More of You

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
The glorious purpose and adventure in life’s journey is for Jesus to increase and for me to decrease.

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(Verse 1)
Empty hands reaching for the dawn.
Broken vessel, cracks where light shines through.
Not my strength, but yours carries on.
Life begins when your glory’s pursued.

(Chorus)
More of you, less of me
Like stars fading when the sun breaks free.
More of you, less of me
You’re endless ocean, I’m just a stream.
With you is my journey, that’s my dream
More of you, Lord, more of you.

(Verse 2)
Autumn leaves surrender to the wind.
Seeds must fall before new life can grow.
Pride dissolves like mist in morning’s hymn.
You increase as I learn to let go.

(Chorus)
More of you, less of me
Like stars fading when the sun breaks free.
More of you, less of me
You’re endless ocean, I’m just a stream.
With you is my journey, that’s my dream
More of you, Lord, more of you.

(Bridge)
Not for my name written in lights
But for your name lifted high.
Not my kingdom, not my might
To humbly serve is my desire.
Love through me in power and grace
So others become saved by faith.

(Verse 3)
Mountain streams rush down to join the sea.
Clay surrendered to the potter’s hand.
Transform me as I trust and obey.
Align my will to your perfect way.

(Chorus)
More of you, less of me
Like stars fading when the sun breaks free.
More of you, less of me
You’re endless ocean, I’m just a stream.
With you is my journey, that’s my dream
More of you, Lord, more of you.

Build Bridges

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Look for what unites us as people made in God’s image, rather than focusing on what divides us.

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(Verse 1)
We draw our battle lines in sand
Race and wealth keep us apart.
Culture, age, and schooling divide,
While pride closes down our hearts.

(Verse 2)
Your victory’s not my defeat,
There’s room enough to thrive.
The sun that warms your morning face
Is the same that keeps me alive.

(Chorus)
Let’s tear down walls and build bridges,
Span the chasms between our hearts.
Pour out God’s love that first found us,
By his grace let unity embark.

(Verse 3)
It’s easy to judge from our towers,
Or covet what others possess.
These paths lead to futile kingdoms
Built on envy and bitterness.

(Verse 4)
The harder road calls us higher,
To see the good in different eyes.
To celebrate gifts not our own,
And beauty in diverse disguise.

(Bridge)
Each soul shares equal sacred worth,
Though wrapped in different skin.
Your tears fall just as wet as mine,
Let’s join with God to heal our land.

(Chorus)
Let’s tear down walls and build bridges,
Span the chasms between our hearts.
Pour out God’s love that first found us,
By his grace let unity embark.

(Outro)
By faith we bear our Maker’s image,
Loved by him to live as one.
As we draw near to God as Father,
We help each other find our way home.

Sierra Sanctuary

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Backpacking in the beautiful Sierra Nevadas can be a blessed time with friends, and also a chance to get away, be refreshed, and spend dedicated time with God, Creator of all.

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(Verse 1)
Concrete towers fade away
As dusty boots find mountain trails.
Lungs fill with pine-scented air
My spirit finally exhales.

(Verse 2)
Morning mist on placid lakes
Coffee brewed on glowing coals
Ripples dance where rocks have skipped
As God succeeds to stir our souls.

(Verse 3)
Wildflowers nod in meadows gold
Beneath the watchful granite spires.
Cardinals sing their morning prayers
As sunlight sets the peaks on fire.

(Chorus)
In the heights where eagles soar
I find what I’ve been longing for
Time with God as he renews within
Letting go of me, and embracing him.

(Verse 4)
Cards and laughter fill the night
Stars explode across the sky
Stories shared by firelight glow
As thoughts of work fade and die.

(Verse 5)
Redwood giants stand as guards
Their ancient wisdom calms my mind.
Each step along this sacred path
Leaves worldly burdens far behind.

(Bridge)
On the summit, arms stretched wide
Panoramic glory fills my eyes
Not just seeing, truly known
By the One who shaped each stone.

(Chorus)
In the heights where eagles soar
I find what I’ve been longing for
Time with God as he renews within
Letting go of me, and embracing him.

Hearts in Harmony

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Music brings people together.

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(Verse 1)
Truck radio turned up high
Corn fields passin’ by
Your finger taps as you drive
The music makes you feel alive.

(Verse 2)
Back porch guitar at dusk
Voice smooth as Kentucky musk
Neighbors drift toward the sound
Strangers finding common ground.

(Chorus)
Six strings and truth
Old hurts and new roots
Music speaks what words can’t say
Builds bridges ‘cross divides today.
Turns tears to smiles, breaks down walls
Heals wounds when the last note falls.
That’s the beauty of a melody
Binding hearts in harmony.

