Well – sort of close. He ended up in the minor leagues of professional basketball instead, in the storied and now defunct CBA, a league that has turned out a record-setting number of NBA players and coaches, such as Phil Jackson and George Karl. It wasn’t glamorous, in fact the playing conditions in the CBA were pretty grim; near-empty arenas, interminable bus rides to nowheresville, oddball coaches, little loyalty from management, meager pay, these were a few realities of CBA life. And yet, even as it chipped away at your dignity and made little economic sense to remain, the CBA drew you in with the allure of action and the prospect of an NBA call-up. And it could inspire, like when you and your teammates caught a rhythm that made you remember why basketball is such a beautiful game, or when you saw guys continue to strive, to persevere, even if their dreams weren't fully realized.Carson writes honestly, hilariously and often touchingly of his running and gunning days as a CBA also-ran, with flash backs to his college days where the future seemed brighter than a new pair of Nikes. A top recruit with superior ballhanding and shooting skills along with a sixth basketball sense, in 1997 Carson was a Sporting News All-American freshman who broke Gary Payton's freshman scoring record and a few years later helped his team at Purdue get within a game of the Final Four.

    Until he faces a devastating reality: Bertha is unable to bear children. If Henry doesn’t produce an heir, the American branch of his family name will die out. So Henry, desperate to preserve his aristocratic family lineage, does the unthinkable.When Salome, a former slave and Henry’s mistress, gives birth to a white-skinned, blue-eyed daughter, Henry orders a reluctant Lady Bertha to claim the child as their own…allowing young Margaret to pass into the white world of privilege.As Margaret grows older, unaware of her true parentage, devastating circumstances threaten to shroud her in pain and shame…but then, ultimately, in revelation. Despite rumors about Margaret’s true identity, Salome is determined to transform her daughter’s bitter past into her secure future while Henry goes to extraordinary lengths to protect his legacy. Spanning decades and generations, marked by tragedy and redemption, this unforgettable saga illuminates a family’s fight for their name, for survival, and for true freedom.

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is best known as a former professional wrestler that later came to dominate Hollywood with a series of blockbuster movies. His powerful on-screen presence and strong physique give the impression that he effortlessly reached global success, yet Dwayne faced a series of challenges and setbacks as he rose to the top. From being homeless as a child and later having little more than $7 in his pocket to facing the reality that his dream career in football was over, Dwayne’s life hasn’t always been a linear track of successes. However, rather than let this bring him down, he never gave up and pushed himself to be the best he could in everything he applied himself to. If you want to discover what’s the story behind Dwayne’s extraordinary success, this book takes you on a journey from his childhood to how he became one of Hollywood’s most well-known action figures. Strip away the glitz and the glamor and you find a remarkable story of persistence, commitment, and deeply ingrained work ethics that kept Dwayne moving forward to where he is today. If you want proof that success is rarely served on a silver platter and the majority of successful people have to sweat blood and tears to reach their goals, then Dwayne’s life story will give you exactly that. In this book of ‘Dwayne Johnson: The Life, Lessons & Rules of Success’, you will find: The story of Dwayne’s childhood and how it shaped the strong core values he lives by today. Why his football dreams came to an end and how he became one of WWE’s greatest wrestlers. How he moved into Hollywood and became a successful A-list actor - even without any acting background, experience, or qualifications. The main lessons he learned throughout his life. Dwayne’s 10 rules of success and how you can apply them too. Are you ready to take a journey through life in the shoes of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? Then click the ‘Buy Now’ button and let’s get started.

    Rachel’s writing is lighthearted and even fun, but she’s serious about helping you uncover biblical secrets that can make your life shine. This book will help you:• Overcome the comparisons and competitive urges that leave you lonely• Accept help from others • Discover God’s surprising source of spiritual beauty and strength.• Embrace your need for rest.• Handle conflict and criticism with grace• Find adventure as you yield whole-heartedly to God• Dig into the Bible for yourself, and understand what you find thereGrab your Bible, your girlfriend, and come discover 12 secrets the world doesn’t know.

    And yet, we are told to trust God. In a culture where we tend to take control of our own lives, trusting God has become a religious platitude rather than a life-changing attitude. We say it, but do we really mean it? And what does trusting God really look like? Sharon, Mary, and Gwen—the Girlfriends in God ministry team—have been there. They’ve traveled the tough roads of life to discover the peace and power that comes from grabbing the hand of God and trusting his plan. The life stories they share bring laughter and sometimes tears, but always spiritual growth.  Each of the 12-week sections concludes with a Bible study guide and journal page, inviting you to lock arms with Sharon, Mary, and Gwen and share with other women in a small group setting or to use individually in your own quiet time.

