Shore to Deep

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
The tender lure of the ocean parallels the endearing nature of a deepening love and friendship between a man and a woman.

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(Verse 1)
We rode the coastal bluffs today,
Wind dancing through our carefree hair,
The ocean hummed a gentle way—
A melody we learned to share.

(Verse 2)
Upon the weathered dock we sat,
Our toes just kissing water’s edge,
The sea sang soft, we laugh and chat,
New friendship like a sacred pledge.

(Chorus)
The ocean calls our names in song,
Each wave a sweeter harmony,
From shore to deep where we belong,
You’re becoming part of me.

(Verse 3)
We combed the beach for polished stones,
Shared stories from our youngest days,
The tide crooned in warmer tones,
As friendship grew in tender ways.

(Verse 4)
At sunrise, waves caressed our feet,
We painted dreams in morning gold,
The ocean’s rhythm, strong and sweet,
Sang futures waiting to unfold.

(Chorus)
The ocean calls our names in song,
Each wave a sweeter harmony,
From shore to deep where we belong,
You’re becoming part of me.

(Bridge)
Now hand in hand we face the tide,
Together through each crashing wave,
With you, I’m stronger by your side,
The sea serenades a love that saves.

(Verse 5)
We dive beneath the surface blue,
Immersed in trust’s embrace so deep,
The ocean’s symphony rings true—
A promise that our hearts will keep.

(Chorus)
The ocean calls our names in song,
Each wave our perfect harmony,
From shore to deep where we belong,
Forever you’re a part of me.
Forever you’re a part of me.

Together in Christ

by Mark Greenelsh ©1990, 2024
Love is God giving himself to us, for us to share with others. Marriage is a divine gift and a special way to live out that truth, all to God’s glory. “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, NIV).

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(Verse 1)
Together in Christ are you and me.
From mountain heights to roaring seas.
We praise God eternally.
For he alone is worthy.

(Verse 2)
Through his faithfulness he draws us,
By his light he surely guides.
With his love he closely binds us.
By his power he provides.

(Chorus)
To each other God has given
A kindred spirit, a best friend.
I want to help you grow in faith
To become like the Son he sent.
(Break)
We praise God eternally
For he alone is worthy, worthy.

(Bridge)
Being with you is a treasure.
Day by day in all we share and do
Of this you can be sure,
As God enables, I love you.

(Verse 4)
Together in Christ are you and me.
Life abundant God gives freely
Our love is kissed with joy and beauty.
United let’s live for his glory!

(Chorus)
To each other God has given
A kindred spirit, a best friend.
I want to help you grow in faith
To become like the Son he sent.
(Break)
We praise God eternally
For he alone is worthy, worthy.

Blue Whale Serenade

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A married couple stay at the Blue Whale Inn by the sea and enjoy a weekend getaway at the beach which refreshes their weary souls and renews their strained marriage due to hectic, busy schedules.

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(Verse 1)
City life had worn us thin,
Jobs demanding more and more.
Windows down, we drove away,
Heading for the distant shore.

(Verse 2)
Quaint inn nestled on the sand,
Family-owned for many years.
Check-in smiles and ocean views,
Worries fading, disappearing.

(Chorus)
At the Blue Whale by the sea,
Love renewed for you and me.
Simple joys and open skies,
Where our healing spirits rise.

(Verse 3)
Swimming out to sun-warmed rocks,
Laughter riding on the breeze.
Flying kites on golden shores,
Running through the lapping seas.

(Verse 4)
Pelicans along the pier,
Diving deep for silver fish.
You searched shores for perfect shells,
To make the necklace of my wish.

(Verse 5)
Carving boats from driftwood found,
Setting dreams adrift at sea.
Childhood tales as sun descends,
Sharing who we used to be.

(Bridge)
We lost ourselves in busy days,
Forgot the magic we once knew.
But here between the sky and waves,
Our hearts found room to start anew.

(Verse 6)
Flames dance in the evening fire,
Stars emerge in twilight skies.
I sing words I wrote for you,
Love reflected in your eyes.

(Verse 7)
Candlelight in Blue Whale’s den,
Sharing what we cherish most.
“Your heart,” you say. “Your strength,” I say,
As we whisper loving toasts.

(Chorus)
At the Blue Whale by the sea,
Love renewed for you and me.
Simple joys and open skies,
Where our healing spirits rise.

