Quotes from Teresa of Avila

Those who in fact risk all for God will find that they have both lost all and gained all.

It is a dangerous thing to be satisfied with ourselves.

Let nothing disturb you nothing frighten you all things are passing God never changes.

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.

It constantly happens that the Lord permits a soul to fall so that it may grow humbler.

Don't be curious of matters that don't concern you; never speak of them, and don't ask about them.

[On her father:] ... in losing him I lost my greatest blessing and comfort, for he was always that to me.

Life is to life in such a way that we are not afraid to die.

God is even kinder than you think.

The custom of speaking to God Almighty as freely as with a slave - caring nothing whether the words are suitable or not, but simply saying the first thing that comes to mind from being learnt by rote by frequent repetition - cannot be called prayer: God grant that no Christian may address Him in this manner.

In order to profit from this path [of prayer] and ascend to the dwelling places we desire, the important thing is not to think much but to love much; and so, do that which best stirs you to love.

Seldom or never is a poor man honored by the world; however worthy of honor he may be, he is apt rather to be despised by it.