    Everyone lies to her - her sister, her uncle, even her beloved father. When her mom strips her of her one true love, gymnastics, she's determined to find and maintain her independence. There's only one little problem...money. She sets out to find a job as a dancer at a gentelman's club, but finds Kalil instead. With his looks, money, and charisma any woman would be crazy not to want him and Makynzee's no different. Falling for him fast she soon discovers some things just arent adding up and Kalil may not be the man she thought he was. He wants to be with her and provide for her, but can he protect her? When a love-struck fan becomes obsessed and begins attacking and stalking Makynzee she questions Kalil's ability to be her protector. Makynzee has no idea who he is, where he came from, or why he's here, but he's determined to have her even if that means eliminating everyone she knows and loves. By any means necessary, right? She belongs to him and he's claiming what's rightfully his, no matter the circumstances. When truths are revealed, they threaten to tear Makynzee's soul apart and chaos becomes her life. Will she be able to escape this temporary insanity or will she become a permanent victim?

    Michael Nastasis had it all - a large home, a luxury car, a successful career, and all the trappings of affluence - until he received divorce papers and a restraining order from his wife.Filled with humor and honesty, Gills motivates readers to recognize the power of God and His redeeming salvation.

    She's the lone girl on the Ashton High wrestling team, grappling with opponents who refuse to compete against her, a few who want to crush her, and a coach who's less-than-pleased having a female in his practice room. At home, Mel's parents forbid her from seeing her new boyfriend, her grandmother insists she start preparing for her future by taking a dreary office internship, and her infuriating older brother, who's the varsity team captain, flirts with her best friend, Jade. Just when it seems things can't get any more complicated, an off-handed comment puts Mel at odds with her teammates, her brother, and, worst of all, her coach. But through a twist of tragedy and fate, Mel is given an unexpected opportunity to accomplish something no girl in her school's history has ever done--something that just may redeem her in the eyes of her detractors.

    So, when her father, Bishop Langston Johnson, decides to step down after thirty years of leadership at Omega Christian Center, it seems only natural for her to take his place. But Bishop Johnson feels led by a God who has other things in mind, and to succeed him, he appoints Steven Marks-a man who is opposed to female pastors, not to mention the fact that he is Melinda's ex-fiance. Feeling defeated, Melinda nevertheless maintains her position as the church's Missions and Community Outreach Director. Frequent interaction with the new bishop incites bitter sparring-and rekindles long-suppressed attraction, which grows only stronger when Melinda develops a relationship with Steven's precious daughter, Brianna, who's still struggling with the death of her mother. Can Steven and Melinda set aside past pains, forgive each other, and learn to love again?"

    He who serves his fellows is the greatest of all. If a man is as wise as a serpent, he can be as gentle as a dove. The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves. A sin against a neighbor is an offense against the Great Spirit.

    Now, each and every day, you will have Zig's inspirational thoughts at your fingertips. Perfect for starting your workday the right way.Zig Ziglar has authored such bestsellers as See You at the Top, Top Performance, Over the Top, and Secrets of Closing the Sale. As one of the most popular twentieth century motivational speakers, Zig spoke on the same stage as Presidents Ford, Reagan, and Bush; General Norman Schwarzkopf; Secretary of State Colin Powell; Dr. Norman Vincent Peale; and Paul Harvey. In The One Year Daily Insights with Zig Ziglar, his signature insights on success and what the Bible says about the topic are collected in the popular, bestselling One Year page-a-day format.With this One Year devotional, it's easy to create a positive, biblical, and achievement-oriented outlook on life.

    And this joy and peace is not just for Christmas, it lasts all year round and into eternity.-----------------------------------Contents 1. Something Better 2. God Gets Involved 3. God Gives Joy 4. God is Worth It 5. The Beginning, Not the End

    His words of wisdom, interwoven between deeply personal stories and poignantly-told memories, ultimately become the practical, moral, and spiritual guidebook for his children he’d never live to see, and for his wife, his redemptive act of love.“Live Life to the Fullest” becomes the father’s passionate plea to his family—and to all of us desiring to live the same way. Woman’s World Magazine writes, “This inspirational classic is the perfect comfort book for people hungry to find meaning in their lives.” Combining the best elements of such inspirational bestsellers as Tuesdays with Morrie, The Last Lecture, and Chicken Soup for the Soul, author Carew Papritz creates a timeless work that The Huffington Post calls, "A Must-Read Book of Wisdom for Life...exquisite, intimate, passionate, humorous, and genuine..."Back Cover Description of The Legacy LettersA tragedy begins.A husband and wife separate.He’s dying. She doesn’t know.She’s pregnant. He can’t return.Now he races against time—In the solitude of a mountain cabin.In a faraway mountain range.Trying to finish . . .For his children— his captivating stories and memories, turned into practical, moral, and spiritual instructions,now their “guidebook to life.”For his wife—his intimate words of great love and deep regret,now his journey of redemption, now her passage to forgiveness.Ultimately, he gives his final giftto her, to them, and now, to us all.The Legacy Letters

    Women readers of His Princess and His Princess Bride now learn how to access the power of the Holy Spirit to make change in their lives.

    Dr. Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church, one of America's largest congregations and author of the best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Church.