Letting Go

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
A single mom prays for God’s care for her three sons as they are all grown now and her relationship with them will change.

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(Verse 1)
Three little boys, now grown to men
My nest once full, now empty stands
The years flew by, a fleeting song
Their childhood held in memory’s hands.

(Verse 2)
No wealth have I to ease their way
No power to shield from life’s harsh blows
But Lord, I pray You walk beside
And light the path each young man goes.

(Chorus)
Lord, guide them as they walk along
On paths beyond a mother’s reach.
My hands no longer smooth their way
But You can comfort, heal, and teach.

(Verse 3)
Be friend and guide, O gracious God
Speak man to man, each day, each hour.
When doubt creeps in or troubles loom
Rescue them by your love and power.

(Bridge)
I’ve given all I know to give.
I’m at a loss to meet their needs.
Show me what I can still do
For I trust you to see me through.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
I let them go with trembling heart
Yet trust You’ll catch them when they fall.
My precious sons, I give to You
Their savior, their all in all.

Banner of Love

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
Like the rainbow after the flood, Jesus is our promise of salvation. As a gracious, merciful banner of redemption, he bears God’s judgment of sin for all who trust him.

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(Verse 1)
Driving to work in the pouring rain,
Feeling the weight of this world’s pain.
But then your light breaks through the clouds,
A glorious rainbow, your promise unbound.

(Chorus)
Your banner over me is love so free,
Your embrace, a vast and endless sea,
Your forgiving arms reach out anew.
In your enduring love, I find refuge.

(Verse 2)
Like a fire guiding me through the night,
Your banner is my direction, my constant light.
You lead me along in wisdom and truth.
All I ever need is fulfilled in you.

(Verse 3)
In life’s desert, your banner is provision,
Daily bread and living water, my nutrition.
When I’m weary, your sustenance restores,
Your banner of grace, I forever implore.

(Bridge)
Jesus, you are my banner of salvation,
Your love and protection, my life’s foundation.
You work all things together for my best
Under your faithfulness, I enjoy rest.

(Verse 4)
Like a loving father, your banner is discipline,
Through trials and hardships, you train me within.
By your mighty hand, you strengthen and uphold,
In the cleft of the rock, your protection I behold.

(Chorus)

Royal Rings

by Mark Greenelsh ©2017, 2024
The rings of the giant sequoias testify to God’s faithful care year after year. They point to an even deeper love God has for people. Look to him by faith and experience abundant life (Matthew 6:25-34).

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(Verse 1)
I’ve seen centuries roll by like
Ripples of a mountain brook.
In early years few knew me,
Now many attend my forest nook.

(Verse 2)
They look up my towering frame,
Gazing in amazement at me.
I’m the largest of all living things,
Ringing out from within is my story.

(Chorus)
I have basked in glorious sun,
And showered in refreshing rain.
In good times blessings flow,
And in bad times, much is still gained.

(Bridge)
Fire has been a harsh teacher,
But flames clear my ground below.
To make way for the light of learning,
And to help seed others for growth.

(Verse 3)
My God-given husk harbors from harm
In raging fire I look up, not down.
I focus on standing and trusting,
To share life with my canopy crown.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
The sequoia, a royal testimony,
Of God’s deeper care for you and me.
He holds us close, through thick and thin.
Like trees look up, stand and trust in him.

Gale

by Mark Greenelsh ©2017, 2024
Like the mystery of the wind, we don’t always know where people have come from or what they’ve been through that leads to them to be difficult or destructive. As God has done for us, we should extend them grace.

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(Verse 1)
I say goodbye as I caress your face.
I must move on, can’t stay in one place.
Through your hair I pass a final comb.
I’ve never known an actual home.

(Verse 2)
Reluctantly I’m on my own again.
Meeting strange faces, hoping for friends.
Freely I travel by land or sea.
No country has ever apprehended me.

(Chorus)
Remember how often I’m good, not bad.
To be welcomed again would make me so glad.
Some call me Gale, Zephyr, or Wind.
But all I wish is to be called a friend.

(Verse 3)
I know I can be a terror at times.
Especially when mad, I’m hard to confine.
I can strip rich land or destroy a town.
I can incite a fire or bring great trees down.

(Bridge)
Fortunately I’m not always that way.
I can be soft and gentle, wouldn’t you say?
I like to fly kites, and sail fine boats,
Give rides to birds, and whistle some notes.

(Chorus)

Then There Was You

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
A tribute to the hospitable and loving people who make outsiders feel welcome.

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(Verse 1)
Moving to a new town, full of doubt,
Wondering if I’ll fit in, or be left out.
Anxious thoughts swirling, a constant refrain,
Will I find understanding, or face disdain?

