Angela "Big Ang" Raiola -------Rest Easy Divaaaaaaaaaa

Angela ‘Big Ang’ Raiola

June 30, 1960 - February 18, 2016

 

Diva Angela Raiola affectionately know to all of us as "Big Ang"......was loved by many..........and her spirit was beautiful.........I'm surely going to miss her beautiful spirit and raspy voice.........

 Photo Above Is Courtesy of Ms. Tinka Beautyforhair.....check her out on fb she is wonderful and very creative----she is also an excellent hair stylist----on facebook (Creative Choices by Tinka)

The last picture that I saw of her was a truly beautiful picture of her....there was a glowwwwww like no other.......

This post is all about Honor..........I will never be a part of tarnishing her name or anyone else name..........Big Ang was a reality television personality. She rose to fame after starring in the series Mob Wives. Big Ang’s uncle was a member of the notorious Genovese crime family and she has dated many Mob members and has managed several Mafia hangouts. Currently, she owns the Drunken Money bar in Staten Island, New York. Her own spin-off show Big Ang recently premiered on VH1. She also released a book entitled Bigger Is Better: Real Life Wisdom from the No-Drama Mama in September 2012. In 2015, doctors removed a lemon-sized tumor from her throat. After undergoing treatment for brain and throat cancer, doctors thought she had defeated the disease. However, it returned in Dec. 2015 and quickly advanced to stage 4. Sadly, Ang passed away on Feb. 18, 2016, surrounded by her family and friends.  She died from complications of lung and brain cancer after she contracted pneumonia, The New York Times reported, adding that she is survived by husband Neil Murphy, children Anthony D'Onofrio and Raquel D'Onofrio and six grandchildren.......Four private visitations for Big Ang will be held at a funeral home over the weekend, while the reality star will be honored Monday with a private funeral at the Basilica of Regina Pacis, a Catholic parish church in Brooklyn, E! News has learned.  She will be laid to rest at a private burial in Staten Island.

May her family find peace, love, encouragement with the help of God and He will place everyone around her family during this time to get to their next level of life......

Many Blessings and Love,

Calvin & LeVette Thomas
Mz. Kiwi's Blog

Honoring - This Precious Diva - Whitney Houston 8/9/63 - 2/11/12

Honoring - This Precious Diva - Whitney Houston 8/9/63 - 2/11/12

As this precious Angel took her seat next to our Father in Heaven...where she no longer can hurt, be in any pain, be judged by anyone....let's honor her and give her the respect that she deserves....May she continue to RIP......alongside her beautiful baby girl Bobbi Kristina.........................I still can't believe that such a beautiful divaaaaaaaaaaaa is goneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee............I still see it very fitting that I add this song.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiCBOXOj9s0

I LOVE THE LORD.......this sista really put it downnnnnnnnnnnnn
May God continue to bless this family and keep them close to him...AMEN..in Jesus Name....AMEN

http://awards.music.yahoo.com/blog/209-jennifer-hudson-channels-whitney-houston-in-emotional-grammy-tribute

 
I will always remember you Whitney as the beautiful Queen that you were...thank you so much for the beautiful music....we so appreciated youuuuuuuuu






Many Blessings,


LeVette
Mz. Kiwi's Blog

Depression - It's Real---

Depression is Real--------Mental Illness--------Healing is the Goal------

For me I have personally experienced first hand depression and not thinking at the time that I could go on.  As I found myself when my mother passed in 2005 trying to be strong for everyone else I wasn't taking care of ME........so as the days were going by I was reaching out but it felt like nobody was listening to me........so one day September 2005 I found myself taking pills and trying to commit suicide........there was surely a process to it........please don't try to fix everything yourself (talking to myself).....take care of you first.......because without you there will be no others to take care of........

Postpartum is one that has been said to only apply when you give birth.  But surely that is not true at all....this was surely a roller coaster for me......I thought I was crazy at first because I didn't physically give birth to the twins.......and I had to face that I had to medically have an abortion (this is something that I don't agree with or believe in).....so I pretty much battled with this for a long time............this is a daily process but I knew that God had me and was going to make sure that I had all the people around me that was going to help me get through.......

I am very aware of many people that maybe in your life that are battling depression...please reach out to them and offer your help........

