PODCAST · society
Only For A Season
by Mel Cruzado
Welcome to Only For A Season, a podcast that dives deep into life’s ever-changing phases and the divine thread that ties them together. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we’re here to explore how every moment joyful, challenging, or somewhere in between carries God’s presence. Join us on this introspective journey as we reflect on our past, uncover spiritual truths, and embrace the beautiful ways our stories intertwine with the divine. Hit play, and let’s discover the seasons of life together because no season lasts forever, but every one has purpose.
Episodes
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Dad Was Alone
Have you ever wished you could sit down with your dad and ask him questions about his younger years? In this personal episode of Only for a Season, I reflect on my father's journey from Puerto Rico to Cleveland, Ohio, as a young man. He came without his brothers or sisters, spoke very little...
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Good Intentions
We all have good intentions. We mean to make the call, visit the friend, help someone who’s struggling, or thank the person who did something kind for us. But sometimes we never follow through. In this episode of Only for a Season, I talk about the difference between meaning to do something good...
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What’s on your camera roll?
What’s on your camera roll? If you went back through the last year or two of pictures and videos on your phone, what would you find? In this episode of Only for a Season, I talk about why the photos we take can become some of the most meaningful things we own as the years go by. Pictures of our...
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Lifetime: An Heirloom of Love
Some things we inherit are worth far more than money. In this episode, I share the story of a set of Lifetime cookware that belonged to my mom, pots and pans she used for decades to prepare meals for our family. After she passed away, they became ours. Every time Ruth or I use them, they bring…
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Who’s Looking Into Your Cup?
How many real friends do you actually have? Not acquaintances. Not people you see at church, at the gym, or through a hobby. I mean the kind of friend you can call when life gets hard, someone you can be honest with, pray with, and trust. In this episode, I talk about friendship between men, how...
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When Fear Took Over
In 1998, fear took over my life. A serious health warning triggered anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I struggled to sleep, think clearly, work, or enjoy the things around me. What began as fear soon became a storm that affected every part of my life. In this episode, I share the personal...
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The Marriage Covenant and Wedding Vows
In this episode of Only for a Season, I’m joined by Luis Martinez, a Minister and Elder at House of Praise, who has been married for nearly 50 years and has officiated weddings. Together, we talk about the marriage covenant from a Christian biblical view, why couples should not enter marriage...
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Two Fathers, One Legacy of Faith
n this Father’s Day episode of Only for a Season, Mel reflects on the lives of two men who helped shape his family, his own father and his father-in-law, Luis Gabriel Sr. Through memories of illness, faith, family meals, prayer, obedience, laughter, and love, this episode honors the quiet…
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Katelynne’s Side of the Story - Grandchildren Near and Far
This episode is a special edited version of a heartfelt conversation I had with my oldest granddaughter, Katelynne, about what it means to love family across the miles. When I first recorded this conversation, I thought the story was mostly about how Ruth and I felt as grandparents when our...
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As for Me and My House
In this heartfelt episode of Only for a Season, Mel reflects on a small plaque that hung in his childhood kitchen on West 43rd Street in Cleveland, Ohio. It read, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” That simple message became more than words on a wall. Through the quiet example of…
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The Women Who Hold Our Family Together
In this special Mother’s Day episode of Only for a Season, Mel Cruzado shares a heartfelt reflection on the women who have shaped his life and family. He honors his wife Ruth of 46 years, along with their daughters Jennifer and Michele, and talks about the quiet strength, sacrifice, and love that...
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Grandchildren Near and Far - A Conversation with My Granddaughter
In this heartfelt episode of Only for a Season, Mel sits down with his firstborn granddaughter, Katelynne, for a deeply personal conversation about loving family across distance. From early childhood memories and summer visits to the emotional weight of missed everyday moments, this episode...
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A Piercing… and a Father’s Lesson
In this deeply personal episode of Only for a Season, I share a moment from years ago that has never left me. It was a simple situation. A decision my teenage daughter made… after I had asked her to wait. What followed was not an argument. There were no raised voices. No harsh words. Just a look…...
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People On The Path
Have you ever walked past someone and just knew something was wrong? Maybe it was a stranger on a trail. Maybe it was someone sitting alone at a restaurant. Maybe it is a friend you have not checked on in a while. In this episode we talk about what it looks like to actually slow down and pay...
