A circuit drives a light emitting diode (LED) lamp based on alternating current (AC) power received from a ballast stabilizer. The circuit includes an inductive load, a rectifying circuit, and an output circuit. The inductive load is coupled to and receives the AC power from the ballast stabilizer. The rectifying circuit is electrically coupled to the inductive load and rectifies the AC power to produce a unidirectional current. The output circuit receives the unidirectional current from the rectifying circuit, and produces an output current for driving the LED lamp. Various additional circuits and illuminating apparatuses for producing light from AC power using a LED lamp are also provided.