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My father-in-law was a rugged man, a man of duty and honor. He wore Levi jeans and scuffed boots, dirtied from years of chores on the family farm in Iowa. He had no romantic notions about farm life, or about his years as a decorated Army Ranger captain.

There were hard years, really hard years. There were foxholes. And death.

He didnt talk much about it, and though we wished he would have, we respected his silence.

He simply kept his hand on the barn door, the tractor wheel, and the hymnal on Sunday mornings.

But the image none of us will ever forget is this one: those same calloused hands held dainty teacups. The distinguished Army captain was the most gracious host of tea parties, which he held in honor of his granddaughters.

This is one of the fondest memories that my girls have of their Grandpa Paul. Hed sit cross-legged with them on the porch of his house, under the shade of a giant tree. Hed stir muddy water, and engage in polite conversation, and pretend to eat cookies, which were actually landscaping rocks set upon fragile saucers.

I was always struck by the tenderness and humility of my father-in-law. Looking back on it now, I know that the same core values motivated both his service in the military, and his impromptu tea parties: A deep love of people and of country.

I thought about all of that again yesterday when a friend sent me a link to a story about a Marine dad who took part in a magical tea party with his 4-year-old daughter. The tea party came with an accompanying photo shoot. It was all a surprise for the dad, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor.

His wife told reporters that he was hesitant at first. But he did it anyway, and we can all thank him for that. The images are truly heartwarming.

In uniform, the Marine folded himself into a tiny chair, across the table from his dimple-cheeked girl. He poured tea from a kettle. He kissed her hand.

She beamed. Shell never forget it, Im certain of that. Shell never forget her brave daddy sitting across the table from her.

Looking at the photos, I remember a truth about the bravest people I know. They arent too afraid to make themselves small. They understand that humility and kindness arent signs of weakness, but virtues of the brave. The bravest people I know arent too big to sit in child-sized chairs and sip tea, with the sole aim of making someone elses heart soar.

Our daughter Anna doesnt remember much about her Grandpa Paul. She was only four when he died the same age as the girl in the photo shoot. Of the handful of memories that Anna does have, the tea parties are the most prominent.

Grandpa Paul died in 2009 of leukemia. He was 67. His doctors said his illness was brought on by all of the Agent Orange that he was exposed to during the Vietnam War.

Like most soldiers, he didnt go down without a fight.

On a January morning in Iowa one mile south of his farm, in the church where his sturdy hands held the hymnal an American flag was draped over his casket. We walked out the back of the church behind the pallbearers. His old military buddies were standing there waiting for us.

I dont think Im imagining the tears in their eyes. And if I am imagining the tears, well let me believe they were real.

Paul Lees tour of duty had ended. His American Legion pals with their navy-blue hats, trimmed in gold -- folded that flag into a triangle and handed it to his wife.

Those men were grandpas and retired farmers and members of the church choir. They probably hosted a few tea parties themselves, over the years.

Heres what I believe about men and women like that: I believe that you dont lose your Bravery Card when you show up at a tea party. When you hand a grieving widow a flag, with tears in your own eyes. When you take the time to be tender.

When you simply love.

Yeah, Im just a person who watched those tea parties from a distance, while standing beneath a shade tree. But I do know this: the tenderest moments of our lives are likely the moments our loved ones will carry the longest.

And that tenderness doesn't weaken our warrior spirit. It strengthens it.

Jennifer Dukes Lee is the author of "The Happiness Dare." She blogs about happiness and faith at http://www.JenniferDukesLee.com. She would love to connect with you onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Lessons for life from a tea party with a Marine - Fox News

AUSTIN - Tea party activists pressured Republican House members Monday to side with them on key issues including sanctuary cities, the so-called bathroom bill and local property taxes or face their wrath at the ballot box.

We do appreciate the way that the Senate has moved forward with a number of conservative reforms We have 95 Republicans in the House, and they cant seem to get some measures passed, said JoAnn Fleming, executive director of Grassroots America.

Elected Republicans just the way its happening in Washington have determined that they dont care what the (Republican) platform says. They dont care what their primary voters have said They just frankly do not care, said Fleming. And I submit to you, the people of Texas need to make them care. Because after all, we hired them to do a job at the ballot box.