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Date Night is Not Optional
In this episode, Mel Cruzado shares a simple marriage habit that Ruth and he have practiced for nearly 47 years: making intentional time for each other through regular date nights. With warmth and practical encouragement, Mel speaks to young couples in the busy parenting years and reminds them…
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Loving Grandchildren Near and Far
Loving Grandchildren Near and Far Becoming a grandparent changes your heart in ways you never expect. In this episode of Only for a Season, I share the story of becoming a grandparent for the first time and how that love only grew as our family expanded. I talk about the joy of holding a…
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Before 2026 Begins, Hear This About Your Season
As 2025 comes to a close, many of us are carrying the weight of different seasons. Some were filled with joy and answered prayers. Others were marked by loss, waiting, or quiet struggle. In this end-of-year episode, I reflect on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and the truth that there is a season for...
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When a Father Says I’m Sorry
In this episode of Only for a Season, we talk about something many fathers struggle with but rarely discuss. The power of asking for forgiveness. As dads, we carry a responsibility to guide, protect, and speak life into our children. Yet there are moments when frustration gets the best of us, and...
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The Stranger Who Stopped to Pray
In this episode, I share a personal story about a moment when the Holy Spirit used a complete stranger to speak hope into my darkest season. We talk about the nudges God gives us to pray, to speak life, and to slow down long enough to notice the needs in front of us. If you’ve ever hesitated when...
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The Gift I Never Had
I grew up without cousins nearby. No family gatherings. No aunts or uncles dropping in. It was just our small family circle, and that was my normal. Looking back, I realize how much that shaped the way I saw connection and family. Then I married Ruth, and her world looked completely different.…
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Keep It Private: The Power of Respect in Marriage - (A Message for Men)
In this episode of Only for a Season, Mel Cruzado speaks directly to men about one of the most overlooked marks of strength, knowing when to stay silent. Real leadership in marriage isn’t about control or pride; it’s about respect, restraint, and protecting your wife’s dignity. Mel shares how…
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Just Married - Just Laid Off
In this heartfelt episode, Mel shares the true story of how he and his wife Ruth went from newlyweds filled with dreams… to facing unemployment, bankruptcy, and fear — and how faith carried them through. Laid off just three months after their wedding, Mel found himself questioning everything —…
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Why this Podcast?
In this special episode, host Mel Cruzado shares the story behind Only for a Season — how years of hesitation and self-doubt gave way to obedience and purpose. After nearly 38 years with GE Healthcare, Mel retired at age 60 and began reflecting on the many seasons of his life — as a husband of 46...
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The Blessing of Honoring Our Parents
In this episode of Only for a Season, Mel Cruzado reflects on the biblical command to honor our father and mother, and the promise of blessing that follows. Through practical encouragement, Mel shares what it means to love, respect, and involve our parents in our lives—whether through helping in...
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What the Ants Taught Me About Life
Hey friends, it’s Mel from Only for a Season. You know, sometimes the best life lessons don’t come from a classroom or a book — they come from the quiet wisdom of someone who loves you. In my case, it was my mom… and a little framed piece of embroidery with two ants carrying leaves. Sounds…
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Grown Grandkids: A Bittersweet Blessing
Mel reflects on the joy of becoming a young grandparent and the tender shift as grandkids grow into young adults. From sweet memories of toddler days to recent vacations with teens and graduates, this heartfelt episode is a reminder that while seasons change, the love and bond with our...
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Married for Life
In today’s episode, titled “ Married for Life,” host Mel Cruzado shares a deeply personal story from the early days of his marriage to Ruth. At just 19 years old, Mel faced a moment of fear, responsibility, and uncertainty—feelings many young husbands quietly carry. Through honest reflection,...
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Coincidence or Divine Intervention
Welcome to Only for a Season, a podcast where host Mel Cruzado invites us into meaningful conversations about the shifting seasons of life, faith, and the unseen hand of God guiding us through it all. In today’s episode, “Coincidence or Divine Intervention,” Mel shares a powerful story told to…
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Gratitude Is Your Weapon
In this episode of Only for a Season, Mel Cruzado shares an honest reminder for anyone feeling overwhelmed by fear, doubt, or the pressure to control what’s ahead. Sometimes, we’re so focused on what could go wrong that we miss the blessings unfolding right in front of us—the very ones we once...
