Only For A Season

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 lightly, how two families become connected through marriage, and what the traditional marriage vows truly...

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 strength and lasting legacy these fathers left behind. Mel shares how both men modeled a deep trust in God an...

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 grandchildren moved far away. But after listening again, I realized the deeper story was Katelynne’s. Her wo...

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 his parents praying, reading Scripture, and faithfully living out their faith, Mel saw what it meant to...

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 mothers carry every day. From creating a home filled with warmth and tradition, to raising children a...

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 explores what it truly means to stay connected when grandchildren grow up far away. Together, they reflect...

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… and a response that would shape both of us in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. This episod...

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 attention to the hurting people around us. We dig into how to pray for the people in your circle who are go...

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 that a strong home is built on a nurtured marriage, not just a full calendar. You will hear why this matt...

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 grandchild for the first time, the pain of distance when some grandchildren move far away, and the lessons lea...

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 everything. We talk about how God is present in both the good and the difficult moments, how no season is waste...

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 words slip out that should never have been spoken. I share a personal story from the season when my da...

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 God prompted you to act, or if you’re walking through a heavy season yourself, this episode will remin...

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. She has cousins and aunts and uncles on both sides of her family, and they have always been close. They g...

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 true maturity shows up in the quiet moments when a man chooses patience over pride and privacy over publi...

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 — his future, his purpose, and even God’s plan. But through every closed door, God was quietly working behi...

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 years to Ruth , a father to Jennifer and Michele , and a grandfather to five. Through walks, prayer,...

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 times of need, making that phone call, or simply sharing time together. Discover how honoring our pare...

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 simple, right? But that gift has shaped the way I think about work, rest, and preparing for the future. Join...

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 grandchildren can grow even deeper. A warm and encouraging message for grandparents in every stage. Hey listeners...

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, timeless wisdom, and God’s Word, Mel offers insight for couples navigating financial stress and the chal...

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 him by his granddaughter—about a car accident, a hidden tumor, and a miracle that could have easily gone...

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 prayed for. With warmth and wisdom, Mel encourages us to let go of the “what ifs,” embrace the present,...

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 you’re celebrating, grieving, or somewhere in between, this episode offers comfort, reflection, and hope. B...

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 29:11 Hey listeners, just a heads up—this episode was brought to life using a professionally cloned versi...