Keep Running

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Run life’s race not by yourself or for yourself. Instead run for God with a persevering faith. In the process God will reward you by saving you, transforming you, and working through you to help others.

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(Verse 1)
Each day this year, take your mark, set your soul,
For the race ahead will take its toll.
It’s a marathon of faith, a test of the heart,
Where every step gained is a vital part.

(Verse 2)
Consistency, my friend, is the runner’s creed,
Even when the spirit wanes and the flesh does bleed.
When trials rise and you feel like you’re done
Still trust in God, with each rising sun.

(Chorus)
Be the beacon, the example to heed,
For eyes are upon you, in every deed.
Run well, inspire, light the spark,
For many will follow you out of the dark. 

(Verse 3)
The journey, the process, is where you grow,
Not just the finish, or the end of the show.
In each stride, a lesson, in each breath, a chance,
To draw closer to God, to advance. 

(Verse 4)
Intentional steps, he’s marked out with care,
For the race is his, and he’s always there.
In his footsteps, you’ll find your way,
Strategic and hopeful, come what may. 

(Chorus)

(Outro)
This year, run by faith, run with might,
For in Jesus, you’ll find blessed delight.
He is the way, the truth, the life so dear,
Run for his glory, the finish is near.

Beyond Imagination

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
God’s power, wisdom, kindness, and love are beyond our imagination. He graciously loves each and every person and saves all who turn to him.

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(Verse 1)
Your power shakes the mountains high.
Your wisdom spans eternity.
Your kindness reaches to the sky.
Your love, a boundless mystery.

(Chorus)
You’re beyond imagination
Yet you choose to love us all.
In our brokenness, you call
Offering us your salvation.

(Verse 2)
All-knowing, all-good, all-powerful One
Your will and your way prevail.
You govern time and space, all creation.
Your greatness is beyond compare.

(Verse 3)
You sent your Son to walk this earth
To save us from our sinful ways.
Jesus is the way, the truth, the life.
Help me follow him each day.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
You heal the broken, deliver the bound
Meet needs deeper than the sea.
The great I AM, in you life’s found.
You conquered death to set us free.

(Verse 4)
Sin and death, disease and devil fall
Before your mighty, outstretched hand.
New life abundant, you offer to all
Who trust to take your hand.

(Outro)
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your grace
Revealing yourself, reaching out to save.
Those who turn to you, you lovingly embrace
As your children, both now and always.

In the Stillness

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV).

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(Verse 1)
In the stillness of the dawn.
I lift my voice in grateful song.
For all the ways God’s love reclaims.
You saved my soul and removed my shame.

(Chorus)
I give thanks, amidst joy and pain,
For through them, I draw close by grace.
You bring good from bad, as I obey.
Mold me and make me day by day.

(Verse 2)
When darkness falls and hope seems lost,
To you I cling, you are my rock.
In the depths, your light still shines.
As I trust you, my best I find.

(Bridge)
As I give thanks, my heart expands,
With empathy for those suffering.
I see the world through Jesus’ eyes.
I grow to love, and to learn what’s wise.

(Chorus)
I give thanks, amidst joy and pain,
For through them, I draw close by grace.
You bring good from bad, as I obey.
Teach me to understand your way

(Verse 3)
Each moment holds a chance to grow.
To walk the path that Jesus showed.
In gratitude, I find the key.
To become more like you, and less like me.

(Chorus)
I give thanks, amidst joy and pain,
For through them, I draw close by grace.
You bring good from bad, as I obey.
Prepare me for your work each day.

(Outro)
So let my life, a tribute be.
To you, who walks each step with me.
In thankfulness, I’ll trust your ways.
And give you glory all my days.

Night Fog

by Mark Greenelsh ©2016, 2024
God works in mysterious yet loving ways to faithfully seek and save the lost. He meets people where they are and fulfills their needs by drawing them closer to himself.

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(Verse 1)
Sleepless night, haunted by the day’s demands.
Anxiety grips me like engulfing sands.
Seeking solace, I walk along the beach,
Longing for comfort, feeling beyond reach.

(Chorus)
Then you appear, oh moon so kind.
A caring friend, to ease my mind.
You listen to my troubles with empathy,
Shining down rays of tranquility.