If they come up here and they get a C rating, you need to fire them at the ballot box, she said, suggesting that anything short of full support of tea party issues isnt enough.

Fleming was joined by advocates for a host of issues at a Capitol news conference on Tea Party Day, when some of the most fervent GOP primary voters came to rally, present their issues and buttonhole lawmakers.

Their force helps explain why a number of House Republicans are pressing for their own version of the so-called bathroom bill approved by the Senate. House Speaker Joe Straus, R-Straus, opposes the Senate measure championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Straus and others have expressed concern over the potential economic implications for the state if it passes a law seen as discriminatory, and a number consider the bill a side issue.

The Senate measure would require people using restrooms in public schools, universities and government buildings to choose the facilities that align with the gender on their birth certificate. Although backers have said its aimed at sexual predators, it would affect transgender people. The House State Affairs Committee this week will consider a measure that would target local non-discrimination ordinances in addressing the matter of public bathrooms.

The House is now beginning to get a little traction, said Dana Hodges, state director of Concerned Women for America. Were asking all of our members, and Im asking all the people here today, the tea party people here today, to contact your state representative and let them know where you stand on this issue. Let your voice be heard.

The bathroom bill was among a slew of measures cited by advocates, which included anti-abortion, budget, tax, religious liberty, gun rights, toll road and sanctuary city legislation.

Fleming lambasted the House committee version of legislation against sanctuary cities, which are seen as providing a haven for undocumented immigrants by not complying enthusiastically with federal authorities. Its awaiting a vote by the full House. A number of local law enforcement officials have expressed concern over a bill earlier passed by the Senate, saying it would interfere with effective community policing.

Tea party grassroots activists are going to call it out if a bill is approved that doesnt pass muster in their view, Fleming said.

We will absolutely not tell this nation that we have passed a ban on sanctuary cities if we dont actually do it, Fleming said, pointing out that Gov. Greg Abbott has nationally trumpeted the prospect of a Texas ban. The time for fairy tales coming out of this Capitol and spreading all over the country needs to stop.

State Affairs Chairman Byron Cook, whose committee came under particular criticism from Fleming for passing its version of sanctuary cities legislation and whose seat has been targeted in the past by tea party activists, described his work in a way that suggests it has a broader focus.

We have to do whats right. We have to be thoughtful. We have to ensure that things we do are constitutional, Cook, R-Corsicana, told the Express-News. Weve got to focus on core issues, such as education; services for the states most vulnerable, such as those in the child protective services system; and infrastructure needs in a growing state.

Aaron Harris, executive director of Direct Action Texas, touted a Senate-approved bill to restrict how much local property tax revenue can be raised by cities or counties without an automatic election. Local entities say the measure would endanger the funding needed for basic services including public safety. Its awaiting House action.

People are hot. Theyre mad about their property taxes, Harris said. This is the single biggest issue at the local level we encounter as we go around and talk to taxpayers and residents. And Ill tell you this, they will remember this bill, come election season.

Southern Methodist University political scientist Cal Jillson said the tea party plays a powerful role but its support isnt determinative. Much will be determined by tradeoffs yet to be made among Abbott, Patrick and Straus as the legislative session barrels toward its Memorial Day ending, he pointed out.

The tea party is still a powerful force in Texas politics, and particularly within the Republican primary electorate, he said. Republican incumbents do listen to the tea party, but theyre not driven by then. They havent been in the past and they wont be this session.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac

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Tea party activists threaten consequences if priority bills fail in the Texas Legislature - mySanAntonio.com

An adorable photo shoot between a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor and his 4-year-old daughter in Oceanside, California, has gone viral, with pictures of the pair shared thousands of times on social media.

In the photos taken by Oceanside-based photographer Kyndal Courtney of Kyndal Rose Photography U.S. Marine drill instructor Kevin Porter poses with his daughter, Ashley, in a field, surrounded by trees and foliage. There, the two partake in a pretend tea party, with the towering drill instructor dressed in uniform, from head-to-toe even sitting in a tiny chair across the table from his daughter, pouring tea into her cup. Ashley is wearing a long, white, lace dress, her head topped with a crown of pink flowers.

