Night Shift

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
The selfless service of many people each night and on Christmas Eve points to our greatest gift—God the Son who sacrificed himself to save all who trust him.

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(Verse 1)
While cities sleep beneath December stars,
Nurses tend the sick with gentle, healing hands.
Firefighters stand ready through the deepest night,
Officers keep watch so others rest in peace.

(Verse 2)
Store clerks smile through weariness and endless lines,
Hotel staff prepare warm beds for traveling souls.
Custodians work unseen, restoring order from chaos,
Ensuring spaces shine for celebrations yet to come.

(Chorus)
Like Jesus who came on that holy night,
Your sacrifice mirrors the greatest gift of himself.
Though far from home when bells and carols ring,
Your selfless love echoes the heart of Heaven’s King.

(Verse 3)
Truckers navigate through winter’s bitter grasp,
Delivering treasures for morning’s gleeful eyes.
Gas station attendants fuel journeys homeward bound,
Plowers keep roads open when all else shuts down.

(Verse 4)
You miss the warmth of hearths and family meals,
Trading comfort for the call to serve another’s need.
Weariness weighs heavy as the night grows long,
Yet something deeper drives you onward still.

(Bridge)
Do you see how your hands reflect God the Son?
How your feet walk the path our humble Savior trod?
In each act of service, each unnoticed deed,
You embody the love that meets our deepest need.

(Verse 5)
In your giving, something sacred comes to life—
A glimpse of grace that entered human night.
The Christ child born to servants just like you,
Who died and rose again that we might live.

(Chorus)
Like Jesus who came on that holy night,
Your sacrifice mirrors the greatest gift of himself.
Though far from home when bells and carols ring,
Your selfless love echoes the heart of Heaven’s King.

Diamond and Coal

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A weathered man laments not meeting a wonderful woman sooner, because he doubts whether he can change enough to become whom she deserves.

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(Verse 1)
Hard as nails and twice as sharp,
Thorns around a cynical heart.
Trust was somethin’ I’d forgotten,
‘Til she walked into my world.

(Verse 2)
Coffee shop on Main and Third,
Spilled my drink, she said kind words.
Mercy in her eyes disarmed me,
Changed the course of all my days.

(Verse 3)
She puts coats on strangers’ backs,
I’ve been known to hold things back.
Her smile breaks through thunderclouds,
While I’m lost in the storm!

(Chorus)
Is it too late for us?
Did I miss my chance?
She soars on wings of angels,
While I’m just learning flight.
She deserves the sunrise,
I’m just the fading dark.
Is it too late for us
To mend this broken heart?

(Verse 4)
Sunday drives and fireflies,
Fishing trips and starlit skies.
Every time she shares her world,
I see the man I ought to be.

(Verse 5)
She calls out the good in me,
Plants hope where doubt used to be.
Teaches patience with her silence,
Courage with her steadfast ways.

(Bridge)
I love every moment spent,
In the light that she creates.
But a diamond needs no coal,
And I’m just holdin’ her back.
I want to be her everything,
But these boots have walked too far.
Down roads I can’t take her on,
Stained by choices I can’t change.

(Chorus)
Is it too late for us?
Did I miss my chance?
She soars on wings of angels,
While I’m just learning flight.
She deserves the sunrise,
I’m just the fading dark.
Is it too late for us
To mend this broken heart?

(Outro)
If only I had met her
When my slate was clean and new.
But maybe second chances
Are what love was meant to do.
Maybe second chances
Are what love was meant to do.

Miles of Love

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Love joyfully gives of oneself so other people gain.

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(Verse 1)
In the purple dawn, when doubt whispers low,
He pedals beside her where streetlights don’t go,
A guardian angel on two spinning wheels,
Protecting her dreams as the morning reveals.

(Chorus)
Love is the giving that helps someone soar.
It’s being the wings when they can’t find the floor.
Through rain and through doubt, through fear and through pain,
True love pours out so that others can gain.

(Verse 2)
At the running store, he kneels at her feet,
Finding better shoes for her to compete,
Each lace that he ties is a promise he makes,
To support every stride that her journey takes.