(Verse 2)
The fog of confusion clouds my way.
Doubts and worries lead me astray.
But your wisdom parts the haze,
Guiding me through this difficult phase.

(Chorus)
I’m so grateful for your presence,
A peaceful, comforting essence.
Showering rays of hope from above.
Surrounding me in understanding love.

(Bridge)
At the edge of life’s imposing cliffs,
Lost and unsure, can’t take another step.
Then you illuminate an unseen route.
A path forward, erasing fear and doubt.

(Verse 3)
In that moment, a realization dawns.
It’s not just the moon to whom I’m drawn.
Beyond the moon, it’s God I see.
His love and light are guiding me.

(Outro)
Oh Creator of moon and sea,
Thank you for meeting my every need.
I’ll trust you during blessing and plight.
For you walk beside me day and night.

I Will Wait for You

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
If you love someone, sometimes you have to wait for them. As you do support them and work to become all you can be so you are ready to be together when the time and circumstances are right.

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(Verse 1)
Love is patient, love is kind.
It waits for the right place and time.
Though the road ahead may wind.
I’ll hold on, your hand in mine.

(Verse 2)
Whether you’re battling inner wars,
Fighting cancer or trauma from before,
Finishing that degree you’ve been working towards,
Or persuading your folks to accept me more.

(Chorus)
I’ll wait for you, that’s what true love does.
Becoming all I can, to make a better us.
Through storms and shadows, until the daybreak.
You are worth the wait, whatever it takes.

(Verse 3)
If you’re still healing, becoming whole again
Or overseas where you bravely serve and defend
I’ll be your anchor, your lighthouse in the night
A refuge in your tempest, ’til victorious you rise.

(Verse 4)
If you are in my future, I dream of what’s in store
I’ll ready my heart, become my best, and remain pure
I trust you’re doing the same to prepare for me
So when we meet, our bond will be strong, and our love sweet.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
Actively resting, I make each moment count.
Growing and learning, hardworking and devout.
I support you, and cheer as your biggest fan.
I’m blessed to journey with you, hand-in-hand.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Love is patient, love is kind.
It hopes, believes, and trusts ’til the right time.
So I will wait for you, that’s what real love does.
You are worth it all, my dearest love.

Come to Me

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Jesus is calling you to be with him and to be like him. To anyone who trusts him he gives abundant, everlasting life.

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(Chorus)
Jesus is calling, “Come, be with me.”
I’ll take your burden and give you peace.
Come, weary soul, and rest secure.
Receive my gift of life, forever yours.

(Verse 1)
Learn from me, I’m gentle and lowly.
I descended, to raise those below me.
The humble rely on me, and are exalted.
The proud and stubborn, will be thwarted.

(Verse 2)
Live in Me, I am the true Vine.
Draw your strength and life, from mine.
Remain in me and you will be
Able to bear fruit, all for God’s glory.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
On your own, you will lose your life.
But trust in me, salvation you’ll find.
Give up your way, and give in to me.
I’ll forgive your sin, and set you free.

(Verse 3)
Love like Me, I gladly gave up all
To rescue you, from your wayward fall.
Let my love for you flow freely.
So those around you, might come to know me.

(Verse 4)
Prepare for me, I’m coming back soon,
To right all wrongs, and heal all wounds.
I’ll end evil for good and rule as King.
Follow me now so you’re ready to reign.

(Chorus)

Paradox

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it” (Luke 9:24, NIV).

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(Verse 1)
Heavenly Father, your ways are not mine,
A paradox, a mystery, a love so divine.
Teach me to walk in your footsteps each day.
To surrender my will, and follow your way.

(Verse 2)
Jesus, in your love, I find my worth.
You died and rose, to give me new birth.
I die to self, to live in your embrace.
I love because you first showed me grace.

(Chorus)
God, mold me, shape me, transform my heart.
Heal my wounds, tear my walls apart.
Fill me with your love, let it flow through
Send me in strength to seek the lost for you.

(Verse 3)
In yielding, I conquer, in your holy name.
Through weakness, I find strength, in you I claim.
By giving, I receive, your blessings overflow.
In serving, I reign, in your wisdom I grow.

