Toni's Tribe

02/03/2023

I saw her bag tonight sitting at the other end of the table. Before I had time to think, I was looking for my Bess Fran. Her little girl (that isn't so little anymore) has been using it. It's bittersweet because it reminds me of her mama but also brings a wave of grief and longing.

27/07/2022

Praise God! Daniel baptized Julia this morning after she accepted Christ last night at camp. Her mama would be so thrilled! 💜💜💜

04/07/2022

I'd like to think Toni would be proud of me tonight. The amazing couple that planted these beautiful flowers at our church are out of town for a few weeks and asked me to water them while they were away. My initial thought was of course, anything for these folks because they are simply incredible human beings and I love them dearly. Then I panicked a bit because they obviously don't know my track record with succulents. Nonetheless, tonight I went to water and recieved an unexpected blessing in return.

First, you need to know that several years ago our girl scout troop put in a community garden at FBC-Ferris and Toni was the primary caretaker. Unfortunately when she got ill, we all kind of let nature do its thing and the garden grew into a big pitiful mess of weeds with an occasional carrot or asparagus. Well, the aforementioned couple, decided to something about it. They cleaned out one of the beds, put up edging stones, and planted some lovely purple flowers and transplanted some purple iris in Toni's memory.

While watering Toni's garden tonight, tears began to fall and I mourned. Then I raged because in my eyes this is not the way it is supposed to be-- she was supposed to be here to raise her babies and we're supposed to be able to call each other up when we have a problem or need solid advice from someone who loves Jesus and wants only the best for you. So much pain and anger was poured out in every single sob and tear I cried.

But God didn't let me stay there-- Yes, I sat in my grief and anger for a moment and was allowed to feel the full weight of my emotions but then I felt this overwhelming sense of peace and hope. You see-- No, this isn't the garden we planned for but it is still tended with love and it will be just as beautiful and bring joy. Life will never be the same without my "bess fran", Toni. I miss her every single day but I know without a doubt that she is spending her days exactly where she wants to be-- in the presence of her Lord and Savior. I also know she wouldn't want me dwelling on what can't be but instead living this beautiful messy life that I do have.

The second blessing-- the plants are really thriving and just absolutely beautiful this year. Notice the marigolds? They are indeed exceptional companions. I'm so grateful for the time I spent planted next to my "bess fran" and marigold, Toni.

--💜Melissa

08/05/2022

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10227836523241269&id=1315778457&sfnsn=mo

05/09/2021

Today was Toni's first Heavenly Birthday. If you did something in her memory to celebrate her life, please share with us. 💜

09/06/2021

Update: Several people asked about ordering t-shirts in her memory so I have reopened the fundraiser for one last round. Update: For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face... 1 Cor 13:12 ...and (she has) seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.....

03/06/2021

We have about a week to go to order shirts.

Update: Several people asked about ordering t-shirts in her memory so I have reopened the fundraiser for one last round. Update: For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face... 1 Cor 13:12 ...and (she has) seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.....

27/05/2021

Several people asked about ordering t-shirts in Toni's memory. I have been able to open it back up for two more weeks. We must have 9 items sold in order to print. All funds raised will go to Daniel Roden and the kids for transitional living expenses.

The t-shirt fundraiser is reopened for two more weeks. https://www.customink.com/fundraising/tonis-tribe-3404...

Update: Several people asked about ordering t-shirts in her memory so I have reopened the fundraiser for one last round. Update: For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face... 1 Cor 13:12 ...and (she has) seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.....

18/05/2021

I had a few people approach me at the viewing and funeral to ask about getting t-shirts. I believe they will be $25 again if we can get enough ordered to print again. Please comment below if you would order a shirt. -Melissa

The fundraiser is open again for two more weeks.

The t-shirt fundraiser is reopened for two more weeks. https://www.customink.com/fundraising/tonis-tribe-3404...

Update: Several people asked about ordering t-shirts in her memory so I have reopened the fundraiser for one last round. Update: For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face... 1 Cor 13:12 ...and (she has) seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.....

12/05/2021

12/05/2021

This is exactly the message I needed this morning. I am definitely hurting this week more than others, but I have such a beautiful hope in who God is and all the faithfulness He's shown. God is good! 💜✝️

Oftentimes, being human means being in a place of hurting but still hoping.

Hoping doesn’t mean we ignore reality. No, hoping means we acknowledge reality in the very same breath that we acknowledge God’s sovereignty.

I know your heart might be desperately hurting right now, but don’t give up hope, sweet friend.

Let me be the one to lean in and whisper words to you that I’ve learned to cling to myself: “God is working things out. He’s not far away. He is right here with us. We need to cling to this hope. Believe this hope. Live out this hope. Right here and right now. Even if our prayers aren’t answered in the way and the timing we want. Even when this process feels messy. We will trust that God is good.”

12/05/2021

Huge shout out to the great folks at First Baptist Church Ferris, Texas for your hospitality today! We had food to feed twice as many as stayed for lunch! We know you will feel this loss as much as family. We love you, church! -Brian and Kellye

11/05/2021

Good afternoon Toni's Tribe. At the request of the Roden family, we are ending the meal train. The family appreciated everyone’s thoughts, prayers and the food that was sent to their home over the last couple of weeks.
Thanks also to everyone who provided food for the lunch today.

Also, don't forget to leave a short video for Daniel and the kids.

10/05/2021

Did Toni impact your life? If you knew her, the answer to that question is "Yes!" Would you like to share how she impacted you so that her kids know what kind of woman she was?! Please record a short video on your mobile device and upload it as a comment to this post. If you're unable to record a video, feel free to write a brief comment.

If you come to visitation tonight or the funeral tomorrow, grab a comment card and write about how Toni has touched your life. This will be a timeless treasure to Daniel, Julia, and Jonah! They will come back to these videos and cards for years to come!

09/05/2021

Several folks have asked about donating funds in lieu of flowers. Feel free to use the Go Fund Me link if you’d like to do that.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/teamtoni-love-and-support-for-the-roden-family?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer

Where do I even begin? TONI is the most selfless, thoughtful,… Cheryl Pennington Duckworth needs your support for Love and Support for the Roden Family

08/05/2021

Funeral arrangements have been finalized:

Visitation Monday (May 10), 5p-7p @ First Baptist Church of Ferris, Texas. Address is 304 W. 5th St, Ferris, Texas 75125

Funeral service Tuesday (May 11), 10a @ First Baptist Church of Ferris. Livestream will also be available through this page for anyone that cannot attend in person.

Graveside service, Tuesday 3:00p @ Grandview Cemetery, FM 4, Grandview Texas (you’ll need to google search it, no address available)

There will be a lunch for family and closest friends of the family at First Baptist Church, Ferris immediately following the funeral service, roughly 11:30a.

Those wishing to participate in the graveside will meet at the cemetery at 3:00p.

Arrangements handled by Byrum Funeral Home in Lancaster, Texas.

07/05/2021

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face... 1 Cor 13:12
..and (she has) seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

There is no more suffering, no more pain for Toni. Only glory and life eternal. Praise the Lord!

Toni was promoted to her eternal home just before 1:00pm today. Thank you for your love and support, prayers and words of encouragement for the family during this time.

Funeral arrangements are forthcoming and will be shared here soon.

06/05/2021

More precious than gold, Toni! More precious than gold.