(Outro)
Hand in hand along the shore,
Making vows beneath the moon.
Less for work and more for love,
Promise sealed with ocean’s tune.

Still Missing You

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A wife and husband struggle to find time together during a busy season of life, but they are committed to closing their gap.

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(Verse 1)
Dawn breaks as your wings take flight
My scrubs await the morning light.
Our coffee mugs, one full, one bare
Two lives under one roof, rarely there.

(Verse 2)
You navigate through distant skies
While I bandage wounds and dry small eyes.
Your voice through static, miles away
As homework and laundry fill my day.

(Chorus)
Left you a note beneath your keys,
“I ache for you with each heartbeat
I long for days when life is slowed
Still yours to have, still yours to hold.”

(Verse 3)
The hallway clock marks your return
As my keys jingle, my shift to earn.
Your aftershave lingers in the flat
A house of echoes, kinship once had.

(Verse 4)
Empty seat at Ben’s recital
His eyes searched for your arrival.
Your flight delayed, his delight withdrawn
I smile for him, though my heart’s torn.

(Bridge)
School bell rings, Ben’s hand I release
Surrounded by noise, searching for peace.
Not alone, but lonely still
You’re my haven on life’s windswept hill.

(Verse 5)
Our blessings abound, cups overflow
Yet something’s missing, this I know.
Not the marriage of my dreams
We’re drifting slowly, or so it seems.

(Chorus)
Left you a note beneath your keys,
“I ache for you with each heartbeat
I long for days when life is slowed
Still yours to have, still yours to hold.”

(Outro)
Tonight I’ll leave the porch light on
A beacon guiding you back home.
Two teacups waiting by the fire.
Our love is strained, but never expired.

Kinship

by Mark Greenelsh ©2023, 2024
God enjoys a glorious, loving relationship within himself as a community of Father, Son, and Spirit. God made us to enjoy unity with him and also with others.

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(Verse 1)
From the dust of the earth, God formed our frame
Breathing life into us, He called us by name.
In the garden we walked, with our Creator so dear
A bond unbroken, a love so sincere.

(Verse 2)
But temptation took hold, and we turned from His face.
Disobedient and proud we rebelled in disgrace.
This dreadful fall separated mankind from God.
Destroyed peace, and put people at odds.

(Chorus)
We are made for connection, to love and be loved.
To find our belonging, in our Father above.
Through kinship with others, we reflect His design.
In community, we find joy sublime.

(Verse 3)
But God had a plan, to bridge the divide
He sent us His Son, to be crucified
Through faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven
Restored to the Father, our destiny re-written.

(Bridge)
The day is coming, when Christ will return
Establishing His kingdom, for which our hearts yearn.
In perfect harmony, we’ll live with our King.
Forever in His presence, his praises we’ll sing.

(Chorus)
We are made for connection, to love and be loved.
To find our belonging, in our Father above.
Through kinship with others, we reflect His design.
In community, we find joy sublime.

(Outro)
So come to the Father, and find your true place
Experience the love, that none can erase
In relationship with Him, and with others too
You’ll forge divine bonds, always meant for you.

Always Here for You

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A tearful, but joyful father gives his only daughter away on her wedding day.

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(Verse 1)
Your trembling hand upon my arm
White lace and lilies in your hair.
My little girl in woman’s form
I’m proud to walk with one so fair.

(Verse 2)
Remember how we’d chase fireflies
In summer dusk when you were five?
Now stars shine in your wedding eyes.
Our past seems distant, your future arrives.

(Chorus)
I am blessed to give you away
To the man our hearts have found true.
Though it’s hard to see you go
We’ll always be here for you.

(Verse 3)
That midnight drive when you turned sixteen
The stars our silent witnesses.
You at the wheel, so scared yet keen.
You’ve grown strong through adversity.

(Verse 4)
The same hands gripping tight back then
Now rest so softly on my sleeve.
A woman grown from child to friend,
A precious gift I must release.

(Verse 5)
Remember storms that shook our home?
My arms your shelter through the night.
Now different arms will hold you close.
Different hands will dry your tears.

(Chorus)
I am blessed to give you away
To the man our hearts have found true.
Though it’s hard to see you go
We’ll always be here for you.

(Bridge)
We arrive before the altar
Where he stands waiting, eyes aglow.
As I step back, he steps forward.
I place your hand in his and let go.

(Verse 6)
Each moment etched upon my heart.
Each memory a treasured pearl.
Too soon our paths now depart,
My beautiful, brave little girl.