If you are currently experiencing this don't try to fix this yourself........make sure that you go to God and He will surely send all the people that you need to help you get through....I've learned that whatever you are going through you should study God's Word to get your answer...... 

* Here is a simple definition of depression: a state of feeling sad; a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant and often is unable to live in a normal way; and a period of time in which there is little economic activity and many people do not have jobs.

There are many types of depression and here is a link to 9 types of depression: http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression-pictures/different-types-of-depression.aspx

 This is how your brain looks when depressed and when you are no longer depressed.

Tell the truth and stop saying "I'm Fine".

Some people may never know what you are going through but always BELIEVE that they will understand.

Depression is so real.....some people really don't believe that they have another way out......may he continue to RIP Black Lives Matter Activist MarShawn McCarrel

https://www.yahoo.com/music/black-lives-matter-activist-marshawn-145800226.html

Here are three scriptures that will help you to your next level: (AMP)

Leviticus 14:37

He shall examine the mark, and if the mark on the walls of the house has greenish or reddish depressions and appears deeper than the surface,

Ecclesiastes 12:2

before the sun and the light, and the moon and the stars are darkened [by impaired vision], and the clouds [of depression] return after the rain [of tears];

Isaiah 60:1

[ A Glorified Zion ] “Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord]; for your light has come, And the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you.

SO WITH THAT BEING SAID DON'T EVER GIVE UP.....ALWAYS LEAN ON GOD.....EVEN WHEN YOU THINK THAT THERE IS NO WAY OUT...........JUST BELIEVE..............HE IS YOUR ANSWER..............STAY STRONG...........FOCUS ON THE PROMISE AND NOT THE PROCESS...................ALWAYS REMEMBER WE WIN.........MOVING MOUNTAINS 2016

http://www.crylaughheal.com/

https://www.yahoo.com/news/video/view-post-partum-depression-182852574.html 

http://www3.forbes.com/lifestyle/depression-isnt-always-what-you-think-the-subtle-signs/?utm_campaign=Depression-Subtle-Signs&utm_source=yahoo-gemini&utm_medium=Referral

BE HEALED AND STAY BLESSED

LEVETTE
MZ. KIWI'S BLOG
PRESIDENT/OWNER 

CLOSE TO EVERYONE'S HOME------WHOSE LIFE WILL FINALLY MATTER TO US????????

CLOSE TO EVERYONE'S HOME-----WHOSE LIFE WILL FINALLY MATTER TO US???????

 

As we all are trying to wrap our minds around this horrific murder.......we are certainly at a loss for words.  When does it become okay to kill someone over $600 monthly child support.  That one split decision that he made has affected his entire family and the family of NeShante Davis and Baby Chloe........they had their entire lives ahead of them......

 

You wouldn't think that on your way to taking your baby to daycare and you heading to work that the one person that is supposed to protect his child would be the one to take their life.

We have to do better as human beings.....this was a very senseless murder that didn't have to happen.....This was a coward act.  I pray that we can all come together as a community and give a helping hand to all that are in need.....when you see someone that has some type of Mental Illness reach out to them and help in anyway that you can.....

Also, domestic violence is very real......he took this to a level that was far beyond imagination......

How do we all begin to recover and go on with our daily lives as we are trying to not understand how something like this could happen and so horrific........we can reach out to one another to encourage, love, comfort and stand in the gap......we must all pray for one another as I know her family will surely need this and also prayers for his family and other children......

 

This scripture really spoke to me and gave me some sense of peace.....I pray that this will help you as well:

Psalm 31:9 - Be gracious and compassionate to me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; My eye is clouded and weakened by grief, my soul and my body also.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Police-Investigate-Homicide-in-Fort-Washington-367335681.html

LET'S ALL LEARN THAT EVERY HUMAN BEINGS LIFE MATTERS------

Blessings and Love,
Calvin & LeVette Thomas
Mz. Kiwi's Blog

After the Miscarriage-----Where Do You Go?????

It's been a long time since I've written.......today I write about a personal experience that me and my husband endured------How Do You Go On After the Miscarriage??????

When I first found out (10/4/15) that I was pregnant I was confused and scared because this is something that I've always wanted....and to top it all off it was with the one person that I've always wanted to have children with......and as I was 42 and didn't think it would ever happen.....