(Verse 3)
Dancehall fiddle’s midnight cry
Boots shuffle, spirits fly
Strangers line up midst claps and chants
Finding connection in the dance.

(Verse 4)
Church choir on Sunday morn
Voices worn but not forlorn
The gospel lifts burdens away
Heaven’s touch as people praise.

(Bridge)
Different roads, different pains
But when that chorus comes again
We sing as one, we rise together
A blessed bond that makes us better.

(Chorus)
Six strings and truth
Old hurts and new roots
Music speaks what words can’t say
Builds bridges ‘cross divides today.
Turns tears to smiles, breaks down walls
Heals wounds when the last note falls.
That’s the beauty of a melody
Binding hearts in harmony.

Coming Home

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
There is joy and blessing in coming home and reuniting with people you love.

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(Verse 1)
In distant rooms where I don’t belong
Under skies that feel too wide
I count the hours, days too long
With thoughts of home tucked inside.

(Verse 2)
Maps and miles keep us apart.
This place doesn’t feel mine.
But hope burns steady in my heart
For that precious homebound time.

(Chorus)
Coming home, coming home
Arms open wide at the end of the road.
Coming home, coming home
Where my restless heart becomes whole.

(Verse 3)
Golden light through kitchen glass
Washing dishes at mom’s side.
Music plays, we laugh and dance.
Between us, time unwinds.

(Verse 4)
Dad calls me out to cut the lawn
The smell of grass and earth.
We talk and work ’til day is gone.
A blessing of shared worth.

(Verse 5)
My brother’s voice rings through the stands
As young teams clash and play.
We clap and cheer with raised hands
Just like the old days.

(Bridge)
These moments thread through my weary soul
Repairing what was torn.
Each smile, each touch makes me more whole
Than I was before.

(Verse 6)
My sister whispers late at night
Her stories spilling free.
Her eyes alight in dim lamplight
A sacred trust to me.

(Verse 7)
Old friends meet where we always do
The coffee shop downtown.
Some things change, but some stay true
In this familiar ground.

(Verse 8)
Board games spread across the table
Laughter fills the air.
We play as long as we are able
Time suspended there.

(Chorus)
Coming home, coming home
Arms open wide at the end of the road.
Coming home, coming home
Where my restless heart becomes whole.

(Verse 9)
Our goodbye arrives too soon.
Tears threaten as I wave.
But I carry home like a tune
That sings me back again.

(Outro)
Coming home, coming home
Arms open wide at the end of the road.
Coming home, coming home
Where my heart was, and is, and always will be whole.

Forest from Trees

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Because of my finite understanding and self-centered focus, I cannot make the best decisions. I need to rely on the input of the all-knowing God who loves me.

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(Verse 1)
Lost among the towering trees
My path ahead I cannot see.
What looks right, through my clouded eyes
May lead to where the shadow lies. 

(Verse 2)
These finite eyes, this limited heart
Just fragments of the map I chart
While you behold the full design
Each winding trail, each mountain climb.

(Chorus)
Take my hand, God, guide my way.
You see beyond what I can see.
The forest whole, the coming day
Your wisdom sets my footsteps free. 

(Verse 3)
My selfish nature draws me near
To paths that only disappear.
I settle for the shallow streams
When oceans of your love await. 

(Bridge)
Your wisdom far exceeds my own
A light that shines when I’m alone.
When I surrender what seems right
Your perfect plan comes into sight. 

(Verse 4)
All my motives, crystal clear
To you who holds the whole world dear.
When I commit my ways to you
You make my crooked pathways true. 

(Verse 5)
So I will trust with all my heart
Not leaning on my flawed insight.
In every choice, in every turn
To know you more is what I yearn.

(Chorus)
Take my hand, God, guide my way.
You see beyond what I can see.
The forest whole, the coming day
Your wisdom sets my footsteps free.

Join Hands

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
By God’s grace and power may all who trust in him work together to serve people in need and help them find and follow Jesus.

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(Verse 1)
Jesus’ love reaches every heart
The lost, the least, the ones apart.
His mercy finds the broken souls
Where tears fall and pain takes its toll.

(Verse 2)
Even those who turn away
His grace pursues them day by day.
From darkness into light he leads
Plants seeds of change through loving deeds.

(Chorus)
God, break our hearts for what breaks yours
Open our eyes to see as you see.
Unite our hands and humble hearts
To meet needs and set captives free.

(Verse 3)
People see God’s love through our care
In kindness shown and burdens shared.
Our unity a witness bright
Reflecting his redeeming light.

