Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

In 2018, Alaina Griffin was inspired by a sunset to write a children's book about faith. The book, titled "Glimpses of Heaven," features illustrations by her aunt, Cynthia K. Quinn. Griffin recalled the colors of that sunset and began writing rhymes during her spare time while raising young children.

Griffin expressed that her words were influenced by spiritual inspiration. “These words really came from an outpouring of the Holy Spirit into my soul,” she said. Though initially written without a specific religious denomination in mind, she mentioned the possibility of including more religious elements in future works.

The book is dedicated to Griffin's parents and her children, Lilah, Beau, and Tucker. Quinn's illustrations reflect personal touches from their family life. “My aunt Cindy painted these illustrations by hand,” Griffin explained. Despite living in different states, they collaborated closely over phone calls and visits.

The illustrations often depict a mother with her children, inspired by photos of Griffin with her own kids. Her husband Wes also served as a model for one illustration.

Balancing roles as a homeschooling mother and working as an RN at a nursing home, Griffin finds fulfillment in nurturing faith within her family. She described parenting as both rewarding and challenging: “Raising tiny disciples has been an incredible privilege and it’s also a weighty vocation.”

Griffin aims for the book to inspire readers across ages: “I hope that this book gives glory to God... I hope the book reveals some of that precious love He has for us.”

"Glimpses of Heaven" is published by Covenant Books and available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.