Boles of Life

“Faith, Freedom, and the Baptist Story” In this episode, Tyler and Virginia conclude the Confessions portion of their series on Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms by unpacking The Baptist Faith and Message (1925 → 1963 → 2000). From the earliest Baptist push for freedom of conscience to the modern struggle for unity and clarity, they trace how cooperation, conviction, and controversy have shaped...

“Unity, clarity, and the rise of Reformed theology.” In this episode, Tyler and Virginia continue the Confessions portion of their series on Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms by unpacking the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646). From Henry VIII’s six wives to Bloody Mary, from Scottish resistance to English civil war, they trace the turbulent history that led to the Westminster Assembly. Alon...

“Salvation by grace through faith — the heartbeat of the Reformation put into writing.” In this episode, Tyler and Virginia kick off the Confessions section of their series on Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms by unpacking the Augsburg Confession (1530). From Martin Luther’s bold stand to Philip Melanchthon’s careful diplomacy, to emperors, invasions, and lasting legacies, they explore how this...

“Jesus is 100% God and 100% man — and that truth was hammered into history at Chalcedon.” Tyler and Virginia wrap up the Creeds section of their series on Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms by tackling two of the most detailed and precise doctrinal statements in church history — the Chalcedonian Definition (451 AD) and the Athanasian Creed (5th–6th century). From the debates over Christ’s two nat...

“The Nicene Creed: Unity in the Face of Heresy” Tyler and Virginia continue their series on Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms with a deep dive into the Nicene Creed — the most unifying and widely accepted creed in church history. From the church’s battle with Arianism, to the political pressures at the Council of Nicaea, to why the Nicene Creed still matters for discipleship today, this episode...

“God called you to a personal faith, but never to a private faith.” Tyler and Virginia continue their new series on Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms with a deep dive into the Apostles’ Creed — the oldest and most widely known Christian creed. From the Creed's origins in the early church to its most controversial line about Christ's descent to the dead, persecution in the early church, Reformati...

Tyler and Virginia kick off their new mini-series exploring the rich tradition of Christian written statements that have guided believers for centuries. Did you know that 20-23% of all books sold in the US annually are Christian? From the very first printed book (the Gutenberg Bible) to modern catechisms, Christians have always been "people who write stuff down." In this introductory episode, they...

We're podcasting from Omaha! In this special episode, Tyler and Virginia sit down with Virginia's Aunt Debbie and Uncle Craig to explore everything from their 41-year marriage to bringing civility back to our divided culture. Join us for stories about debate competitions that led to love, a legendary Jimmy Carter photo rescue from a dumpster, and why the best solution to our political divisions mi...

Tyler and Virginia dive deep into one of their most requested topics—feeding your family! Virginia, a registered dietitian, shares her expertise on how the way we feed our children is actually a form of parenting that shapes their relationship with food for life. From practical meal planning tips to the Division of Responsibility approach, this episode is packed with wisdom for creating peaceful m...

We’re back! In this episode, Tyler and Virginia return from a planned podcast break to share a big life update—baby #4 is on the way! 🎉 They open up about the joy (and surprise) of parenting four, the realities of homeschooling, and what it looks like to cultivate peace and freedom in family rhythms. From homemade crumb quilts to homeschooling at the park, this episode offers both laughter and in...

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest questions of all: What happens when you die? We explore different perspectives on the afterlife, what Scripture says about heaven and hell, and how our understanding of eternity shapes the way we live today. 🔹 Topics Discussed: - The immediate experience of believers and unbelievers after death - Different theological views, including soul sleep an...

In this episode, we continue our series on Devotional Doctrine by Aaron Armstrong, diving into what it means to be the Church. We explore the biblical foundations of the Church, spiritual growth, worship, sacraments like baptism and communion, marriage as a reflection of Christ, and the privilege of evangelism. Plus, Virginia shares a delicious and easy Vegetarian Enchilada Rice recipe! What We Di...