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Remembering Fathers – Father’s Day 2025
Welcome back to Only for a Season, where we reflect on the seasons of life through the lens of Ecclesiastes 3.In this special Father’s Day episode, Mel opens his heart to honor the memory of two remarkable men—his father-in-law Luis and his own father—both gone, but never forgotten. Whether…
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Graduating Grandchildren: A Season to Cherish
Two graduations, one grateful heart. In this episode of Only for a Season, Mel Cruzado shares the joy and emotion of watching his grandson and granddaughter step into adulthood. A heartfelt reminder that every season—joyful, bittersweet, or both—is a gift from God. Ecclesiastes 3:1 • Jeremiah…
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Missing Fathers
In today’s episode, titled Missing Fathers, Mel shares a powerful reflection sparked by a simple moment on a plane—watching a film that uncovered the deep wounds caused by absent fathers. Through personal thoughts, scripture, and heartfelt encouragement, Mel reminds us that even when earthly...
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When the Storm Hits at 4:50AM
In today’s episode, Mel shares a personal story about a powerful early-morning storm—and the deeper truth it revealed about how God works in the middle of life’s unexpected, chaotic moments. If you’re going through a tough season, this one’s for you. Let’s join Mel now for today’s episode: “A...
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Honoring the Ruth in My Life
In this heartfelt episode, Mel Cruzado reflects on the incredible impact of the women who’ve shaped our lives — especially his wife, Ruth — through the lens of Proverbs 31. Mel shares stories of faith, family, and legacy, offering a warm encouragement to men to honor and bless the women in their...
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Off the Grid: Finding Peace in a World Full of Noise
In this episode of Only for a Season, Mel Cruzado shares a heartfelt conversation sparked by a simple breakfast with a friend who lives completely off the digital grid—no smartphone, no social media, not even the internet. What starts as a lighthearted story turns into a deep reflection on how...
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Seeking Wisdom in Life-Altering Decisions
In "Seeking Wisdom in Life-Altering Decisions," I’m digging into the big calls we all face: choosing faith, finding the right partner, stepping up as a dad, or picking a career that’s more than just a paycheck. I’ve made some solid moves and plenty of mistakes, but through it all, I’ve learned…
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A Parent's Prayer
In this heartfelt episode of Only for a Season, host Mel Cruzado shares a deeply personal story about the power of a parent’s prayer. Reflecting on the wisdom of his late mother—a true prayer warrior—Mel recounts a season of parenting challenges and the life-changing advice she gave him: to take...
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Words that Discouraged Me
Let me take you back to when I was 15. Someone looked me in the eye and said, 'You’ll never afford one.' Ouch, right? Those words stung deeply and lingered for years. But as life unfolded, God had something entirely different in store. What started with uncertainty grew into a 38-year career,...
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Have We Lost Our Way?
In this episode of Only for a Season, host Mel Cruzado takes us back to the 1970s, a time when tent revivals filled the streets of Cleveland’s West Side with powerful preaching, heartfelt worship, and undeniable encounters with the Holy Spirit. What happened to that hunger for God? Have modern...
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A Father’s Legacy: Planting Seeds of Faith
Join host Mel Cruzado on "Only for a Season" as he explores life’s challenges and joys through a biblical lens. In this episode, Mel shares a heartfelt story about his godly father and reflects on the vital role fathers play in shaping families and legacies. With insights from Scripture like...
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Curfews and Grace: A Father's Guide to Protecting What Matters
Welcome to Only for a Season. I’m Mel Cruzado, and today I’m sharing a personal story—a dad’s journey in setting a midnight curfew for my daughters, Jenny and Michele, 25 years ago. Back then, there were no cell phones, just faith, trust, and an old-fashioned alarm clock. Guided by love and the...
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Navigating Truth and Unity in Uncertain Times
Join Mel Cruzado as he tackles life’s challenges with faith. In a divided world, discover truth and peace in God’s Word. Short, hopeful talks! Hey listeners, just a heads up—this episode was brought to life using NotebookLM, an AI tool that turned my script into this conversation.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Only For A Season, a podcast that dives deep into life’s ever-changing phases and the divine thread that ties them together. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we’re here to explore how every moment joyful, challenging, or somewhere in between carries God’s presence. Join us on this introspective journey as we reflect on our past, uncover spiritual truths, and embrace the beautiful ways our stories intertwine with the divine. Hit play, and let’s discover the seasons of life together because no season lasts forever, but every one has purpose.
HOSTED BY
Mel Cruzado
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Only For A Season have?
Only For A Season currently has 42 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Only For A Season about?
Welcome to Only For A Season, a podcast that dives deep into life’s ever-changing phases and the divine thread that ties them together. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we’re here to explore how every moment joyful, challenging, or somewhere in between carries God’s presence....
How often does Only For A Season release new episodes?
Only For A Season has 42 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Only For A Season?
You can listen to Only For A Season on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Only For A Season?
Only For A Season is created and hosted by Mel Cruzado.
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