BY YOUR SIDE
Original songs with a positive, encouraging message about everyday issues as well as life with God. Lyrics written by Mark Greenelsh. Music produced with AI-assisted tools.
Heaven's Kiss
Cool of the Day
From Scarlet to Snow
Walk by Faith
Called Alongside
Time to Live
Dreams Recast
Branches Reaching
Blue Whale Serenade
Just for a While
Unshaken
Heaven’s Kiss
by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Jesus is our only hope as all creation in this fallen world of broken people, long for things to be restored and made right.
___________________________________
(Verse 1)
In shadows of a fallen world
Where broken hearts cry out in pain
Creation groans for something more
A longing deep that won’t remain.
(Verse 2)
We turned away from heaven’s plan
To walk our own misguided ways.
The curse of death fell on the land
As light gave way to darker days.
(Chorus)
Hope of glory, Jesus reigns
Breaking chains that bind our souls.
Hope of glory, love proclaims
Your grace restores and makes us whole!
In you alone, our future gleams
The weight of glory yet unseen.
(Verse 3)
But on that cross, you broke the curse
Your perfect love defeated death.
From empty tomb, new life emerged
Salvation in your final breath.
(Verse 4)
Your Spirit now our comfort brings
A taste of what is yet to come.
Through present pain, our hearts still sing
Of home where we will be as one.
(Bridge)
This world is not our dwelling place
These trials fade like morning mist.
Your glory outweighs every tear
A weight eternal, heaven’s kiss.
All creation waits with hope
For full redemption’s sweet release.
(Verse 5)
Our suffering now cannot compare
To glory that awaits beyond.
Each broken piece you will repair
As earth and heaven’s veil is gone.
(Chorus)
Hope of glory, Jesus reigns
Breaking chains that bind our souls.
Hope of glory, love proclaims
Your grace restores and makes us whole.
In you alone, our future gleams
The weight of glory yet unseen.
(Outro)
So trust and follow, hear His call
No other name can save your soul.
In Christ alone, you stand or fall
His kingdom comes, His love makes whole.
Cool of the Day
by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A prayer about daily walking in loving relationship with God by faith, enjoying his abundant life and blessings.
___________________________________
(Verse 1)
In Eden’s first light they walked with you
Footsteps through morning dew.
Adam and Eve in perfect peace
In the cool of the day with thee.
(Chorus)
Give me new eyes to truly see
Open my heart to believe
Guide my steps to follow you
My Shepherd, whom my soul longs for.
(Verse 2)
You formed me for this holy dance
Walking by faith, not by sight.
Through valleys deep and mountains high
You’re all that I’ll ever need.
(Verse 3)
When I am lost, restore my soul.
When I am weak, be my strength.
Teach me your ways, help me to grow
In the cool of your grace each day.
(Bridge)
Thank you, Father, for your perfect plan
Working all things for my good.
I want to spend each precious day
Drawing closer, learning your ways.
(Verse 4)
Though feelings fade and doubt creeps in
My faith will stand on your rock.
I’m never alone, you’re by my side
Your truth makes all things new.
(Chorus)
Give me new eyes to truly see
Open my heart to believe
Guide my steps to follow you
My Shepherd, whom my soul longs for.
(Outro)
Your love surrounds like morning mist
Thank you for mercy divine.
Show me how I might love like you
Pouring out what you’ve poured in.
From Scarlet to Snow
by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Forsake any wicked ways or anything that separates you from God. Turn to him by faith to be saved and to live rightly as a part of his royal family. (Inspired by Isaiah 1-3).
___________________________________
(Verse 1)
Like poison through the bloodstream flows,
Sin destroys what God bestowed.
With backs turned from heaven’s light,
Hearts grow heavy in the night.
(Verse 2)
Sick minds chase what will not last,
Hearts grow faint from sin’s iron grasp.
Feet that rush toward evil’s way,
Leave open wounds from day to day.
(Verse 3)
Your good works count as naught,
Not enough to restore what’s lost.