(Verse 3)
When her spirit grows weary and wants to give in,
He becomes the spark where her fire begins,
“One more mile,” he whispers, “you’re stronger than fear,”
His faith in her power draws victory near.

(Verse 4)
Together they trace every curve of the course,
His finger follows paths like a guiding force,
Each hill and each turn memorized with care,
So she’ll run with confidence, when he’s not there.

(Chorus)
Love is the giving that helps someone soar.
It’s being the wings when they can’t find the floor.
Through rain and through doubt, through fear and through pain,
True love pours out so that others can gain.

(Verse 5)
In the sea of runners, hearts pounding like drums,
He stands like a lighthouse till her start time comes,
As rain starts to fall, he shields her with grace,
Taking her layers so she’s free for the race.

(Verse 6)
Through traffic and chaos, through crowds and delay,
He fights to be present while she runs her race,
Just as she crosses the marathon line,
Their eyes meet and they hug—frozen in time.

(Bridge)
More than a sprint of emotions that part,
Love runs the distance with a joyful heart.
Not counting the cost, not fearing the strain,
Just steadfast devotion so others can gain.

(Verse 7)
He offers her comfort—warm fleece and a bar,
Lifts her like treasure through mud to the car,
On their way home, he listens to her share,
Then he kneads away soreness from her legs with care.

(Chorus)
Love is the giving that helps someone soar.
It’s being the wings when they can’t find the floor.
Through rain and through doubt, through fear and through pain,
True love pours out so that others can gain.

When Shadows Fall

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Respond to those who are suffering by drawing close to God and by prayerfully supporting them with faith, hope, and love.

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(Verse 1)
In a world of storms and shattering skies,
Where choices break and innocents weep,
Pain carves its path through all our lives,
And suffering plants its roots so deep.
Draw near to God when darkness swells,
Let his whispers calm the raging sea.
In broken places, his presence dwells,
His hands restore what cannot be.

(Verse 2)
Reach out with love to those who mourn,
Share their tears, their burden bear.
When hearts are crushed and hope is torn,
Show them they’re not alone in despair.
Offer bread to hungry hands,
Shelter to those lost in rain.
Be Christ’s body where sorrow stands,
A living bridge across the pain.

(Verse 3)
Hold fast to faith when reasons fail,
When “why” remains without reply.
God works beyond the shadowed veil,
Though hidden from our questioning eye.
From broken soil, new life appears,
From darkest night, stars burn bright.
God transforms ashes of our tears
To beauty wrapped in morning light.

(Bridge)
Hope rises like the coming dawn,
A promise etched in heaven’s plan.
One day all grief will be withdrawn,
All tears wiped by God’s gentle hand.
Until that day, his grace sustains,
His strength perfected in our need.
His power prevails over pain,
To save, transform, and set free.

(Chorus)
When disaster strikes like lightning,
And suffering tightens like a vice,
Find peace in God’s arms that hold you.
Love and trust him through the night.
Then rise up with hands extended,
With his comfort overflowed.
Be the vessel of his mercy
To others burdened on life’s road.

Until Then

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
The pain of parting dwindles with the hope of a swift reunion.

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(Verse 1)
Our final supper, soon I will depart.
I struggle to truly express my heart.
Thoughts race through my head, so much left to share.
I gently take your hand to reassure.

(Verse 2)
As I pack my bags, the frames on the dresser,
Remind me of moments and years we’ve treasured.
Joyful times and even, storms we’ve weathered.
What a blessing, to share them together.

(Chorus)
May the Lord watch over you,
And guide your path anew.
In his love forever rest.
He’s always working for our best.

Though right now we must depart,
God keeps us near at heart.
May we grow closer through him
Until the day we meet again.

(Verse 3)
Driving to the station, some highlights we replay,
The places we’ve ventured, the memories we’ve made.
But the sweetest part is our hearts intertwined,
I’m so blessed to know you, a gift divine.

