Away from You

by Mark Greenelsh ©1990, 2024
Longing to be with those you love.
 

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(Verse 1)
The struggle’s real with you away.
I’m mom and dad in every way.
Longing for your strong embrace
To help me through the trials I face.

The kids miss their hero too.
Kissing scraped knees like you’d do.
At bedtime how you’d read to them
Voices for each storybook friend.

(Chorus)
I feel incomplete when you’re away.
You are a part of me that’s here to stay.
We are one, formed from two
For a glory greater than just me or you.

(Verse 2)
The scent of your cologne still clings
To the pillow where you lay your head.
I wear your shirt to feel you near.
Each night I dream that you were here.

A child’s laugh, a song we shared
A place we loved, a meal prepared
It’s separation’s cruel design
But my love for you will never die.

(Bridge)
Photos of us adorn the walls
Mementoes, keepsakes down the halls.
As you fight in battlefields burning
I fight the fear of you not returning.

The kids ask when you’re coming back.
I tuck them in, then stare at the dark.
With each moon’s rising, I long to see
The day we reunite as a family.

(Chorus)
I feel incomplete when you’re away.
You are a part of me that’s here to stay.
We are one, formed from two
For a glory greater than just me or you.

I miss your thoughtful touch, your joyful smile.
As I wipe away tears, I wish I wiped away miles
So I could hold you in my arms for real.
And share with you the love I feel.

I want to hold you in my arms for real.
And share with you the love I feel.

Crossroads Companion

by Mark Greenelsh ©2017, 2024
If choice were a person you’d know him well, for he hangs out at every corner. Sometimes he’s trivial and other times profound. How you treat him influences the quality of your life with God and others now and into the future.

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(Verse 1)
Sleep or wake? Fruit pie or cake?
Shirt or sweater which is better?
Work or play? Go now or stay?
What will you eat for lunch today?

(Verse 2)
No or yes, or maybe, you guess.
Thank or complain? Embrace or disdain?
Heads or tails. Here or there?
Will you keep or share? Truth or dare?

(Chorus)
Life can be swell or grim.
Future bright or sadly dim.
Depends the path you take with me
For together we chart your destiny.

(Verse 3)
Keep secret or dispel.
Will you surrender or rebel?
Take revenge or forgive?
Serve yourself or for others live.

(Bridge)
Options persist where I exist.
At crossroads I can’t be dismissed.
With opportunity we meet.
Under pressure I’m hard to complete.

(Chorus)

Forever Held

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
For those who trust in Jesus nothing can separate them from God’s amazing love. In him they are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39).

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(Verse 1)
In the arms of Jesus, we find our rest.
His love surrounds us, we are so blessed.
Though trials may come, our faith stands strong.
In His embrace, where we belong.

(Verse 2)
If God is for us, who can stand against?
His Son was given, the ultimate gift.
All things are ours, through His grace divine.
His love eternal, yours and mine.

(Chorus)
Nothing can separate us from His love.
Not trouble or hardship, He reigns above.
In God’s Son we always overcome.
His love unshakeable, treats us as one.

(Verse 3)
When evil prowls, His Spirit is near.
Guarding and guiding, calming our fears.
Present suffering fades in glory’s light.
His love empowers us in the fight.

(Bridge)
Neither death nor life, nor demons unseen
Not time nor space, nor anything between
Can tear us away from our Savior’s heart.
His love eternal will never part.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Safe and secure in the Father’s love
Clothed in Christ’s righteousness from above.
Through every storm, this truth remains
God’s amazing love, forever reigns.

Fountainhead

by Mark Greenelsh ©2017, 2024
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV). “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:2-3, NIV).

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(Verse 1)
A witty little riddle, I’ll spin for you,
About something essential, a vital clue.
Shocking when arrested, yet serves no time.
With you always, even when left behind.

