The Table Setter of Heaven

By: Sandy Kender

March 21, 2025

She is gone. Left us suddenly with only a three week warning. No one would have ever imagined that this was the course that her life was to go. But she was ready. She was prepared. And so, here I am sitting at my computer writing in honor and memory of her … Lori A. Alicea was a friend and work-out partner. She was a writer and blogger. She was a table setter and decorator of events. She was a wife and mother. She was a grandmother (Gaga), sister, aunt, and so much more. But most of all, she was a Daughter of the Most High God. She lived for Him and put Him first in all that she did.

Lori was my most consistent Writing Encourager. She is the one who helped me start this Blog in October 2018. She never stopped insisting. She would say, “If it was for only one person. If someone needs your written words, it is worth all the effort”, loudly exclaiming my formal name, “SANDRA!!!!” This is true even though my writing fell to the wayside.

On April 5, 2024, Lori left this earth to the unrelenting attack of pancreatic cancer. In honor of her, I have picked up my pen once again and devote Thursdays to write my blogs. Thursdays were her blog days and she was faithful to her commitment of writing her legacy for her family.

On March 23, 2024, I awoke in the wee hours of the morning. Thirteen days before her passing, I had Lori on my heart. This writing, ‘The Table Setter of Heaven’, came forth from a vision that the LORD placed in my mind. I had the honor to share this with her family and close friends the day of her funeral. And now, I dedicate the restarting of my blog to my very dear close friend, Lori A. Alicea, who knew that our gift of writing is to bless others and honor God.

Lori’s passion was decorating tables. She loved setting the scenes for Princess Balls, Birthday Parties, or any event. Her goal was to create an unforgettable magical memory. She delighted in theme planning and making high quality decorations months ahead of time for these events. Lori planned everything to the tee with preparation workers and set-up crews which included family members and friends, (even myself). Lori was very particular about how things should be done. She aimed to execute excellence for the ‘finished product’ of these events. She lived for this. She dreamt of having her own business one day, specifically for ‘Princess Parties’ for little girls. She hoped to always give them the message that they were special in the sight of their Creator. Lori’s dream would not come to fruition here on earth. She graduated to be ‘The Table Setter of Heaven’ in her Heavenly Home!

Lori, I miss you terribly and still have difficulty believing that you are gone. One day we will see each other again in eternity. Until then, I will stay on our WRITE PATH with you always in my heart and memories. Thank you for always encouraging me to write for Him. I love you my dear friend. This is for you…..

The Table Setter of Heaven

The table is set. The finest of linens of bright white satin is perfectly spread out. There is no stain or wrinkle. It covers a great table set for a King. Magnificent place settings for worthy guests are set strategically in front of each elegant high-back upholstered white chair. They await the arrival of those invited to this feast by special invitation only. The decor is rich yet simple. It is elegant, featuring crystal candelabras with tall white candles aglow. They are evenly spaced and streamlined in the middle of this endless table. Plates, eating utensils, and goblets made of pure gold, are set upon gold lace placemats. Fine white cloth dinner napkins accommodate this massive spread. It is precisely planned and prepared for those coming to be celebrated. The expected new arrivals are those who have unselfishly served. They have suffered and stayed the course of great trials and tribulations. They have followed and lived their lives for this Great King – King Jesus.

The anticipation and excitement of the awaited guests and followers of King Jesus is palpable. Food and drink of the highest, richest quality is prepared and waiting to be served. The guests arrive and are seated in their place of honor. The atmosphere is filled with joy and laughter. Love and loud conversation abound. Everyone greets each other as they await the Presence of Jesus – their LORD and Savior. A royal announcement declares that His Majesty is entering. A Holy Hush falls upon the Great Room. Everyone rises from their chair to honor Him. There HE is!!! He strides to the head of the table, smiling. He is in all of His Glory. He is dressed in a layered white robe adorned with a purple sash. He wears a brightly jeweled crown of gold upon his head.

He welcomes His guests, calling them “friends” and bids them to sit down. Angels bring the food to the table. They worship and serve The Holy One every day and night. Jesus blesses the food and eating begins! Suddenly, He notices that the chair to His right is empty, knowing that every chair is supposed to be occupied. He sees a woman standing back in the corner of the room. Her long-flowing, flaming red hair layers around her like a lioness’ mane. She is wearing a beautiful white gown covered with a gold apron. Her hands are folded in front of her. She smiles with a look of satisfaction and peace. She is ready to spring into action to serve anyone in need of anything.

He summons her to come to Him. Humbly and graciously, she walks toward her Master. He is the One that she has been serving since a little girl on Earth. She knows Him and He knows exactly who she is. He speaks her name saying to her, “Lori, I have called you to My Kingdom. It is your time to sit with Me. I know that you are the one who set this table before Me. You have set many tables with excellence and dedication. You have served with the heart of a servant. You always had a vision to bless and honor even the least of these. I have watched you grow and lay down your life for Me. You did this through the highs and lows of your journey. You did this with your family and friends. You also followed the Gift of Writing that My Father placed in you. You wish to always make everyone feel welcomed and loved through My Holy Spirit. For this reason, I am appointing you to be ‘The Table Setter of Heaven’. Well done, my good and faithful servant! Now come, sit beside Me to sup with your Brothers and Sisters”!

Lori takes her chair next to Him. She basks in His Presence, rejoicing. She knows this is a long-awaited reward. It comes from inviting Him to the tables she has set before Him.

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will inherit from the Lord as a reward. The Lord Christ is what you are serving." - Colossians 3:23-24