seemed only to make me feel worse. Lab tests revealed I was low in iron and vitamin D, and an ultrasound showed cysts on my ovaries that were causing pain in my stomach. I was often exhausted and no matter how early I went to bed, I felt I could not sleep enough. After I slept for nearly 20 hours straight one weekend, Jeff said, "There has to be something wrong."
How did I get here?
In 2010 I had a partial thyroidectomy after discovering a nodule and before that, I never realized how many things the thyroid affects. It produces hormones that affects your body's energy and metabolism. An under-active thyroid can affect many different systems in the body, including the mind. I used to work as a sign language interpreter in the mental health field and was startled to walk by a poster one day that said problems with the thyroid are often similar to and confused with many bipolar symptoms! Since that surgery, my health has not been the same and though I take medication, I know that I can improve my diet.
Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead
I remembered watching the documentary "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" several years ago and was struck how a juicing fast helped a guy named Joe Cross to heal from a debilitating auto-immune disease. I looked up his website and found some great resources and an online community. I ordered his books with lots of recipes and connected with others who were juicing to regain their health. After much prayer, I decided to start on March 30, 2019.
I found amazing juice recipes and help with my reboot at
You can also watch his documentaries that inspired me.
Reboot = To Restart by loading the operating system; boot again; to produce a distinctly new version of; to make a change in (something) in order to establish a new beginning.
Prepare Your Body Before Juice Fasting
I started with a Daniel-type fast, eating fruits and vegetables and cutting out meat, bread and dairy. Some of my favorite dishes to make during this time of preparing my body included sweet potato and carrot fries (tossed with cumin and olive oil and roasted at 425 degrees), Caprese salad made with avocados, olive oil, basil and tomatoes, spaghetti squash and acorn squash stuffed with garlic, onion and mushrooms.
One of my favorite dishes during the week I prepared my body for juice fasting
Roasted acorn squash stuffed with onions, garlic and Bella mushrooms.
Uhhhhh..... Yes, I know. I WAY overdid it on the onions!
Why Do We Feel So Bad?
The standard American diet is literally killing us. It's so convenient to pick up fast food and because my dad was a basketball coach, we were accustomed to eating out often when I was growing up. My physical activity (basketball) helped to keep my weight under control, but since the thyroid surgery, I have constantly struggled with my health. We no longer eat out as often, but our diet still includes far too many carbs and not nearly enough fruits and vegetables. I am determined during this reboot to learn new recipes and try new things. I recognize that I won't like everything. Case in point.....
I was trying to make quinoa with almond milk and berries. As you can see, it was a huge "fail". I apparently did not cook the quinoa right. It was like eating birdseed.
Benefits of Juice Fasting
The idea behind juice fasting is to give your body and organs a complete rest, which allows them to "reboot" or reset while you flood your system with micronutrients in the fresh pressed juices. It gives your body a chance to get used to fruits and vegetables and when you are done with the reboot, you will even crave healthier foods! Anyone can benefit from a 3-day, 5-day or 10-day reboot but because my body is so toxic and unhealthy right now, I know I have to do something drastic, so I'm doing a 60-day Reboot. I am now on just juices (4-6 per day) and am feeling great! I have more energy that I have had in years, my skin is clear and my headaches are gone. I've lost 18 pounds which is great, but my main goal is to restore my body to health. I will continue to post progress and insights throughout the reboot. Let me know if you've ever done a juice fast or reboot before and if you have suggestions or tips. With love and much HOPE....
\m/,--Vanessa