Articles written by Vicki Phipps

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About me - Vicki Phipps

Vicki Stockard Phipps is a happily married retired teacher and mother of three. Born and raised in the Lone Star State, she received her degree and teaching certificate in 1982, where she specialized in speech-language pathology, special education, child development

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Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Inspirational: 1 of 86
Today I need to be inspired, and I've found that the best way to feel inspired is to inspire, so I'll share this story with you. Just please remember that the only way it will inspire you is to read it through. Most often, the inspiration comes at the end of things, and my story is no different. It all began in a dark, gloomy... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religious Speculations & Criticisms What do you believe?: 1 of 64
"What do you believe?" This question was asked of me just the other day, and I must admit that I didn't know what to say. You see, the question came from me. Out of no where, the thought came from a voice in my head, so I said, "I believe in God." That fact was the first thing that came to my mind, but it confused me to say t... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Coping with life: 1 of 61
To whom it may concern: Hi! I'm fine, but as I sit here today typing away, blind as a bat and having a hot flash, my immune system isn't working. Apparently, being a cancer survivor is not at all what it's cracked up to be. Besides, I've come to realize that remission doesn't mean you're cured of anything. Surviving life ... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: How will you be remembered?: 1 of 58
Have you ever wondered how you'll be remembered? Then again, have you ever wondered if you'll be remembered at all? I used to wonder about such things all the time, and especially when my father died. It was a rude awakening to see all those things he worked his entire life to achieve, being sold or given away as if they didn... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Ahead of his time: 1 of 57
Ahead of his timeMartin Luther KingSaw beyond the mountain of strifeThe vision of civil rightsAhead of his timeOne lifeChanged the face of mankind.Ahead of his timeGandhiJust one life and mindAhead of his timeSet the example of peacefor every human being.Ahead of her timeMother TheresaHeld the key to serenitySimplicity leads ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Party Politics & Ideology A country divided: Political tensions building in America: 1 of 48
It's ironic that America is so divided, considering the fact that we claim to be, "The United States." We've all memorized the phrase, "United we stand and divided we all fall," but the fact remains that there's nothing that can divide us faster than the need for change, and the division makes the whole world think our democ... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Meditation & Prayer How do I find enough faith to believe that prayer works?: 1 of 47
What does it take to find faith? You can call it prayer, or you can say you meditate. Still, the fact remains that if you try to reach some kind of higher being, which to me would be God, it means that you have at least an ounce of faith. It takes faith to pray. Otherwise, why would you bother? We all intuitively know that th... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Celebrations & Holidays (Other) 4th of July cookout: Dos and don'ts: 1 of 40
Some say the 4th of July is a time to celebrate the awakening of summer, but where I come from, summer has been around a very long time by the 4th of July. My husband and I are planning our annual cookout barbeque and everyone knows where I come from, it's hot and dry in July. Still, there's nothing better than to barbeque in... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Being a woman: 1 of 37
When I was born, a woman's place was clearly in the home and the baby-boomer I came to be thought Beaver Cleaver's mom was the way a woman should be, at least until the 60's. That's when Beaver's mom seemed silly. Women were getting jobs and burning bras, in defiance to everything we'd been taught was true in the 50's. Rebell... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Child Behavior & Discipline (Other) Common struggles of single-parent households: 1 of 36
Raising a child is a challenge even in the best of circumstances, so a parent who tries to do it alone will need to find the energy and wisdom to do the job that two should do. Single parent homes are more common than they used to be and not as shunned as they were in the past, but the challenges remain the same as they alway... More..