In another touching photo, Porter kneels down on one knee while holding one of Ashleys hands and kissing her other hand. In another shot, he twirls the little girl as if theyre dancing in the forest. In the photos, the little girl looks at her father lovingly as they share those special moments.

The sweet photo shoot was arranged by Porters wife, Lizz Porter, as a special gift for him and Ashley.

For Courtney, it was a particularly special shoot that she will never forget. The photographer told NBC 7 she has never done a set-up quite like this.

Courtney said Lizz showed her Ashleys dress before the shoot, and the photographer created the whimsical scene to fit the dress. Lizz, Courtney and Ashley knew the plan was to take pictures of the dad-daughter duo drinking tea, but Porter had no idea what was coming.

He was a good sport and got into it, Courtney said, adding that Lizz was there, behind the scenes, smiling as she watched her Marine husband and Ashley play.

Courtney posted the photos on the Kyndal Rose Photography Facebook page on April 10. As of Tuesday, the post had been shared more than 7,200 times and had been liked by thousands of people.

April just so happens to be the Month of the Military Child, a month that underscores the important role military children like Ashley play in the armed forces community.

Published at 10:37 PM PDT on Apr 18, 2017 | Updated 27 minutes ago

Continued here:
Photos: US Marine Drill Instructor Shares Adorable 'Tea Party' With ... - NBC Southern California

ELIZA MURPHY , WVEC 5:31 AM. EDT April 19, 2017

Kevin Porter, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor, had a tea party with his 4-year-old daughter, Ashley, in honor of April being the Month of the Military Child. (Photo: kyndalrosephoto/Facebook)

(ABC NEWS) -- One military father recently had a very magical tea party with his 4-year-old daughter, Ashley, and the special moment was captured on camera.

My husband had no idea what was going to happen until we showed up to the shoot, Lizette Porter said of her husband Keven Porter, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor. He was hesitant at first but after a little talking I was able to convince him. He would do anything for Ashley.

Kevin Porter, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor, had a tea party with his 4-year-old daughter, Ashley, in honor of April being the Month of the Military Child. (Photo: kyndalrosephoto/Facebook)

She added, He was kind of embarrassed, but then my daughter had seen the whole set up and was so excited. He couldnt say no.

The timing also worked out perfectly for the daddy-daughter photo shoot as April is the Month of the Military Child.

I figured that would make it a little more special to the both of them, said the proud mom.

Kevin Porter, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor, had a tea party with his 4-year-old daughter, Ashley, in honor of April being the Month of the Military Child. (Photo: kyndalrosephoto/Facebook)

Although the two are really close, Lizette said her daughter often misses out on one-on-one time with her dad due to his rigorous work schedule.

She doesn't get to see him much due to work, deployment, and most recently his job as a drill instructor, said Lizette, of Oceanside, California. Any time they can get together she is sure to take advantage of.

Kevin Porter, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor, had a tea party with his 4-year-old daughter, Ashley, in honor of April being the Month of the Military Child. (Photo: kyndalrosephoto/Facebook)

Lizette wanted the photo shoot to help show that military men have a softer side to them.

Drill instructors still have a life after working long and hard hours, she explained. Many of them have families that after hours they still have to attend to ... and yes, a lot of them have a completely different side to them.

Kevin Porter, a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor, had a tea party with his 4-year-old daughter, Ashley, in honor of April being the Month of the Military Child. (Photo: kyndalrosephoto/Facebook)

She added that she wants people to realize how resilient military children [are] to have their parents away, or not near them as much as possible.

Its safe to say the precious pair had a blast together at their photo shoot. The family plans to hang the pictures in Ashleys room when they move into their new house.

I got emotional watching them just be themselves and see how much she loves her daddy, said Lizette.

2017 ABC News

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Marine dad surprised with magical tea party photo shoot with 4-year-old daughter - First Coast News

The Internal Revenue Service, the much-feared federal agency, has been ordered by a federal judge in Washington, D.C., toopen its records to groups victimized by its obstruction of conservative political activist groups seeking tax-exempt status prior to the 2012 election.