(Chorus)
What could it be, this enigma inside?
It’s renewal, only God can provide.
It can break into pieces, yet still play its part.
Stolen away, but never truly apart.

(Verse 2)
Regal or common, it beats just the same.
In cards it’s a trick, but might cost the game.
A rhythm it strikes, but no music to claim.
This riddle’s answer, what is its name?

(Bridge)
Guard it well, this treasure you hold.
Your emotions, your values, your dreams so bold.
Your desires and passions, both new and old.
From within it, your actions unfold.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
The answer, my friend, is clear from the start.
The riddle’s solution, it’s your precious heart!
So guard your heart, keep it pure and true,
For from it, your essence flows through.

Simple Joys

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Simple joys and wonders in life are gifts from God meant to enrich our lives, to help others, and to turn our hearts toward him.

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(Verse 1)
The morning sun paints skies so bright,
A joyous gift, a stunning sight.
Laughter of children fills the air,
Echoes of heaven, delightful to hear.

(Chorus)
Stop and breathe in the divine,
A world of wonder, yours and mine.
Each day brims with gifts from above,
Simple joys that declare God’s love.

(Verse 2)
Lilacs after rain, a scent so pure,
Pie from the oven, a taste to allure.
Vibrant hues color the land and sea,
Birds sing in chorus, nature’s melody.

(Verse 3)
Kind words spoken by caring friends,
Uplifting messages God sends.
A loved one’s embrace, so warm and dear,
Reminding us that God is near.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
Like little children, young at heart,
Enjoy and share God’s works of art.
Found in the fabric of the day,
Reasons to draw closer to God in praise.

(Verse 4)
Take time to see, to hear God’s call,
Be thankful for blessings one and all,
In simple wonders that we embrace
We meet His joy, and amazing grace.

(Chorus)

Love Beyond Measure

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
In Jesus we are loved beyond measure. By faith, may we accept his saving love and let it overflow to others.

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(Verse 1)
In the depths of sin’s dark sea,
Jesus’ love shines brilliantly.
Waves of doubt may crash and roar,
His grace pulls us to the shore.
Greater than our fears and shame,
His tide of love calls us by name.

(Chorus)
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
By faith, make Him your way, your truth, and your life.
His love, a vast and boundless deep,
Those who trust him, he saves and keeps.

(Verse 2)
On the cross, our sin He bore,
His sacrifice forevermore.
Death’s grip could not contain Him,
His victory, our souls reclaim.
Greater than the grave’s dark night,
His love moves us from death to life.

(Verse 3)
Surpassing any suffering here,
Jesus’ love brings healing from tears.
In tender strength he loves eternally.
To those who believe, he promises glory,
“I’ll come again, after I prepare a place,
For you to dwell with me in endless peace.”

(Bridge)
As the Father sent the Son to live,
So Jesus sends all who believe.
Like a river full and robust
May his love overflow from us.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Greater than our doubt and fear, sin and death,
By his endless love, through faith, we’re blessed.

Aging Away

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Although caring for elderly parents is a challenge, give yourself to taking care of those who took care of you. You will be blessed to honor your father and mother in this way.

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(Verse 1)
Silver hair and wrinkled hands, a sight I’ve come to know.
Mom and Dad, once so strong, now fragile and slow.
They left the home they built, a lifetime of memories.
Since age has caught up, they moved in to live with me.

(Chorus)
Though the days are long and tiring, I choose to be grateful.
For every moment spent together, a bond unbreakable.
Their love has carried me through life, and now it’s my turn,
To care for them with grace, as they navigate their last turn.

(Verse 2)
Mom needs assistance to bathe and wash her hair.
Dad’s hands shake, so I guide his spoon with care.
The newspaper print too small, I read to them out loud.
I help mom with her walker as she moves about the house.

(Bridge)
I’m drained after my job and then caring each day.
I wish my sister, could help in some way.
But I know this time, is limited and fleeting.
So I treasure each moment, each heart-to-heart meeting.

