Navigating Crohn's Disease: A Personal and Family Journey
Iconic Cares | A week of celebration of life and death
Good Wednesday morning, Icons,
We have a lot going on in our personal lives and I will share as much as I can with you as an open book to empower you and yours in life, love, marriage and family.
Life has a strange way of coming in to teach us things through God’s grace and mercy for the short it we all have here.
Iconic Marriage is a community in which we want to have back and forth discussions about marriage, family, friendships, Christ and much more.
Don’t hesitate to sign up, leave a comment, share a thought or two with us.
Remember, in all things you do, be Iconic.
Iconic Marriages Holiday Packages
Our Goal: $575 Today to Give Away 100 Books for #GivingSeason
We aim to raise $575 to fund the giveaway of 1000 books at the local library. These books are more than just pages and covers—they are tools to strengthen relationships, inspire growth, and foster a sense of unity in our community.
Our total need is $4000.
The Importance of Our Mission
Did you know that Georgia's marriage rate is below the national average? This highlights a crucial need for resources that support and encourage healthy, lasting relationships. Our books are designed to provide couples with practical advice, proven strategies, and real-life stories that can help them build a successful marriage.
Statistics to Consider:
The national marriage rate is approximately 6.1 per 1,000 total population.
Georgia's marriage rate is slightly lower, reflecting the need for more robust support systems for couples.
How Your Support Helps
The more funds we raise, the more we can do for our community through Iconic Marriages. Here's how your contribution can make a difference:
Local and Online Workshops: We can offer free workshops to couples, providing them with valuable insights and tools to enhance their relationships.
Public Book Signing Events: These events can foster community engagement and provide a platform for sharing experiences and learning from one another.
Producing Our First Cookbook and Children's Book: With additional funding, we can create resources that cater to families and help them grow together in love and understanding.
Expanding Our Podcast: More episodes mean more opportunities to reach couples with advice, stories, and inspiration from experts in the field.
Join Our Season of Giving
This Christmas Season, we're calling on you—our community, supporters, and friends—to help us reach our goal. Your donation, no matter how small, can make a significant impact.
How to Donate:
Visit our donation page
Share our mission with friends and family
Follow us on social media and spread the word
Together, we can make this Thanksgiving a season of gratitude and growth. Thank you for your support and for helping us create a brighter future for marriages in Georgia and beyond.
To show our appreciation for your generosity, we have a variety of donation tiers with exciting rewards when you click the link above or upgrade your subscription:
$10: Receive a digital copy of "Mrs. Pinky's Thoughts" eBook.
$25: Get our brand-new eBook “The Iconic Formula for Marriage Success”.
$40: Receive a printed copy of our new book.
$45: Get a printed and signed copy of our new book.
$50: Iconic plus yearly newsletter.
$100: Access the Iconic Marriage eCourse.
$150: Get 5 printed paperback copies of our new book
$200: Our entire 6 book print collection.
$250: Receive all 7 of our books in their printed formats.
Bonus: All levels come with our upcoming book, “Dating With Purpose”, the first Iconic guide for our singles or currently unmarried couples to push you towards an Iconic marriage.
Special Offer: Donation Bundles
For groups, large organizations, or community leaders who want to strengthen marriages in their areas, we offer special donation bundles. These bundles are perfect for spreading the message of healthy and successful marriages within your community.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support means the world to us and to the couples and families who will benefit from these resources. Together, we can make a lasting impact and empower families to build stronger, healthier relationships.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Let's continue to work together to achieve our goals and spread the message of love and commitment.
Navigating Crohn's Disease: A Personal and Family Journey
I wanted to take a moment to share some personal news and reflect on the importance of health and family, especially during this holiday season. As many of you know, I have been dealing with health issues, and recent tests have revealed ulcers in my large colon. We are currently awaiting a biopsy report to confirm more details, including the possibility of Crohn's disease.
I share this news with you so that you know the important of checking in on your own health, what’s going on with me and where your donations go. We are advocates for healthy and happy families and pray for you as well.
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In the case of Crohn's disease, it primarily affects the digestive system, causing inflammation and a range of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Managing an autoimmune condition like Crohn's involves addressing both the physical and mental aspects of the disease, which can be challenging for the individual and their family.
Advocating for Your Health
One crucial lesson I have learned through this journey is the importance of advocating for your health. I have had to fire doctors’ numerous times when they did not take my concerns seriously. It can be frustrating and daunting but never settle when it comes to your well-being. If a healthcare provider is not meeting your needs, seek out a second opinion, even if it means additional costs. Your health is worth the investment.
Listening to Your Body
Listening to your body is vital. Pay attention to symptoms and changes, and don't hesitate to seek medical advice. A combined approach that includes both holistic and medical treatments can be incredibly beneficial. This means considering diet and exercise as part of your treatment plan alongside traditional medical interventions. Together, these approaches can help manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life
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Prioritizing Health During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, but it's also essential to prioritize health. Many families are coping with the loss of loved ones, and this year has been particularly challenging. The passing of my Aunt Mary Harvin is a poignant reminder of this. Aunt Mary was a cherished member of our Iconic Marriages community from the beginning. She was a pastor, mother, grandmother, and aunt who loved the Lord Jesus and dedicated her life to preaching the gospel. Her legacy is cemented, and we miss her dearly. Aunt Mary passed away from pancreatic cancer and will be laid to rest this Saturday in South Carolina.
