Wednesday, November 29, 2023 | 
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Carmen Rasmusen Herbert

Columnist

Carmen Rasmusen Herbert is a former “American Idol” contestant who writes about entertainment and family for the Deseret News. Her email is carmen.r.herbert@gmail.com.

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Faith
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: When my 8-year-old chose to fast
The law of the fast, including fasting one Sunday a month, has been a particularly difficult law to keep for my 8-year-old son.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
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Opinion
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: An unexpected winner of ‘Lehi Idol’ taught me to face my fears
I hope more than anything, my boys can be like Colby and keep pushing through their fears, their doubts and the darkness that entices. I hope when they come to a sign that says “Stop,” they look both ways, but don’t stay. I hope they go for it.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Carmen Herbert's boys play at Utah's Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City.
Opinion
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: Wielding the sword of Instagram to share the gospel
“If it takes you away from your to-do list, is awkward and uncomfortable, it’s probably the Spirit and you absolutely should act ☺,” Meg Johnson posted. “I challenge you to act today.”
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Michelle Rasmusen, far left, Carmen Herbert's mother, with friends after a marathon.
Opinion
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: What running with my mom taught me about perseverance
Mostly, I think my purpose in running is to prove to my mama that I can do hard things, just like she taught me to.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Honey B. at eight weeks old.
Opinion
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: Herberts get a dog, take two
I prayed she’d be everything and more for our family. I wanted this to work so badly. But it soon became clear this 50-pound (and growing) puppy had something our Cowboy didn’t: attitude.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Carmen Herbert's youngest son touches her skin.
Opinion
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: How we silence our skin from telling our story
I don’t always love everything about the way I look. But my skin is mine to love, something I can take care of begrudgingly or with gratitude. And while it is important to me to take care of this skin, it is not who I am. My skin is not my soul.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Carmen Herbert's boys find the sun at Laguna Beach in California.
Faith
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: Chasing the warmth of the Son
Even as I throw life vests her way, my friend may choose to swim, to ride out the waves. And I will love, love, love my mermaid friend, even as I pray for a lighthouse that will guide her back into the warmth of the Son.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
The Rome Italy Temple in Rome, Italy, on Monday, March 11, 2019.
Faith
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: How can women take the leading role in their lives?
I feel like I’ve been given some challenging opportunities to become a full, active participant in the gathering of Israel. I want to be there, standing side by side with my husband as we help move this work forward. I don’t want to miss it.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Lady Gaga, left, and Bradley Cooper perform "Shallow" from "A Star is Born at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Entertainment
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: Lady Gaga explains ‘Shallow’ meaning and it’s deeper than you think
Using our talents to bless others can agitate the stagnant water of sadness that Lady Gaga talked about, and open the floodgates to a stream of selfless service that brings more happiness and fulfillment than any amount of fame.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Darlene Rainey, Carmen Herbert's grandmother, is shown getting her head shaved as she undergoes chemotherapy for cancer.
Family
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: For the strength of women
“I think women are so strong. And when we are all together and we all feel comfortable to really be who we are, and not be afraid of judgment, then we push ourselves harder and we work harder and we do amazing things.” — Tanya Rasmussen
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Still image from Gillette's short film, "We Believe," released Monday, Jan. 14, 2019.
Opinion
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: Gillette vs. Egard Watches — who got the masculinity ad right?
If we really want to teach our young boys — and as a mother of four, this is my deepest, most earnest desire — to become good men, we have to treat them as if they already are.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Briggs Herbert, Carmen Herbert's son, shovels the driveway for a neighbor after listening to a lesson on service in Primary.
Family
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: My 5-year-old taught me to be good
My little boy wanted to do something kind for our neighbors, something he thought they’d need, that he’d come up with all by himself. Why in the world was I refusing him that opportunity?
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Carmen Herbert's boys enjoy some hot cocoa by the fire at Thanksgiving Point's Luminaria.
Faith
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: A lesson of love at Luminaria
What should have been a beautiful night was spoiled by two overly tired mothers trying to create wonderful memories with their children, all the while missing the whole point.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Reed Hallows, Jarem Hallows' younger brother, and Brad Herbert in Puerto Rico with the "Light Up Puerto Rico" humanitarian group in 2017.
Opinion
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: ‘Flying the W’ — a tribute to a remarkable man who beat cancer
“No matter how difficult life can get and no matter what challenges we have, we always can choose whether or not we win,” Elder Reed Hallows said. “Like Jarem, I plan to win,” he added of his older brother.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Carmen Herbert and Raquel Burr do an ugly pose at the photo booth at the "Glitter and Groove" charity event sponsored by influencer Chelsi Rasmussen from "A Good Enough You."
Opinion
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: Don’t sit out on the dance of your life
One thing my dad, from whom we inherited our amazing dance moves, taught us is that sometimes dancing offbeat isn’t a bad thing. When you don’t take yourself too seriously, others feel safe to do the same. Because who are we trying to impress?