(Chorus)
But then there was you, a beacon of light,
Who welcomed me warmly, made everything right.
Your hospitality, your open embrace,
Showed me I belonged in this strange new place.

(Verse 2)
Starting a new job, unsure of my role,
Feeling unfit, a square peg in a round hole.
Fears of rejection, a heavy weight to bear,
Will anyone reach out, does anyone care?

(Chorus)
But then there was you, a guiding hand,
Who took the time to help me understand.
Your engagement sincere, you came alongside.
Helping me find my footing, my peace of mind.

(Verse 3)
Navigating halls of a new school space.
Longing for connection, a welcoming face.
People pass, without even a glance.
I eat lunch alone, unseen on the grass.

(Chorus)
But then there was you, who lifted my burden,
You made me feel accepted, like I truly belonged.
Your empathy shining, your kindness so true,
Inspire me to help others, to see them through.

(Bridge)
For people like you, who go above and beyond,
Whose warmth and compassion, we can always count on.
You make this world brighter, one person at a time,
And for that, dear friend, this song of thanks is mine.

(Outro)
So here’s to the hospitable, the loving, the kind,
Who make outsiders feel included, and ease our minds.
May your example inspire us, to bring about ways,
To welcome those we come across each day.

Spoken

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
God spoke the world into existence. Jesus is the expressed word of God whose message and mission saved the world. He is calling you to life with him and to share his truth so others can be saved as well.

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(Verse 1)
From the depths of eternity, God’s voice resounded.
Speaking our world into being, creation founded.
Heavens and earth, animals, and people too.
All formed by His word, powerful and true.

(Verse 2)
God’s promises ring true, His word never fails.
His prophecies of justice and redemption prevail.
What He declares, He fulfills with gracious care.
His fidelity and wisdom are beyond compare.

(Chorus)
God does what He says, you can count on him.
God says what He does, he’s revealed his plan.
In the Bible and in Jesus is God’s will and way.
Spoken to our hearts, if we’ll listen and obey.

(Verse 3)
Jesus, God’s own Son, his express nature divine.
Spoke with authority, turned water into wine,
Healed the sick, calmed the storm, raised the dead to life.
His words bring hope and peace, amidst any strife.

(Verse 4)
On the cross, Jesus spoke, “It is finished,” He declared.
By His death and resurrection, salvation shared.
Trust in Jesus, be set free from deadly sin.
Through faith, you can have eternal life with him.

(Bridge)
Listen to God’s word, let it guide your steps.
Then speak life into others, so his truth takes effect.
As the Good Shepherd calls his sheep, seek to hear.
With love and courage, proclaim his message clear.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
Live with integrity, let your words be true.
With God’s help, do what you say you’ll do.
Be honest, helpful, and reliable, in every way.
Share the love and words of Jesus, all your days.

Wellspring of Joy

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
With Jesus you can experience a joy that outlasts happiness and transcends circumstances.

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(Verse 1)
In the quiet heart, a wellspring deep and pure,
Where happiness, a surface stream, flows brief and insecure.
It’s not in chasing what we want, but in embracing what is given,
That joy, like rivers deep and calm, reflects the light of heaven.

(Verse 2)
Happiness may dance upon the waves of our days,
A fleeting smile, a moment’s grace, in sunlight’s golden rays.
But joy, oh joy, it flows beneath, where calming waters roam,
An anchor in the storms of life, a light to guide us home.

(Chorus)
In God, we find a joy that’s firm, a beacon in the night,
A steady flame that never dims, but burns forever bright.
For joy is more than what we feel, it’s knowing we belong,
To a future greater than our own, God’s love both full and strong.

(Verse 3)
God imparts his joy for our best, to shape us in His mold,
To turn our hearts to mirror Christ’s, a fresh work never old.
In letting go, we find our peace, in yielding, gain control,
For joy is found in sweet release, in surrender of the soul.

(Bridge)
It’s not the sun that dictates joy, but God’s Son who reigns above,
In Him, we find redeeming grace, a sacrificial love.
So let us walk this path He’s laid, with hearts in heaven sown,
For joy is grand, fear unrobed, when God is on the throne.

(Chorus)

(Outro)
So take heart, dear soul, and lift your gaze, beyond the here and now,
To Jesus, who with joy endured, before whom every knee shall bow.
His promises are sure and true, His way is just and right,
In Him, our joy is ever new, our burdens ever light.

Do the Right Thing

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
It’s never too late to do the right thing. Confess any wrong and move forward, investing in what’s good, right, and loving. Put others before yourself.

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(Verse 1)
When the crowd’s pushing you to follow their lead.
Stand your ground, be strong, and plant your feet.
Don’t cave to the pressure, stay true to your heart.
You know what’s right, so let that be your start.