(Bridge)
As we wait for the train, your eyes fill with tears,
I gently dry your cheek, and calm your fears.
I lift your face. Into your eyes I gaze.
Inviting you to look to brighter days.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
The conductor calls, I embrace you tight,
One in spirit until we reunite.
I look back as I board the train,
You smile through your tears. We’ll meet again.

Whom to Serve

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Seek the good of others before yourself even when you have to sacrifice. Don’t exchange what is right or might be difficult, for what is fun, expedient, and self-serving.

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(Verse 1)
In this bustling world, so full of strife
Where self-interest often takes the lead
Let me sing a melody of a different life
One where we serve others, in word and in deed (yeah, yeah)

(Verse 2)
Sometimes it’s difficult, to choose the harder way,
To let go of what’s expedient, and embrace the price to pay,
But through hard work and dedication, we’ll find,
That serving others brings a joy that’s one of a kind.

(Chorus)
Oh, let’s serve with a smile, and give it all we’ve got,
Putting others before us, whether it’s easy or not,
For goodness and right, we’ll rise above,
In this jazz of life, let’s spread kindness and love.

(Verse 3)
When the rhythm gets tough, and the tempo starts to rise,
Hold on to the melody of sacrifice, reaching for the skies,
Amidst hardship for others, we’ll find our true worth,
And the sweet notes of selflessness, will fill the whole earth.

(Verse 4)
So let’s keep on serving, with every note we play,
Inspiring others to join us, on this path each day,
No matter the obstacles, we’ll overcome the test,
For serving with love, always brings out our best.

(Chorus)

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.

Morning Frost

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A man longs to spend quality time with a woman, but unfortunately she doesn’t recognize his deep need for that yet.

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(Verse 1)
She lights the room with a brilliant mind,
Her laughter sparks festivity.
But when we’re close, she cannot find
The time to truly see me.

(Verse 2)
Her laptop glows between us here,
While texts for charity ping her phone.
She’s changing worlds, but can’t she hear
My heart that’s calling, all alone?

(Chorus)
Golden moments melt like morning frost,
While she builds castles in the air.
I’m drowning in the words I’ll never say—
That I just need her to be here.

(Verse 3)
She brings me gifts wrapped perfectly,
Says words that should make my heart soar.
But all these tokens can’t fulfill
The connection that I’m starving for.

(Verse 4)
Her hands create such wondrous things,
While mine reach out through empty space.
She doesn’t know the pain it brings
To sit beside her, yet misplaced.

(Chorus)
Golden moments melt like morning frost,
While she builds castles in the air.
I’m drowning in the words I’ll never say—
That I just need her to be here.

(Bridge)
How do I tell her what I need
Without appearing weak and small?
This silence plants a bitter seed—
Which could grow to ruin all.

(Verse 5)
She’s everything I’ve dreamed to find:
Smart, funny, driven, and so real.
I know she loves me in her mind,
But hollow hours are all I feel.

(Verse 6)
I watch her save the world each day,
While I’m a shadow barely seen.
If I speak up, she might not stay—
So I just ache here silently.

(Chorus)
Golden moments melt like morning frost,
While she builds castles in the air.
I’m drowning in the words I’ll never say—
That I just need her to be here.
(I just need her to be here.)

Becoming Dawn

A young lady who longs to find the right man, realizes she needs to become the right woman.

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(Verse 1)
I learned to paint in morning light,
Took French lessons Tuesday nights.
I served warm soup as a volunteer,
But still eat dinner with no one dear.

(Verse 2)
I joined those apps and gave my all,
Learned to dance at friendship hall.
I baked fresh bread for neighbors here,
But no one special’s drawing near.

(Chorus)
Where is the love I’m searching for?
I’ve knocked on every single door.
The calendar pages flip right past,
How much longer can I last?
Maybe I’ll transform my song—
From seeking him, to growing strong
The woman that my future needs,
Not just wishing, but planting seeds.

(Verse 3)
My sister married at twenty-three,
Now she’s got two kids, asks about me.
Mom says, “Honey, don’t you settle low,”
But the mirror knows the years that show.

(Verse 4)
I joined a hiking group last May,
Read classic books, learned how to pray.
I’m kind and true, with a noble heart,
So why does love seem worlds apart?