Making the Most of Family Time
As we navigate the holidays, let's remember to make the most of our time with family. Tomorrow is not promised, and it's crucial to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones. Support one another, prioritize health, and be there for each other through the ups and downs.
A Call for Prayers and Support: Iconic Medical Fundraiser
I ask for your continued prayers for me and my tiny family as we go through these medical tests. Additionally, the copays for all these procedures are piling up, and we need to raise at least $575 more by Friday, 12/20. Any donations would be greatly appreciated, and go towards to bereavement of Mary Harvin, helping moms in ATL and continuing building Iconic Marriages work. As always, rewards are available as a token of our gratitude for your support.
Thank you for being such an incredible community. Your kindness and prayers mean the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support.
10 Ways to Support Autoimmune Compromised Family and/or Friends
Supporting someone with an autoimmune disease can make a significant difference in their well-being. Here are ten ways you can help:
1. Educate Yourself
Learn about the specific autoimmune disease your loved one is dealing with. Understanding their condition can help you provide better support and empathy.
2. Offer Emotional Support
Be there to listen and provide emotional support. Living with an autoimmune disease can be challenging, and having someone to talk to can make a big difference.
3. Assist with Daily Tasks
Offer to help with daily chores and tasks, especially during flare-ups when symptoms may be more severe. This can include cooking, cleaning, and running errands.
4. Encourage Healthy Eating
Help them maintain a balanced diet that supports their health. Offer to cook healthy meals or research recipes that align with their dietary needs.
5. Promote Rest and Relaxation
Encourage them to take breaks and prioritize rest. Chronic fatigue is common in autoimmune diseases, so promoting relaxation is essential.
6. Be Patient and Understanding
Understand that their energy levels and abilities may fluctuate. Be patient and supportive and avoid pushing them beyond their limits.
7. Help Manage Medications
Assist with organizing medications and reminding them to take their prescribed treatments. Proper medication management is crucial for managing symptoms.
8. Support Physical Activity
Encourage gentle exercise that fits their abilities, such as walking, yoga, or swimming. Physical activity can help improve overall health and reduce stress.
9. Accompany to Appointments
Offer to go with them to medical appointments. Having a supportive person present can help them feel more at ease and ensure that important information is not missed.
10. Raise Awareness
Help raise awareness about autoimmune diseases within your community. Increased awareness can lead to better understanding, support, and research funding.
Supporting someone with an autoimmune disease requires compassion, patience, and a willingness to adapt to their needs. Your support can have a profound impact on their quality of life.
Speak Over Your Self
This week we have celebrated the birth of my son, my medical news that is life changing and the death of my aunt Mary. Life and death is in the power of the tongue. Speak over yourself, encourage yourself in the Lord. Have a happy holiday season.
Introducing Our New Sponsorship Packages: Promote Your Brand with Iconic Marriages! 🌟
Hello Icons,
We have some exciting news to share with you! Iconic Marriages is now offering Sponsorship packages designed to help you promote your brand, non-profit, personal business, or content creation website. We believe in building strong partnerships and helping our community thrive.
Choose Your Sponsorship Tier
We offer three affordable sponsorship packages to suit your needs:
$25/Month: Get a dedicated spot in one of our newsletters each month.
$50/Month: Secure a featured spot in one of our podcasts each month.
$150/Month: Enjoy recurring promotions tailored to your specific brand.
Talk to us in messenger for what your organizational needs are at this time.
Why Sponsor with Iconic Marriages?
Reach: Connect with our engaged and loyal audience through our newsletters and podcasts.
Visibility: Increase your brand's visibility with strategic placements and mentions.
Community Support: Show your support for a community that values strong relationships and personal growth.
Special Offer for Bulk Orders
Do you know a church, religious organization, or any group that would benefit from bulk book or eCourse orders? Let us know! We offer special rates for bulk purchases, making it easier for organizations to access our valuable resources.
Get Started Today
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Purchase your tier below.
Our Iconic Sponsors: Spotlight
We extend a heartfelt blessing to our Icon sponsors for their monthly contributions and donations to our iconic endeavors. Their support enables us to provide free online newsletters from Monday to Friday, develop new digital products, and distribute free books to the public each month via Twitter.
Subscribe today to their newsletters and purchase/preorder their newest books.
Greg Bulla of Walter, Whatever will be, will be | Looking at old memories with family and friends. This is a fiction novel that is just the beginning, as Walter, his family, and friends make memories that last Order your copy of Walter, Whatever will be, will be From Amazon.
Brandon Moore Veteran and Author | Go beyond the classroom teaching kids that there’s more to learn than math, science and social studies with this book on self-control. Order your copy of Bridget Kimble Learns Self Control.
Sponsors We Say Thank You! Get your name added to our Sponsorship list below when you give monthly and become a subscriber.
Jimmie Doss
Richard Garner
Greg Bulla
Tye
Candace Brown