For the year of 2015 our Man of God had declared and also had been teaching on Realized Dreams....and I would hear his voice saying it over and over again and so I started to believe it......then after finding out I went the next day to the ER (10/5/15) to get the answer that I knew was already true......and they said you are pregnant but I had to take it easy.....so I started confessing that me and the baby would be healthy and go full term.......I prayed and talked to my stomach like the baby was already here and I was talking to him or her.......so a few days later (10/10/15) there was some complications and back to the ER me and my husband headed.....I was so scared didn't know what to expect and all I knew is that I wanted our baby to be ok.....so we had another ultrasound and the Tech said that everything was ok...whewwwwwwwww that was a true relief....so then we went back to the room to wait for the Dr......so he walks in and says do you know......we were like well yeah she said the baby is ok.....NOPE......SURPRISE we were having TWINS....so naturally we were like hold up you got to be kidding....as we were both SHOCKED for sure.......so now not only were we trying to prepare for one baby but now two....and I was like thank u JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS......I couldn't believe that this was happening to us.....I had always longed to have children so to have them with someone that I always wanted to have children with made it even more special and a blessing...after all I've loved my husband since I was 12 years old........God spoke to me and told me that the babies purpose would be RESOLUTION AND RESTORATION...and surely they kept their end of the bargain....as it did with me and their father......it restored us in a way we had no idea needed restoring and it resolved some things we didn't know needed resolving......

We went that Sunday (10/11/15) to church to let our Pastor (Mike Freeman-SOFCC) know that we were having twins as he had laid hands on me and my husband (Calvin) three times and surely we were excited to share that we had walked and believe what he had been teaching us for so long...and we were living proof that if you believe it will come to pass.......(side note----my husband was like see what happens when Pastor Mike lays hands on you----he can't lay hands on us no more) lol........

So first we set up an appointment (10/23/15) with my GYN (whom I've been seeing for like 15+ years to surprise him).....well let's just say he was so shocked and surprised and wished us well....So next we had to find an OB doctor like helloooooooooo I didn't know anything about this......I was like where do I go....I was hard trying to find someone to see me soon......I found an OB in Suitland, Maryland and the Maternal Fetal Specialist was connected to them so that was a blessing......So as time went on after first confirming that we were having twins we had an appointment to have our very first sonogram done at the specialist (Maternal Fetal Doctor) (11/3/15)......and well we were hit with the most devastating news that we have ever heard as a couple.....we saw the babies on the monitor and naturally as a first time mother I didn't know exactly what I was looking at but I surely knew that I saw our two babies there and that they were doing fine.......so when the Dr. came in and said that unfortunately there were no heartbeats.....surely she couldn't be talking to us.....because the way she said it was not a way that any one should here this especially a first time mother......(this chic had no bedside manner at all---she said it like whatever this is what it is)......I was in complete shock and just didn't know what to say or think.....because we had just seen them on the screen..........

After a few minutes it hit me and I couldn't stop crying and my husband did his best to console me and tell me that it was going to be ok....and my first thought was ohhhhh nooooooo I was wondering how my husband was going to take this news and how he was feeling as we had just experienced the loss of one of his best friends who was murdered (whom had just passed away four days prior)....And in my mind seeing the babies for the first time would be the bestest news that my husband needed to feel a little better after hearing such devastating news about his best friend.......

Immediately I was like you have to call Pastor Rick because that is all that I knew to do was talk to someone at church of course that is of like Faith as us.......so we went and spoke with Pastor Rick and ultimately we went to have a second opinion done....but it was the same results.....but as this Dr. had a good bedside manner it was better received than it was from the Maternal Fetal Doctor.......

But too no avail this was the most heartbreaking news that we had shared together after creating two angels and wondering what to do next.....so I had to go to the doctor the next day and that's when it really hit me that I had to have surgery to remove them and Lord knows this was so hard for me to do because medically I was having an abortion and anyone that knows me knows that I don't agree with this so imagine this was a tough battle for me......

It took so much out of me that I didn't want to go on any more.....as God always knew what my heart was and that I've always wanted children........

The enemy was working in overtime and knew that my heart was loving children and he was very busy....but God has made sure that we haven't given up and we will never give up........

