Monk/Mesmer - which way to go

[Wolfedude]

I have a level 16 Monk/Mesmer and have been through most of my existance a pure healer. As I get closer to the desert I am wondering exactly where I should place my remaining points (away from the healing, divine favor)? Should I stick with the monk skills and go with smiting to do a little damage myself? Should I go with the protection skills; all the better to protect myself and my charges? Should I try & utilize some of the totally unused mesmer skills I have sitting in my skill storage? Or should I switch my secondary and become an earth elementalist and boost my armor to make myself harder to kill?

These are all questions I have been asking myself and am unsure which might be the best way to go. I don't mind the healer position as an integral part of the party process but what should I do with the rest of my points? I can either make myself less vulnerable in a couple of the ways I mentioned. Or I can add to my independence by going with smiting and really help party mates killing the undead in particular.

How have you guys done it?

Thanks for your replies.