We have a backlog of healthy, adventuresome, soulful stories in route -- having been on vacation in New York, Boston and our Kennebunkport, Maine summer home for the past few weeks. Here is the first of many...

Every summer we attend church at either St. Ann's Episcopal Church or The Church on the Cape in Cape Porpoise. There were only two early risers in our household this morning who joined President Bush, First Lady Laura, his father "41," his mother Barbara, his three brothers Neil, Marvin and Jeb, his sister Doro, family and friends for the eight o'clock service.

The Very Reverand, M.L.

The service was led by visiting Episcopal Priest, The Very Reverand Martin Luther Agnew, fondly known as "M.L."

M.L. is a guest minister from Louisiana and Texas. On a sunny morning, the eight o'clock service is usually held outside with the view of the church behind us and a view of the ocean behind M.L. This morning - unlike last weekend - the weather cooperated. However, for the sake of sound security, the service was held in doors amongst a packed crowd of church-goers.

There were also only a half dozen people who had the opportunity to shake the President and Mrs. Bush's hand upon their departure: My Swedish friend, Dan Andersson and I were two of them!

As we drove home by the Bush compound at Walker's Point in our little white convertible Petit Chou, we were asked to not stop to take any pictures. Dan captured this one at 1 mile per hour.

Walker's Point

The last time I stopped at "Gawker's Point" was on my wedding day in October 1989 when the trolley that was taking our wedding party back to our property indulged everyone in a photograph of the President's summer home.

"P" Bush & Amanda Williams at their "Maine" Wedding

This past weekend, the President was in town for his nephew's wedding.

Yesterday, Amanda Williams and George P. Bush, (24) son of Jeb Bush were married at St. Ann's followed by a reception at Stripers at The Breakwater Hotel (207) 967.3118.

After a summer full of rain, their wedding party was blessed with three sunny days; enough for a few rounds of golf at Cape Arundel followed by a glorious wedding day, and an equally sunny Sunday morning.

Last weekend, M.L. spoke of covetousness. In this morning's message, he spoke about getting rid of those things that possess you.

"Gated communities," M.L. said, "tend to keep out God's people." But, he said, "Our material gifts do not have to be a wall."

H.W. and Barbara Bush are a model family who graciously share their wealth and gifts -- from the putting green Jim Nantz had installed for them at Walker's Point, to visiting dignitaries who share a common, interest, to the simple but generous willingness to autograph their recently published books.

"They can very well be a door," M.L. went on to say. "Jesus says, `Sell your possessions and give alms.'" Reverand Agnew added, "I'm convinced that what we keep owns us, and what we give away sets us free."

M.L. concluded his message with an illustration that had everyone roaring with laughter. He said, "Discipleship is a daily experience. It has a lot to do with keeping your eye on the ball." Pulling out one of his irons (M.L. is as staunch a golfer as George and his father are Republicans) he proceeded to tell an "alleged" story about one of "41's" outings at The Cape Arundel Golf Course in Kennebunkport.

"One of his drives went to the right between the 4th and the 8th holes," M.L. told the congregation. "President Bush took a swing at the ball from off the fairway but the ball was still there. In fact, it had landed on an ant hill," he said.

After killing 641 ants, Bush looked down and heard one of the ants say, "If we want to live, we'd better get on the ball!"

M.L. concluded his "41" story by saying "Brothers and sisters, God is inviting us to get on the ball."

M.L. implored the congregation to part with their possessions and to focus on the love and the grace of God.

After the message, everyone was served communion. As we stepped up to the front of the church, we turned to greet the President and First Lady. The President winked at us in response. Mrs. Bush said, "Good Morning."

We all took our seats again, shared the Lord's Prayer together and sang, America, The Beautiful. President Bush, The First Lady, President Bush Sr., Governor Jeb Bush, Neil and family exited to the right out of the old stone church that is shaped like the hull of a boat.

President George Bush & First Lady Laura Outside St. Ann's

AP Photo Credit: Charles Dharapak

Dan Andersson

Returning home to Goose Rocks, I asked Dan for his thoughts on President Bush. He said, "If I were an American, I would vote for Bush." I was frankly surprised at his answer as so many Europeans have not been thrilled with Bush's decisions, to say the least. Dan went on to say that "If I were an American, I would likely be a Democrat. A Democrat who would vote for Bush."

He added, "The most powerful man in the world? I think about the qualities he or she should possess, and I believe George Bush possesses those qualities."

I tried to probe further to better understand his position. He said, "It is difficult to find the right word in English." He thought for a moment and then said, "I feel more relaxed knowing that President Bush is in power."

Bush's weekend in Kennebunkport will be followed by heavy campaigning through Virginia, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington and Iowa.

Next weekend, we will be at the ten o'clock Church on The Cape service where my sister, Reverand Cynthia King-Guffey will be preaching.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and "on the ball" living!

~ Jennifer King