Empty praises, hollow sounds,
When hearts from God remain unbound.
(Verse 4)
Yet God’s love remains unchanged,
A path through Jesus is arranged.
Grace extended, mercy shown,
A way by faith to find your home.
(Chorus)
Now’s the time to trust His name,
Let Jesus break sin’s deadly chain.
Bow in love before his throne
Receive his life to replace your own.
(Bridge)
Join with God through simple faith,
Scarlet sins washed white as snow.
Cease from evil, learn what’s good,
Share God’s love, you’ve come to know.
(Verse 5)
Do what’s right, show mercy’s face,
Walk humbly in His saving grace.
Put others first, yourself deny,
On heaven’s help each day rely.
(Verse 6)
Soon the King will return to earth,
To judge evil and reward his church.
Unbelievers will be cast away.
But those who trust, with him will reign.
(Chorus)
Now’s the time to trust His name,
Let Jesus break sin’s deadly chain.
Bow in love before his throne
Receive his life to replace your own.
Walk by Faith
by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Ask God for help to walk by faith and not by sight.
___________________________________
(Verse 1)
Heavenly Father,
In this world of noise and endless self-pursuit,
Help me deny myself so I can be filled by you.
Forgive my prideful heart that thinks too much of me,
And far too little of your grace and majesty.
(Chorus)
Guide my steps, to walk by faith and not by sight,
Through shadowed valleys and on mountain height.
I believe your promises, they stand forever true,
For you are faithful and your love makes all things new.
(Verse 2)
When doubts like tempests rise and fears flood in like rain,
Give me courage to push past and trust your name.
Lift me high above these earthly constraints,
To accept your plan when my vision wanes.
(Verse 3)
Teach me to sit in wonder at Christ’s saving grace,
Complete in heaven’s promise, at rest in your embrace.
From this position of victory and holy peace,
May I find strength to rise when battles never cease.
(Bridge)
Your promises are completed in Jesus Christ,
He is everything I need, my heart’s deepest delight.
Thank you for the cross where my salvation began,
With you my best is yet to come in your perfect plan.
(Verse 4)
Let me walk the path where your footsteps lead the way,
Going where you go, doing what you do each day.
Love through me to heal the broken and the lost,
Pour out your compassion, despite the cost.
(Chorus)
Guide my steps to walk by faith and not by sight,
Through shadowed valleys and on mountain height.
I believe your promises, they stand forever true,
For you are faithful and your love makes all things new.
(Outro)
Help me stand as salt and light in this darkened world,
A vessel of your truth with your banner unfurled.
The harvest and the outcome rest not in my hands,
But in your sovereign power as your glory expands.
Just for a While
by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
After her grandfather passes, a grieving teenage girl knows she can’t dwell in the past, but longs to relive cherished memories just for a while.
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(Verse 1)
Gravestone ‘neath my trembling hand
Cold where once your warmth would be.
Waves crash where we used to stand
Walking, talking, you and me.
(Chorus)
Just for a while, let me stay here
Just for a while, in yesterday.
The world keeps turning, I know
But let me hold this memory
Just for a while.
(Verse 2)
Remember when you brought me Blue?
Puppy wrapped in your old coat.
“Care for something beyond you”
Life lessons that you wrote.
(Verse 3)
Hands on wheel, you by my side
Patient through my learning curves.
“Mistakes don’t define your ride
It’s how you handle the swerves.”
(Chorus)
Just for a while, let me stay here
Just for a while, in yesterday.
The world keeps turning, I know
But let me hold this memory
Just for a while.
(Verse 4)
Teaching you to text that day
As you laugh at family posts.
Trading songs on rainy days
Our hearts spoke through the notes.
(Verse 5)
Working the kitchen, singing along.
Thrift stores where treasures hid.
Helping the needy made us strong
I aspire to love as you did.
(Bridge)
The concerts where you danced with me
No care for who might see.
You lived each moment fully
A timeless gift you gave to me.
