Joy Is In Him by Jerome Stewart

There is good news today. There is so much joy for those who trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, despite all the negativity we are bombarded with everyday, much more than the good. 

The words by Jesus throughout the book of John bring so much joy especially in knowing that this life is temporal, and what awaits the redeemed. The words of Jesus serve as a constant reminder that the joy we have comes in knowing what His love has done for all of mankind. 

He erased the penalty for sinful behavior. As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday when families will come together please take a moment and collectively express some sincere thanks to Jesus for His sacrifice. 

For those who have been washed in the precious blood of Jesus, there is an understanding that the ways of this world cannot give us joy, nor take it away, as long as we remain faithful to Him. For us eternal life means something, unlike those who have no belief in Jesus, or eternity. Be advised there is always hope in Jesus Christ. Which begs the question? Do you know Jesus? If not you need to. 

Jesus says to His disciples in chapter John 10 vss. 27 and 28; “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” 

Chapter 15 vss. 9 thru 11 Jesus says; “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Faithfulness is the key to having His joy. Jesus did not sugarcoat the words to the disciples, who chose to no longer follow Him, and He did not leave out the Apostles whom He appointed.   

John chapter 6 vss. 63 and 64 Jesus says; “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I speak are spirit and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Vss. 66 and 67 says; From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”  

Before we get to Peter’s response think about where those of us who have been washed in the precious blood of Jesus Christ would be today, without His sacrifice? The answer is lost forever.

Vss. 68 and 69 Peter responds. The bible says; But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Amount returned in 2025 has already eclipsed previous record from calendar year 2023 — credit goes to great staff and strong messaging 

Attorney General Todd Rokita announced today that his office has shattered the all-time record for the amount of unclaimed property returned to Hoosiers in a single year. As of this month, the Unclaimed Property Division has delivered more than $82.5 million to rightful owners during 2025 — eclipsing the prior record of $81 million set in 2023.

“From day one, our team has been laser-focused on getting every possible dollar back to its rightful owner, and breaking our own record just two years later shows what’s possible when we set our minds on a goal,” Attorney General Rokita said. “I’m proud of this milestone, but we’re not done — there’s still plenty of money out there waiting for Hoosiers.”

Attorney General Rokita commended Unclaimed Property Division Director Amy Hendrix for her leadership and her entire team for this record-breaking achievement.

“This record is a team victory,” said Hendrix. “We’ve worked extremely hard and reached further than ever to find owners before they even know to look. Every claim processed means real money back in Hoosier hands — and with weeks left in 2025, we’re pushing to return even more.”

New property is added to IndianaUnclaimed.gov regularly. With nearly a billion dollars waiting to be claimed, Attorney General Rokita encourages everyone to spread the word to friends, family, coworkers, or others.

Examples of unclaimed property include:   

• Unclaimed wages or commissions    

• Money orders  

• Safe deposit box contents  

• Savings and checking accounts  

• Refunds  

• Overpayments such as:  

• Credit card balances  

• Cell phone bills  

• BMV payments . 

High-value unclaimed property returned to Hoosiers this year: 

• $1,707,790.55 returned to a Hoosier in South Bend;

• $1,313,287.58 returned to a Hoosier in Goshen;

• $1,189,791.95 returned to a Hoosier in Indianapolis;

• $609,571.36 returned to a Hoosier in Valparaiso;

• $550,106.11 returned to a Hoosier in Auburn; and

• $503,300.37 returned to a Hoosier in Fishers.

How to keep your property from going unclaimed:  

• Keep a record of all bank accounts.

• Cash all checks promptly

• Change address form with the US Postal Service when moving

• Open all the mail (in case there is a due diligence letter from the company holding their funds)

• Record all utility deposits, including telephone, cable, and electricity deposits.

• Record all stock certificates and be sure to cash all dividends received.

The Bureau of Disabilities Services (BDS), in partnership with its network of service providers, waiver participants, and families, shares a collective responsibility to operate Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs that are high-quality, person-centered, and financially sustainable. Together, we strive to support individuals with disabilities in living their good life—defined by choice, dignity, accountability, and meaningful inclusion within their communities.

As part of this commitment, it is essential that regular and thorough reviews of service plans are completed. BDS will be engaging with individuals and their families, case managers, and Individualized Support Teams (ISTs) to conduct comprehensive service plan reviews for individuals whose current funding exceeds their designated allocation or whose current funding has been determined to require additional review.

As a family member or informal support, your involvement in these reviews is invaluable. Case managers will coordinate with you and the IST to schedule meetings focused on:

• Assessing the individual’s current needs
• Exploring a range of support options
• Developing a thoughtful, person-centered plan that continues to meet the individual’s needs
• Ensuring responsible fiscal management of Indiana’s HCBS resources

Topics of discussion may include, but are not limited to:

• Adjusting 1:1 or 2:1 staffing levels when documentation does not demonstrate the need
• Identifying a housemate when one does not exist but is determined to be appropriate
• Leveraging informal supports, community resources, and prioritizing the use of state plan services
• Implementing remote support technologies where appropriate
• Developing a plan for reduction

BDS values your continued partnership in creating sustainable HCBS waiver programs that empower individuals to live successfully in their homes and to be active members of their  communities.