Was I mad at God......yes indeed I surely was and I was wondering why me God.....what did I do to deserve this....what did I do wrong....

And my husband said you did nothing wrong...and I felt like I disappointed my husband....I felt like I didn't protect my children....I'm grateful for my husband because if it not been for him where would I be....he has helped me the best he can and been there for me.....and for this I'm grateful to be his wife.......we have learned to keep the communication open and always be there for each other no matter what.....putting each other first.......

I tried to figure out why was I so depressed and couldn't move past this....and I had to start doing research because surely I couldn't have postpartum depression since they didn't make it to full term....but I was wrong.....I had all the symptoms of postpartum depression....

I wanted to kill myself.......I didn't want to get out of bed...didn't want to be around people at all......and then I had to start praying for God to give me the strength to go on....and yes I'm still dealing with this and I still feel sad and depressed at times....but now when I feel that way I call someone so that I don't stay in that place......Please go and get help don't take this on by yourself.........
 

I turned to my sister because I knew that she had experienced this before and I really needed to talk to people that knew exactly what I was going through....and she has been a rock for me and each and every time that I've called her she didn't make me feel like (girl you calling again about this)....thank God for Big Sisters.........

God has also given me several (sista girls) to be able to lean on at any given time.......they are truly amazing----they pray with me....pray for me on the spot.....and give me the encouragement that I need right then and there no matter how many times that I call on them.....and for that I will always be GRATEFUL.............
 

Here are just a few key points to helping yourself and others:

• God promises to work all things out for your good when you trust Him to do so. Ask yourself honestly how your baby’s death has affected your view of God’s goodness. Consider whether you’ve turned toward God or away from Him in your grief. If you’ve doubted God’s goodness and turned away, pray against bitterness taking root in your life and ask God to reveal some of the good ways He is working in your life. Keep in mind that your baby was a gift from God, even though he or she lived just for a brief time. Ask God to give you His perspective on your baby’s life and death.

• God promises to fulfill His purposes for your life despite your loss. Pray for God to reveal His purposes for the pain you’ve suffered because of your baby’s death. Ask God to show you how you can live according to those purposes, which often involve acts of compassion that help other suffering people and make you a more loving person in the process. Take action as God leads you, from donating something to a children’s charity in your baby’s memory to reaching out to another grieving person who needs encouragement.

• God promises to be your one true source of comfort. God declares: “As a mother comforts a child, so I will comfort you…” (Isaiah 66:13). You can count on God’s comfort being there for you in prayer, when you read the Bible, and in the caring people God brings into your life and works through. Allow others into the messiness of your grief, asking for encouragement, prayer, and practical help when you need it and letting people who care know of specific ways they can help you. Whenever you’re ready to do so, reach out to others in need of comfort, offering listening, prayer, or something else that may help them.

• God promises to give you peace in any circumstances you face. Even in the midst of grief over the death of your baby, it’s possible to experience peace, because peace doesn’t depend on your circumstances. Jesus has promised to give you peace that transcends earthly understanding whenever you trust Him to do so. Pray about the anxieties, fears, turmoil, or confusion that is interfering with your ability to receive peace from Jesus, asking the Holy Spirit to renew your mind so that you can focus steadfastly on Jesus and experience peace in the process.

• God promises to refine your life in the shadow of your loss when you surrender to His work in your life. When you humbly invite God to use your baby’s death to help you grow more into the kind of woman He intends you to become, God will use the pain of your grief like a refining fire in your life. He will strip away impurities from your soul as you spend time with Him in prayer and reading the Bible with the goal of seeking a closer relationship with God. Although it can be painful to consider whether you may have made an idol out of your desire to have your baby live, be honest with yourself about whether or not your longing for your baby has become more important to you than God. While it’s certainly not a sin to want to have a living child, it is a sin when that desire takes God’s place in your life. Ask God to help you get to the place where you desire what’s most important – a relationship with Him – as your top priority, and then want children only to enhance your relationship with God.

• God promises to fill the emptiness in your life and restore your soul. Invite God to fill the emptiness that your baby’s death has created in your life physically (such as a longing in your arms and vacancy in your body), emotionally (such as jumbled up feelings of shock, numbness, sadness, devastation, confusion, or guilt), and spiritually (a sense of hopelessness). Remember that God’s healing power is never out of reach; He will always help you whenever you ask Him for help.