In this episode of Boles of Life, Tyler and Virginia dive deep into the topic of redemption as they continue their journey through Devotional Doctrine by Aaron Armstrong.  They explore the foundational truths of the gospel, the role of Jesus as both fully God and fully man, and the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation. Along the way, they discuss theological tensions, historical perspectives, and...

Time to cozy up by a fire and talk theology in a way that leads us to love God more! During this episode, Tyler and Virginia discuss the weighty topic of sin! Specifically: What sin really is and why we love it. Our responsibility when it comes to sinfulness in the world. Why natural disasters happen. The hope and grace of God in the face of our sin. And trapped water theory. Talking about sin may...

Boles of Life goes LIVE for the first time! Somehow, Tyler and Virginia made it through an entire episode without a child waking up or major tech disasters—miraculous, right? During this episode, they discuss God's creation. Specifically: What the Bible does (and doesn’t) say about creation How your view of creation shapes your understanding of humanity’s purpose The tension between suffering and...

What does it mean to say that God is both near and transcendent? In this deep dive episode, Tyler and Virginia reflect on God’s nature, from His infinite holiness to His unchanging promises. They also share practical ways to bring God into your family rhythms and routines. Highlights: Who is God? Exploring His nearness, transcendence, and other attributes How the Trinity shapes our understanding o...

What does it mean for God to speak to us? Tyler and Virginia explore this question by unpacking the concept of revelation—how God uses creation, Scripture, and Jesus to make Himself known. Here’s what you’ll hear: - The difference between general and special revelation and why both matter. - Reflections on God’s creativity, from the 73,000 types of trees to the intricate details of atoms. - A disc...

In this episode of Boles of Life, Tyler and Virginia dive into the importance of theology and how what we believe about God shapes how we live. They introduce the book "Devotional Doctrine" by Aaron Armstrong, which bridges the gap between head knowledge about God and a heart that delights in Him. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in shaping our thoughts about God (there is an app fo...

New Year, new rhythms! Tyler and Virginia kick off 2025 by discussing their process of reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the future. They dive into how they use a life journal to develop spiritual, personal, relational, and vocational rhythms, and why it’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out by January 1st. This episode covers: The importance of reflection before set...

In this episode, we’re closing out 2024 with a lively discussion about trends, traditions, and timeless lessons. Here’s what you can expect: A lighthearted look at the evolution of Christmas cards and why they matter. A deep dive into the world of trendy tea shops and what’s really in those colorful drinks. Honest insights into the year’s top health and wellness trends, including intermittent fast...

Join Tyler and Virginia on this lively episode of the Boles of Life Podcast, where Virginia recounts her first-ever concussion (spoiler: stepping into a van too quickly can be dangerous!) Then, the conversation shifts to trending topics in nutrition, including gut health, hydration myths, and how electrolytes might be the key to better hydration. Tune in for Virginia’s insights as a dietitian, tip...

Is breakfast the most important meal of the day or is it a catchy slogan to sell cereal? In our latest episode of Boles of Life, we dig into the truth behind that slogan and explore how your mornings can shape your entire day. From nutrition myths to practical tips, we’re sharing why breakfast might matter more than you think (and how to avoid those sugar crashes). 🎧 Listen in to hear: The surpri...

So Tyler wrote a book… or more accurately he created a tool to help you live intentionally as a follower of Jesus by guiding you to reflect on your past, dream of your future, and practice life-giving (and life-changing) habits. Forming Your Life is a unique, interactive journal designed to help you cultivate meaningful growth across every area of life. But this isn’t just a journal; it’s a guided...

During the holidays people tend to think one of two ways about eating: Either we are worried about eating healthy and not getting it wrong - focused on the weight we might gain or the macros we might get wrong. Or we give up taking care of our bodies altogether - we overindulge and throw in the towel because it’s the holidays and the end of the year.  Neither is a good option. Both create shame in...

Here we are, on a normal day, parenting our children under the cosmic tension of the painful and glorious truth that our world is broken and God is making all things new through Jesus. Continuing a series on the book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Habits of the Household⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Justin Whitmel Early, Tyler and Virginia reflect on the difficult need to parent with our eyes toward eternity, practical ways to help you think...