Life is hard and getting harder all the time. We face tough challenges each and every day. God knows what we are going through and He has equipped us to be SURVIVORS! This book looks at the cactus and ourselves in how we are able to "Survive and Thrive." The cactus is an interesting plant and this volume will let you in on some of its secrets; how God designed it to live and survive in harsh conditions. Through analogies you will learn how you are able to do the same. God has always intended for us to triumph in trials and be over comers in ordeals. He fashioned us in ways to accomplish that. He has also provided tools for us to use to that end. God wants you to succeed, to be victorious! In reading this book, you will learn how you can do that. B.J. Nicol is a native of Ohio. She is married with three grown children, four step children, one natural grandchild and many step-grandchildren. Her family brings her much joy. She has spent her whole life in music, singing first with her family, then with a contemporary Christian group, then as worship leader in her church. After temporarily losing her ability to sing because of throat surgery, she began to seek the Lord for a new ministry outlet. He encouraged her to write. This is her second book. Her first published book is "God's Pottery". She has also written several short stories and had one true story included in a compilation book, "Praise Reports" published by Xulon Press. When she is not being a wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker and writer, she is a freelance photographer.