(Chorus)
Just for a while, let me stay here
Just for a while, in yesterday.
The world keeps turning, I know
But let me hold this memory
Just for a while.
(Outro)
Sunset paints the sky briefly
As I rise to say goodbye.
Thanks, Grandpa, for being with me
One more time, just for a while.
Just for a while.
Just for a while.
Just for a while.
Unshaken
by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
With God you can boldly face present persecution and uncertain times, because you are loved, empowered, and hopeful of Jesus’ return when he’ll establish his righteous kingdom on earth.
___________________________________
(Verse 1)
Tears fall like gentle rain
As headlines break your heart.
The world seems swept away
In darkness torn apart.
(Verse 2)
Your whispered prayers feel small
Against the raging tide.
But God perceives them all
He redeems what makes you cry.
(Chorus)
Unshaken, though trembling
His arms will hold you through.
Unshaken, while rising
His Spirit empowers you.
(Verse 3)
When words catch in your throat
And courage starts to fade
Remember you’re not alone
In his mission that you engage.
(Verse 4)
The smallest candle’s light
Pierces the darkest room.
Though tested, may your faith shine
Leading others out of gloom.
(Bridge)
In Christ you shall overcome,
For he has won the victory.
Stand for what’s right, live his love.
Serve others for his glory.
(Verse 5)
Step forward, in his strength
By leaning on his grace.
Each word of truth you speak
Stirs others to grow in faith.
(Chorus)
Unshaken, though trembling
His arms will hold you through.
Unshaken, while rising
His Spirit empowers you.
(Outro)
One day these scars will heal
All sorrow turned to joy.
His kingdom will reveal
What darkness can’t destroy.
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.
___________________________________
(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.
Dreams Recast
by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Sometimes a difficult part of growing up is giving up what you want in order to do what you need.
___________________________________
(Verse 1)
Maria packed her dreams away
As mother’s mind began to fade.
White coat traded for daily care
Love’s sacrifice beyond compare.
Textbooks gather dust on shelves
While she gives her mother herself.
Hospital rounds now lived at home
Her path reshaped, but not alone.
(Chorus)
Growing up means letting go
Of wants for needs we’ve come to know.
Though hearts may break with each goodbye
These choices help our souls to fly.
(Verse 2)
Kai closed the lid on ivory keys
When father’s diner faced defeat.
His scholarship left unclaimed
As family business called his name.
Postponing his gift, he serves plates
Saving what three generations built.
His fingers calloused not from scales
But from the work that love entails.
(Verse 3)
Amora watched her chance depart
While brother fought his demons dark.
Her dreams deferred for one she loved
Her presence worth what she gave up.
Each therapy session she attends
Her steady hand helps him transcend.
The non-profit work still in her heart
As she helps her brother restart.
(Chorus)
Growing up means letting go
Of wants for needs we’ve come to know.
Though hearts may break with each goodbye
These choices help our souls to fly.
(Verse 4)
Tyler tucked away his trophies
Trading track for time to study.
College running left behind
A stable career now in mind.
Dreams of medals put aside
For future family to provide.
He chose the path with steady pay
To build a home for them someday.
(Bridge)
Sometimes the road we didn’t choose
Becomes the path that sees us through.
The hardest gift we give ourselves
Is loving others more than dreams.
(Chorus)
Growing up means letting go
Of wants for needs we’ve come to know.
Though hearts may break with each goodbye
These choices help our souls to fly.
Branches Reaching
by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
A tender glimpse of a loving father and son whose caring roles have now reversed.
___________________________________
(Verse 1)
His hands once split the wood
Built our home with calloused palms.
Now I stretch his fingers out
As he sits in quiet calm.
(Verse 2)
The oak in our backyard
Grew as I watched him rise
Before the dawn each day
Resolve behind his gentle eyes.
(Verse 3)
He taught me how to stand
When life’s storms would rage and roar.
“Be the shelter,” he would say
“For the ones you’re living for.”