(Bridge)
Then something shifted in my night—
A quiet whisper made it right.
Stop hunting like he’s lost and found,
Start growing roots in solid ground.
Be patient, wise, and gently whole,
The kind of woman for his soul.
Let him find what’s worth the wait,
A garden tended, not just fate.

(Verse 5)
So now I’m learning who to be,
Building strength and dignity.
Not desperate, but hopeful still,
Growing in grace and a humble will.

(Chorus)
This is the love I’m building now,
Not forcing when or where or how.
Ruthless time won’t steal my peace,
I’m blooming with each passing week.
My focus now is clear and right—
Becoming dawn before his light.
The woman worthy of his hand,
Prepared to meet a kindred man.
Prepared to meet a kindred man.

Love Like Salsa

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Opposites can complement each other to form something better together than apart.

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(Verse 1)
Like salty and savory spice,
Our aromas sharply defined.
Alone, we’re good, but side by side,
We’re a zesty blend, divine.

(Chorus)
Together, our flavors intertwine,
A spicy-sweet, delightful design.
Opposites attract, a perfect pair,
Creating a love beyond compare.

(Verse 2)
Your spirit, fiery and bold,
Ignites the spark in me.
My steady calm, a tempered foil,
Channeling your energy.

(Chorus)
Together, our flavors intertwine,
A spicy-sweet, delightful design.
Opposites attract, a perfect pair,
Creating a love beyond compare.

(Bridge)
When you step forward, I slide back,
Our bodies move in sync, along one track.
Like a salsa dance, we flow in time,
A natural blend, a rhythm sublime.

(Chorus)
Together, our flavors intertwine,
A spicy-sweet, delightful design.
Opposites attract, a perfect pair,
Creating a love beyond compare.

(Verse 3)
Your salty spirit, a seasoning so fine,
Enhances my savory ways.
Our unique flavors, a culinary design,
A taste that never fades.

(Chorus)
Together, our flavors intertwine,
A spicy-sweet, delightful design.
Opposites attract, a perfect pair,
Creating a love beyond compare.

Like I See the Stars

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A woman keeps waiting, watching, and hoping that the man she cares for will grow to recognize her love and reciprocate.

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(Verse 1)
I leave coffee by his doorstep
With a note that says, “Good morning.”
Sometimes he texts back a heart emoji
Sometimes his mind is elsewhere touring.

(Chorus)
Still I wait here in the shadows
Still I watch him from afar
Still I hope that someday, somehow
He’ll see me like I see the stars.
My heart keeps beating, softly pleading
For the day he’ll understand
That I’m here, forever waiting
With my heart held in my hands.

(Verse 2)
I fold his laundry when he’s busy
Walk his dog when skies aren’t blue
Bring him soup when he feels dizzy
Tell him he is strong and brilliant too.

(Verse 3)
When his car broke down last Tuesday
I drove forty miles through rain.
He said, “thanks” and bought me dinner
But kept checking texts again.

(Chorus)
Still I wait here in the shadows
Still I watch him from afar
Still I hope that someday, somehow
He’ll see me like I see the stars.
My heart keeps beating, softly pleading
For the day he’ll understand
That I’m here, forever waiting
With my heart held in my hands.

(Bridge)
Those rare moments when he sees me
When his walls come tumbling down
Are like sunlight breaking through clouds
Worth each day I stick around.

(Verse 4)
I show up to all his game nights
Cheer him on from the front row
Buy him books I know he’d like
Touch his shoulder soft and slow.

(Verse 5)
I make time when he needs talking
Even when my schedule’s tight
Fix his favorite Sunday breakfast
Hold him close when nothing’s right.

(Verse 6)
Maybe I’m a fool for waiting
Like a lighthouse on the shore
But I’ll keep my flame burning bright
Till he finds what he’s looking for.

(Chorus)
Still I wait here in the shadows
Still I watch him from afar
Still I hope that someday, somehow
He’ll see me like I see the stars.
My heart keeps beating, softly pleading
For the day he’ll understand
That I’m here, forever waiting
With my love held in my hands.