(Bridge)
Break me, humble me, forgive my sin.
Open my eyes, let your light shine in.
I am nothing without you, my Lord, my King.
With you, I have everything, my heart will sing.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Jesus, you’re the way, the truth, the life.
In you, I find peace, in a world of strife.
Thank you for your love, your grace divine.
Forever I’ll walk, in your paradox design.

I die to self, to live in your embrace.
I’ll share your love so others know your grace.

Only Weston

by Mark Greenelsh ©2011, 2024
Reflecting on a busy weekday morning after helping my son brush his teeth.

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(Chorus)
You are the only Weston I know.
It’s a joy watching you grow.
Together we laugh and have so much fun.
I’m blessed to count you as my son.

(Verse 1)
I know a Beston, who thinks he’s superior
and a Creston, who lives on a hill.
I know a Heston, who acts like Moses
and a Peston, who is a real pill.

(Verse 2)
I know Abreston, who keeps up on the news
and Neston, who birds think is a tree.
I know a Leston, who gets by with little,
and Veston, whose coat has no sleeves.

(Chorus)

(Verse 3)
I know Queston and Guesston, the curious twins,
and even Jeston who’s quick with a joke.
I know a Yeston, who is strictly obedient,
and Teston, who’s a mischievous bloke.

(Verse 4)
I know a Deston E. with a bright future,
and a Reston whose dad’s a cop.
I know a Zeston, who is clean and tidy,
and a Meston who requires a mop.

(Outro)
But from the wild west to the ancient east,
from northern snow to southern sea,
I’ve never met another young man
who is such a treasure to me.

(Chorus)

Love, Dad

Joy in the Moment

by Mark Greenelsh ©2023, 2024
Life is made of relationships, choices, and moments. Make the most of each.
 

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(Verse 1)
In the hush of morning’s first blush,
Whispers on the breeze, a gentle rush.
Moments unfurl, precious and new,
Here and now, a life so true.

(Chorus)
Embrace the simple joys of today,
In the present, let your heart play.
Cherish the blessings, soft as dawn,
Now is the time, before it’s gone.

(Verse 2)
Gratitude in silent awe, we stand,
Life’s golden treasures, at hand.
The seed of now, a kiss from above,
Blooms forth, a flowering love.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
When dusk falls, stars whisper from on high,
An ephemeral kiss, a lullaby.
In this moment, we are alive,
Here and now, we thrive.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Simple joys, forever blessed,
In the present, we find rest.
Here and now, our hearts belong,
In life’s most beautiful song.

Choose Good

by Mark Greenelsh ©2023
Don’t grow weary in doing good. Find rest, peace, and renewal by humbly relying on God rather than yourself. Let him guide and empower you.

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(Verse 1)
Consider your life like a garden with trees,
Where choices blossom, where destinies plea.
God’s wisdom whispers through the breeze,
A joy that echoes, a truth that frees.

(Verse 2)
Take heed in your quest to sow and reap,
Sojourn with care, his actions keep.
For mocking God is a treacherous game,
Where rebellious sparks bear eternal flame.

(Chorus)
In the Eden of your soul,
A choice exists, a test unfolds,
To sow with God’s Spirit, to seek his light,
To accept his will, to obey what’s right.

(Verse 3)
Selfish desire, a tempting lure,
A siren’s call, demise ensured.
But heed the warning, let wisdom guide,
Lest destruction’s fire shall ever abide.

(Chorus)
In the Eden of your soul,
A choice exists, a test unfolds,
To sow with God’s Spirit, to seek his light,
To accept his will, to obey what’s right.

(Bridge)
Seize every opportunity, God opens,
To seed good, to serve, to mend,
For in the grace of the master gardener
You find all you need to mature.

(Verse 4)
Let not weariness cloud your sight,
In doing good, persist and fight,
For at the proper time, a harvest awaits,
God’s gift of glory, that nothing can equate.

(Outro)
As you tread this earthly sod,
Let love be your compass, your guide be God,
For in his doing, in his giving,
Your soul will blossom in joyful living.
As you tread this earthly sod,
Let love be your compass, your guide be God.