(Chorus)
The greatest gift we bring
Is love that costs us all
Branches reaching out to give
Even when the strong trees fall.
(Verse 4)
I massage his stilled limbs
He says, “Son, don’t fuss for me”
But past his stroke I see the oak
Who once carried all for me.
(Verse 5)
“These moments,” I confess
“Are treasures in my heart”
His tears fall like autumn leaves
As we sit here close yet apart.
(Bridge)
Some strength isn’t measured
By what our hands can do
But by the love that flows between
The old oak and the new.
(Verse 6)
“I love you,” whispers soft
Dad’s words now slow and slurred.
My thumb wipes tears away
The sweetest sound I’ve ever heard.
(Verse 7)
I kiss his weathered cheek
His eyes now slowly close.
This oak may bend with time
But his roots, how deep they grow.
(Chorus)
The greatest gift we bring
Is love that costs us all
Branches reaching out to give
Even when the strong trees fall.
Called Alongside
by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Joyfully work alongside Jesus by faith as his co-heir to carry out God’s will of saving the lost, until Jesus returns to earth to consummate his kingdom.
___________________________________
(Verse 1)
From heaven’s throne to dusty roads,
Jesus came to seek the lost,
Making right what sin corrodes,
Paying love’s immeasurable cost.
(Verse 2)
Now he calls us to his side,
Fellow workers in the field,
By his grace to be allied,
Our royal purpose now revealed.
(Chorus)
While you await the King’s return,
Shine his light where shadows fall.
Every heart needs redemption,
Share with them God’s saving call.
(Verse 3)
Like a branch within the vine,
Draw his strength from living prayer.
Seek first his will divine,
Bearing fruit for his glory.
(Verse 4)
Seeds of kindness daily sown,
Harvest coming in its time.
Don’t grow weary, you’re not alone,
In this sacred work sublime.
(Bridge)
As his power flows through you,
Saving souls from darkness deep,
He works in you all things new
To become like Christ, complete.
(Verse 5)
Soon Jesus is coming back
To make all things right in creation.
Evil will cease and the wicked judged,
But the faithful with him will reign.
(Chorus)
While you await the King’s return,
Shine his light where shadows fall.
Every heart needs redemption,
Share with them God’s saving call.
Every heart needs redemption,
Share with them God’s saving call.
Time to Live
by Mark Greenelsh ©2025
Life is made of relationships, first with God then with others. With God’s help spend time growing in him and then investing in others in ways that bring him glory.
___________________________________
(Verse 1)
Time slips through fingers like sand,
Our days are numbered, not on demand.
Each sunrise, a gift to embrace,
With God, find purpose and grace.
(Chorus)
Precious moments, fleeting hours,
Some bloom joy, some fall in showers.
Each day bask in God’s glory bright
Grow in his love, reflect his light.
(Verse 2)
God gives talent, time, and treasure
As streams to channel, not to store.
Your riches find their truest worth
When lifting others here on earth.
(Verse 3)
Some cross your path for a day,
Others walk with you all the way.
Don’t look to take, but freely give,
So they find God and truly live.
(Bridge)
Lay down burdens, receive his grace,
Let his mercy your wrongs erase.
Jesus shows how to spend your time,
Not on earthly gain, but God’s design.
(Chorus)
Precious moments, fleeting hours,
Some bloom joy, some fall in showers.
Each day bask in God’s glory bright
Grow in his love, reflect his light.
(Verse 4)
Each heartache holds redemption’s seed,
When planted in faith, souls are freed.
Don’t waste days just passing through time,
Seek eternal rhythm and rhyme.
(Verse 5)
True joy comes not from within,
But dying to self, yielding to him.
God’s light fills empty spaces whole,
Overflowing to other souls.
(Chorus)
Precious moments, fleeting hours,
Some bloom joy, some fall in showers.
Each day bask in God’s glory bright
Grow in his love, reflect his light.
Grow in his love, reflect his light.