My sister-in-law, Anita, was no exception. She and Larry were to be married on September 21st in Chicago. My husband, Dennis, and I flew back on the Thursday before in anticipation of the big day. Since we were the still and video photographers for their wedding, we knew of their desire to pose right after the ceremony for a few of those romantic in-the-park-late-afternoon-lighting shots. But the weather has to really cooperate for that to happen, and unfortunately, the forecast was quite gloomy. In fact, every weather person on every channel had the same story: "Increasing cloudiness over the weekend with afternoon showers throughout Chicagoland."

I could not bring myself to casually accept a rainy wedding day, so as we heard every forecast, I stated aloud,

Dennis joined in and we repeated the request with every gloomy forecast we heard, along with a visualization of capturing those sunlit images in the park after the wedding.

Life has taught me that there is definite strength in numbers, so we explained our intention to some of our relatives on the eve of the wedding. As you might imagine, they were a little skeptical at first. But through lots of laughter and animation, we convinced them to at least TRY creating a different reality than what was being fed to us through the media. So there we stood in front of their home, 4 mature adults waving our arms about and laughing and chanting "HIGH PRESSURE, HIGH PRESSURE, HIGH PRESSURE" while the midnight moon worked its way through the clouds.

By 4PM the following day, the newly married couple darted to their get-away car that was bathed in dazzling sunlight.

Just as we visualized, we followed them to the park and shot those romantic photos with the light streaming through Anita's veil. Yes, there were a few clouds in the sky, but we were blessed with dry grass and perfect lighting. And as if that weren't enough, the evening brought us a most spectacular sunset that took our breath away. Our prayer had been answered and we were very thankful!

Now one could say it was just a coincidence that the weather changed for the wedding. And yes, that is a possibility. But life is a string of never-ending choices; with each one comes an opportunity to follow your heart. I have learned that when I make my choices based on heart-felt faith, joy, and expectancy, good things happen to me. I have used visualization, thoughts and feelings to create all sorts of things in my life, not just sunny weather. This power, which we ALL possess, is limitless.

If your life isn't giving you what you want, then I suggest you take the time to mindfully examine the endless thoughts, images, and feelings that continuously engage your brain. That is the energy that directs everyday of your life. Nothing outside of you can change what you choose to think and be. Our free will allows us the freedom to create heaven or hell for ourselves. The choice is ours.

We are not victims and we are not powerless. God has blessed us with the awesome responsibility of free will and co-creation of reality. This gift allows us to work WITH Him to create a loving and joyous life.

Diana