(Verse 3)
Loading them into the car, for doctor’s visits galore.
Unloading and guiding them, through each revolving door.
These small acts of love, a reflection of their care.
When they raised me with devotion, always there.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Getting old, a journey of love and sacrifice.
Caring for parents, a blessing in disguise.
Limited time, makes each day a treasure to hold.
A love that endures, as we all grow old.

Build on the Rock

by Mark Greenelsh ©2017, 2024
Parents, base your life on Jesus, the Rock, by listening to him, trusting him, and obeying him. Then you will help save your children and you will withstand trials that wash others away (Matthew 7:24-27).

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(Verse 1)
As I walked along the sea
Thoughts of you drifted to me
Gentle waves lapped the shore
Adorning the beach in fine decor

(Verse 2)
Shells and stones shown in the sun
I chose a few to represent one–
One image designed to inspire,
To ignite in you an unending fire,

(Verse 3)
A passion to enjoy and obey,
The One who loves and guides, each day.
He is Jesus, a Rock to the wise—
The sure foundation for building our lives.

(Chorus)
As showers of worry flood,
Tempests of trials erode,
And tides of lies shift the sand.
Build on the Rock, your foundation.
Jesus is loving and good,
In him you can rest assured.
He’s justice and mercy enthroned.
Align your life to him, The Cornerstone.

(Bridge)
Thank Him, for his blessings abound.
Cling when storms rage round.
Daily walk with Him, your faith to grow
Then to your child, God’s life will flow.
In time as he or she grows
May their witness to you be,
“Mom and Dad, when I look to you,
I see Jesus loving me.”

(Chorus)
As showers of worry flood,
Tempests of trials erode,
And tides of lies shift the sand.
Build on the Rock, your foundation.
Jesus is loving and good,
In him you can rest assured.
He’s justice and mercy enthroned.
Align your life to him, The Cornerstone.

Give Me Your Heart

by Mark Greenelsh ©1992, 2024
See people the way God does and let his love overflow through you to them.

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(Verse 1)
As I walk through the streets,
I am gripped by the needs I meet.
So much worry, so much pride,
So much suffering, so many cries.

(Verse 2)
People are looking, but not finding
Instead of living, they’re slowly dying
I’m tempted to walk past or look away
But the thought of Jesus prompts me to pray:

(Chorus)
Give me your heart for people I know,
Family, friends, strangers, and even foes.
Give me your heart for people alone,
Outcast, forgotten, those with no home.
Give me your heart for people afar,
Skin of different color, ‘neath a distant star.

(Verse 3)
Teach me to see people as you see
Past what they do to who they can be.
May I give up my way, lay my life down
So your love flows through me unbound.

(Verse 4)
Teach me to respond to the need near me
As a chance to save others through Thee.
Place me where Jesus would be today
To help people find you and follow your way.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Place me where Jesus would be today
To help people find you and follow your way.

Choose What’s Right

by Mark Greenelsh ©1992, 2024
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NIV).

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(Verse 1)
Lord, I want to love and live for you.
Put me where you will and show me what to do.
To follow you I must die to me.
Break sin’s chain, so in you, I’m free.

(Chorus)
When I have a choice,
May I listen to your voice.
When your Spirit speaks,
May your will I seek.
Your will I seek.

(Verse 2)
When I’m tempted to disobey,
May I choose your better way.
When people cause harm and attack
Help me to forgive, to love back.

(Chorus)
When I have a choice,
May I listen to your voice.
When your Spirit speaks,
May your will I seek.
Your will I seek.
Your will I seek.

(Bridge)
Lord, I want to love and live for you.
Put me where you will and show me what to do.
Thank you, Lord, for your power
Guiding, forging, each day, each hour.

(Chorus)
When I have a choice,
May I listen to your voice.
When your Spirit speaks,
May your will I seek.
Your will I seek.
Your will I seek.
Your will I seek.