Recently I received a book by snail mail - a gift from an author I met on-line. I took the book downstairs and propped it up on the bookrack on my new treadmill. I opened it up being careful not to break the spine. I love the way a new book feels. I love the way I feel - excited about the treasure hidden between the covers.

And what a treasure it was. The writer included an entire book's worth of information in the first chapter. My thirty-minute workout passed by before I knew it.

While I savored the spiritual morsels in the book, I had to quash an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach - something like literary nausea. Why would I ever try to write another word? Who was I to think I could communicate deep spiritual insights? I'm shallow.

As a first step to rid myself of this illness, I sent an email to the author praising her book. Then I prayed. And prayed some more. If I am to continue to write, I must believe God has a message contained in this container of clay that only I can write. I asked God to replace jealousy with trust. I do trust in His plan, His will, and His purpose for me, and my plea is for strength and wisdom to build on His blueprint for my life.

Admitting my feelings represents a healthy step in overcoming them. James wrote, "But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth" (James 3: 14).

Soon it wasn't difficult to admit I would not have wanted to write the book that induced such envy. Many tears and heartache had been experienced before the author wrote the first word. Deep insight came from passing through deep valleys. Mountaintop highs resulted in magnificent praise.

Paul wrote, "Let us not desire vainglory, provoking one another, envying one another" (Gal. 5:26).

When I read beautiful writing, I desire to give genuine compliments to the author, and praise to God Who inspired the author.

Do you ever find yourself in this same trap? Maybe the ministry isn't writing, but singing or teaching or preaching.

Let us praise God at all times for His goodness and His faithfulness to inspire beauty - whether it comes though us or someone else.

I have green eyes. I don't want them to be green with envy.

BIO: The oldest of five children with two children of her own, Donna Shepherd has found great inspiration in her family. She has published poetry in Guideposts for Kids, Wee Ones, Whimsy, Kidvisions, and is a staff writer for Inspiration Station and The Dabbling Mum.

In addition to her children's writing, Donna's writing is included in several inspirational books, most recently in Daily Grace for Women, Devotional Reflections to Nourish Your Soul, Honor Books, April 2005.

Her children's book, Topsy Turvy Land, was released in July 2005 by Hidden Pictures Publishing. In precarious times such as ours, many children imagine a world where they can orchestrate their surroundings. When the real world turns topsy-turvy, they can visit a place called Topsy Turvy Land - a place of peace and whimsy, with the understanding that, while only God can create, it's so much fun to imagine!