(Chorus)
I am blessed to give you away
To the man our hearts have found true.
Though it’s so hard to see you go
We’ll always be here for you.
We’ll always be here for you.

Not Long Enough

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A woman works through the doubts of committing to marriage as she realizes that she can focus on pursuing what’s right rather than fearing what can go wrong. Love conquers fear.

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(Verse 1)
In quiet talks and gentle laughs,
Years have woven us so tight.
Your smile melts my hesitation,
Like stars dissolving night.

(Verse 2)
When you knelt down with that ring,
My heart leapt, but doubts came too.
“What if we’re not meant to last?
What if I’m not enough for you?”

(Verse 3)
Shadows whisper of marriages
That withered like autumn leaves.
Will our flame burn to embers?
Will your love one day leave?

(Verse 4)
What if time steals my beauty?
What if change pulls us apart?
These questions swirl like storms
In the chambers of my heart.

(Bridge)
The future’s an unwritten page,
Full of mystery and fears.
But you stand steady, unfazed,
“We’ll face each day that appears.”
Your promise to put me first
Shines brighter than my doubt.

(Chorus)
When I dwell on what might go wrong,
Forever feels too long.
But when I choose to love you now,
Forever’s not enough.

(Verse 5)
Forever’s not enough.
Forever’s not enough
Forever’s not enough
To love you like I do.

(Chorus)
When I dwell on what might go wrong,
Forever feels too long.
But when I choose to love you now,
Forever’s not enough.

(Outro)
Take my hand, I give my heart,
I’m saying yes to us.
Forever yes to us.
Forever yes to us.

Coffee Stains and Sunshine

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Every day is a blessing when you have someone to go through it with.

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(Verse 1)
Spilled my coffee, stained my shoes.
Train delayed, not sure what I’ll do.
But your morning text with hearts
Keeps me from feeling too blue.

(Chorus)
Every storm feels like sunshine
When you’re standing by my side.
It’s not the day that matters
It’s the joy you provide.

(Verse 2)
Computer crashed, lost my work.
Mounting pressure all day long.
But thoughts of you sustain me
Even when things go wrong.

(Verse 3)
Grocery bag split on the driveway
When I tripped outside the gate.
We both laugh at the situation
I’m so blessed you’re my soulmate.

(Bridge)
It’s the tea you brew when I’m feeling low
The note in my lunchbox found
The way you remember little things I love
The anchor when I’m unbound.
Not perfect moments strung together
But perfect love through stressful days.
Your hand in mine through whatever comes
Turning ordinary into praise.

(Chorus)
Every storm feels like sunshine
When you’re standing by my side.
It’s not the day that matters
It’s the joy you provide.

(Outro)
Every storm feels like sunshine
When you’re standing by my side.
It’s not the day that matters
It’s the joy you provide.

Time to Prove

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A good man tries to explain to the woman he loves that they could be great together.

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(Verse 1)
Moonlight dances on your face
Your smile, a fleeting embrace.
I reach out, but you hesitate
Our friendship, tough to navigate.

(Chorus)
You ask what if, I say let’s try.
To know you is worth any price.
Give me time to prove, to guarantee
The two of us are meant to be.

(Verse 2)
Like pen to paper, thoughts unfold.
Like roots to soil, our love could grow.
As shore meets sea, we’d ebb and flow.
Like dawn and dusk, a perfect show.

(Chorus)
You ask what if, I say let’s try.
To know you is worth any price.
Give me time to prove, to guarantee
The two of us are meant to be.

(Bridge)
Take my hand and you’ll understand
The blessed joy of you and me.
Let me love you, and you will see
How wonderful our life could be.

(Verse 3)
Like rhythm and melody entwine
Like stars and sky, we’d align
As lock and key, we’d fit just right
Like day and dreams, we’d take flight

(Chorus)
You ask what if, I say let’s try.
To know you is worth any price.
Give me time to prove, to guarantee
The two of us are meant to be.

(Outro)
Let me love you, and you will see
How wonderful our life could be.

Café Blue

A woman is both excited and nervous about meeting a friend who she hasn’t seen in a while.

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(Verse 1)
Mirror shows my nervous eyes tonight.
Brush strokes paint what words can’t say.
Your laugh still echoes in my mind
From coffee talks on rainy days.
Lipstick trembles in my hand.
Remember how you’d tease my smile?
Those moments felt like promised land
But were they worth your while?