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Elizabeth Smart, left, Meg Johnson and Carmen Herbert at the "Women of Light" convention.
Opinion
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: Elizabeth Smart does not let anger get in the way of love — and neither should we
There is certainly a difference between fighting for a righteous cause and letting anger consume us like wildfire until we have burned ourselves out.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert’s husband and sons share a hug looking out across Utah Valley after hiking the Y.
Family
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: How 8-second hugs can counteract the negative side effects from electronics
Something happened during that hug with a stranger. I found myself leaning into her. She held me tightly and it was as if there was a lifeline in her arms that was beating energy and love into my soul.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Serena Williams returns a shot to Naomi Osaka, of Japan, during the women's final of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Sports
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: Serena Williams only needs to blame herself for losing to Naomi Osaka
Rachael Herrscher shares an incredible strategy in her home that she teaches her kids to do on a daily basis that could have completely turned things around had Williams practiced it in her match against Osaka: they are called “I” statements.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Carmen Herbert's 3-year-old son dresses himself, including Dad's sunglasses and Batman gardening gloves.
Faith
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: How can you let your inner vessel shine with creative light?
I firmly believe God has touched each one of us with his hand, and because of this, our creative powers are unlimited.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Demi Lovato performs during rehearsal for the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade in Boston, Sunday, July 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Entertainment
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: Demi Lovato needs to find her ‘Warrior’ spirit
“Demi helped me with loving myself … Some days are worse than others but I fight. Just like a warrior,” tweeted fan Heidi Lynn.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
No makeup or touch-ups! Bed head, tired eyes and dry skin. This is me.
Family
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert: Don’t be your ‘selfie’
Your face does not need “tuning.” Let’s let the world see us as we are, untouched. Why not? Let’s stop trying to be beautiful. Let’s be brave.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Carmen Herbert was reminded again recently how important it is to prepare her four boys, Boston, Beckham, Briggs and Benson, for missions one day.
Faith
A mission can change lives
“These weren’t the best two years OF my life they were the best two years FOR my life to prepare me for even greater adventures and opportunities ahead. I am forever grateful for that.”
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Boston Herbert with a statue of Christ at the Light of the World Garden in the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point.
Faith
Sharing our belief in Christ
No matter where we are on our spiritual journeys — from knowing that we have a Father in Heaven who lives and loves us, to still growing a new testimony or just barely being given a seed — Heavenly Father loves us, knows us and believes in us
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Boston, Beckham, Briggs and Benson Herbert with a statue of Christ at the Light of the World Garden in the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point.
Faith
How a delayed plane and a screaming toddler turned into an opportunity to serve
The more I look outside myself and try to follow my Savior’s example, the more I realize that he more than makes up for any inconvenience or insecurity serving someone may cause.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Carmen Herbert's four boys on election day.
Faith
The heartbreak of a mother being separated from her child is real
We all want the best for our children. The best is a loving home. A safe home. A free home. That is what these mothers want for their babies. I don’t fault them for wanting that, for sacrificing for that, for risking everything for that.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Performers dance during “Be One” in Salt Lake City on Friday, June 1, 2018. The event celebrates the 40th anniversary of the 1978 revelation on the priesthood.
Faith
Feeling God’s love for all at the 40th anniversary of the priesthood revelation
I don’t know the whys of the waiting before the priesthood was restored to all worthy male members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But I do know that God is aware of all His children, and that He loves every single one of
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Sprinkles, voiced by Gabriel Iglesias, Philippe, voiced by Stanley Tucci, and Max, voiced by Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, in “Show Dogs."
Family
‘Show Dogs’ and ‘Roseanne’ prove how we can use our voices for good or evil
I’m sometimes sickened by the decisions made by the entertainment industry and the influence movies and TV shows have on us. But I have hope that our voices do matter and that we can make a difference by speaking up.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Carmen Herbert takes issue with the mentality that this is something we should all care about. It’s the idea that our bodies and our bodies alone make us beautiful, and being beautiful makes us the happiest. But there is more to life and so much more to u
Family
Discovering what being beautiful means
It’s not the lollipop that’s the problem. It’s the mentality that this is something we should all care about. It’s the idea that our bodies and our bodies alone make us beautiful, and being beautiful makes us the happiest.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
A rainbow captured near Carmen Herbert's home.
Faith
Finding rainbows in the storms of life
Flowers and trees remind me that even in the dormancies of life, stunning color is still a sure part of the future. It is a sure part of your future.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
Two of Carmen Herbert's sons sit in wooden Dutch shoes at the Ashton Gardens Tulip Festival.
Family
Can you say you love parenting? What an Instagram challenge helped me find out
This amazing little challenge has helped me to recognize that I have a choice in my attitude and behavior. I can choose to focus on the good. I can choose to respond with love, even in most difficult situations. I can choose to love parenting.
By Carmen Rasmusen Herbert, Columnist
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