(Verse 2)
Avoid the traps that lead you astray.
Seek out friends who brighten your day.
Develop healthy habits that make you strong.
Stay positive, even when things go wrong.

(Chorus)
It’s never too late to do what’s right.
Listen to God’s voice, your light through the night.
Embrace what’s good and loving, kind and true.
You know what you must do, so follow through.

(Verse 3)
When wronged by others, choose to forgive.
Even if they’re not sorry, let your heart live.
Free yourself from anger, resentment, and blame.
Move forward to heal, at peace and unchained.

(Verse 4)
Integrity is key, even when alone.
Put others first, let your kindness be known.
Be the change you wish to see in this world.
Your actions speak volumes, even when whispered.

(Bridge)
If you stumble and fall, own up to your mistakes.
Apologize sincerely, for healing’s sake.
Make amends, change direction, leave the past.
Repent from what’s bad and pursue what’s best.

(Chorus)
It’s never too late to do what’s right.
Listen to God’s voice, your light through the night.
Embrace what’s good and loving, kind and true.
You know what you must do, so follow through.
So follow through.

Do the Right Thing

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
It’s never too late to do the right thing. Confess any wrong and move forward, investing is what’s good, right, and loving. Put others before yourself.

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(Verse 1)
When the crowd’s pushing you to follow their lead.
Stand your ground, be strong, and plant your feet.
Don’t cave to the pressure, stay true to your heart.
You know what’s right, so let that be your start.

(Verse 2)
Avoid the traps that lead you astray.
Seek out friends who brighten your day.
Develop healthy habits that make you strong.
Stay positive, even when things go wrong.

(Chorus)
It’s never too late to do what’s right.
Listen to God’s voice, your light through the night.
Embrace what’s good and loving, kind and true.
You know what you must do, so follow through.

(Verse 3)
When wronged by others, choose to forgive.
Even if they’re not sorry, let your heart live.
Free yourself from anger, resentment, and blame.
Move forward to heal, at peace and unchained.

(Verse 4)
Integrity is key, even when alone.
Put others first, let your kindness be known.
Be the change you wish to see in this world.
Your actions speak volumes, even when whispered.

(Bridge)
If you stumble and fall, own up to your mistakes.
Apologize sincerely, for healing’s sake.
Make amends, change direction, leave the past.
Repent from what’s bad and pursue what’s best.

(Chorus)
It’s never too late to do what’s right.
Listen to God’s voice, your light through the night.
Embrace what’s good and loving, kind and true.
You know what you must do, so follow through.
So follow through.

Salvation Tapestry

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
What this fallen world, broken people, and the devil have meant for your harm, God can turn into good to save you and many others. We see this with Joseph, David, and preeminently with Jesus (Genesis 50:20).

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(Verse 1)
In the pit, my brothers threw me down,
Betrayed and sold, my hopes were drowned.
Yet God’s hand was there, unseen,
Turning trials into victories.

(Chorus)
God is at work saving each day,
Weaving good from harm’s vile fray.
His power and love, a mighty force,
Redeeming lives, his steadfast course.

(Verse 2)
From shepherd boy to hunted king,
Saul’s wrath pursued, a bitter sting.
Enemies plotted to take my life
God’s grace prevailed amidst the strife.

(Chorus)

(Verse 3)
The cross loomed, a cruel device,
Yet there I paid sin’s heavy price.
Death’s sting was crushed, the grave defied,
Salvation’s door flung open wide.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
Though trials may come, and darkness reign,
God’s purpose stands, His truth remains.
He takes our trauma, our deepest pain,
And turns it, into eternal gain.

(Chorus)

Walking in the Light

by Mark Greenelsh ©2024
God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Walk by faith in the life-giving light of Jesus, not the deadly darkness of the world.

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(Verse 1)
In the shadows, I once did stray,
Blinded by the world’s deceitful way.
But then your light broke through the gloom,
Showing me how to walk with you.

(Chorus)
Oh, Jesus, you are the light,
Guiding me through the traps of night.
In your righteousness, I will abide,
As I walk by faith at your side.

(Verse 2)
When I confess the wrong I’ve done,
I receive forgiveness from the Son.
Your cleansing is complete and true.
Restoring my fellowship with you.

(Chorus)

(Bridge)
The world’s desires may tempt my heart,
But from your commands, I’ll never part.
May I reflect your wisdom and grace,
So many find rest in your embrace.

(Verse 3)
The lust of the flesh, the pride of life,
All these things will fade away in strife.
But in my heart, your pure light shines.
As I walk with you, my Savior divine.

(Chorus)