The source of true validation: What "Mormons" believe about earning points to get to heaven

I write this weekly blog for myself. My belief and testimony of gospel topics grows as I research, formulate ideas, and testify by writing and publishing it for the world. For the world---there's the other truth of why I write this blog. I like to see if people make comments on the website or if on Facebook anyone liked, shared, or commented on that week's blog. I like my ideas, my writing to be validated.
A friend of mine posted on Facebook her ideas about budgeting for groceries. When I read how she spends $400 a month for her family and does that by planning inexpensive meals and eating at home, I thought, "Yes! I do the same thing. I feel validated in how I provide food for my family." But guess what? Most of the comments did not reflect my opinion or my friend's. Was she wrong? Am I wrong? Are the other people wrong?
I find that when an idea is shared about how to parent, how to live the gospel, how to be Christ-like, or how to keep the commandments, I either agree, believe that I have to implement the idea, or become defensive. I want validation that I'm doing it the right way. I work one day a week, stay at home the rest, write, am involved in community projects, exercise, and serve in my church. Because that's the way I do it, that should be the right balance for everyone. Right? No. Then if it's not right, I'm wrong. No. There isn't one right method of getting into heaven. There is a straight and narrow path that includes repentance, baptism, and keeping the commandments. But there isn't only one way to live your life. There isn't only one "how."
While Mormons or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that we will be judged according to our works, "Whereof they shall be judged, every man according to his works, whether they be good, or whether they be evil" (Mosiah 3:24), we also believe that "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead," (James 2:17). Jesus Christ taught in the Sermon on the Mount that we shouldn't worry so much about the "how," the exact points to get into heaven. He said, "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:31-33). Seek the kingdom of God. Go to your Heavenly Father in prayer and have him validate the "hows" of your life. If you are seeking first the kingdom of God, he will either tell you, "You are enough. Well done," or, "Here's a thought for how you can improve and I'll help you."
The next time I see a Facebook post or hear an idea in church, I will ask my Heavenly Father first if that's a "how" I need to implement or if my current methods are aligned with his will for me. I will also continue to write this weekly blog not for validation from each of you, although that's nice, but because I am learning and growing in my faith in my Savior Jesus Christ and his gospel.