The order came in a case brought by the American Center for Law and Justice on behalf of some of thetargeted organizations.

ACLJ said ina report on itswebsitethe ruling stated the groups are entitled to seek additional information about the IRSs targeting scheme.

Like the D.C. Circuit, which previously rejected the IRSs position essentially a just trust us plea without the evidence necessary to back it up the district court rightly confirmed that the IRS may no longer hide behind its unsupported assertions but instead must turn over information about its discriminatory treatment of these organizations.

Your one-stop recourse for the best books on economics, from The American Dream Under Fire to End the IRS Before It Ends Us and Godonomics, is the WND Superstore.

ACLJ said it will now be able to dig in to discover the IRSs past acts of alleged discrimination stemming from the alleged illegal targeting scheme, as well as the current status of the [IRSs] tax-exemption application process, in order to determine not only the entire scope of the IRSs discriminatory treatment of these organizations but, more importantly, whether any such discrimination is continuing to affect the groups, including one group of citizens that has a pending application for tax-exempt status and will therefore be subjected to whatever policies and practices the IRS is currently using to make tax-exemption determinations.

The bad news for the IRS comes in a case in which an appellate court criticized the agency.

WND reported in August 2016 the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to let the agency off the hook. It ruled that the IRS did, in fact, discriminate against tea party groups and that its word was not enough. Ithad to prove it had halted the negative actions.

The Washington Times at the timedescribed the ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit as a rebuke.

The higher court ordered the case, launched on behalf of 41 organizations the IRS had targeted, back to the district court, and the IRS sought to dismiss the case.

The judge wasnt convinced.

While it has taken far longer than it should have for them to get here (several years of waiting for determinations, plus nearly four years of litigation), these organizations are, at long last, poised to pull back the curtain behind which the IRS has been hiding, discover the full extent of the IRSs discrimination against them, and ensure that it is finally brought to an end, ACLJ said.

What do YOU think?Why is John Koskinen still head of the IRS? Sound off in todays WND poll!

In a commentary Monday on FoxNews.com, ACLJ Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow wrote that the IRS official in charge of the tax-exempt division at the center of the scandal, Lois Lerner, got off easy.

She was never prosecuted. She was permitted to retire with a taxpayer funded pensions.

He pointed out, as WND reported, GOP lawmakers are urging the Trump Justice Department to review evidence that Lerner engaged in criminal misconduct by targeting tea-party and conservative groups for their political beliefs.

Sekulow said notonly should Lerner be held accountable, We have repeatedly called for the removal of IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.

He said the most recent court order was encouraging, as it means, We will be able to obtain critical documents from the IRS documents that will be instrumental in determining how this scandal unfolded and who was involved.

He cited former PresidentObamas claimed that there was not a smidgeon of corruption at the IRS, calling it an assertion [that] was never based on facts.

When the casewas at the appeals court, Judge David B. Sentelle said the IRS still was causing troublebecause some organizations were still awaiting approval years after they applied.

ACLJsaid last week an organization from Washington state finally got its tax-exempt status,seven years after making the request.

It was revealed that IRS agency workers at the time deliberately delayed processing tax-exemption applications for some groups that clearly were opposed to Obamas agenda.

The IRS investigators asked invasive questions, such as the subject of group members prayers. They also tried to coerce groups to promisethey would drop their opposition to the Planned Parenthood abortion business agenda.

WND reported a year ago Sentelle had noted the IRS actions intruded upon the constitutional rights of tea-party groups by delaying their applications for nonprofit status, and by asking questions that went above and beyond what was necessary to process their paperwork.

Its hard to find the IRS to be an agency we can trust, Sentelle said at the time.

The IRS inspector general confirmed the allegations that hundreds of conservative groups were targeted.

ACLJ has explained a lower court had dismissed the constitutional violation claims of the groups, opining that there was no remedy that the court could provide for the IRSs misconduct.

The appeals court then took an interest in what was going on.

Your one-stop recourse for the best books on economics, from The American Dream Under Fire to End the IRS Before It Ends Us and Godonomics, is the WND Superstore.

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Stunner! Tea-party groups to see IRS records - WND.com