(Bridge)
Father, fill us with compassion.
Bind our hearts in perfect peace.
Use our unity as healing
For the wounded and in need.

(Verse 4)
When we join hands in his name
His power flows through us like a flame.
Two or more with purpose true
Accomplish what one cannot do.

(Chorus)
God, break our hearts for what breaks yours
Open our eyes to see as you see.
Unite our hands and humble hearts
To meet needs and set captives free.

(Outro)
As Jesus prayed, may we be one.
That’s how the world comes to know
His salvation freely given.
For through our love, his glory shows.

Berry Pie

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
On the walk home from school three brothers decide they will bless their mom by serving her while she relaxes.

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(Verse 1)
Down the dusty logging road,
Three young brothers make their way,
Tales of school and laughter flow,
Sunlight dappling through the day.

(Verse 2)
Round the bend, a deer appears,
Mother guarding fawn with care,
Whisking off as boys draw near,
Vanishing like morning air.

(Verse 3)
Fingers stained with berries sweet,
Busy hands load bags till full,
Wildflowers gathered neat,
Hearts with secret plans in store.

(Chorus)
They can’t wait to bless their mom,
Give her back some precious time,
For all the love she’s given freely,
It’s her turn to rest and unwind.

(Bridge)
They lead her gently to her chair,
Handing her a book and tea so cool,
Along with flowers picked with care,
Love has become their golden rule.

(Verse 5)
Focused boys mix flour and fruit,
Broom sweeps softly ‘cross the floor,
As mama’s book slips from her grasp,
A moment’s rest, a welcome reward.

(Verse 6)
Berry pie from humble hands,
House all tidy, sparkling clean,
Their mom wakes to understand
The sweetest gift she’s ever seen.

(Outro)
It didn’t take a fortune,
Just caring boys doing their part,
We all can be a blessing
When we serve with willing hearts.

Our Court

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Local youth gathering to play basketball on summer evenings must choose how to treat outsiders.

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(Verse 1)
The asphalt bakes beneath their feet,
Old hoops with nets worn thin,
Where summer teens meet after work,
When evening games begin.

(Verse 2)
Watermelon slices passed around,
As players stretch and joke,
The crowd forms rings around the court,
Voices, laughter, kids young and old.

(Verse 3)
The ball alive in skillful hands,
A dance of swift cross-overs,
Sweet jump shots arcing through the air,
The perfect alley-oop soars.

(Verse 4)
They lift each other when they fall,
Pat backs for shots well-made,
“Shake it off” when passes fail,
Their bond won’t ever fade.

(Bridge)
One day some strangers claimed the court,
Unfamiliar faces there,
Tension thick as summer heat,
Territorial glares.
Then, “Come join us” changed the mood,
From stand-off to a truce,
Teams remixed with new and old,
The game resumed, renewed.

(Verse 5)
First minutes awkward, out of sync,
New styles to integrate,
But soon the rhythm found its way,
As skills they’d celebrate.

(Verse 6)
A crosstown kid showed footwork moves,
The locals unmasked their plays,
A court shared, their circle extends.
Strangers now becoming friends.

(Outro)
It’s easy to protect what’s yours,
To keep the circle tight,
But magic happens when we make room
For others in our court of life.

Empty Hands, Full Heart

by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
True happiness and deep, abiding joy can never be achieved apart from God. They only come from a loving relationship with God by faith and a desire to bring him glory above all.

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(Verse 1)
Chasing freedom on your own,
Building kingdoms made of stone,
But life and joy you seek to claim
Are only found in God by faith.

(Verse 2)
You gain possessions, but still yearn
An emptiness in your soul burns.
For things can never satisfy.
Seek heaven’s treasure, on God rely.

(Chorus)
Delight yourself in God above
Trust his way, his perfect love.
He’ll plant within your longing heart
Divine desires that set you apart.
For all that’s worthy, good, and right
Flows from his eternal light.

(Verse 3)
Climbing ladders, reaching heights,
Success that fades over night.
Power, wealth – a vapor thin,
True worth lies in loving him.

(Verse 4)
Religion’s rules can never save,
A cross-shaped path God gave.
Deny yourself and true life find
As God transforms your heart and mind.

(Bridge)
Empty hands receive God’s grace
Make his glory your sole chase.
Nothing saves except God alone
Let him heal within what’s broken.

(Chorus)
Delight yourself in God above
Trust his way, his perfect love.
He’ll plant within your longing heart
Divine desires that set you apart.
For all that’s worthy, good, and right
Flows from his eternal light.

(Outro)
Open your hands and lift your eyes
Let go of all your earthly ties
Find joy in God’s glory, not your own—
In knowing God and making him known.