O my God, what must a soul be like when it is in this state! It longs to be all one tongue with which to praise the Lord. It utters a thousand pious follies, in a continuous endeavor to please Him who thus possesses it.
Saint Teresa of Avila

It is here, my daughters, that love is to be found - not hidden away in corners but in the midst of occasions of sin. And believe me, although we may more often fail and commit small lapses, our gain will be incomparably the greater.
Saint Teresa of Avila

There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered prayers.
Saint Teresa of Avila

God gave us faculties for our use; each of them will receive its proper reward. Then do not let us try to charm them to sleep, but permit them to do their work until divinely called to something higher.
Saint Teresa of Avila

God has been very good to me, for I never dwell upon anything wrong which a person has done, so as to remember it afterwards. If I do remember it, I always see some other virtue in that person.
Saint Teresa of Avila

To reach something good it is very useful to have gone astray, and thus acquire experience.
Saint Teresa of Avila

Be gentle to all and stern with yourself.
Saint Teresa of Avila