Dear Bruce,
I cannot believe you are pondering this question of a possible delay of the Tribulation (Time of Jacob's Trouble). I have thought the very same thing!!! I never posted these thoughts because I could not show a scripture to confirm such a position,but one would have to admit that there is also not a scripture (that I know of) to negate it ! So many things seem to be lining up very quickly,we clearly are in the time of sorrows . Nothing has to happen for The Rapture to take place. The only thing that makes one assume the Tribulation follows immediately,is that  the removal of true Christians from the world,implies a certain restraint of evil is no longer present. I am so hoping that the Lord comes for the Bride soon,but I have to admit that it seems we are trying to compress many biblical events to come,in a very short time frame. You are not alone. Let's face it. this is not our home. We are alienated here. Even those of us who are blessed with provision and good families feel like nothing in this world brings true contentment.We are longing for Jesus to come for us. My only regret is that I could not see everyone I love saved.If there is a time period between the Rapture and the final 7 years of Tribulation,it would allow for a slower slide into the NWO. One more point,the final days are cut short by the Lord,or no flesh would survive. How short? I know God is now revealing many things that no previous generation could understand, and I believe that  this is the generation that will not pass away until these scriptures are full-filled. We still do not have all the answers. We may be surprised!! God Bless!