(Chorus)
Thank you for the way we are
For every joke and thoughtful care.
Yet my heart reaches for a star
Wanting more for us to share.
Wanting more for us to share.

(Verse 2)
This dress—you said blue suits me best
At your sister’s wedding dance.
Your hand lingered on my waist
Was that more than circumstance?
Bonfire at the beach with friends
Sharing a blanket, sharing dreams.
To me our moments express so much
But to you, what do they mean?

(Bridge)
Weeks of silence had settled in
No one’s fault, just busy days.
Distance grew with every dawn
Feared our bond was growing thin.
Then my phone rang and it was you,
“Let’s catch up at Café Blue.”

(Verse 3)
Perfume mists the air like hope.
One last glance, I’m ready now.
Waiting here, trying to cope,
Questions on my mind abound.
Will your eyes light up for me?
Do you feel this energy?
Time has passed, but here I stand
Longing for what could be.

(Chorus)
Thank you for the way we are
For every joke and thoughtful care.
Yet my heart reaches for a star
Wanting more for us to share.
Wanting more for us to share.

(Outro)
There you are across the street
My heart forgets its steady beat.
I raise my hand, you wave hello
Your smile melts away my woe.
Steps grow closer, arms spread wide
You pull me close, my hope revives.
Your steady heart dissolves my fear
We really do have something here.

Natural as Breathing

A husband rejoices that the love he shares with his wife feels so natural and true.

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(Verse 1)
Like water flows to find the sea,
My heart was drawn when I first met you.
Each ripple speaks of destiny,
A current strong and pure and true.

(Chorus)
Some things don’t need explaining,
Like cherry blossoms bloom in spring,
Like vines embrace while climbing—
Our love’s as natural as breathing.

(Verse 2)
As morning light breaks through the dark,
You wake beside me, soft and warm.
Your gentle breath, that sacred spark,
Two souls together, safe from storm.

(Chorus)
Some things don’t need explaining,
Like cherry blossoms bloom in spring,
Like vines embrace while climbing—
Our love’s as natural as breathing.

(Verse 3)
The way the moon pulls at the tide,
Your laughter draws me ever near.
Like honeybees to gardens glide,
I’m home whenever you are here.

(Bridge)
When first I met you, something changed,
A puzzle piece had found its place.
The world looked new, yet not so strange—
I knew you, loved you, face to face.
You were the one I’d searched to find,
And I was yours, our hearts aligned.

(Chorus)
Some things don’t need explaining,
Like cherry blossoms bloom in spring,
Like vines embrace while climbing—
Our love’s as natural as breathing.

(Verse 4)
Like diamonds sparkle in the night,
Your eyes hold galaxies for me.
Like a robin greets in morning light,
My heart for you sings freely.

(Chorus)
Some things don’t need explaining,
As sure as rivers reach the sea,
As faithful as the stars remaining—
That’s how you’ll always be to me.

Sea of Blue

When a man looks into the eyes of the woman he loves, he sees their beautiful life together.

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(Verse 1)
When I dive into your sea of blue,
I find new worlds to explore,
Adventures waiting just for two,
Endless tides upon love’s shore.

(Verse 2)
Your eyes hold skies that stretch so wide,
No limits to the dreams we’ll chase,
With boundless freedom as our guide,
Together soaring through time and space.

(Chorus)
When I look upon your precious face,
I’m drawn into your eyes of blue,
I see our life in every trace,
A future bright and true.

(Verse 3)
The sparkle dancing in your gaze
Lights up the darkness in my soul,
You turn my nights to golden days,
Your laughter makes my heart feel whole.

(Verse 4)
Within those eyes I see us share
A quiet bond no one can break,
Two souls entwined beyond compare,
A love that nothing can forsake.

(Chorus)
When I look upon your precious face,
I’m drawn into your eyes of blue,
I see our life in every trace,
A future bright and true.

(Verse 5)
I glimpse small footsteps in the sand,
Our children playing by the waves,
Your gentle touch, my steady hand,
The family life my heart still craves.

(Bridge)
And when you’re sad and looking down,
When tears fall from your eyes of blue,
I lift your face, remove your frown,
And guide you toward a better view.

(Chorus)
When I look upon your precious face,
I’m drawn into your eyes of blue,
I see our life in every trace,
A future bright and true.

(Outro)
Yes, when I look upon your precious face,
I’m lost within your eyes of blue,
I see forever in that place,
Our beautiful life made for two.