In the spring of 2024, a few months after returning from Medjugorje, Liana felt suddenly inspired to write a children's book about the dogs she encountered in Medjugorje. She felt strongly compelled by divine suggestion, that somehow these pups had an important role which would impact pilgrims from around the world. Liana prayed and wondered about it and eventually got busy and distracted with the business of daily life between her career as a professional organizer and homeschooling mother.

 

On Good Friday, a few months later, Liana ran into another Medjugorje pilgrim who began telling stories about his very own canine encounter in Medjugorje. She knew in that moment that the Holy Spirit was prompting her attention and obedience. She got to work right away, asking God what He wanted her to write. The words and rhyme flowed, and soon enough, the book was written. While Liana loves to dabble in creativity and crafting, she knew she was most definitely not an artist or illustrator. A year passed as she struggled to find the right illustrator. While visiting The Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, Liana once again felt divinely inspired with a message to illustrate the book herself. Liana was shocked by this realization and quickly doubted her ability. She picked up a watercolor brush, for the first time, and failed miserably. She watched YouTube tutorials and laughed at her tragic creations. So, she turned back to prayer and asked God to help her if He was asking her to do this. After a few more attempts, she heard in her heart "okay, you're done practicing, time to get to work!" She started painting her little pictures. She prayed a "Hail Mary" as soon as her brush hit the paper and continued to pray through its creation. She began each pen line with a little 'Easter egg' written 'Jesus' at the beginning of each pen outline. See if you can find them in each picture! Liana still understands that she is not an artist or professional illustrator, however, she is at peace with her illustrations, only because she feels that The Lord finds them acceptable for this message. Thank you for your willingness to accept these illustrations as well.

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Liana McGinley lives on a small chunk of land in beautiful Saint Augustine, Florida with her human family and their five Peace Pups: Griffin, Birdie, Mango, Chesney & Mazzy.

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