• God promises eternity in heaven. Your baby who died is now living with God in heaven, and you can be sure that he or she is enjoying a life free of suffering and full of love. If you trust in Jesus as your Savior, you can count on going to heaven yourself one day and meeting your child there.

We will continue to try and as our Man of God has declared 2016 the year of MOVING MOUNTAINS..and surely we will be MOVING MOUNTAINS and we will have a blast trying again.....whoop whoop WE WIN.

So I say all of this to say that there is life after the Miscarriage....just believe God and watch Him work......WE ARE FOCUSING ON THE PROMISE AND NOT THE PROCESS...........Keep trying and don't ever give up...........He is an awesome God and His word will never come back void............

Here are a couple of websites that have helped me: 

http://www.postpartumprogress.com/13-things-you-should-know-about-grief-after-miscarriage-or-baby-loss

http://m.christianpost.com/news/sarah-jakes-roberts-women-miscarriage-encouragement-152278/?m=1

http://thelife.com/challenges/my-story-of-miscarriage

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/how-to-heal-after-a-miscarriage-or-infant-loss.html

http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2007/january/9.42.html?start=1

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jenny-evans/first-pregnancy-vs-last-pregnancy_b_9102804.html?

Many Blessings and Healing,

Mz. Kiwi's Blog

Calvin & LeVette Thomas

Cancer Champs - Ms. DeNita Welborn----

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cancer-Champs/299345360181458?ref=stream

All,
Check out her page on facebook.....

Here is just an small portion of her journey.....

Ok so day One here we go! I have discovered that everyone on my team of doctors resembles a celebrity! My surgeon is one of the top OB/Gyn oncologist on the east coast! He looks just like John Lithgow, my main Oncologist looks just like Jackie Chan, and his associate is a dead ringer for Carol Burnett! Yes the Princess has a whole team of doctors, really now did you think it would be any other w...

ay. I had to chuckle today. Jackie Chan put his hand on my knee and said real serious "DeNita your hair is going to fall out!" I'm thinking to myself "honey I am an OD ( Original Diva)" I got lace on lock" My hair may fall out but my look will still be fabulous!

I am not in too much pain but I have my days. I don't sleep at night like normal people.

Ladies I am encouraging all of you to get the full work up when you go to your appointments. Men encourage yourn woman to get it all checked. This thing moved so fast for me! I went in for an in/out surgery and woke up in ICU. BIG SHOUT OUT to the entire staff at Holy Cross Hospital fifth floor surgerial staff. The doctors and nurses kept checking my wrist band telling me my test results say I should be sicker! One guy said you are full of luck and I said No I am full of Jesus! Tune in tomorrow where I will introduce you to my friend Otis and tell you about the night I shut the IMU floor by accident!

 

Day Two has started! I am at Holy Cross to get more blood, the funny thing is, they give it to me and then take it back!

Having a little pain today. But I get good drugs. My Mom has become Dr. Mom, she feeds me my favorites and gives me my shots. Some times she just grabs my hand and prays. I've lost about 14 pounds so far. I got fluid build up in my belly and legs and butt, sadly that won't last!

Ok let me hip you to the Great IMU incident. I was on the sixth floor to have my heart monitored. She gave me this little box and said you're now connected wirelessly. Well I decided to go for a walk. About a minute into my walk some people run past me and I hear over the loud speaker CODE BLUE ROMM 6131 stat. I said to myself wow that's my room I hope that lady is ok, suddenly this guy comes up to me and says are you DeNita, ummm yup! He said please come back to your room we have you off monitor and in a crisis! When I turn around and look there are about four doctors, lots of nurses and this fine echo tech. All I am thinking is that I look busted and he all in my grill. They decided I didn't need to be on that floor and they sent me back to my floor!

Needless to say the Princess always leaves an impression!

Gabby Douglas - Congrats------You Are Awesome

MZ. KIWI'S BLOG....CONGRATULATES MS. DOUGLAS.....DIVA YOU ARE AWESOME....AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK....WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU.....

Mz. Kiwi
President/CEO

Ghetto
Vice President